Continuing a fifteen-year legacy of enhancing the artistic access and development of young artists in the South Florida community, the graduating BFA class of 2025 from the New World School of the Arts’ visual arts division continues to successfully realize the vision of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz.
Currently, the twenty-three graduates, along with select mentors and professors, are participating in an enriching travel experience in France, where they are exploring esteemed galleries, museums, and private art collections. Sharing a picnic at the Eiffel Tower and encountering iconic works of art at sites such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, l’Orangerie, Musée d’Art Moderne, and the Institut Giacometti, this initiative aims to deepen their understanding of the arts and broaden their artistic perspectives. From the Mona Lisa to Monet’s Water Lilies, these experiences offer more than observation – they invite reflection on how artists across time and culture shape the way we see the world.
“As Henri Matisse said, ‘Creativity takes courage.’ This journey challenges students to broaden their perspectives and define their own creative voices.”
Melissa Wallen
Director of Arts and Cultural Engagement
Key Biscayne Community Foundation
Rosa de la Cruz’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant arts community and making art accessible, especially to Miami’s youth, has been instrumental in providing these invaluable opportunities. The New World School of the Arts Visual Arts Travel Abroad Program was established in 2010 by Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz in partnership with the Knight Foundation. In collaboration with former NWSA dean of visual arts, Maggy Cuesta, and recognized Miami gallerist and NWSA faculty Fred Snitzer who highlighted, “This journey is another extraordinary experience for the NWSA visual arts BFA graduates. This is a life changing moment during a critical time in the evolution of an artistic career,” the initiative is designed to support graduating visual arts students by offering artistic opportunities beyond the national scope.
“As the former Dean of Visual Arts for the New World School of the Arts, I’ve had the privilege of being involved with the New World School of the Arts Visual Arts Travel Abroad Program since its inception,” said Maggy Cuesta. “After 15 years of exploring many of the world’s art centers, I continue to be amazed by the profound impact this initiative has had on our young artists. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all the NWSA supporters who have backed this travel program and had the vision to recognize how significantly it would transform the participating artists’ lives. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.”
New World School of the Arts is grateful for the support that has continued by Carlos de la Cruz, Sr. in Rosa’s memory, along with the Key Biscayne Community Foundation which stepped in to ensure the continuation of Rosa’s vision upon her passing in 2024, the Knight Foundation, Craig Robins and Jackie Soffer, Oolite Arts, Carole Guest, the Braman family, and alumni of NWSA.
At New World School of the Arts, visual arts students explore and develop their personal artistic and aesthetic vision while being guided by a dynamic and distinguished faculty who are all practicing artists. Through disciplined training in traditional and new media, students also develop new skills and refine others while gaining invaluable understanding of the roles of art and design in society. Areas of concentration in visual arts include Art & Technology, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Information about the NWSA visual arts program is available at 305-237-3620.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades. Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.