Miami, July 6, 2017 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) North Campus, in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami, will unveil the Cup of Harmony sculpture at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 12. The sculpture is symbolic of the Jamaican people as represented in the Jamaican Diaspora in South Florida, acknowledging the ongoing friendship between the people of Jamaica and the United States. The event is free and open to the public.
“The Cup of Harmony is an inspiring piece of art that will enhance the cultural awareness of our students and the community,” said Dr. Malou C. Harrison, president of InterAmerican and North Campuses. “We are delighted to host this piece on our campus, a representation of our collaboration and camaraderie with the General Consulate of Jamaica.”
The Cup of Harmony sculpture was commissioned by the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami to mark Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence in August 6, 2012. The beautiful, wooden-carved sculpture will serve as a symbol of friendship with the Jamaican Consulate and the Jamaican people.
“On behalf of the Consulate General of Jamaica at Miami, I am happy to collaborate with MDC’s North Campus as part of the legacy activities to commemorate Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary of Independence,” said Consul General Franz Hall. “This sculpture, entitled Cup of Harmony, is symbolic of the cultural diversity that is found in Jamaica, as well as at the MDC North Campus. It reinforces the conviction that despite our separate identities and origins, we can come together to achieve common dreams and aspirations. I hope that this piece will inspire Jamaican students, as well as the wider student body and faculty to work together in harmony.”
The sculptured piece was created by Fitz Harrack (1945-2013), one of Jamaica’s premier sculptors. Harrack, a native of Grenada, received his early training in Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago. He attended the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts (formerly the Jamaica School of Art). Upon graduation, he settled in Jamaica and began exhibiting in solo and group events at established venues such as the Bolivar Gallery and the Institute of Jamaica. Harrack was a regularly invited artist at the National Gallery of Jamaica, and was one of the selected artists for the touring international Jamaican Art Exhibition with featuring works from 1922-1982. He is best known for his sculptural work in wood, metal and ceramic media. The piece is presumed to have been the final piece before his passing in January 2013.
For more information, contact Dr. Zoraya Cuesta at 305-237-1191.