Renowned Brazilian Artist Clóvis Júnior visits Osceola Campus

By Kyle Beard

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — An explosion of color filled the lobby in Osceola campus' auditorium where dozens of Valencia students gathered to admire the paintings of renowned Brazilian artist Clóvis Júnior.

A native of Paraíba, Brazil and a resident of the city of João Pessoa, Júnior showcased over 20 of his favorite paintings on Friday, March 20.

Júnior's paintings represent a unique style that combines both beauty and message. Delving from themes such as the rich folklore of Brazil, nature itself and his own faith, Júnior uses his craft as a method to send a message.

"I want to help man reapproximate himself with nature," Júnior said while explaining the theme of his artwork. "Some people are afraid to even put their bare feet in the sand. This is absurd!" To Júnior, the message he sends is nearly as important as the artwork itself.

Júnior's status as a renowned international painter was first recognized when in 1993, he entered a painting titled "Our Future in Drugs" in the National Billboard Competition — an event promoted by the United Nations and nearly 150 countries.

Júnior pit his painting against approximately 4,000 other entries and came out on top with first prize. His "naïve" style of painting is now recognized in over 55 different countries.

"He tries to promote joy and happiness in his work," said Conso Nansaram, a general studies major here at Valencia. "It's a toast to the simpler thing in life."

Nansaram, as well as many other attendees were particularly fond of "Bumba Meu Boi on Times Square", which is a painting that depicts a famous Brazilian folklore bull with cashew apples for horns visiting New York City.

Another favorite — titled "A Ceia" — depicts Christ and his disciples at the Last Supper.

"It's about Jesus and it represents my faith" said Edward Rivera, another Osceola campus student, "All of his disciples are represented by different colors or cultures. It's a very powerful message." Message was Júnior passion above all.

"I love life. I love living" said Júnior "Hope has become my greatest drive."

Júnior and his paintings will also be visiting the West Campus on Thursday, March 26 in the Library. Júnior's exhibit is presented by the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce.

Valencia Performing Arts Center hosts Faculty Recital

By Kyle Beard

ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 50 members of the Valencia community gathered at the East Campus Performing Arts Center for a chance to hear their mentors perform on Thursday, February 12th.

The faculty recital is an annual event that gives students and members of the Orlando community a chance to get into the music and hear the work of their professors and colleagues.

"Our musical faculty is training the next generation of professional musicians," said the event organizer and interim dean for Arts and Entertainment Wendy Givoglu. "It's a really good opportunity for Valencia students and the community to be able to hear the talent of their professors."

The event showcased five performances consisting of guitar, piano and vocal pieces. Two of the pieces — performed by pianists Omar Surillo and Antonio Brett — were original compositions.

The theme was largely Latin American and Hispanic music, but ranged everywhere from pieces written by Robert Schumann to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"There's a lot of hispanic culture in the area and the students love it," said Brett, a native of Cuba, who performed two original pieces titled 'Sonatina for Intermediate level based on Latin Rhythm' and 'Guajira in G minor.'

"I grew up around this type of music," said Daniel Chacon, a student here at Valencia, "the theme is very familiar."

The recital was a portion of the ongoing United Arts of Central Florida Arts Festival and the Valencia Arts and Entertainment Festival.

"I grew up appreciating music and this is really helping to broaden my horizons," said Andrea Justice, "I'll definitely be attending more after this."