Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The Colors That Surround Us

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The Colors That Surround Us

We are delighted to invite you to a special ceremony and celebration recognizing the newest addition to our community's artistic treasures: "The Colors That Surround Us," a stunning sculpture created by local artist Rick Cohen.

This vibrant and thought-provoking work of Assemblage Art, generously donated by the artist, highlights the beauty of repurposed materials and the interconnectedness of life. Its intriguing design and message of sustainability offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the artistry found in the ordinary.

Event Details:

• What: Celebration of the Donation & Artist
• When: Earth Day, April 22nd, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
• Where: FIU Glenn Hubert Library – 3000 NE 151st St. / North Miami, FL 33181
• Dress Code: Casual

Join us as we celebrate this special occasion with a brief program, refreshments, and the opportunity to meet the artist, Rick Cohen. This event marks an exciting milestone, as “The Colors That Surround Us” becomes a meaningful focal point for FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus community.

About the Artist

Rick Cohen is a Miami-born artist living in Palmetto Bay, Florida, who explores circular forms and repurposed materials in his art. With a background in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing from the University of South Florida and Pacific University, he works with a unique medium called Assemblage Art or Sculptural Collage.

Cohen transforms everyday objects and discarded materials into abstract sculptures celebrating nature and the beauty of interconnected life. His work often emphasizes sustainability, using materials like discarded plastic to create visual narratives that provoke thought on environmental consciousness.

One of his significant pieces, "The Colors That Surround Us," is a 15-foot sculpture donated to Florida International University Libraries. It reflects landscapes and microscopic life, drawing attention to the vital role of unseen organisms like diatoms in our ecosystem. Through his art, Cohen aims to inspire reflection on sustainability and the transformative power of creativity.

Cohen sources “groovy round parts” from diverse places like garage sales and dumpsters, transforming materials that might otherwise end up in landfills. He sees potential in every object, creating vibrant compositions that connect audiences to life, landscapes, and skyscapes.

His exhibitions include DIATOMACEOUS DREAMS at Biscayne National Park and Diatomaceous Dreams II at the Glenn Gallery, Florida International University, along with a recent solo exhibit at CollaboARTive Noche de Arte at the InterContinental Miami. Cohen's work is in private collections across the U.S., from Florida to Oregon. He continues to inspire viewers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. For more information, visit www.circularartwork.com or contact him at [email protected].

Host or Publisher FIU Libraries