A Year of Artistic Growth Concluding with a Solo Show!
Advanced MXM LAB: From Vision to Exhibition
Advanced MXM LAB is a 12-month program designed for practicing artists who want to deepen their conceptual vision, push boundaries, and elevate their art practice.
MIFA's Mixed Media Full Program offers flexibility for your
With a focus on mixed media materials and techniques, this advanced program helps participants develop ideas, improve skills, and create works that align with their artist's statements. By the end of the program, each participant will have developed a coherent series of 4-8 artworks to showcase in a solo exhibition at Miami International Fine Arts (Room D).
Under the close guidance of professional artist and instructor Sonia Hidalgo and Marco Caridad, participants will receive one-on-one mentoring. The program includes goal setting, personalized critiques, and instruction in various mixed media techniques, such as:
- Acrylic painting
- Collage
- Image Transfer
- Monoprinting
- Fabric integration
- Textured pastes
- Watercolor
- Metallic paint and leafing
- Mixed media mediums
Activities:
- Weekly hands-on assignments and practical exercises
- One-on-one critiques and mentorship
- Exploration of new techniques and materials
- Development of personal artistic voice and statement
- Solo Exhibition at MIFA
Program Outline:
Month 1: Foundations
Month 2-6 : Exploration
Month 8: Develop the extra mile
Month 9: Finishing
Month 10: Documenting and archiving
Month 11: Exhibition Prep
Month 12: Exhibition set up
Why Join Advanced MXM LAB? This program is more than skill-building; it's a journey of self-discovery and professional growth. With dedicated mentorship, personalized exercises, and the proper support, you'll overcome artistic challenges, expand your visual vocabulary, and become the best version of yourself as an artist.
Ready to turn your art goals into reality? Now is the time to invest in yourself and take your art practice to the next level!
faculty
Sonia Hidalgo
Sonia Hidalgo
Sonia Hidalgo
is an American painter and draftswoman born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Her work explores the emotional potential of symbolism, mysticism and spiritual beliefs and other areas of artistic thought. She received her B.F.A. in Fine Arts, mention in Education from the Universidad Católica Cecilio Acosta in Venezuela. She also has a complete edu
is an American painter and draftswoman born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Her work explores the emotional potential of symbolism, mysticism and spiritual beliefs and other areas of artistic thought. She received her B.F.A. in Fine Arts, mention in Education from the Universidad Católica Cecilio Acosta in Venezuela. She also has a complete education that includes studying with master painters Abdon J. Romero, Daniel Gerhartz, Daniel Graves and Morgan Weistling in addition to her learning experiences studying in her travels to the best museums and galleries in the world. She currently lives and works in Miami, USA. Since moving here over two decades ago, she has concentrated in the field of fine art instruction and pursued a career as an artist. Her teaching and work experience includes Art Florida Academy (formerly Romero Hidalgo Artists' Studios) and since March 2020 at Miami International Fine Arts MIFA as director and instructor of the MIFA Mixed Media program.
Marco Caridad
Sonia Hidalgo
Sonia Hidalgo
In my work, hidden or trapped components, deconstructed forms, and gestural lines reflect my frustrations with the world. These actions explore how upbringing and education often limit us, steering us away from our instincts while embracing the fluidity of contemporary identities shaped by diverse influences.
I incorporate burned and screw
In my work, hidden or trapped components, deconstructed forms, and gestural lines reflect my frustrations with the world. These actions explore how upbringing and education often limit us, steering us away from our instincts while embracing the fluidity of contemporary identities shaped by diverse influences.
I incorporate burned and screwed-in parts—where fire symbolizes transformation and rebirth, and loose screws represent the madness and imperfections that define us. Found materials bring spontaneity into the work, each object holding its own symbolic or conceptual significance.
I enjoy exploring different mediums, primarily painting, assemblage, printmaking, and video performance. Often, I combine all of these techniques within a single piece, layering them as part of a creative laboratory, allowing the work to surprise me with unexpected results and creating pieces that spark curiosity in the viewer.
We live in a multicultural world, where most of us are immigrants, descendants of immigrants, or a blend of cultures. We all belong everywhere. My work captures this diversity, highlighting the tension between what we learn and feel, embracing our shared humanity's complexities.