A Year of Artistic Growth Concluding with a Solo Show!
Advanced MXM Program: From Vision to Exhibition
Advanced MXM 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 ADVANCED Mixed Media Full Program
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
is a Venezuelan-American interdisciplinary artist based in Miami. His diverse and experimental fusion of mediums challenges stereotypes. He celebrates the complexity and diversity of human identities and feelings by exploring the intricate nuances of his experiences as an immigrant, queer, and a descendant of indigenous peoples. His artwo
is a Venezuelan-American interdisciplinary artist based in Miami. His diverse and experimental fusion of mediums challenges stereotypes. He celebrates the complexity and diversity of human identities and feelings by exploring the intricate nuances of his experiences as an immigrant, queer, and a descendant of indigenous peoples. His artwork has shown his work in prestigious institutions such as the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, the Miami Historic Post Office Museum, Centro de Bellas Artes de Maracaibo, DORCAM, the Miramar Cultural Center, the Koubek Center, and Miami International Fine Arts, among others. Caridad has authored three books: "San Stereotypes," "A Particularly Vicous Tongue," and co-wrote "Desarrolla Tu Creatividad con Ejercicios Teatrales." He holds a Master's in Arts from The Art Institutes, Miami International University of Art & Design, and a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from the University of Zulia. He has shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at the Istituto Marangoni and the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. Caridad participated in artistic residencies at the ICA Art + Research Center, Loop Art Critique, and the Miami Paper & Printing Museum. He actively contributes to the local community as a FAMA (Fiber Artists Miami Association) board member while acting as the Artistic Director at Miami International Fine Arts. Marco has also worked on creative projects for notable entities, including Google, Hard Rock International, Lenny Kravitz, and Delta Airlines.