The Miami International Fine Arts (MIFA) is delighted to announce an open call for artists worldwide to participate in our upcoming juried exhibition, Caribbean Breezes: A Plein Air Juried Exhibition, juried by Karen Bibas and Elkin Canas
"Caribbean Breezes" aspires to illuminate the myriad perspectives and experiences of diverse artists inspired by the Caribbean. This exhibition celebrates the region's boundless beauty and eternal allure through the refined art of plein-air painting. We invite artists to encapsulate the essence of the Caribbean’s vastness, its dynamic palette, the intricate dance of light and shadow along its shores, and its rich flora and fauna. Viewers are offered a profound exploration of the Caribbean landscape's natural splendor and cultural richness.
Submission Details:
Jurors: Karen Bibas and Elkin Canas will carefully review all submissions and select artworks that best encapsulate the spirit and beauty of the ocean.
Exhibition Benefits:
Artist Participation:
How to Apply:
Important Dates:
*Certain Conditions Apply
Karen Bibas, born on September 21, 1965, is a distinguished Colombian artist with 35 years of experience in teaching and 23 years painting. Her work is characterized by vibrant colors and textured surfaces, achieved through mixed media techniques and acrylics applied with palette knives and rollers, reflecting her profound creative freedo
Karen Bibas, born on September 21, 1965, is a distinguished Colombian artist with 35 years of experience in teaching and 23 years painting. Her work is characterized by vibrant colors and textured surfaces, achieved through mixed media techniques and acrylics applied with palette knives and rollers, reflecting her profound creative freedom and expressive energy.
Throughout her career, her pieces have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and art events in the United States, Costa Rica, Mexico, Dubai, Qatar, and Colombia. She earned her first bachelor's degree in education in Colombia in 1988 and, more recently, completed a BFA in Visual Arts at the Miami International University of Art and Design in 2021.
In addition to her artistic work, Karen is a passionate educator and art therapist. She has dedicated her life to teaching art to students ranging from 2 to 104 years old, promoting creative development at all life stages. Her work as an art therapist with seniors demonstrates her commitment to art as a tool for expression and healing.
In 2025, Karen was invited to serve as a juror at a prestigious gallery, marking her first experience in this role and reaffirming her influence and recognition in the cultural sphere. This opportunity highlights her ongoing commitment to promoting contemporary art and her dedication to the artistic community.
Elkin Cañas, a Colombian-born, Venezuelan-raised artist based in Miami, has been recognized and celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the arts. In 2019, he received a prestigious Certificate of Recognition for "outstanding contribution to the arts in the United States of America" from Urbe University in Miami, Florida. In 2020,
Elkin Cañas, a Colombian-born, Venezuelan-raised artist based in Miami, has been recognized and celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the arts. In 2019, he received a prestigious Certificate of Recognition for "outstanding contribution to the arts in the United States of America" from Urbe University in Miami, Florida. In 2020, he was honored as the Portrait Society of America P.S.O.A. Ambassador for Miami and Latin America, highlighting his expertise and influence in portraiture. His talent as an artist also led to him being invited as a Speaker at the Figurative Art Convention (FACE) in 2018, where he engaged in a conversation with Peter Trippi, the Editor of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine.
His international acclaim includes being a Portrait and Still Life Category finalist in the 2011-12 ARC Salon competition and a Drawing Finalist in the 2010-11 ARC Salon competition.
He also received an Honorable Mention at the Faber Castle Salon in Caracas, Venezuela, demonstrating his dedication and talent. Elkin Cañas holds an Arts degree in graphic design from the Caracas Institute of Design and is a former Arturo Michelena School of Art student. As the executive director of Miami International Fine Arts, Elkin Cañas continues to inspire the art community with his exceptional skills, impressive awards, and significant contributions to the world of art.