Other Fun Stuff

Join MOAD at the Freedom Tower for an engaging edition of the Kislak Talks series, Becoming Mexico City: Early Maps of the Oldest Continuous Metropolis in the Americas featuring Dr. Delia Cosentino, Professor of History of Art and Architecture at DePaul University in Chicago. This talk features a series of maps made during the first 100 years of Spanish colonial rule to show how the capital city of Mexico has taken shape, both in terms of urban planning—and in the imagination. Cartography by both native and European artists demonstrates how the capital of the Aztec Empire, called Tenochtitlan, provided the literal foundations for the early modern Spanish capital that replaced it following the European invasion in the 1520s. The maps showcase Aztec migration and mythology, the incursion of Hispanic elements into native spaces, and other intriguing aspects of the oldest continuous metropolis in the Americas. Dr. Delia Cosentino is Professor of History of Art and Architecture at DePaul University in Chicago, specializing in the visual culture of Greater Mexico. She is currently a Mellon Foundation Long-Term Fellow at the Newberry Library (2025-2026), researching Aztec gladiators. Cosentino co-authored Resurrecting Tenochtitlan: Imagining the Aztec Capital in Modern Mexico City (UT Press, 2023) with Adriana Zavala (Tufts University) and wrote Las Joyas de Zinacantepec: Arte Colonial en el Monasterio de San Miguel (Colegio Mexiquense, Mexico, 2007). She also curated Ceramic Trees of Life from Mexico (Fowler Museum, UCLA, 2003), Reverence Renewed: Colonial Andean Art from the Thoma Collection (DePaul Art Museum [DPAM], 2009), and Nexo/Nexus: Latin American Connections in the Midwest (DPAM, 2016). Visitors to the Freedom Tower may park for free in the MDC garage at 500 NE Second Avenue, between NE Fifth and NE Sixth Streets (designated Building 7 on MDC's Wolfson Campus parking map). The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at MDC may document the event, including its attendees. By entering the area, and/or participating in the event, you consent to the recording and its use in any form. The programs at the Freedom Tower, operated by the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami Dade College (MDC), are made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners. They are sponsored by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), with collections, exhibition, and marketing support from ArtesMiami, Art Bridges Foundation, the Shepard Broad Foundation, the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA), Henry Luce Foundation, Jay I. Kislak Foundation, Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation, and US Century Bank. Image: Hernán Cortés (c.1485–1547), Praeclara Ferdina[n]di Cortesii de noua maris oceani Hyspania narratio sacratissimo…,1524, Book. Jay I. Kislak Collection of the Early Americas, Exploration and Navigation, MDC PC 2018.1.12

How do we map the places we have left behind, and how do those places continue to shape who we are? Join the Cuban Heritage Collection for “The Geography of Memory: Stories From the Cuban Diaspora,” a book talk featuring memoirs by Ana Hebra Flaster and Elena Sheppard. In the memoirs “Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town” and “The Eternal Forest: A Memoir of the Cuban Diaspora,” Flaster and Sheppard offer intimate, powerful reflections on exile, political rupture, family history, and the emotional landscapes shaped by displacement. Together, these works illuminate how personal and collective memory travel across borders and generations. The conversation will be moderated by Mirta Ojito, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of “Finding Mañana: A Memoir of a Cuban Exodus.” Copies of their books will be available for purchase by Books & Books.

Miami Beach Pride invites you to our FREE Family Picnic with fun for the whole family, including your fur babies from 10 AM - 4 PM in Pride Park Miami Beach. Come enjoy multiple bounce houses, including an obstacle course, outdoor games, fun activities, face-painting and craft activities for all the family to enjoy. The Humane Society of Miami will be doing puppy adoptions from 11 am - 2 pm and a BRAND NEW Circus: Cirque Kikasse at 2 pm. Food and beverages will be available for sale at our Food Trucks. SCHEDULE 10 am – 4 pm – Bouncy Castle & Obstacle Course Activation 10 am – 2 pm – Kids’ Face Painting 11 am – 12 pm – Give the Easter Bunny a hand this year by decorating your own headband and joining in the fun. Just carefully color in your Bunny Headband and pose for photographs when the Easter Bunny arrives on site at noon. Headbands available on a first-come, first-served basis 12 pm – 2 pm – The Humane Society of Greater Miami presents Adoption & Meet and Greet. Looking for a fur companion? Fully vetted and up to date on all medical needs/shots, meet some dogs seeking a furever home. 12 pm - 2 pm – Join us for precious photo moments with Pride’s costumed character: Easter Bunny 12 pm – 1 pm – Clay-Making with Kidcreate Studio Miami: Unleash your child’s creativity through the art of clay! In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids ages 5–10 will discover the joy of shaping and molding while strengthening fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and focus. Guided by Kidcreate Studio’s expert instructors, children will bring their imagination to life—creating a one-of-a-kind project, “Spring Flower Garden”, they’ll be proud to take home as a keepsake. 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm – 3-D Assemblage Art with Dinorah de Jesús Rodriguez - Join renowned artist-educator Dinorah de Jesús Rodriguez for a hands-on workshop where creativity knows no bounds! Designed for children and adults ages 10+, this immersive experience invites participants to explore new ways of seeing everyday objects, and experiment with textures and forms. Best of all, each participant will leave with a one-of-a-kind art piece—a true reflection of their creativity. 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm - CIRQUE KIKASSE in partnership with Out in The Tropics/FUNDarte, Live Arts Miami and Miami Beach Pride presents SANTÉ! a dynamic circus show with high-level acrobatics, contagious energy and breathtaking balances … All on an extraordinary food-truck! 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm –The Miami Children’s Museum will offer two drop-in craft workshops that will run simultaneously for kids aged 5-17 years - Glimmering Galaxies - voyage through the galaxy and beyond to learn about the vastness of outer space. With vivid paints and oil create a vivid sci-fi adventure. - Friendship Bracelets - utilizing elastic strings and a variety of beads, children/teens will be encouraged to design and create their own Friendship Bracelet using unique patterns and/or words of affirmation to express who they are. When it’s complete, you can wear your Friendship Bracelet as a reminder to be proud of who you are or give it to a friend to help empower them. For children/teens and their families aged 10+ years Miami Beach Pride will also have 2 food trucks (Entree & Dessert), outdoor games, a bounce house and a bounce obstacle course onsite. The event is free to the public.

Join MOAD for a special yoga class in the Knight Skylight Gallery at the Freedom Tower. Romina (Romi) began practicing yoga back in 2017, the physical aspect of yoga served as a launch pad and she quickly fell in love with the practice and aimed to explore many different types of yoga. A practice that was a hobby quickly turned into a passion. Her love of yoga pushed Romina to pursue her 200-hr yoga teacher training in Orlando, FL and she now teaches in many different areas in Miami. Romina enjoys teaching vinyasa flow and gentle flows with creative transitions, focusing on strengths, stability and alignment. Whether you are a beginner or advance practitioner, using movement and breathwork, rest assured you'll leave feeling transformed in all aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. Admission to the Freedom Tower exhibitions and galleries following the class is included with your RSVP. Event attendees may park for free in the MDC garage at 500 NE Second Avenue, between NE Fifth and NE Sixth Streets. Please bring your own yoga mat. Yoga mats will not be available onsite. The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at MDC may document the event, including its attendees. By entering the area, and/or participating in the event, you consent to the recording and its use in any form.

Join us online for Speak Up, a creative writing program supporting the artistic and professional growth of teens. In this FREE virtual creative writing workshop mini-series, teens will partner with experienced teaching artists to empower the creative writing process, from drafting to performance to publishing, to boost literacy and empower youth in Miami through community-based writing activities. The program is open to all teens (ages 13-19) and is as free of charge as it is free of homework. No previous experience necessary!

We hope you will join us for our fifth annual “A Night in D9” on Saturday February 28th, from 2PM to 6PM at Coral Reef Senior High School, located at 10101 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33157. The free event will feature a resource fair, food, performances from our schools, games, and an award ceremony where we will be celebrating District 9's Teachers of the Year, Rookie Teachers of the Year, and Silver Knight Nominees. Join Us! You can RSVP for FREE by visiting our site.

Join MOAD for a special yoga class in the Knight Skylight Gallery at the Freedom Tower. Romina (Romi) began practicing yoga back in 2017, the physical aspect of yoga served as a launch pad and she quickly fell in love with the practice and aimed to explore many different types of yoga. A practice that was a hobby quickly turned into a passion. Her love of yoga pushed Romina to pursue her 200-hr yoga teacher training in Orlando, FL and she now teaches in many different areas in Miami. Romina enjoys teaching vinyasa flow and gentle flows with creative transitions, focusing on strengths, stability and alignment. Whether you are a beginner or advance practitioner, using movement and breathwork, rest assure you'll leave feeling transformed in all aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. Admission to the Freedom Tower exhibitions and galleries following the class is included with your RSVP. Visitors to the Freedom Tower may park for free in the MDC garage at 500 NE Second Avenue, between NE Fifth and NE Sixth Streets. Please bring your own yoga mat. Yoga mats will not be available onsite. The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at MDC may document the event, including its attendees. By entering the area, and/or participating in the event, you consent to the recording and its use in any form. MOAD's programs are made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and Board of County Commissioners. They are sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture, and with generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The programs at the Freedom Tower, operated by the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami Dade College (MDC), are made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners. They are sponsored by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), with collections, exhibition, and marketing support from ArtesMiami, Art Bridges Foundation, the Shepard Broad Foundation, the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA), Henry Luce Foundation, Jay I. Kislak Foundation, Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation, and US Century Bank.

Join Miami Dade College’s Koubek Center, Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, Museum of Art and Design, and Live Arts Miami for an immersive evening celebrating Open House Miami and highlighting architecture, art, music, film, dance, literature, and community. This FREE Caribbean Contrasts event during Open House Miami exemplifies this legacy, offering an opportunity for the community to explore and engage with the unique programs offered by each of MDC’s cultural institutions. This free event includes: Miami Film Festival Shorts: Ongoing. A captivating showcase of unique, independent short films presented on a continuous loop, allowing guests to drop in and experience compelling cinematic stories at any time. Miami Book Fair Reading Garden: Relax in a cozy chair under the stars, browse our shelf of stories, and discover your next favorite book to take home! MOAD Tour of the Koubek Mansion: Join the Museum of Art and Design for a conversation about history, art, and architectural transformation and the power of public space. Architectural historian Victor Deupi offers rare insight into the Koubek Mansion and its currently role as the Koubek Center. Deupi will be joined by Amy Galpin, Executive Director of the Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College. Koubek Center: Don’t miss the hard-hitting, romance-stricken, and rebellious rhythms of Mariachis courtesy of the Koubek Center. Live Arts Miami: Follow an immersive journey with resident artist Rosie Herrera as she develops her new work "Tropical Depression" featuring moments that explore memory, identity, and homeland.

The University of Miami Libraries offers introductory mindfulness sessions designed to support inner resilience. These 45-minute online sessions introduce the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation and movement with periods of guided practice and opportunities for reflection and questions. The sessions are led by Kelly Miller, a Certified Mindfulness Teacher (MMTCP), Director of Mindfulness and Well-Being Programs, and Associate Dean for Learning and Research Services in the University of Miami Libraries and Professor Scott Rogers, Director of the University of Miami School of Law’s Mindfulness in Law Program. Guest teachers are also occasionally invited. Please note that in Spring 2026, Gisele Rocha, a Certified Yoga Teacher (RYT® 500) and Assistant Director in the Libraries’ Creative department will offer yoga sessions separately. Spring 2026 Schedule and Themes Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. 1/21 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Beginning Anew 1/28 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Awareness of Breath 2/4 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Awareness of Body 2/11 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Awareness of Feelings 2/18 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Awareness of Thought 2/25 - Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Self-Compassion 3/4 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Compassion for Others 3/11 – No Session - Spring Break 3/18 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Difficult Emotions 3/25 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Difficult Emotions 4/1 – Kelly Miller – Special Session with Carol Kaminsky: Mindfulness and Dance 4/8 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Awareness of Speech 4/15 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Cultivating Gratitude 4/22 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Caring for the Earth 4/29 – Kelly Miller – Mindfulness Meditation - Cultivating Daily Practice

Bringing Success Through Music is a fun and inspiring musical show that gives adults with disabilities the chance to shine on stage. The goal of the project is for our performers to use their talents, build confidence, and show the community everything they are capable of. Music, dancing, and performing are powerful ways for people to express themselves, and this show gives them a safe, exciting place to do that. To make the show even more special, we are partnering with several local artists, including the duet Million and Yenty Zoe, magician Magic Teylor, and decorator Damian Delgado. They will help us bring the show to life and make the experience even more exciting for our performers. In the end, Bringing Success Through Music is not just a show, it’s an opportunity. It gives adults with disabilities the chance to celebrate their talents, connect with others, and be seen for who they truly are. It brings joy, confidence, and creativity to everyone involved.