What's Happening in Miramar, FL…

Currently on exhibit in the Ansin Family Art Gallery at the Miramar Cultural Center, made possible by a partnership between the Miramar Cultural Trust and the Friends of the Miramar Library, is a series of paintings by Joyce Birkenstock.

The pieces feature the civilization of indigenous people in countries like India, Burma, and Ethiopia. They are all portraits of people and are either candid shots of daily life or shoots set up to feature people in native costumes.

Birkenstock realized her passion for this type of work after she photographed some herdsmen in the Sani Pass in Africa in 1998. Since then, she has traveled to such places as Bali, Cambodia, and Guatemala, photographing the natives and then creating her oil paintings from those images.

She was discovered last April by Linda Winkler, president of the Friends group, after she visited the artist’s studio at her home. Winkler commented that the work was displayed with lighting as if it were done by a professional curator, so the pictures had a museum-like quality.

Birkenstock’s daughter, Lee Ann, became inspired by her mother’s work and her travels with her, and became a professional photographer a year ago. Her inaugural exhibit is at the Miramar Public Library.

Both exhibits will last until April 12. Poster printing may be used to encourage the community to view these two unique exhibits.