January 30, 2002

Media Contact: Lea Nickless Verrecchia

305-375-5362

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 1, 2002, 5:30 p.m.

A press conference will precede the exhibition opening for ArtCARE: Outreach to Juveniles in Adult Jails on February 1, 2002, at 5:30 p.m. Public Defender Bennett H. Brummer, Dr. Mary Louise Cole, President and CEO of Bay Point Schools, and Miami artist Xavier Cortada will speak at the press conference. The press conference and exhibition will take place at Casa Grande Cultural Center, 104 SW 9th Street, Miami, Florida. For additional information call 305-375-5362. For directions to the exhibition, visit the website www.cortada.com.

Florida Supreme Court Justice Fred Lewis will unveil the mural during the exhibition opening from 6 – 10 p.m. The public is invited to the opening. The exhibition will run through March 26, 2002. After the exhibition, the mural will be exhibited countywide and will eventually be installed in the offices of the Public Defender.

The opening reception will include an unveiling of the collaborative mural titled “convictim” created by Xavier Cortada with youth participation. Photographs by Tim Walker, videos of the youth speaking and performing, and various other installations relating to the project will also be on view. Additionally, information regarding transfers of juveniles to adult court will be available.

During November and December 2001, Miami artist Xavier Cortada worked with 140 juveniles aged 14 – 18 incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight, an adult correctional facility. ArtCARE: Outreach to Juveniles in Adult Jails is a collaborative effort of The Office of the Public Defender and Miami-Dade Art in Public Places.