The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the next generation of artists with the awarding of $30,000 in scholarships to seven Florida International University (FIU) student artists during a special ceremony on Sept. 10 at the Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture BEA Gallery. The evening marked the culmination of a three-year, $90,000 pledge dedicated to nurturing young talent in South Florida.
The 2025–26 scholarship recipients are:
- Alexandra Berlin, MFA
- Facundo Triviño Guevara, BFA Art
- Amelia Restrepo Herrán, BFA Digital Art
- Melissa Oliveira, BFA Art
- Nathalia Padilla, MFA
- Stephanie Silver, MFA
- Ana Vergara, MFA
Families, faculty, and community leaders gathered to honor these students as they showcased their work and reflected on how the scholarships will shape their academic and artistic journeys.
“Supporting these young artists is not just an investment in their education—it’s an investment in Miami’s cultural legacy,” said David Hill, Jr., Chairman of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. “Their creativity, vision, and passion will continue to enrich our community for years to come.”
“The Coconut Grove Arts Festival has always been about more than just three days in February,” added Executive Director Camille Marchese. “Through initiatives like this, we are investing in both the present and future of the arts, ensuring that Miami remains a vibrant place where artists can thrive.”
Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by Humanities Edge while celebrating the achievements of the seven awardees and the festival’s enduring mission to support the arts.
For over six decades, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has combined art, education, and community—ensuring Miami remains a place where creativity flourishes year-round.
Established through the partnership between CGAF and FIU’s CARTA, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Visual Arts Scholarship Fund continues to strengthen the bond between academia and South Florida’s thriving creative economy. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students at FIU, the fund represents a powerful investment in the future of the arts in the region.
For more information on the scholarship program and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, please visit http://cgaf.com/initiatives or contact Camille Marchese via email at camille@cgaf.com or call 305-447-0401.
About The Coconut Grove Arts Festival:
For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, has been dedicated to cultivating future generations of artists. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the organization champions South Florida’s arts community through educational programs – and by hosting one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals.
Held annually over Presidents’ Day weekend and produced by Miami-based Loud & Live, the three-day Festival event features 285 juried artists across multiple visual categories, live performances, and interactive art experiences along Coconut Grove’s scenic bayfront streets. Proceeds fund impactful year-round programs, including scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students, the Visiting Artists Program, and the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program. Learn more at cgaf.com or donate here.