Apontesierra Artist-Activist Portfolio

ARTIST PORTFOLIO

A.K.A. Apontesierra

Emilio Apontesierra-Paretti, M.Ed, CCHW

Multidisciplinary Artist, Guidance Counselor & Certified Community Health Worker

To who it may concern,

I would like to use this cover letter of my Artist Portfolio to introduce myself. As a lifelong artist, I am confident in my ability to create expressive, interesting, and educational multidisciplinary art pieces that match the criteria of the multidisciplinary art scene.

As a Visual Artist, I have an extensive list of exhibitions nationally and internationally. I am the Winner of the Category of Visual Art of the HIV Is Not a Crime Training Academy 5 Art Contest- 2023 by The Sero Project. Also, I had developed a Visual Art Collection for HIV Prevention, I offer art workshops to decrease HIV Stigma, and I was granted by The Gilead Compass Initiative Faith Coordinating Center with my HIV Stigma reduction project Debajo de mi piel/Under my skin for the Learning It Together artist cohort 20222023 where I was selected as the Artist in Residence for the school of Divinity at Wake Forest University Faith Coordinating Center. I have been a Panelist for the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, an Artist invited to the Arts Talk program of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. In addition, I had been featured in national HIV prevention campaigns such as "Start Talking. Stop HIV," by CDC, and in my "Favorite Poem," by Boston University and the Library of Congress. It compiles documentary videos of American citizens talking about the importance of poetry in their lives, this project is part of the Library of Congress' permanent archive of poetry and recorded literature. I was named by the Sun-Sentinel as one of its 15 Latino heroes in 2017 for my work using art for community mobilization towards health promotion and HIV Awareness and selected in 2020 by the city of West Palm Beach as one of its 15 artists in the project "Commons: 15 Artist, 15 Spaces" to design and bring to life a piece of public art for COVID19 awareness. In 2021 I become part of the HIV 101 video developed by The Florida Department of Health as an official tool to share knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment. In October 2021 I was named one of the five of Florida’s most interesting, and best, artistic talents by the Upscale Living Magazine.

Attached to this introduction cover letter you will find some pictures and materials supporting my multidisciplinary art experience and artistic skills.

Sincerely,

Emilio Apontesierra-Paretti

Phone: 786-287-0052

https://twitter.com/WFUProfWalker/status/1640460024425201664

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6MD10FD8P0

https://events.wfu.edu/event/the_path_to_being_heard_being_seen#.ZFcasM6ZPre

https://stmmcs.net/news-updates/art-for-a-purpose-ending-hivstigma/?fbclid=IwAR3U5Kl2NjoRjhNwt_Xx5BRe5gThXuPPv2E-5US_XVkgbMVYT9n0uq9fwCg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxSoT3E285A

“Emilio Apontesierra Paretti is a South American artist — born in Valledullar, Colombia — who brought his love of the arts when he moved to South Florida in 2002 seeking political asylum. Since then he has focused his time on creating art, writing poetry, and his public speaking career. Apontesierra-Parreti’s visual work is created using three mediums Paper Manipulation Fine Art – Ink on Canvas – Manipulated Photography — and his poetry is composed wholly in Spanish.

Apontesierra Paretti speaks mainly about social issues that affect the Latinx community as well as the LGTBQ+ community. He is best known for his health activism and works surrounding AIDS prevention and care.

Apontesierra-Paretti is the writer of the En Confianza Bilingual Newsletter for High Impacto Inc., and a Spanish language LGBTQ+ Columnist for Columbus Al Día and Al Día Media. He also creates weekly articles offering commentaries and opinions about LGBTQ+ issues.

If you’d like to learn more about Emilio Apontesierra Paretti’s art, poetry, or activism, you can visit his website at www.artbyemilioapontesierra.com.”

https://www.upscalelivingmag.com/luxury-lifestyle-of-the-elite/five-of-floridas-best-artistic-talents/

https://www.upscalelivingmag.com/five-of-floridas-best-artistictalents/?fbclid=IwAR0il64P5BS1kBejrOZ06c2E1LjSSW3kzloRtvQT-FBEXOqXSJJl57Thvv8

Art workshop to groups (students, social group, organizations educating their target population, members or associates/staff/employee, etc. about social issue-commentary or disease using art, etc. Unity Coalition Looking to ELEVATE Community’s Health and Wellness | Local | News | SFGN Articles (southfloridagaynews.com)

https://www.norton.org/events/art-after-dark-charles-goold-nubopcity-04-01-2022

https://palmbeach.floridaweekly.com/articles/inside-portraits/

https://news.yahoo.com/not-gay-art-good-art-154458039.html

https://issuu.com/emilioaponte/docs/hiv_aids_counseling_prevention_cards

http://voyagemia.com/interview/check-out-emilio-apontesierraparettis-story/

https://shoutoutmiami.com/meet-emilio-apontesierraparetti-a-ka-apontesierra-multidisciplinary-artistand-guidance-counselor/?fbclid=IwAR2vmyWWKuJCNAZT7LpIMtuXLL4aXHuadnFKvRkeTnNCiOfHkszDG-jXSg

https://www.artsteps.com/view/5fde7c551bd12718e1f27f25

https://www.thepalmbeaches.com/blogs/art-celebrating-diversity-palmbeaches?fbclid=IwAR2kjysdtK2U5Iy9vnoKvaTvlXytGwzN0zV9rj4sPuoXlkh4YhwTveHJpEw

https://www.facebook.com/EmilioAponteSierra/videos/10157830675903434

https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/city-of-west-palm-beachhelping-local-artists-amid-pandemic

https://emilioaponte.wixsite.com/condomdressprep/the-artist

Website:

https://artbyemilioapontesierra.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PaperSculpturebyEmilioAponteSierra

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eapontesierra/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/EmilioAponte

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilioaponte/

PROFILE

“Emilio Apontesierra Paretti is a South American artist born in Valledullar, Colombia who brought his love of the arts when he moved to South Florida in 2002 seeking political asylum. Since then he has focused his time on creating art, writing poetry, and his public speaking career. He speaks mainly about social issues that affect the Latinx community as well as the LGTBQ+ community. He is best known for his health activism and works surrounding AIDS prevention and care.

CONTACT

PHONE:

786-287-0052

WEBSITE:

https://artbyemilioapontesierra.com/

EMAIL: emilioapontesierra@gmai.com

MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTS AND MEDIUMS

Mixed Media

Paper Manipulation Fine Art

Ink on Canvas

Manipulated Photography

Poetry

Public Speaker on Social issues within Latinx & LGBTQ+ communities.

EMILIO APONTE SIERRA PARETTI, M.ED, CCHW

A.K.A.

APONTESIERRA

Multidisciplinary Artist - Guidance Counselor Certified - Community Health Worker

EDUCATION

• Artist in Residence. Wake Forest University. FCC School of Divinity. 2023

• Master Degree of Education in Guidance Counseling, Ann G. Mendez University System. Miramar, FL. 2011 Masterdegreeproject:Useofartas atoolofHIVpreventionandeducationforeightgradestudents.

• Fishing Engineer and Environmental Planning. Magdalena University. Colombia 1997

• Scene: Jane Kelly, John Robert Power. Palm Beach, FL. 2005.

• Soap & Sitcom: Christopher Bishop, John Robert Power. Palm Beach, FL. 2005.

• Colombian Folk’s Dance: Corporation Chingale’s Dance. Valledupar, Colombia.1998-2001.

• Scene’s Theater: Magdalena University. Santa Marta, Colombia. 1993.

• Theater Community: Secretary of Education and Culture. Santa Marta, Colombia. 1993.

• Paper manipulations Techniques (Paper-mâché, Sewing, and Origami). Los Muñecos Corporation”. Santa Marta, Colombia. 1988-1999.

• High School in Arts and Academics. National Loperena School. Valledupar, Colombia. 1980-1986

ART GRANTS & AWARDS

• Winner of the Category of Visual Art of the HIV Is Not a Crime Training Academy 5 Art Contest- 2023 by The Sero Project.

• Grant: Debajo de mi piel/Under my Skin Art Project fot HIV Stigma Reduction in Faith Communities. Gilead Compass Initiative Faith Coordinating Center. School of Divinity, Wake Forest University 2022-2023

• Acting: Selected from a national casting call to participate in the Start Talking. Stop HIV. PSA production. Spanish-language public health video production by CDC. 2017 https://youtu.be/0NS01cwrw34

• Documental: My Favorite Poem Project by Poetry Foundation, Boston University, Library of Congress. Funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Video documentary showcases Americans reading and speaking personally about poetry. https://youtu.be/01Urhf71bRg

• VisualArt:Third place in the 2013 erotic art exhibit “Naughty show” of Art United

ART COMMISSIONS

• The City of West Palm Beach. “COVIDA in The Commons: 15 Artists, 15 Spaces”. July 2020.

• Arianna's Center Ally Awards. CIC Miami. Arianna’s Center. Miami, FL. 2019

• Arianna's Center Ally Awards. TDOR. Miami, FL. 2018.

• Translatina Coalition Florida Award. Hunter Night Club. Wilton Manors, Fl. 2017

• Translatina Coalition Florida Award. Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Fort Lauderdale. 2016.

• Translatina Coalition Florida Award. Southern Comfort Conference. Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 2015

• A dirty fairy tale from Palm Beach Island. Robert Grayson. Byron Bay, Australia. 2014

ART EXHIBITS

PUBLIC ART

• Under my Skin: One God, Many Faiths. Wait Chapel. Wake Forest University. Winston-Salem, N.C. 2023

• Keep Dreaming. Fly. Soar. Leap Exhibition. Art in Public Places. Palm Beach International Airport. 2023

• COVIDA. The Commons Project: 15 Artists. 15 Spaces. The City of West Palm Beach. 2020-2021

https://youtu.be/UHITTo0uMR0

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

• Ribbon HIV. Manipulated Photography. Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, FL 2022.

• Elevate. Paper Manipulation Fine Art Exhibit. Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Miami, FL. 2019.

• Celebrate Orgullo. Pride Lines. Miami, FL. 2018.

• Meet the Artist. Williams Sonoma Palm Beach Gardens. FL. 2017 & 2018.

• Nuestro Talento, Nuestro Orgullo, Nuestra Diversidad. AGMUS Gallery. Miramar, FL. 2014.

• Paper Sculptures by Emilio Apontesierra. Artisan on the Avenue. Lake Worth, FL. 2014.

• Paper Sculptures by Emilio Apontesierra. The Pride Center Art Gallery. Wilton Manors. FL. 2013.

• Paper Sculptures by Emilio Apontesierra. Flamingo Clay Glass Metal Gallery. Lake Worth, FL. 2013.

• Catwalk. Paper Sculptures by Emilio Apontesierra. LMT Gallery. Miami, FL. 2012.

• The Ribbon Project: Emilio Aponte Manipulated Photo Collection©. The Pride Center at Equality Park. Wilton Manors, Fl. 2011

GROUP EXHIBITS

• Being Heard, Being Seen Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, FL. 2022.

• Ballenisles Art Shows. BallenIsles Country Club, FL 2022 & 2023

• Express Yourself Fashion Art Ball. Arts Warehouse. Delray Beach 2021.

• Pajaro Pride Wall. Box Gallery. West Palm Beach 2021.

• A LITTLE OF THIS - A LITTLE OF THAT Mixed Media Exploration. Jesno Jackson - Art4you Gallery. Virtual International Exhibit based in Dubay 2020-2021

• Paper Sculptures by Emilio Apontesierra. Palm Beach Art. Manalapan, FL. 2017.

• Naked. University of Miami Wynwood Gallery. Mimi, FL. 2015.

• Lingerie party. Art Study 535. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2015.

• ArtViva. Miramar Cultural Center, Miramar, FL. 2014.

• BIG: Big Bold Art. ArtServe. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2013 & 2014.

• Art Explosion. ArtServe, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2014.

• Red eyes. ArtServe. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2013 & 2014.

• Beyond Sexuality. World and Eye Art Gallery. Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 2014.

• Naughty Show. Broward Art Guild. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2013.

• 6x6. Rochester Contemporary Art Center. New York, New York. 2013.

• Red Ribbon. World AIDS Museum and Educational Center. Wilton Manors, Fl. 2013.

• Master Mystery Show, Art Basel. The Ritz Carlton South Beach. Miami, FL. 2011.

• Ribbon Project: Photo Manipulated HIV prevention. Pride Center Art Gallery. Wilton Manors. 2011.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION, ART, AND ACADEMICS.

• Award Recipient of the “Unity Award” Latinos en Acción. 2021.

• Community Co-Chair of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council (BCHPPC). 2021 to present.

• USCHA 50+ Scholars for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 (HIV 50+ Strong and Healthy Program) https://nmac.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=51ae1af3fb6e03af7c0b80cda&id=6942dfc068&e=fa7195d2d9.

• Spanish language columnist at “Columbus Al Día” NewsPaper since July 2019. Some examples here: https://aldiamedia.com/2019/07/14/cursos-y-tratamiento-para-curar-la-homosexualidad-esperanza-o-mentira/ https://aldiamedia.com/2019/07/22/heterosexual-vs-homosexual https://aldiamedia.com/2019/07/29/futbol-homosexualismo-e-inmigracion/ https://aldiamedia.com/2019/08/06/pete-buttigieg-no-seria-el-primer-presidente-homosexual-en-usa/

• Selected by EL Sentinel/Sun sentinel as one of its 2017 Hispanic Heroes. http://www.sunsentinel.com/elsentinel/noticias/fl-es-emilio-aponte-20170308-story.html.

• Contributor of the Broward County Integrated Prevention and Care Plan, 2017-2021.

• National Campaigns:

o Inicia la Conversación. Detén el VIH. Spanish Version of Start Talking. Stop HIV. 2017 https://www.cdc.gov/actagainstaids/campaigns/starttalking/convo.html

o Favorite Poem Project. Library of Congress archive of recorded poetry and literature. Teaching and learning tools for a range of classrooms and ages. 2015. https://youtu.be/abzxyW_7z_U.

o Loves of my life/Amores de mi Vida. Personal stories to connect people through common values. American Civil Liberties Union of Florida ACLUFL. 2013. https://youtu.be/UVFmMwPL9kg

o Abstract reviewer of the American Public Health Association (APHA): Reviewer of the Community Health Worker section of APHA's 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo and Invited to do it again for APHA’s 2018 Annual Meeting & Expo.

• Member of the panel of jurors of Art to End AIDS. Mural Project. 2016.

• Award Recipient of the “Translating Coalition, Florida Chapter Ally Award”. 2015.

• Government Chair of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council (BCHPPC) Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Advisory Group (2017 - 2019)

• Government Chair of BCHPPC Latinos en Acción Advisory Group (2015-2017)

• Contributor of the Jurisdictional Prevention Plan of Broward County 2012 – 2016.

• The Pride Center Art Gallery Coordinator and Curator of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Art exhibitions. 2011- 2014.

• World AIDS Museum and Educational Center Board of Director Member - Community Liaison Director. 20122013

• Recipient of “The Fulgencio Aponte Community Service Award” 2012. (For leadership and supporting the work of the Latinos en Acción-BCHPPC Advisory Group).

• Founder of RPAC: RIBBON PROJECT-ART COUNSELING. Counseling’s Approach uses Arts to help people improve their emotional well-being and is particularly targeted at those with HIV/AIDS. 2011.

• Winner of “The David Clarke, S.J." 2011 Award. Excelled at the graduate level in the master’s degree of Education in Guidance Counseling, Turabo University-Ana G. Mendez University System South Florida Campus. GPA 4.0.

ART LECTURES, PANELS, AND WORKSHOPS

• Artist talks in the HIV & Faith Ambassadors retreat at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. during his Artist-in-Residence for the Faith Coordinating Center of the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University on March 21/2023

• Art workshop for HIV stigma reduction. March 16/2023 with Artist from The Mixxer Community Makerspace in Winston-Salem, N.C.

• Panel discussion: Art-Activist Class in the Humanities Department of English of the Wake Forest University school of Art on March 28/2023 Winston-Salem, N.C.

• Art workshop for HIV stigma reduction. February 25/2023 at Episcopalian Church of St Mary Magdalene and St Martin in Coral Spring FL

• Art Workshop: Garbage Jewelry. Enchanted Forest of North Miami. ELEVATE by Unity Coalition/Coalición Unidad. Miami May 2022.

• Panel Discussion: The Commons: 15 Artists 15 Spaces. Art After Dark. Norton Museum of Art. West Palm Beach. April 2022.

• Art Lecture: The Path to Being Heard and Being Seen. Arts talk by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. March 2022.

• Art Workshop: Debajo de mi Piel. Conference Rompiendo Barreras/Breaking barriers in creating conversations on reducing stigma in the Hispanic/Latinx community. Prideline Miami. October 2021.

• Panel Discussion: Opening Plenary HIV Stigma in the Latinx community. Conference Rompiendo Barreras (Nuestras Voces) Pridelines Miami October 2021

• Art Workshop: Turning TRASH into ART TREASURE. Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. ELEVATE by Unity Coalition/Coalición Unidad. Miami May 2019.