University of Miami alumna Chloe Berkowitz, Class of ’15, is an advocate for artists. A philanthropist and lover of the arts, Berkowitz is the founder and president of the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation (BCF), a nonprofit supporting today’s contemporary and modern artists. With deep ties to the University, Berkowitz graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences with a degree in Art & Art History.
(Photo: Paris Rene James)
“Though I started creating from a young age, my time in the studio at the University has given me incredible insight into the artist’s process, and therefore a different understanding and appreciation for the work,” says Berkowitz. “I loved the atmosphere and the freedom to explore different territories of interest within my major. There were many teachers along the way that helped to make that possible, but I would not have been able to navigate my journey without Dr. Perri Lee Roberts.”
This fall, the BCF presents a new exhibit at the Lowe Art Museum entitled, “A Fine Line: Highlights from the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation” (Nov. 17, 2022 - Feb. 26, 2023). Jill Deupi, Beaux Arts director and chief curator at the Lowe, says, “This exhibition not only allows us to share compelling works of modern and contemporary art that might not otherwise be seen with audiences across Miami-Dade and further afield, but also to explore the importance of line in art; something that is generally acknowledged but not frequently explored with sustained attention.” Berkowitz shared some insights on the exhibit and why she is an advocate for student artists:
Can you tell us about the exhibition at the Lowe Art Museum?
This show will explore the specific and varying use of line throughout the collection. The type of art is modern and contemporary, and I hope that people are able to come and enjoy the collaborative efforts between BCF and the incredible team at the Lowe Art Museum. I’m very proud of the show we’ve put together.
Why is this exhibit important to you and BCF?
One of the driving forces behind BCF has always been to make experiencing art accessible to all walks of life. This will be the first time the Foundation has shown so many works together in one exhibition, and it's important to me that we are doing the show not only in Miami but at the Lowe Art Museum.
Why is it significant to support student artists today and provide them with vital information about the business side of the art world?
Currently, the college experience for most studio artists solely focuses on exploring and perfecting their craft. But what happens after their education ends? It is necessary to support our students in properly preparing for the realities of being an artist outside of the collegiate safety net. If we want our artists to succeed, we need to help them build a stronger foundation regarding the “business of art,” so they can advocate for themselves in the future.
