Armando Droulers discovered his love of art at the age of 10, when his family moved from their native Venezuela to Lebanon. As he traveled with his family throughout the Middle East, Droulers became fascinated by the works of ancient civilizations, especially sculptures and frescoes.
Years later, he would return to Venezuela to study art at the Academia de Arte Federico Brandt in Caracas. As an artist, art historian and art instructor, Droulers has taught at museums, universities, and on cruise ships around the world.
Today, Droulers brings the experience of his extensive career in art to students at the University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he has taught for the past 18 years.
"When my students visit the countries, places, and museums seeking out the sites and works we have discussed in class, they often send me pictures and comments so that we all grow together," Droulers said.
"OLLI (students) are sophisticated—retired doctors, lawyers, etc. These are individuals who are well-read, well-traveled, and who have a lot of life experience and a big thirst for learning."
At OLLI, Droulers teaches two courses. Western Art Masters and Masterpieces is designed to instill in students a love for and knowledge of Western art and art history, allowing them to understand works in their historical context.
Kenia Mestre first took Droulers’ art history course at OLLI in 2014 and said she has been hooked ever since thanks to his engaging teaching style.
"When you sign up for one of Armando’s art history classes you are in for a treat," Mestre said. "His lectures are not just dry facts about a particular artist or piece of art. He lectures from the perspective of the artist at the time they were living and places the works in that historical context."
In Drawing with the Masters, Droulers helps students improve their drawing abilities and recognize what makes a good, original drawing. The course also familiarizes students with the great masters’ drawings and teaches them how to critique art in an enjoyable way.
Droulers said he takes great satisfaction in watching his students grow as artists.
"Watching someone who was at the beginning hesitant, insecure, slow, and scared of letting their imagination grow develop into a secure, fluid, and original artist is a pleasure," he said.
Droulers also studied at Bard College, New World School of the Arts, and the University of Florida. He has lived in Europe, as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. He speaks fluent English, French, and Spanish. Through all of his experiences, Droulers said he has always understood the power of art education.
"It shows us how we came to be," he explained. "Any artistic human endeavor is an expression of ourselves and our time. To think about art or to make it is to better understand ourselves and the world we live in, past, present, and even future. It teaches us to be creative."
OLLI at UM offers non-credit classes to individuals over the age of 50 through an annual membership. The program, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, offers courses in writing, history, technology, health and wellness, as well as social activities and events. University of Miami faculty, staff, and alumni are eligible for discounted membership. Learn more at miami.edu/olli.
Reporting by William Lang
