The challenge with the Artist-in-Residence was finding and making a section of the Main Library Building suitable for a pop-up art studio; identifying the location within the building; sectioning it off by completely covering the floor and walls with plastic in order to protect from damage; and making the pop-up studio a creative space for the artist to feel comfortable and inspired to use the library space, and its surroundings, as his creative muse.

Artists have been an important part of the continuous growth of the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Permanent Art Collection for over fifty years. In fact, the artist books, paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and public outreach of artists have not only created a permanent record of art, but in many instances, helped preserve the Permanent Art Collection. The art collection showcases photography, drawing, and other work by Miami artists such as Gary Moore, Kathleen Hudspeth, Karla Turcios, Bayunga Kialeuka, and many others who have understood the connection between libraries, communities and artistic pursuit. This residency with Kiki Valdes helps us keep the ball rolling.

The Artist-in-Residence Program with Miami artist Kiki Valdez lasted six months. Four months were dedicated to the creation of the artwork in our home-made pop-up art studio and two months were dedicated to exhibiting the freshly painted canvases. During the exhibition we were able to conduct educational partnerships with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools via art classes and art talks with the resident artist, guided tours and the acquisition of new site-specific artwork to be added to the Library's Permanent Art Collection.