Haute 100 Update: Connie McSilver Celebrates New Scholarship Program for FIU Students

Renowned artist Connie Silver, who goes by Connie McSilver when signing artwork, donated a 10 foot sculpture named “Whoopie” to the the Florida International University Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture Building’s courtyard. The unveiling ceremony took place outdoors Monday, January 26, 2015 at 1:30pm. Attendees of this intimate affair included Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg – President of FIU, Janine King – Associate Professor and Department Chair, Adam Drisin – Associate Dean, College of Architecture, and Florida International University students who congregated to enjoy the latest addition to FIU’s landscape, “Whoopie.”

The social affair celebrated the inauguration of a new scholarship fund, which awards Florida International University interior architecture students who best assimilate artwork and collections of art into their own interior architecture designs. An award titled the Martin and Constance Silver Award was created in attempt to advocate the integration of art in interior architecture, while focusing on understanding why and how to form a powerful and inventive relationship between the art pieces and the environment that houses them.

Artist Connie McSilver has a distinctive style that is influenced by her background as a psychoanalyst and social worker. Connie McSilver supplies a potent visual source of innovation and inspiration to the creative development of students at FIU.

The private celebration was followed by a reception at the School of Architecture Building BEA Gallery, where winning projects of the new scholarship award program were exhibited. Topics included art integrated in hospitals, residential buildings, hospitality business, and sustainable environments. The reception showcased the students’ advanced educational skills and individuality and creativity.