Featured Alumni:

Class of 2004

Krystal Rodriguez

I am currently a student at Florida International University majoring in Fine Arts, with a focus in Painting. I had the pleasure of attending Conchita Espinosa Academy from 1994-2004. It was there where I first began to develop my artistic skills, with help from my art teachers Laura Luna and Kathleen Hatchell. I was also a member of the Conchita Magazine, led by Yolande Jackson, where I worked in the graphic design team.

I have always had a passion for art, but I never thought I could make into a career, so in college I decided to major in Psychology. While at Miami Dade College, I took an elective in Beginning Painting with Jennifer Basille, and it was she who introduced me to art therapy. After transferring to FIU, I switched my major to Fine Arts. In March 2015, I entered the Paint Me Miami Competition. The competition accepted paintings from artists all over Miami. I submitted a painting inspired by a photograph of Downtown Miami in the 1930's. A few weeks later, I was notified that I was chosen as one of the fifteen finalists of the competition, and that my work would be displayed at the YoungArts Foundation Gallery. It was an honor to have been chosen, and to have participated in the competition. In December 2015, after graduation, I plan to apply to Florida State University's Master's program in art therapy.

I am truly grateful for all the teachers I have had along the way. I know I would not have made it this far, without their help and support. I encourage all young students with love for the arts to pursue their passion, because if you do something you love and you believe in yourself, nothing will get in the way of your success.