Carol Damian, Ph.D., is a Professor of Art History, formerly in the School of Art and Art History, and the former Director and Chief Curator of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University (2008-2014). A respected scholar in Latin American and Caribbean Art, her most recent work has been with Latin American Women and Cuban exile artists, for whom she has written numerous catalogs and articles. She lectures frequently on Latin American and Caribbean art, and has curated numerous exhibitions.

Dr. Damian is the Curator of the Kislak Collection at the Miami Dade College Freedom Tower and the Curator of the Chapel of La Merced at Corpus Christi Church in Miami. She was also recently elected Chairperson of the Miami Dade County Art in Public Places Trust.

1. Why is it important to support artists and the organizations that serve them?

Most artists struggle to produce their work and meet all the other demands of life - like paying the rent, doing the necessary PR to expose their work, write grants and applications for projects, etc. they need the organizations to support their efforts and give them the confidence to succeed.

2. What inspires you about Bakehouse?

I love the artists and the studio environment. I love to see artists at work, and eventually watch them succeed and achieve recognition. It is always fun to be able to say “That's a Bakehouse artist" when their work receives a commission, an award, or a major exhibition.

3. Why should someone donate to Bakehouse?

As is the case with so many non-profits, Bakehouse depends on the support of so many. If someone is really interested in serving the art community, hopefully they are willing to donate.

4. What is your wish for Bakehouse as it embarks on its next generation for 21st-century artmaking?

We are all waiting for the building to be updated, and the new complex to be built. Aside from that, I want the artists to be happy in the Bakehouse community, so they can do their best work.

5. Where would you like to see Bakehouse in three years?

I would like to see Bakehouse in a newly renovated building, equipped with the latest technology, to assist artists who work in New Media. I would love to see Bakehouse expand in that direction.