Donor Highlight: Wilfred and Robin Vasquez
Meet Wilfred and Robin Vasquez, active Wynwood Norte community members of over 50 years, supporters of Bakehouse Art Complex, and founding members of the Wynwood Community Enhancement Association (WCEA). The WCEA is an organization formed by neighborhood stakeholders – long-term and recent – to begin to address the economic decline of the neighborhood, improve its housing stock and housing options, and invest in its infrastructure.
Through the WCEA, Wil and Robin have worked alongside community stakeholders– including, but not limited to, Bakehouse, community residents, investors, and other non-profits– in helping craft a community vision plan that resulted in the creation of the Wynwood Norte Neighborhood Revitalization District in 2021 by the City of Miami Commission. This designation incentivizes affordability and new mixed-income housing options, mitigates displacement, and maintains the largely residential character of the neighborhood. It further promotes the creation of micro-home-grown retail and hyper-local business development and the investment in and expansion of cultural, educational, and recreational facilities.
When they’re not working to advocate for the Wynwood community, joyous pursuits include traveling, reading, art, exploring the outdoors, vintage vehicles, and spending quality time with their two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson.
Why is it important to support artists and the organizations that serve them?
Artists are the bellwether of what is happening in the world, within a particular place and throughout a particular time. Through them, we see their vision– whether it be that of hope or a perspective attests to a need for change. We strongly believe that the institutions that support the growth and development of artists from differing types of backgrounds, especially in our community, deserve our support.
What inspires you about Bakehouse?
We love the fact that Bakehouse has an open-door policy and actively welcomes its neighbors and community. We are grateful for the numerous times Bakehouse has reached out to the residents of Wynwood Norte and brightened the lives of the locals. The diversity of the artists, their willingness to welcome you into their studios and talk about their creative process, as well as the work they do, is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a guest there. It is such a satisfying experience, especially when compared to the gallery or museum experience, where the artist typically is not present. Being at Bakehouse is an immersive experience, involving not only the senses but a sense of interpersonal engagement as well.
Why should someone donate to Bakehouse?
Donating to Bakehouse serves as a very direct means of supporting a critically important organization, in that Bakehouse will be a part of the growth and development of current and future artists from our community and beyond.
What is your wish for Bakehouse as it embarks on its next generation for 21st-century art-making?
We look forward to seeing Executive Director Cathy Leff’s vision for Bakehouse come to fruition. At the same time, we look forward to seeing how Bakehouse remains committed to serving its community and expanding its role as a vital cultural center, dedicated to supporting artists and nurturing a vibrant creative community.
Where would you like to see Bakehouse in three years?
We would like to see Bakehouse well on its way to being a place where artists and working folks can live and create, and grow into being one of the most unique and iconic community-driven artist centers of its kind.