Today we’d like to introduce you to William Alonso.
Hi William, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and possess a background in theater—specifically in the fields of puppetry and object theater—a discipline I have successfully fused, quite naturally, with the visual arts. Shortly after graduating, I discovered my deep vocation for teaching. I have worked as an arts educator continuously for approximately twenty years.
During my teaching career, I had the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Aesthetics and Art History. This experience completely transformed my perspective: it gave me a fresh outlook on how to approach arts education and led me to understand that art history serves as a fundamental pillar in human development. Ultimately, to speak of art history is to speak of who we are as humanity; it is to examine how artists interpreted their times and translated those interpretations into various languages, styles, and techniques. This process not only enriches one’s knowledge but also cultivates sensitivity and creativity.
This entire evolution prompted me to take a significant step forward in fulfilling my life’s purpose and to launch my current project: Art History Conversations.
This initiative consists of monthly gatherings—featuring identical programming—that I host at two distinct venues, thereby enabling me to reach a wider audience. I am firmly convinced that these gatherings—centered on dialogue, knowledge, and art—contribute directly to the strengthening of our social fabric, which serves as the very backbone of our community.
Currently, I enjoy the invaluable support of Elkin Cañas, Director of Miami International Fine Art. https://mifamiami.com/ and the City of Doral. At both venues, we host these conversations free of charge and open to the general public. I designed these sessions to be presented in a lighthearted and accessible manner; absolutely no prior knowledge is required. My goal is for each session to serve as an enjoyable and pleasant journey—one that simultaneously sparks curiosity in attendees and ignites a desire to continue exploring and learning more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Contrary to what one might expect, the greatest obstacle I have faced has not been logistical, but cultural: dispelling the myth that art history is boring, elitist, or exclusively for experts. Initially, people often show some resistance to attending these types of events; they assume they need prior knowledge or that they will encounter a cold, academic-style lecture. Consequently, the first major challenge has been to transform that perception and convince the public that art is an integral part of our daily lives. When we listen to music, read a novel, or watch a film, we engage in a direct aesthetic experience; gaining a little insight into its history allows us to enjoy it even more.
I have overcome this challenge by drawing upon my two great passions: teaching and theater. I utilize the pedagogical tools I honed over twenty years, combined with the immediacy of theatrical language, to design each session. I set aside dense technical jargon and transformed the talks into a narrative journey—almost a theatrical performance—where, every now and then, I even manage to elicit a few smiles. I construct a narrative in which the audience is not a passive spectator, but an active participant who discovers history through emotion, enjoyment, and dialogue.
The other major challenge has been maintaining consistency and drawing an audience within a community as dynamic as ours. However, thanks to the support of Miami International Fine Art and the City of Doral—who noticed how early attendees kept returning and bringing others along—we have successfully broken down that barrier. Today, that obstacle has transformed into our greatest source of satisfaction: seeing the room filled with a diverse group of people who discover that art is, in reality, a mirror of their own lives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in translating the apparent complexity of art into accessible, human experiences. My strength lies in integrating my three distinct paths: the visual arts, pedagogy, and object theater. I do not view art history as an archive of inert data, but rather as a living map of human experience.
I believe I am known—precisely—for my methodology and the warmth I bring to my teaching. Those who attend my sessions know they are not walking into a rigid lecture, but rather into a space for dialogue where learning happens with a smile. They recognize me for transforming dense historical data into fascinating—almost theatrical—narratives that captivate anyone’s attention, regardless of their age or profession.
What I am most proud of is having built a loyal community centered around culture. Seeing the halls at Miami International Fine Art and in the City of Doral fill up month after month—and seeing people return accompanied by their families or friends—is my greatest achievement. It fills me with pride to know that we are facilitating free access to art and weaving a genuine social fabric through the power of words.
What sets me apart from others is my interdisciplinary approach and my pedagogical perspective. Many experts—whom I hold in high esteem—discuss art solely from an academic standpoint, while many artists focus exclusively on the creative process. I combine both facets, enhancing them with the rhythm, plasticity, and intimacy of the theater. My key differentiator is that I do not seek to impress the audience with the extent of my knowledge, but rather to empower them to discover for themselves the pleasure of looking at, understanding, and enjoying art.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
If I had to recommend a first book to embark on this journey into the world of art history, it would undoubtedly be *The Story of Art* by Ernst Gombrich.
It is an absolute benchmark, yet what makes it truly special—and the very reason it resonates with my own project—is that Gombrich wrote it with a wonderful premise: to avoid technical jargon and make art accessible to everyone. In his own words, he wanted the reader to understand the history of art without feeling overwhelmed.
The book is a fascinating narrative—much like being told a great novel about humanity—explaining the *why* behind every shift, every style, and every artist. It serves as the perfect gateway, both for those approaching this adventure for the very first time and for those wishing to rediscover it from a closer perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: @aquiropoeta
- Instagram: @aquiropoeta
- Facebook: @aquiropoeta
