Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Stewart.
Hi Dena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Teacher, textbook editor, and executive-level employment manger on the way up! I worked hard with little gratification. They were “jobs”. When asked how I would prefer spending my time so that I was “gratified” I decided to try my hand at painting. Self-taught, I developed my own artistic style and received extraordinary recognition: a UNICEF Christmas card and designation as an Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund. I found my calling, reinforced by exclusive gallery representation and group shows. After relocating from NYC to Miami Beach (1987) with my husband Stewart Stewart, a former publicist, actor, and artist, we combined our skills, professional knowledge, and creativity, and cofounded Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit outreach organization. Its mission is to use our original methodology “Telling Stories Through Visuals” to address important social issues (i.e., bullying, prejudice, civility, growing older, etc.).
In 2011, online videos were added to CFCA’s programming. I taught myself to be a videographer and video editor and ever since, we’ve been producing “Alive On South Beach”. These video episodes highlight events and activities that helped elevate Miami Beach to its reputation as a popular tourist destination. Affiliated with Syndicated New Network (SNN.bz), our video episodes are seen worldwide.
As a writer and founding member of Women Writers Group of South Beach (WWG) in 2008, I published two books – “Inner Peace…It Isn’t Out There!” and “The Book of Story Rhymes”. (Several of my short stories are published in anthologies). WWG still meets weekly, and I am writing another book, “Musings” – in rhyme,
As a community activist, I am currently serving on the Miami Beach Commission for Women. Appointed by the sitting Miami Beach Commissioners and Mayor, the Commission for Women is an advocacy group that promotes and celebrates women’s accomplishments.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As Program Director and Project facilitator, and videographer/video editor, our projects and programming receive documented enthusiastic reactions from participants and viewers. However, raising funds to pay for them has been a major struggle. As a nonprofit, we have in the past received Grants (government and private foundations). Sadly, these past few years, fund-raising for small organizations, even well-established Center for Folk and Community Art, has been difficult.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In addition to writing and painting, I enjoy concentrating on editing “Alive on South Beach” video episodes and “It’s Just a Conversation” episodes. These “Conversations”, recorded on Zoom, are interviews with accomplished people in creative fields who talk about their paths to success. The purpose is to encourage others to consider pursuing a profession in a creative field.
I am now also actively engaged in a new outreach project – “What It Feels Like to Grow Older – Part II”. “What It Feels Like to Grow Older-Part I” was produced more than 30 years ago (WLRN-TV filmed and distributed the documentary nationwide on PBS stations). https://aliveonsouthbeach.com/growingolder
Part II – is an intergenerational, interactive documentary using advanced technology. https://aliveonsouthbeach.com/growingolder-part-2-trailer
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance, daily physical exercise, a supportive husband (together 53 years), my creative outlets, trustworthy friends, and a telehealth therapist when I need to vent!
Also confidence! I know that our projects are worthwhile. They are educational, inspirational, and entertaining.
Also, beneficial is my ability to ask questions, change direction when necessary, and use creativity to learn and grow.
Pricing:
- Our website, https://aliveonsouthbeach.com has a “store” with my artwork (and Stewart’s). Original paintings and prints are available for purchase along with ancillary products with our art (tote bags, tee-shirts, etc.).
- We also have a DONATE opportunity (button). Tax Deductible donated funds are directly deposited in the Center for Folk and Community Art bank account.
- To launch “What It Feels Like to Grow Older-Part II”, we would like to raise a minimum of $50,000 for a successful, professionally produced documentary. We are considering setting up a GoFundMe Nonprofit account as a possible method to raise funds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://denastewart.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/write2dena/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/dena.stewart.1232
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-stewart-AliveonSouthBeach
- Twitter: DenaStewart@IAmDenaStewart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cfcavideos
Image Credits
Dena Stewart in front of a vintage car parked on Ocean Drive, South Beach.
Dena Stewart and Stewart on Lincoln Road filming the introduction to “Alive On South Beach”.
