NORTH MIAMI, FL.- Metal sculptures by artists Serge Jolimeau and Michée Ramil Remy will be on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami from April 16 – May 30, 2010. The artists, who live and work in Haiti, follow a long tradition of metalwork in their country, using hammers and chisels to transform metal oil drums into objects relating to natural elements of the Caribbean. Among the works included in the MOCA exhibition are the original artworks by both artists for the 2009 Clinton Global Citizen Awards, which are on loan from the Office of President William J. Clinton. The exhibition opening coincides with the Clinton Global Initiative University, a meeting for more than 1,000 college students who want to make a difference, which will be held at the University of Miami April 16-18.

"As the Haitian people work to build their country back better after the January earthquake, it has become more important than ever to assist Haitian artists and workers in their efforts to produce and sell their wonderful arts and crafts," said President Bill Clinton. "My Foundation is working closely with artisans on the ground as well as international retailers and designers, to help expand economic opportunity for more Haitians, and I am pleased that the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, has recognized the importance of this art form and the groundbreaking work of Serge Jolimeau and Michee Ramil Remy. Haitian art demonstrates the resilience and creativity of the Haitian people."

Bonnie Clearwater, MOCA's Executive Director and Chief Curator, notes "We are pleased to present the work of Serge Jolimeau who leads a community of Haitian artists who create intricate metal sculptures from recycled oil drums. Considered a master in this art form, Jolimeau has trained many of the best metal artisans in Haiti in his workshop including Michée Ramil Remy. This unique art form demonstrates the resourcefulness of these artists to transform industrial waste into works of fine art." Jolimeau's work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, in Biarritz, France as part of the Festival of Latin American Cultures, and in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.

As part of the City of North Miami’s Haitian Heritage Month Celebration, which kicks off on Saturday, May 1 in the MOCA Plaza from 3 pm to 9 pm, artist Michée Ramil Remy will demonstrate his metalwork at 4:30 pm. “North Miami is proud to have the opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Haiti, in its many forms, throughout the month of May. From art, to music to the taste of our cuisine, we celebrate our City’s diversity and commemorate the traditions of the Haitian people among all ages and all backgrounds for all of South Florida to enjoy,” expresses North Miami Mayor Andre D. Pierre.

The imagery of Michée Ramil Remy’s recycled steel drum art pays tribute to Haiti’s rich cultural heritage. Haitian country life is depicted as well as the mythological figure La Sirene themermaid. In 1994, Remy represented Haiti at the Smithsonian Institution's American Folklife Festival in Washington DC, and has also participated in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.

Metal sculptures by Serge Jolimeau and Michée Ramil Remy will be on view in the MOCA Lobby Gallery during regular museum hours, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm ; Wednesdays 1 pm to 9 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm.