MIAMI. FLA.- Art is a form of expression which, in many cases, reflects how others impacted the artist’s life. Such is the case of talented artist Constance McSilver (a.k.a. Constance Silver), who showcased her new works at a private champagne reception during Miami Art Week, one of the busiest times of the year for the local, national and international art communities.

Held on Dec. 3, the affair was hosted by the FIU College of Architecture + The Arts at Miami Beach Urban Studios, a multipurpose venue located in the heart of Miami’s South Beach. Special guests included FIU President Mark Rosenberg, CARTA Dean Brian Schriner, Sir Alan Duddle and New York University Board of Trustees member Phyllis Barsch.

McSilver’s unique style is influenced by her background as a psychoanalyst and social worker, resulting in colorful and whimsical 2- and 3-dimensional masked human figures that come to life and transcend into a boundless fantasy world. All of the proceeds of McSilver’s sales (over $50,000 were sold), will benefit the Martin and Constance Silver Awards, a scholarship fund created by the artist and her husband, Martin. The program awards FIU Interior Architecture students who best integrate artwork and collections of art into their interior architecture designs. It promotes the integration of art in interior architecture, while focusing on understanding why and how to form a creative relationship between the art pieces and the environment that houses them.

Initiatives like this are not new to McSilver, who along with her husband co-founded the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research housed by the New York University. Behind the gifted hands, talented mind and gentle smile, there is also a strong, intelligent and hard-working woman who is passionate about her art and making a difference in the community, in this case by touching the lives of future generations of architects and interior designers. “The talent and generosity of Constance McSilver have significantly impacted our students' lives, and for that we are grateful” says Brian Schriner, Dean of the FIU College of Architecture + The Arts.

Constance McSilver is an artist with an unusual and exceptional background. A PHD, Psychoanalyst, acclaimed social worker, and gifted artist. Her experiences with human challenges motivate her work, which explores the intricacies of the psyche with a unique and often humorous perspective. She is Vice Chairman of the Board of the New York University and founder of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. As she has been touched in her professional life, her personal expression is vivid and inspiring, revealing in vibrant imagery the struggles and triumphs that we face as human beings.