We had the good fortune of connecting with Dena Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dena, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Teamwork. Dena and Stewart get up, show up, trust our instincts, persevere, and remain consistent. Our multiple brands are successful because we are gratified by the way we spend our time. As artists/writers, we find time to paint and write. As facilitators for Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA), we continue to involve community members in our outreach projects. As producers of Alive On South Beach®™, we provide entertaining/educational videos that appeal to viewers of all ages.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Once Dena Stewart decided to leave corporate and be creative, she committed her time to painting. As an untrained Artist (painter), Dena’s folksy watercolor painting of a nighttime cityscape with a big Christmas tree in the foreground loaded with tiny ornaments became a UNICEF Greeting Card. It was issued three years in a row (1982, ‘83, ’84.). An original painting by Dena Stewart now had value. Stewart Stewart first chose to be an Actor. Then an Artist. And once Stewart Stewart became an Actor (SAG-AFTRA) and Artist, he, too, was dedicated to his purpose.
In New York, Dena and Stewart separately showed their paintings in Bank windows facing out on heavily trafficked streets, then together at the Greenwich Village Art Show, and in the exclusive Madison Avenue America’s Folk Heritage Gallery. As a team, with compatible folk art styles, they painted murals called Atmospheric Wall Illusions. Dena and Stewart’s Atmospheric Wall Illusions were featured in AP News (1985), Manhattan Cooperator (1986), and The Chicago Tribune (1990). They were commissioned to paint a vest-pocket park Atmospheric Wall Illusion in an alley of a real estate company, a wall in a Maternity Clothing Shop, and in private homes. Their artwork was seen. Separately and together they built a reputation as Artists.
When either Dena or Stewart had an idea to merchandise their art, they saw the idea through. Stewart’s idea for House Portraits came from a picture he saw in Country Living Magazine. So he did a painting of the farmhouse and submitted it. The editor reprinted the house alongside of the painting Stewart had done (1984). That turned into a business. People sent them photographs of their homes. Dena and Stewart took turns painting their folk-art version of these country homes and farm-houses. They figured out how to do what they looked forward to doing and pay their rent by doing it! Stewart also worked as an actor. appearing in 40+ movies and television shows.
In 1987, Dena and Stewart relocated to Miami Beach as the first Out-of-State Artists to be members of the South Florida Art Center (now known as Oolite Arts). They had a 1000+ sq. ft. storefront studio/gallery on Lincoln Road for $100 a month. However, a year later, recognizing that there were no Art buyers coming to the area, Dena and Stewart founded a non-profit organization Deco Echo Artists Delegation. The mission was to bring people to South Beach using Art Walks, live music, silent movies, gallery openings, and Costume Balls as the attraction. They received City grants (VCA and Cultural Arts Dept.) Separately, Dena and Stewart were appointed to City Committees and Boards. They became recognized community activists.
In 1989, “Christmas Tree in the City” card was again reissued by UNICEF and Dena Stewart became an Honorary Goodwill Ambassador entitling her to speak publicly (TV, Newspapers) on behalf of the Children’s Fund. This also provided opportunities to network and meet people in the media. Dena was awarded a Proclamation from the City of Miami Beach for her contribution to the City she now called home.
To promote their work, in addition to the exhibition space on Lincoln Road, Dena and Stewart had a section of the trendy South Beach Island Club to show/sell their Art, and be part of the Night Life scene in Miami. As South Beach became a destination for the modeling and film industries, Dena and Stewart developed a reputation for being “everywhere”.
In 1992, recognizing how lucky they were that Hurricane Andrew bypassed Miami Beach and their home and artwork were safe, Dena and Stewart jumped at the chance to pass their good luck forward. A musician-friend (“Earthman”) asked them to participate in a County-funded project he was organizing for the reopening of Metro-Zoo. He had written “Love Can Build Anything” a touching anthem for the event and selected Dena and/or Stewart to create a backdrop for his performance. Instead, Dena and Stewart went to a Middle School near Homestead. Many of the students were living in trailers on the schoolgrounds while their homes that were destroyed by the Hurricane, were being rebuilt.
Under their direction, the class of teenagers each wrote a brief statement describing what they saw, heard, and felt before, during, and after the hurricane. Then, on door panels Dena and Stewart along with the teens, painted pictures to illustrate what they wrote. The forty-eight foot long, movable Mural made its debut at the re-opening ceremony of the Zoo. During that day the mural was viewed by thousands of visitors, one of them being the Marketing Director of the Allstate Insurance Company. She invited Dena and Stewart to exhibit the mural at a special “Heroes of the Hurricane” awards dinner Allstate was co-producing with the Points of Light Foundation from Washington, D.C. At the event actor Jimmy Smits read a communiqué from newly elected President Clinton who mentioned the Mural he heard so much about, describing it as a symbol of healing and remembrance.
Friday before Labor Day, 1993. President Clinton was scheduled to host a town meeting where he would present a sizable check to the Mayor of Homestead to help rebuild the hurricane-damaged areas. They needed a backdrop for the stage. The “Love Can Build Anything” movable mural was selected – and Dena and Stewart were invited to attend the event.
Once given clearance to go inside the Center, Dena and Stewart were ushered to their seats. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton sat in the row in front of them. The Mural panels ran from one side of the stage to the other. In front of it sat the Mayor of Homestead, and President Clinton and two of his Cabinet Secretaries. International media had cameras set up all over the large auditorium.
After the speeches, the mural was mentioned in several, the President turned around and walked up close to look at the touching artwork and captions. As he fixated on the panel that said, “By signing this mural, I pledge to give a day of community service to rebuild South Florida…,” he took the cap off the attached black magic marker and signed his name, the act caught on camera by the Newspaper photographers and TV cameramen. This good-natured show ended the Town Hall meeting.
Dena and Stewart reached the aisle the same time Mrs. Clinton did. When she turned around to scan the audience, Stewart extended his hand. The First Lady graciously shook it and while those in front cleared out, Stewart started a small conversation with her. He told her about the project. Mrs. Clinton listened attentively, nodding her head as Stewart spoke.
“Come with me. You must meet my husband,” she said, taking Dena and Stewart by the arm, Dena on her right, Stewart on her left. She led them directly over to the President who was stepping off the stage. “Bill, these are the artists who did the Mural project,” she told him. With a big smile, President Clinton leaned in close and in his soft gravelly voice said, “This mural is great. Keep on doing these kinds of community projects. They really help.”
So following the President’s advice, Dena and Stewart renamed their non-profit organization Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA) and created “Telling Stories Through Visuals” (TSTV) outreach program. The new mission: To use a combination of writing and art as tools for intervention, prevention, and education. Funded with government Grants and private tax-deductible donations, Dena and Stewart continue to facilitate “TSTV” outreach projects to address social issues and improve the human condition, just as President Bill Clinton told them to do! Since then, their model “Telling Stories Through Visuals “program has received extensive recognition and awards. It is a Lesson Card in the SRA/McGraw-Hill reading and language arts program – Imagine it!, a comprehensive literacy tool used in schools in more than 50 countries around the world.
Using his talent as an Actor, Stewart was co-hosting an online radio show with a friend living in Chile. They interviewed successful businesspeople. In 2011, Stewart was contacted by the President of Syndicated News (SNN.bz). She heard his interview technique and invited him to do an online video show focused on South Beach, the most desirable tourist destination at the time.
Having lived on South Beach for well over three decades, Stewart agreed to be the on-camera host/interviewer. Dena bought a camcorder and video editing program and taught herself how to use them. Alive on South Beach®™, an entertaining, man-on-the-street style interview show, became the anchor for the SyndicatedNews.Net platform (SNN.bz). When the content produced grew so extensively, it moved to AliveOnSouthBeach.com directly linked to SNN.bz — capable of toggling back and forth from site to site to generate more traffic . . . so much so, Alive on South Beach®™ videos can be found on the BAIDU search engine in China. In addition to Alive on South Beach®™ videos, the AliveonSouthBeach.com platform includes several categories: In-depth CONVERSATIONS with successful people in a variety of creative professions, Stewart’s Art, Dena’s Art, and Community Art (Center for Folk and Community Art projects). The website has a store to sell artwork and art-to-wear.
Dena has written two books: “The Book of Story Rhymes – Tales of Unpredictable People and the Baggage They Carry”.
“Inner Peace . . . It Isn’t Out There!”
She has also contributed to two anthologies: “Miami Off The Page” and “Transitions”, both books by the Women Writers Group of South Beach, a writing group Dena co-founded more than fifteen years ago.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As producers of Alive on South Beach®™ with media credentials, Dena and Stewart have had the privilege of attending exclusive restaurant openings, food festivals, trade shows, promotional events, art gallery parties, and Art Basel|Miami Beach and the Art Miami satellite Art Fairs. That being said, when their best friend visits off season, they enjoy the culture, food, and entertainment Miami and Miami Beach have to offer.
Their favorite local restaurants, not in any order – just based on mood and time of day – are:
“Havana 1957” on Lincoln Road. The food is consistently good, authentic Cuban cuisine served by friendly waiters. Although a bit “touristy” the outdoor seating is pleasant.
Moshi Moshi (Japanese cuisine) Washington Ave. This dine in or outdoors restaurant has a fabulous Happy Hour menu – large portions at half price, and reasonably priced alcoholic beverages. And the food is delicious.
Harry’s Pizza (Meridian Ave) – Full Italian menu with Happy Hour pizza for under $10.
Dena and Stewart are Happy during Happy Hour!
For weekend brunch there’s Café Bernie, located in the back of a condo building in mid-beach. The outdoors seating overlooks Indian Creek. Nice ambiance.
And the seasonal Sunday Antique and Vegetable/Fruit markets on Lincoln Road are fun.
Of course, they would include culture during the visit. The Bass, Jewish Museum, Wolfsonian, and WEAM (World Erotic Art Museum) are easy to get to on the Beach. In Miami, The Perez Art Museum (PAMM) and the Historical Hampton House are worthwhile. And while in Miami, Wynwood is a definite destination. The outdoor murals are eye-catching and the art galleries have stimulating exhibits.
During the evenings, there are several choices depending on the month. The New World Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a wonderful experience. The Soundscape Cinema series shows films for free on a 7,000-square-foot outdoor projection wall at the New World Center, is a treat. In North Beach, the 73rd Street Bandshell features performers from all over the world.
Of course, during the day – slather on the sunscreen and relax on the beach.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dena and Stewart initially followed their own professional career paths. Stewart was a Publicist. Dena was a high school teacher, textbook editor, and corporate executive. At the end of the day neither was gratified from doing their work. Both Dena and Stewart owe their subsequent successes to different people, all along the way.
SHOUTOUTS
S. Blotnick (Columnist, Forbes Magazine) encouraged Dena and Stewart to decide what they would love to do with their time — then figure out a way to get paid for doing it.
Ellie Schneiderman (Director, South Florida Art Center) enticed Dena and Stewart to relocate from NYC to Miami Beach to be pioneers in the Artist community.
Tom Bellucci (Owner/Developer – Island Club) gave Dena and Stewart space in the Island Club to show/sell their paintings and art-to-wear, and a social venue to network and subsequently participate in the South Beach night life.
Lanny Eliot Smith (“Earthman” – musician/song writer) provided an opportunity for Dena and Stewart to pass their good luck and abilities forward after Hurricane Andrew to help people who were traumatized by the devastating natural disaster.
Former President Bill Clinton – encouraged Dena and Stewart to create an outreach organization with their Telling Stories Through Visuals (TSTV) program that was ultimately recognized as a model writing and art-making program that has consistently helped improve community communication.
Syndicated News Network (SNN.bz) – Ruthie Ditucci, President – for giving Stewart a platform to host Alive on South Beach and Dena an opportunity to learn how to be a videographer/video-editor, blogger.
Website: https://aliveonsouthbeach.com
Instagram: Write2Dena
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-stewart-AliveonSouthBeach
Twitter: @IAmDenaStewart
Facebook: https://facebook.com/dena.stewart.1232
Other: linkedin.com/in/stewart-stewart-08028623/
https;//SNN.bz