THE COLLABORATION:  Jimmy Cortez + Harry Hancock formed Collectivo Arte Libre after their visit to Jimmy's home country of Cuba and friending  Artists; Luis Miguel Rivero "Chachi" + Jonathan Joubert Galloso + Yuniel Delgado Castillo + Karina Ortiz Bermudez + Esteban Jimenez Guerra who had a desire to come to NYC and exhibit their paintings. The Pop-Up Art Event Team was moved by Jimmy and Harry's compelling story and desire to help their new friends experience the culture of manhattan. So we helped organize a fundraising campaign and art exhibition at Aicon Gallery in the heart of Soho. 

THE CREATION: "First Flight" Exhibit preview + fully funded campaign launch in support of 5 Cuban artists cultural exchange. The show sold out and the campaign was fully funded, enabling four of the five artists to travel from Cuba to NYC the summer of 2012 for a cultural exchange of a lifetime which included a workshop during the Cuban Cultural Festival at the Childrens Museum, Plein Air Painting Seminar in Central Park and a group exhibition at Aicon Gallery with performances by; Nicolle Guerra, Ariel De La Portilla, Carlos Cuevas + Dino Quarleri + Harry Hancock (Performance Art), with the support of our community partners; Los Perros Locos + Alegra + Aicon Gallery + Agozar + Flowers by Ivona + Graphics by Janice Byron. - May 01, 2013 - Aicon Gallery