Five MAST Academy seniors from Virginia Key will exhibit their artwork alongside their art teacher's work at Barry University's Andy Gato Gallery in Miami Shores from Nov. 5-18.

Alexsandra Papp, Gabriela Duque, Maitane Riveros Izquierdo, Mara Coloma and Rosario Aberastury were selected for the "Guiding Hands, Creative Minds" exhibition, MAST Academy announced. Their art teacher, Eduardo R. Lacayo, will also display his work.

The exhibition pairs Miami-Dade County Public Schools art teachers with their students, placing original works by educators alongside student pieces that reflect their teachers' artistic styles, techniques and creative influences.

A free public opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition runs through Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Students build on artistic achievements

Several of the participating seniors have previously exhibited their artwork or received recognition for their artistic accomplishments.

Aberastury won the Village of Key Biscayne's "Our Game, Our World: FIFA World Cup 2026" art competition for her painting "La Fiesta Del Mundial."

Duque exhibited at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition in March 2025. Aberastury and Riveros Izquierdo also participated in a three-dimensional art exhibition that spring, according to MAST Academy's accomplishments and awards page.

Lacayo, a former president of the Dade Art Educators Association, received the organization's 2023 educator award.

"I am proud of my students and their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their artwork showcased in this wonderful exhibition!" Lacayo wrote in an Instagram post announcing the selections.

MAST Academy Principal Michael H. Gould also received recognition from the Dade Art Educators Association, earning its Paul Heithaus Outstanding Administrator Award on Oct. 5 for his support of arts education.

Student-teacher mentorship

"Guiding Hands, Creative Minds" highlights the relationship between art teachers and students throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Participating educators display their own work alongside pieces created by students they have mentored, illustrating how artistic techniques and creative approaches are passed from teachers to young artists.

MAST Academy also participated in the exhibition in 2024, when five students and Lacayo displayed work at the same gallery.

The Andy Gato Gallery is on the second floor of Thompson Hall at Barry University, 11300 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores.

Admission and the Nov. 5 opening reception are free.