For the first time ever, Florida International University’s Department of Art + Art History will exhibit the work of its Academy of Portrait & Figurative Art in The Frank’s newest exhibition, “The Academy.” A classical art Atelier with courses in drawing and painting, FIU’s Department of Art + Art history is led by its founder David Chang, a classically-trained artist, professor and chair of the department. The Academy of Portrait & Figurative Art is a place where pupils learn one-on-one with a master to perfect their drawing and painting. It remains the first of its kind at a public university in the nation. Since its inception, many of FIU’s most talented students and alumni have become a part of this unique and competitive experience at the university, establishing it as a leader of visual art in higher education.

Presented by The Frank and the City of Pembroke Pines, The Academy will open with a reception on Thursday, February 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Reception guests will enjoy spoken word performances by rhetorical poet, Adam Keene, as well as a delicate musical ambience created by Lee Fei Chen, harpist for the Miami Wind Symphony.

The new exhibition will be on display through April 25. For a limited time, the Third Space Gallery will feature an exhibition of digital paintings by Elton Burgest. The Frank Aisles will showcase works by Colby DeGraaf.

For more information about The Frank, call 954.392.2120, email thefrank@ppines.com  or visit thefrankgallery.org The Frank art gallery is located at 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines FL 33025. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.