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Irene Albalat’s passion for art began in early childhood. Born and
raised in Alquizar, Cuba, a short distance from Havana, Irene began to
draw gestures of cartoons, dolls, and people at the age of five. Her
family, exceptionally humble and many of interesting talents. Her
father (Pedro Sanchez), an inventor, an innovator through out his life,
truly enjoyed crafting with his hands. It wasn’t an acquired taste for
Irene but rather an inherited talent. In 1980, her father decided to
travel to the United States of America. It was an unexpected departure
and as a result, she became more and more inspired to develop her
drawing skills. Her motivation was the recipient of the many drawings,
her father, whom anxiously collected all of Irene’s drawing’s during
their short but difficult separation. In her mind, this created for
them sort of a distant bond that kept father and daughter connected.
“I was too small to understand that my father left Cuba in search for
freedom. It was a big sacrifice he had to make leaving us behind and
migrating to the United States. Two years had passed before he was
able to find stability and a better lifestyle for us. Finally, after a
long two years, the longest in my life, my mother, my brother, and I
reunited with my father.” To Irene’s surprise, daddy had saved all of
her art work; it meant the world to Irene and truly sparked in her the
desire to continue learning and improving her work.
In 1982, Irene came to the United States, settling with her immediate family in Miami, Florida. Leaving behind other close relatives in Cuba often created a sense of nostalgia in her. She had to adapt and learn a whole new language which, she rapidly managed to succeed in. Undoubtedly, she could not have done it without the guidance and support of her Mother (Maria Elena Sanchez) whom, she shares a close and loving relationship with. During her grammar school years, Irene was continuously recognized with awards and trophies for her performance in the visual arts. Irene began to work at the age of 16 in a daycare center where she experienced her first encounter educating children. Here she was fortunate with the opportunity to not only showcase her talent by creating different works of art throughout the center and community, but also by helping to develop the talent of the children she taught. After a few years, her experience had grown tremendously. Heavily influenced by her colleagues, she attended Miami Dade Community College and graduated with an Associate in Elementary education. She then continued her academic pursuit by attending Florida International University where she successfully obtained a career in Art Education. By December of 2004, Irene had completed both a bachelors in Art Education and a Masters in Art Education from Florida International University. By then she had accomplished numerous master studies, showcased her work in multiple galleries, events, and most importantly created an all inspiring artist that shows the beauty of life through her paintings.
“I’d like to thank my family who has instilled in me the gift of being who I am today. Both my parents and brother have been role models to me. It is because of their nurturing and teachings that I have been able to find importance in fulfilling my goals and dreams. In addition, I have also been encouraged by my wonderful husband, whom I greatly appreciate and love. He has always believed in me and continues to stand by me. I’m glad I’ve become someone that they all can be proud of. I am blessed with carrying such wonderful memories of them. I will never forget the things that matter the most for they all, have and continue to make a difference in my life.”
Currently Irene Albalat is working as an Art Teacher at the Elementary level. In hopes of sharing her wisdom, joy and laughter with many, she has special plans to pass on her expertise in the field as well as, the fascination she has for the visual arts to those who want to learn and wish to live their dream like she did. “Now, it is just about expressing myself, my feelings, my thoughts and my emotions. I want to be able to share this with the world; what I see through my eyes, on canvas for all too hopefully enjoy”.
| education: | 1997 | AA Elementary Education |
| 2003 | Bachelors Science Art Education |
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| 2004 | Masters in Art Education |
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| awards: | 1993 | Visual Arts Award |
| 2000 | Painting Award, Art Exhibit Show 1 st Place |
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| 2001 | Artist Award |
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| 2004 | Artist Award |
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| exhibition: | 2002 | Latin American Art Museum |
| 2002 | Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School |
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| 2003 | Florida International University, Gallery |
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| 2003 | Fairchild Tropical Garden |
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| 2004 | Boarders Gallery “Painting Vizcaya” |
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| 2004 | Boarders Gallery “ Painting at Fairchild Garden” |
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| 2004 | Jackie Hinch Gallery |
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| 2004 | The Saloon At The Moors |
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| 2005 | Creative Therapy Center |
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| 2005 | CQ Gallery |
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| 2006 | Art Center/South Florida |
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| 2006 | CQ Gallery |
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| 2007 | Art Center/South Florida |
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| collection/ commission: |
2005 | CQ Gallery |
| 2005 | Jose Hernandez and Family |
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| 2006 | Mabel Morales |
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| 2006 | Julio Amoedo and Family |
