MIAMI BEACH SUPPORTS ALIVE ON SOUTH BEACH
ALIVE ON SOUTHBEACH HAS BEEN TEACHING FAMILY VALUES FOR DECADES.
BY RUTHIE DITUCCI
Miami Beach Artists Celebrate “Alive on South Beach” with Community Recognition and City Support
Telling Stories Through Visuals (TSTV) – A Family Friendly Art and Values Program (FAVP)
Overview
Founded in 1993 by Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA) artists/educators Stewart-Stewart and Dena Stewart, Telling Stories Through Visuals (TSTV) is a family friendly initiative designed to strengthen bonds and promote positive values through creative expression.
Targeting all age groups, TSTV encourages people to share stories rooted in responsibility and community through writing, illustration, and, since 2011, video projects. The program fosters a safe space for young and old to explore mutual respect, and the importance of strong familial ties and friendships, countering the challenges of modern cultural shifts with wholesome activities.
Program Mission
Telling Stories Through Visuals (TSTV) empowers community members to uphold constructive principles—such as personal responsibility, mutual respect for one another’s traditions, and the sanctity of peaceful coexistence—through collaborative art projects.
Key Projects
Designed to instill respectful values, Telling Stories Through Visuals (TSTV) projects emphasize themes that encourage resilience, manners, empathy, and community, using art as a tool to teach and connect.
Growing Older – Part II (2025 – ) A collaboration with all generations participating. Stories told and illustrated by grandparents, parents, and children relating the importance of honest communication.
Visually Speaking (2022–2025) Conversations with leaders and role models who share inspirational stories about their lives. These conversations, followed by group forums, encourage participants to reflect on applying integrity and kindness in daily life as a definition of success. Videos are shared online to inspire people worldwide.
The Pink Bluesman – A Faithful Friend (2021–2022) A heartwarming story about a unique young person overcoming peer pressure through loyalty and faith, depicted through 40+ original paintings. This 30-minute video, narrated by artist Stewart Stewart, introduces Blues music and folk art. The story emphasizes friendship, faith, forgiveness, and courage.
Letters from the Heart (2019–2020) Teenagers write and illustrate letters expressing gratitude, love, or forgiveness to strengthen family bonds and friendships. This project encourages emotional honesty and reconciliation.
Respect and Responsibility (2018–2019) Explores how teenagers become role models by earning respect through accountability with one another and with family. It addresses ways to handle disagreements with grace while upholding integrity and dignity.
Standing Strong (2016–2017) Teenagers learn ways to address challenges while focusing on resilience, fairness, and standing firm in their principles and values.
Let’s Be Kind (2015–2016) A project encouraging people of all ages to discuss kindness and empathy, teaching children to reject hurtful behavior.
Building Healthy Connections (2014–2015) Teenagers explore ways to build strong, respectful relationships with family and friends, emphasizing trust, communication, and shared values.
Embracing Our Heritage (2012–2014) Teenagers reflect on their cultural and familial heritage, celebrating shared traditions and values while appreciating their own community’s roots.
Earthquake in Little Haiti (2011) Miami’s Haitian families used art to share stories of faith and resilience after the Haiti earthquake, reinforcing the importance of family support during crises.
Honoring Our Elders (2010) Children and Senior citizens create art and share stories to bridge generational gaps, teaching children to value their families and friends and learn from their elders’ wisdom.
United We Stand (2002–2003) Families nationwide contributed their stories, emphasizing the need for unity and patriotism post-9/11. A tapestry of these stories and artwork was displayed at the New York City Public Library.
Love Can Build Anything (1992–1993) Children coped with Hurricane Andrew’s aftermath through art, creating a mural signed by President Clinton. This project taught families to support each other through adversity. It was featured as a Lesson Card in the SRA/McGraw-Hill Open Court program used in 50+ countries.
Impact and Recognition
Sep. 11, 2013, Alliance for Aging Positive Living Award presented to “Dena & Stewart Stewart in recognition and appreciation of your outstanding commitment to making our community a better place to live.”
Jan. 16, 2006, Picture of the County Day, Miami-Dade County, Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners
Jan. 14, 2002, Teen Date Abuse Awareness Day, Miami-Dade County, Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners
Sep. 26, 2000, Building Bridges-Healing our Community Day, Office of the Mayor, Miami-Dade County
Sep. 23, 1998, What it Feels Like to Live with HIV/AIDS, Office of the Mayor, San Diego, CA
Oct. 28, 1998, What it Feels Like to Live with HIV/AIDS, Office of the Mayor, City of Dallas, TX
Dec. 1, 1998, What it Feels Like to Live with HIV/AIDS, Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County
May 7, 1996, Folk & Community Art Day for All About Crime outreach project, City of Miami Beach
May 7, 1996, CFCA Day, Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County
Oct. 11, 1994, Deco Echo Day, Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County
