SAYING GOODBYE TO ROSA DE LA CRUZ: THE HEART BEHIND THE MIAMI ART SCENE

Bruz Rubin, friend and spokesman for the family, confirmed that the collector Rosa de la Cruzo passed away at her home early Sunday morning. Although her health condition was delicate, De la Cruz remained an active participant in the art scene and her family's collection until her last days.

Rosa de la Cruz was a collector and promoter of projects and initiatives that spread and positioned numerous artists in Miami's contemporary art scene. Together with her husband Carlos, they were dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in the Miami art community through programs and scholarships.

Rosa was born in 1944 in Havana, Cuba, where she met her husband. In 1975 they settled in Miami where they raised a large family and Rosa began to promote exhibitions, artist commissions and educational programs, while organizing visits to her home to show her private collection of works to interested parties.

De la Cruz established the non-profit Moore Space in 2001, one of the first private exhibition spaces in Miami. Then in 2009, along with her husband, she opened the De La Cruz Collection in Miami's Design District. Her goal was to showcase her extensive art collection and offer free lectures to the public. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Christopher Wool, Mark Bradford and the late Ana Mendieta. Many of these pieces have been loaned for international exhibitions.

"Rosa will be remembered for her unwavering passion and keen eye, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly influenced Miami's contemporary art scene," states an official release from the de la Cruz Collection. In addition, they are inviting donations to The Miami Foundation to honor her, continuing Rosa's commitment to support students and emerging artists.