The voices and experiences that surround Casa Atelier form an essential part of its identity. Together, they constitute a living framework; one that continues to develop through collaboration, reflection, and time.
WHO WE ARE
Jade Matarazzo
Founder & Direction
Jade Matarazzo is a cultural producer and art strategist whose work is centered on long-term artistic development and international cultural exchange. Over the course of her career, she has conceived and directed platforms that connect artists, institutions, and communities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, creating sustained contexts for artistic practice, dialogue, and circulation.
She is the founder of Casa Atelier and Casa Brasil Miami, and co-founder of Colecta, initiatives that reflect her commitment to building cultural structures, residencies, collaborative programs, publications, and public projects—that privilege process, continuity, and meaningful exchange. Trained at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, she brings a curatorial perspective to her work while maintaining a broader strategic focus on context, positioning, and cultural impact.
Her practice reflects an ongoing dedication to fostering thoughtful cultural ecosystems in which artists and ideas can evolve with clarity, responsibility, and care.
Kevin Kirstein
Director of Partnerships & Development
Kevin is a seasoned professional with a distinctive career trajectory that bridges the corporate and cultural sectors. With a foundation in financial services, he held leadership roles at firms such as Evercore ISI and Miller Tabak, focusing on client engagement, business development, and strategy.
Over the years, he built a strong network of senior professionals while helping guide growth across evolving markets. His transition into the cultural space has been both deliberate and natural, reflecting a longstanding interest in art, design, and hospitality.
As Director of Partnerships and Developments at Casa Atelier, Kevin brings a strategic lens to relationship-building, revenue generation, and curatorial collaboration. He works closely with institutions, galleries, and public-facing spaces to develop thoughtful initiatives alongside artists, designers, and cultural leaders.
Carol Damian, Ph.D.
Curatorial Advisor
Carol Damian, Ph.D., is an art historian and curator with an extensive career in museum leadership and academic research. She is the former Director of the Frost Art Museum and former Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at Florida International University. Her work has focused on modern and contemporary art, with particular emphasis on Latin American and Caribbean practices.
As Curatorial Advisor at Casa Atelier, Dr. Damian engages with resident artists through critical dialogue and advisory sessions, supporting the development of their research and practice within a broader art-historical and institutional context. Her contribution strengthens Casa Atelier’s commitment to thoughtful mentorship, intellectual rigor, and sustained artistic growth.
Silvana Soriano
Mentor Miami
Silvana is a Brazilian educator and visual artist whose work spans drawing, painting, and textile art. Through her dual role as an educator and artist, Silvana continues to inspire both emerging artists and established creatives, promoting artistic expression as a means of connection and transformation. Beyond her artistic career, Silvana is deeply committed to education, having developed and led numerous workshops and art programs aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking. She has worked closely with students of all ages, guiding them through artistic exploration while emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and personal expression. Her dedication to education extends to community-based projects that encourage dialogue and inclusivity through the arts.
With over two decades of experience, she has exhibited internationally in galleries and cultural institutions, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic practices.
