Sculptor

​​Born in Havana, Cuba, Marc Andries Smit exiled to the United States in 1961. His innate sculptural talent permitted his acceptance into the University of Miami, Adult Center for Cuban Arts and Culture, at the age of 12. By the age of 13, he was the apprentice to the celebrated Cuban sculptor, Juan Lopez-Conde. After completing his studies in Political Science, Behavioral Sciences and Art History, he graduated in 1978 from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. From 1986 to 1987, he furthered his studies under the tutorship of the noted Spanish sculptor and painter, Ramon Lapayese. 

Marc Andries sculptures have been characterized as classical and powerful with strong emotional and psychological subjects. He has rendered pieces found in private collections in the United States and in Europe, such as Corpus Christi in the collection of Pope John Paul II.  Among his public artworks are the Padre Félix Varela Monument in Miami, Diaspora bas-relief at San Carlos Institute in Key West, the José Martí Monument in Orlando, FL, the Professor Richard Hausler Memorial bronze for the University of Miami School of Law and also Freedom Plaza – a park dedicated to José Martí, commemorating the Centennial of the Republic of Cuba, the Father Felix Varela bronze bust at the National Shrine, the Basilica of our Lady of Charity – Martyrs Monument and a bronze at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.  

Marc Andries holds memberships in the National Sculpture Society, Societá Dante Allighieri as well as other noted International organizations.  He conducts lectures and publishes articles relating to Art History with an emphasis on Monumental Sculpture.  He works and resides in Coral Gables, FL.​