Golden Valley-based real estate agent Michael Avrom Appleman never expected his first Cuban trip to spark a lasting love for the country and its art.
In his late 50s, Appleman was curious to learn more about the Jewish community in Cuba.
Cuba once had 15,000 Jews. The majority of them resided in Havana where there were five synagogues and approximately six Jewish day schools.
Following the revolution, 94 percent emigrated to Miami, Florida.
Present day, Cuba is home to less than 1,500 Jews, 85 percent of whom live in Havana.
During his initial trip, Appleman saw firsthand how poor the country’s citizens were. Many made $25 per month or $1 per day, including doctors. It was then he decided to help, but traveling to Cuba had its restrictions.
Beginning in the 1960s, the only acceptable reasons for visiting Cuba included religious purposes or visiting family.
Appleman’s first return to Cuba was for religious activities. He brought with him religious items and clothing to distribute to the Cubans.
During his trips to Havana, he took notice of the many artists along the streets with paintings.
“I discovered that the art on the street was just fantastic,” he said.
In 2009, Appleman traveled to Cuba with a synagogue on a mission trip and visited artist Jose Fuster’s house.
Appleman recalled Fuster’s entire neighborhood having mosaic retaining walls. Fuster then introduced him to several other artists.
Once Appleman brought a few pieces home, he discovered that Twin Cities residents loved them as much as he did.
Because of the trade embargo between Cuba and the U.S., no art can be imported to the United States except for $100 worth that must travel as baggage in the visitor’s plane, but Appleman had a goal in mind.
“I want the world to know about the dire situation of the Cuban people, but the great culture, including music and art,” he said.
With a trade embargo still in place, nothing, including art, can be sent between the U.S. and Cuba.
The only way around the trade embargo and traveling restriction was to obtain a license from the U.S. Department of Treasury Cuban Assets Control, which Appleman did. The license, renewed annually, allows him to travel to Cuba and export as much artwork as he likes.
For larger pieces of art, Appleman rolls them into a large tube to be placed on the plane. Cuba requires people to pay a tax on large artwork. If the tax is not paid upon arrival to the airport, the artwork is confiscated.
Upon arriving home from Cuba, Appleman has some of the pieces framed, hangs them in his office and art gallery, and sells them to interested buyers.
All but a few of his favorites are for sale.
Small pieces cost as little as $25 and larger pieces can cost up to $5,000.
Money raised from sales benefit different organizations in the metro, often Jewish related, while supporting the Cuban artists as well.
Appleman makes no profit for his efforts. Instead, he does it as philanthropic work. He now travels to Cuba two to three times per year collecting art.
Most of his pieces come from 10 Cuban artists Appleman has become friends with including Jose Fuster, Sade, Allina, Avila and Zaide.
Many of his pieces are created by Jose Fuster, Cuba’s Pablo Picasso, and Sade, Cuba’s Gustave Moreau.
Paintings vary from Cuban landscapes to abstract cityscapes, people and shapes.
In 2011, Appleman hosted a successful art exhibit at his gallery where all funds made from art sales benefited Beth El Synagogue.
Four years later, he plans to do it again.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, he will host his second large art exhibit, this time raising money for Talmud Torah, a Jewish school in St. Louis Park.
All visitors will sip on mojitos, a popular Cuban beverage, and nibble on Cuban hors d’oeuvres as they browse the artwork.
VIP guests will go home with a package of Cuban coffee and a small art piece.
Tickets cost $18 for admission. VIP tickets are $118.
Due to his work in Cuba, Appleman has helped a few artists travel to the U.S. for their first time.
For several years, Appleman has traveled and exported art thanks to his license.
It was not an easy process but one that was worth it, according to Appleman.
However, now he does not need a license to travel there.
Recently, under Barack Obama’s presidency, the restrictions for visiting Cuba were partially lifted and now include travel for exportation of informational materials.
Appleman said under the new regulations many more people can begin traveling to Cuba, including individuals interested in exporting art. Once more Cuban art reaches America, prices of the art will increase.
Despite the possible increase in Cuban art availability, Appleman has no intention on ceasing his passion for Cuba and the arts.
For more info, visit cubanogallery.com
Contact Gina Purcell at gina.purcell@ecm-inc.com