Renowned Autistic Artist Vito Bonanno's Artwork in the Corporate Collections of AMAZON and Google

 

Image: 'Journal', by internationally collected artist Vito Bonanno's Dreams & Reminiscing series (2020) - made with oil paint, india ink, oil stick or oil paint pen on canvas, 30″H x 40″W. This painting was acquired by Google for their Leesburg, VA offices.

Bonanno taps into the daily emotional and social challenges of living with autism, placing his innermost feelings onto canvas. He is an award-winning, world-famous artist with a career spanning back to his childhood.

Internationally collected artist Vito Bonanno taps into the daily emotional and social challenges of living with autism, placing his innermost feelings onto canvas. The New England-based artist's work is image and concept-driven and embedded in his personal philosophy. His art contains the essence of his life, feelings, thoughts, and dreams, coupled with objects or topics that "get stuck in his head", including traffic lights, grids, ceiling fans, graffiti, and pop culture. Corporate clients include AMAZON, Google, and The Hartford.

Vito is aligned with ArtLifting, which is a non-for-profit art organization that empowers artists living with disabilities through the celebration and sale of their artwork. ArtLifting is about creating opportunity, empowerment, and validation. This collaboration opened many new and exciting opportunities for the artist, which includes his work in Google's corporate collection, with art hanging in their Leesburg, VA offices, as well as Amazon, for one of their corporate buildings in Seattle, Washington.

Bonanno was diagnosed with PDD/Autism just before his 4th birthday. Because he was language delayed, his parents and teachers developed strategies that tapped into his high visual acuity, utilizing storyboard styles to relay academic and social information. He was also encouraged to draw in storyboard format to express his feelings. The storyboard grid remains prominent in his work and studio preparation today and is a poignant reminder of a boy who was trapped in his own mind. For more information about this artist, for inquiries, or to commission work contact vito@vitobonanno.com / visit https://vitobonanno.com/

Art Exhibition 'Memory Soup' at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale

 

Memory Soup is an exhibition at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale showcasing artwork in all media by Broward County teens curated by student members of NSU Art Museum’s Teen Art Council, which highlights the unique perspectives and experiences of teens across Broward County. On view from April 4 – 14, 2024.

The Teen Art Council (TAC) at NSU Art Museum embraces teens and empowers peers within the museum space by providing programming and support that enhances leadership skills, critical-thinking and developmental milestones for an emerging professional. By fostering a designated, incubated safe space for teens’ perspectives to convene, NSU Art Museum initiates lifelong relationships with the teen demographic. Its mission is to create spaces and programs for teen representation and bridge the gap between teenagers and NSU Art Museum.

NSU Art Museum Teen Art Council (TAC) Ambassador Seraphina Wagner pictured with one of her three artworks in the exhibition 'Memory Soup', floral sculpture made with metal wire, fine beads and stones with various jewelry elements.

Art Duo KX2, sisters Dana Kleinman & Ruth Avra on view at Coral Springs Art Museum

CORAL SPRINGS MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Opening April 11:    "NEAR THE RIVERS THERE ARE MANY LARGE SPRINGS"  A Group Exhibition with MILENA ARANGO, DONNA RUFF, KX2 (RUTH AVRA AND DANA KLEINMAN) KX2 is delighted to announce the opening of their new group exhibition at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. This exhibition invites viewers to consider the Florida landscape and explore the evolving environment through the artistic perspectives they have, along with two other distinguished South Florida artists. KX2's collective endeavor is rooted in an exploration of raw data analysis, the innovative use of repurposed materials, and a deep reverence for nature. Central to their narrative is the critical discourse surrounding the evolving environmental dynamics of our region. This exhibition will present an array of new works from their studio that not only exemplify the evolution of their practice but also reflect their unwavering commitment to these vital themes. Additionally, KX2 is privileged to feature a new installation of their noteworthy wall sculpture "Boil Notice" reflecting data from March 2024 which serves as a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with natural resources and infrastructure. The opening reception will be on April 11th, 5:30-8pm and art lovers and collectors are cordially invited to join as we all celebrate this occasion.  Ghost Gear, 2024 (studio installation view) polished stainless steel with found fishing rope, beach debris, paint and mixed media   About the exhibit:   Near the rivers there are many large springs is an exhibition that highlights the Florida landscape from the lenses of four South Florida artists that use historical elements, raw data, repurposed materials, and nature to create awareness of the changing environment in the area. Milena Arango’s leaf imprints on paper and textile using natural pigments extracted from the teak tree serve as a reflection of her personal journey. Her 197-feet long VTG (Vestigium Tectona Grandis) exposes traces of leaves and the effects of land and water from multiple landscapes. Donna Ruff’s interest in history and the tropical landscape led her to discover archival landscape photographs in a 1920’s book by John Kunkel Small. Inspired by his call to protect Florida’s wetlands a century ago, Ruff’s created silkscreens from her landscape photographs on locations previously captured by Small, and printed them on pages of a book by Small that identifies flora in Miami. KX2 presents artworks made with repurposed materials, raising awareness on issues related to climate change and water infrastructure. Boil Notice focuses on a lack of access to potable water, industrial waste pollution, and the effect of climate change on our water infrastructure. And works from Obstruction Series aim to raise an awareness of the dependence on the vast and hidden networks of utility pipes of our modern world and the pressures they face with climate change, population growth and pollution. The title of the exhibition comes from the book Ferns of Florida by John Kunkel Small, repurposing a phrase used to describe the lavish conditions that Florida’s landscape offers for the abundant growth of ferns. For an exhibition that celebrates repurposing, re-using, and recovering, the use of this phrase, written almost a hundred years ago, serves as a reminder of the natural conditions of the land we currently inhabit. Exhibition On View: April 11 through July 20, 2024 MORE INFORMATION

Public Art Call! #CallToArtists: City of Pembroke Pines Interactive Wall Public Art Project

Request for Artist Qualifications 
City of Pembroke Pines Interactive Wall Public Art Project 

Introduction: 

The City of Pembroke Pines is seeking an artist or artist team to design, fabricate, and install site-specific interactive artwork for attachment to an exterior wall at the Charles F. Dodge City Center. The artwork should be visually appealing and include an interactive component to actively engage the building's visitors. 

Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 18, 2024 

Budget: $15,000 The project budget is all inclusive, including but not limited to artist fees, consultants, fabrication, storage, transportation, installation, permits and insurance provisions. Shortlisted artists must submit a detailed budget list. 

Artwork Opportunity: The City of Pembroke Pines is interested in commissioning a dynamic exterior artwork that: 

• Creates a sense of place. 

• Creatively enhances the exterior wall. 

• Actively engages the visitors of the building. 

• Compliments the surrounding environment. 

Join us- Progress with Us (The City’s History) Though the City of Pembroke Pines is the 10th largest of Florida’s 400+ municipalities, its friendly small-town feel is why so many call it home. Pembroke Pines is conveniently located in southwest Broward County with easy accessibility to primary highways and interstates, key employment centers, entertainment venues, parks, golf courses, restaurants, and retail/commercial destinations. 

Named “one of the best cities to live in America,” Pembroke Pines is home to over 170,000 residents. Its 28 superior parks and lush landscaping throughout neighborhoods and public places enhance the City’s natural beauty and South Florida charm. The city was named "2014's Best City of Hispanic Entrepreneurs" by WalletHub and was ranked by Money Magazine as #32 in the top #50 "Best Places to Live 2014" as well as being the only Florida city on that list. 

Location of Artwork: The interactive artwork will be located at The Charles F. Dodge City Center Pembroke Pines home to the City of Pembroke Pines City Hall, Commission Chambers, and the Frank Art Gallery.  

The wall overlooks a walkway / intimate patio area between The Frank Art Gallery and the City Commission Chambers. 

The overall wall size is 55 feet wide X 25 feet tall. The artwork should interact with a portion of the wall. 

Selection Criteria: This Request for Qualifications is open to professional artists, eighteen years of age or older, residing in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties. Applicants should demonstrate through their submission materials that they have the skills and experience to successfully complete a public art project. Professional artists with strong experience in executing their ideas through to completion, meeting deadlines, and budgets are encouraged to apply. 

Selection Process: Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop preliminary conceptual design proposals. Each shortlisted artist will receive information about the project and have a minimum of one month to prepare a preliminary design proposal for review by the Artist Selection Panel. Shortlisted artists will be paid an honorarium of $500 for the proposal. 

Submission Requirements: Applications must be submitted to Susana Villegas, Cultural Arts Assistant, City of Pembroke Pines at svillegas@ppines.com 

1. Resume/CV 

2. Letter of interest – Limit 1 page Describe your interest in working on this project and the most relevant comparable projects from the last ten years. 

3. Existing public artwork images Submit a minimum of two (3) and up to five (5) relevant images of completed artworks or commissions from the last ten years. 

4. Image reference sheet Provide a description for each image submitted and include title, location, cost/budget, date completed, materials, dimensions, commissioning agency (if applicable) 

MOCA North Miami Announces 2024 Art On The Plaza Artists

Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami Announces 2024 Art On The Plaza Artists Three South Florida artists presenting temporary public art installations on MOCA’s Plaza L-R: Yanira Collado, Christopher Mitchell, and Nicole Salcedo Courtesy of the artists. The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) is pleased to announce the 2024 Art On The Plaza Artists: Yanira Collado, Christopher Mitchell, and Nicole Salcedo. This annual program, inaugurated in 2020, provides an opportunity for South Florida artists to engage with the museum and its community, employing MOCA’s front plaza as a platform to elevate their site-specific, temporary public art installations. “As part of our mission, we’re dedicated to showcasing the creative breadth and scholarship of Miami’s local artists while also providing opportunities for the community to access and engage with our city's vibrant arts scene,” said Chana Sheldon, MOCA Executive Director. “Over the years, MOCA has steadfastly supported local artists and fostered community engagement through accessible, free programming. Offering programs like Art on the Plaza is a core tenet to that ongoing commitment.” The three installations will be sequentially displayed at MOCA throughout the year, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with a variety of themes, such as cultural identity and heritage, mythology and spirituality, nature and environment, and transformation through reflection.

Spectacular Contemporary Glass Art by Renowned Glass Artist Abby Modell

Abby Modell - Hamptons Fine Art Fair

Abby Modell is a widely collected and acclaimed glass artist. Her works were most recently featured at the iconic Bloomingdale’s 2023 Holiday Windows flagship store in NYC. 

MoonCraters and Starburst Mirrors, 2023
Back-painted glass panels, hand-blown glass attachments, luster mirror, fire-polished glass,
Swarovski crystals, Crackle and silver mirror, hand-blown glass, framed, 10’H x 7’W

She has exhibited collections at numerous fine art fairs and galleries including the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Scope Miami, Art New York, SOFA Chicago and Architectural Digest Design Show, NYC. Most recently Abby Modell had a phenomenal solo exhibition of her work at Art Palm Beach Fair January 24-28, 2024 - the exhibit showcased new pieces from Modell’s ‘Starburst Collection’ including the Starburst Butterfly Mirrors and Cosmic Star. 

Candy Pretzel Wall Mirror, 2023
Back-painted glass/assemblage, glass orbs, RockGems on framed mirror, 36”D

Featured from her new ‘Candy Collection’ are Lollipop sculptures and wall art, and the Sprinkled Pretzel. Also shown are vibrantly colored oversized handblown glass mirrored Zero Gravity Golf Balls. Glass assemblages using fire-polished and mirrored glass with Swarovski crystals create infinite reflections in the work.

Cosmo Series Illuminated Sculptures Orange-Amethyst-Lime Green

Modell’s work has been exhibited at private homes, corporate collections and museums, including the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the world headquarters of Morgan Stanley in NYC, the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA, the 1st International Biennale of Santorini, Greece, and the 1st International Heclectik-Art Glass Biennial in Portugal. Commissioned collections include the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Windows NYC, Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas luxury cruise ship, and the Faberge Big Egg Hunt in NYC.

New Collection Candy Swirl Art Glass

Modell is proud to partner with a zero-waste certified sustainable glass finishing studio committed to reducing environmental impact on our planet. By recirculating applied glass into many of Modell’s pieces during their creation, the studio honors and preserves the earth and our resources.

Luscious Lollipops Trio Sculpture, 2023
Hand-blown glass/assemblage, mirrored, fire-polished, glass, solid glass pop stick, 46”H x 16”D

#ArtExhibit --> Art lovers are invited to explore NAEMI's 35th Anniversary Exhibit, "A Celebration of Outsider Art" at Studio 18 in the City of Pembroke Pines

 

Experience NAEMI's 35th Anniversary Exhibit, "A Celebration of Outsider Art" at Studio 18 in the Pines, on view through May 9th. The National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill (NAEMI), founded in 1988, celebrates its 35th anniversary with a compelling display that showcases the raw and unfiltered beauty of outsider art. This genre, often marginalized and overlooked, emerges as a vibrant and essential voice in artistic dialogue. 

The exhibition features the unique works of 25 internationally acclaimed artists, including Echo MacCallister and Mr. Imagination from the USA, Ramon Losa from Spain, and notable Cuban artists Jorge Alberto Cadi "El Buzo," Julian Espinosa Rebollido "Wayacon," and Hector Gallo, along with Sebastian Ferreira from Paraguay. 

NAEMI's collection showcases the diversity and historical context of outsider art, which often illustrates creativity from socially marginalized figures who often experienced mental illnesses, and challenged the status quo. The 35th Anniversary exhibition "A Celebration of Outsider Art" aims to highlight the artistic accomplishments of these artists within the context of outsider art. 

Studio 18 in the Pines is located at 1101 Poinciana Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025.

Experience the Official Art Deco District Walking Tour presented by the Miami Design Preservation League

 

Experience the Official Art Deco District Walking Tour presented by the Miami Design Preservation League on Friday, February 23rd from 10:30am – 12:30pm (or choose from select dates). This 1.5 to 2-hour walking tour provides an introduction to the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles found within the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District. Explore hotels, restaurants, and other commercial structures with a visit to a number of interiors. 

Choose from select dates / PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

Tour ticket includes free entry to the Art Deco Museum as well as 10% off at the Gift Shop.

Must-See Exhibition on view at The Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines "Ephemeral Construct", a free exhibition weaving together art, ecology, and the fleeting nature of existence, bringing together the works of four South Florida Artists – Nathalie Alfonso, Sharon Lee Hart, Alejandra Abad, and Deborah Perlman.

Installation view of Alejandra Abad’s Lexicon de Plantas at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, 2024. Photography by Zachary Balber.

A new exhibition called “Ephemeral Construct” is on view at the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery from February 8, 2024, through May 18, 2024. The Opening Reception took place on Thursday, February 8th from 6 – 9pm at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, located at 601 City Center Way. This Exhibition is Free & Open to the Public.

Installation view of Nathalie Alfonso’s LineScape Deconstruction at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, 2024. Photography by Zachary Balber.

The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery in the City of Pembroke Pines presents Ephemeral Construct, a free exhibition weaving together art, ecology, and the fleeting nature of existence, bringing together the works of four South Florida Artists – Nathalie Alfonso, Sharon Lee Hart, Alejandra Abad, and Deborah Perlman. Each artist presents a unique perspective on the transient nature of our world, encouraging viewers to contemplate the ephemeral constructs of our physical and conceptual environments. This exhibition is on view through May 18, 2024.

Installation view of Sharon Lee Hart’s Irreplaceable at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, 2024. Photography by Zachary Balber.

The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery is a two story art gallery named after Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis for his decades-long commitment to the cultural arts. Lovingly known as ‘The Frank,’ this contemporary art gallery showcases multidisciplinary inclusive exhibitions that foster connections, facilitate collaborations and initiate cultural change. The gallery’s exhibition and learning space serves as a site of convergence for artists, performers, thought leaders and community members.

Installation view of Deborah Perlman’s Screenshot at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, 2024. Photography by Zachary Balber.

Located on the first floor, The Frank’s spacious galleries reflect the works of regional, national and international artists in a robust exhibition program that changes throughout the year. The Frank features two additional exhibition spaces in the form of The Frank Aisles lobby gallery and the Third Space Gallery on the second floor. The Third Space connects to a sun-filled classroom designed to host workshops and lectures in support of social engagement and artistic innovation.

The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery in the City of Pembroke Pines

The community can learn more about the City of Pembroke Pines’ latest Events by subscribing to Pembroke Pines Media on YouTube, to NewsFlash, a twice a month digital newsletter at www.ppines.com/Newsflash, by reading the city’s digital newspaper City Connect and website via www.ppines.com, checking the city’s digital signage, or by visiting the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofpembrokepines, and @cityofppines for Twitter and Instagram. Residents with Comcast can view Pembroke Pines Media programming on Channel 78.

Enjoy Open House at Studio 18 in Pembroke Pines with a Full Day of Free Creative Workshops

 

The Studio 18 Art Complex will host an Open House event on Saturday, March 16th from 11am – 6pm. Join Studio 18 Resident Artists and participate in fun FREE creative workshops all day at the Studio 18 Art Complex in Pembroke Pines. No registration is necessary, and workshop signups will be done in person at the front desk of Studio18 at the day of the event.

The Open House schedule begins with Muzzling Your Inner Heckler workshop from 11:30am – 12:30pm featuring artist Mary Gallagher Stout in the Main Gallery. From 1:00 – 2:30pm guests will experience Pinch Pot workshop in Classroom #2 with artist Jose Pita Vazque. Then from 3:00 – 4:30pm artist Daniel Marosi presents a workshop called Mix-It-Up in Classroom #1, from 4:00 – 5:00pm Workshop TBD. Guests will enjoy a Closing Happy Hour with Live Music from 5:00 – 6:00pm featuring Cristina Jaramillo.

The community can learn more about the City of Pembroke Pines’ latest Events by subscribing to Pembroke Pines Media on YouTube, to NewsFlash, a twice a month digital newsletter at www.ppines.com/Newsflash, by reading the city’s digital newspaper City Connect and website via www.ppines.com, checking the city’s digital signage, or by visiting the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofpembrokepines, and @cityofppines for Twitter and Instagram. Residents with Comcast can view Pembroke Pines Media programming on Channel 78.

Enjoy the 60th Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival this President's Day Weekend! February 17 - 19, 2024

 

Saturday, February 17th through Monday, February 19th experience the 60th Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF), bigger & better than ever! Celebrating 60 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival® is the art event of the year. The three-day outdoor art festival focuses on one thing: world-class art. But, the festival is not just about art though, CGAF offers something for everyone with culinary displays, live performances, and family areas to keep your team busy while you peruse all the art!

Held every Presidents’ Day Weekend, the Arts Festival is one of the nation’s premier arts festivals and is hosted in the charming waterfront village of Coconut Grove, Florida. More than 280 internationally-recognized and jury-selected artists showcase their spectacular works with Biscayne Bay as the backdrop. You are invited to visit the Arts Festival this February and learn why they’ve been at the top of everyone’s list for 60 years. Learn more & PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

 

Hours:

Saturday, February 17 | 10AM – 6PM
Sunday, February 18 | 10AM – 6PM
Monday, February 19 | 10AM – 5PM