Shaping The Next Generation Of Artists - The Arts Broward Mural Mentorship Program Is Real-World Experience With A Lifelong Impact

BFA and Broward Health recently celebrated the completion of the vibrant, iconic mural at Broward Health Medical Center that was conceptualized and implemented through the Mural Mentorship Program. Part of the “BFA Art Walls: Let’s Make Broward Beautiful” initiative, the mural at Broward Health Medical Center was the first project in BFA’s mural mentorship program. Lead artist Lori Pratico mentored five South Florida artists, Colin Breslin, Patricia Kluwe Derderian, Stephanie Leyden, Sara Marcano and Ashlee Sanford, who helped bring the mural to life.

A key piece of the ongoing beautification project for the Broward Health downtown medical campus, this mural visually captures the spirit of Broward Health’s mission and vision, as well as the inspiration behind the brand, and showcases the beauty and creativity Fort Lauderdale offers. Sponsors included Cathy & James Donnelly Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Crown Residential and Broward Health. See the Broward Health Mural come to life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEsWe-oB3xA&t=932s.

“Our Mural Mentorship Program was created to enrich the community through art while supporting emerging artists in their growth and development,” said Jarett Levan, Board Chair of BFA. “Public murals bring joy to the local community, inspire conversation and enhance neighborhoods.”

The newest canvas for the Mural Mentorship Program is the highly visible western facing wall of the Florida Purchasing Agency building at 262 Commercial Blvd. which serves as the western gateway to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Generously funded by Wayne and Lucretia Wiener, Florida Purchasing Agency and Dara and Jarett Levan’s Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, the mural is aptly named “Greetings from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.”

Sponsorship opportunities for the mural are available for $1,000. Sponsors will be invited to help paint the mural during the community paint day. All proceeds will benefit the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance on behalf of Team Crizzy. Eric and Caroline Maugee, owners of the Florida Purchasing Agency, have twins—Christian and Isabel—who are affected by this rare, progressive genetic muscular disorder.

Throughout the Mural Mentorship projects, mentees work closely with Pratico during brainstorming sessions and in the design development and execution of the mural. This hands-on experience not only allows the mentees to contribute to a meaningful public art piece which reflects the community's unique character and spirit, but it also fosters personal growth and professional development in the field of muralism.

The mentee artists chosen to work on the “Greetings from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea” mural are Angel Alvarez, Alyssa Book, Zoraye Cyrus, Anthony Hinds Jr. and Haydee Rancel.

“By providing access, visibility and opportunity, we’re not just supporting individual creators,” said BFA Executive Director Robyn Vegas. “We’re thrilled to be fueling a vibrant, inclusive creative ecosystem that uplifts communities, inspires new generations and reshapes the future of the arts.”

Sponsors are essential in bringing public art to life, helping to revitalize shared spaces and supporting local artists. To learn more about all sponsorship opportunities and how to be part of the next mural, please contact Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or: rvegas@bfabroward.org.

About Business for the Arts Broward

Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org.