29 Nov HALLANDALE BEACH BECOMES A PLAYGROUND FOR THE ARTS WITH AN INNOVATIVE CITYWIDE MURAL PROJECT
Hallandale Beach, FL – November 29, 2021- The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) kicks off a year-long public art project in collaboration with ArtServe, Broward County’s award-winning arts incubator, and many talented, local street artists. This public project aims to enhance and enrich the existing cultural fabric of the community by aiding in the attraction of more art-related activities, increasing business retention, and providing more opportunities for community engagement.
During this “12 Months of Art” program, residents and visitors of Hallandale Beach are invited to look around and explore their community as blank walls turn into giant canvases with the help of talented public artists and innovative business owners.
“Something magical happens when opportunity meets progress and innovation,” explains Dr. Earle, Hallandale Beach City Manager / CRA Executive Director. “Public art can bring a community to life. It can help cultivate a cultural identity and increase feelings of belonging while also helping with the overall economic growth and impact.”
The project is moving quickly with two murals already in the works. The first mural is located at Antico Kitchen & Bath, a new business to Hallandale Beach, and is located at 500 E Hallandale Beach Blvd. The artist selected to beautify this blank wall is currently a Hallandale Beach arts resident named Evoca1. The official Mural Unveiling Event for Antico Kitchen & Bath will take place on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 5-7 PM. Attendees can register at www.evoca1muralunveilinghallandale.eventbrite.com. This event is free to attend and open to the public.
“Public art pieces bring value and empowerment to a community,” public artist Evoca1 states. “I’ve painted murals all over the world, Italy, Germany, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Mexico, Austria, Iceland, Tunisia, but I’m happy to be working in a city I call home.”
The second mural is located at Dunns River Island Cafe located at 908 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. For this mural, local artist Denise “BLU Tattoo” Charles was selected by the business owner to paint the wall due to her familiarity with the subject and her artistic style.
“Murals are an amazing opportunity for an artist to become immortal because everyone can see it,” states “BLU.” You don’t have to spend money or buy a ticket. The idea that it can be seen by all is an amazing feeling for any artist.”
A project that combines emerging talent and innovation does not come together easily. It is well planned and designed in the spirit of collaboration where every voice is heard. Sophie Bonet, Curator of Exhibitions & Public Art at ArtServe explains, “It takes passionate artists, forward-thinking business owners and support from cities like Hallandale Beach to get a project like this off the ground.”
To learn more about how you, or your business, can get involved with Hallandale Beach community development programs, please visit https://cohbcra.org/programs/art-culture/
MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Perry, The Mosaic Group, 561-651-9565, angela@mosaicgroup.co
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ABOUT THE HALLANDALE BEACH CRA
The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation.
ABOUT ARTSERVE
Named a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator that is advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Now in its 33rd year, ArtServe has won several awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Florida’s Department of State and the Division of Cultural Affairs. Each year, ArtServe programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, helping 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses and engage the community. To do that, ArtServe secures financial support through donations, sponsorships and memberships. Become a member of ArtServe as either an artist or community member at www.ArtServe.org/member/ or become a founding member of Friends of ArtServe at www.ArtServe.org/friends.
ABOUT EVOCA1
Evoca1 is an autodidact figurative painter, muralist and sculptor, he has received his art education from the compulsive study of the old masters works and techniques. His works are a personal reflection of his life experiences, as well as from observation of human behaviors and social struggles. He is currently living and working in South Florida, where he continues to develop his craft.
In recent years his craft has mostly developed in public spaces where he has painted large-scale works. He has participated in public art projects around the world, leaving a mark in
places like Abu Dhabi, Peru, Austria, Canada, Florida, Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Honolulu, Tunisia and many other countries. His works have been exhibited in numerous exhibition spaces including the StolenSpace Gallery(London, UK), the Jonathan LeVine Gallery (New York, USA), the ABV Gallery (Georgia, ATL) and Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) (Miami, Florida).
ABOUT DENISE “BLU” CHARLES
Denise Charles (A.K.A BLU) owner of Blu Tattoo is recognized for working with a wide spectrum
of creative mediums including tattooing, painting, illustration, and digital design. The epitome of
a visual artist that utilizes all of her talents to create something thought-provoking and intriguing.
Blu specializes in painting vivid portraits on a variety of surfaces, she has played a hand in the
branding of major corporations and local start-ups.
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