ArtServe Impact Awards Return for a Third Year to Honor South Florida’s Arts and Culture Changemakers

ArtServe is set to host its third annual Impact Awards, presented by Seacoast Bank, on Friday, April 25, 2025, recognizing the profound contributions of artists, community leaders and advocates who have enriched the cultural landscape of South Florida. Sponsored by FPL, OutClique Magazine and Topo Chico, the event will take place at ArtServe from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring an evening of celebration, networking and entertainment.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, a gourmet culinary feast prepared by past Impact Award recipient Marc Martorana and Commissioner Don D’Arminio, a silent auction and entertainment by DJ Joy Joy. ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $100 per person or $300 for a group of four and can be purchased at https://artserve.org/impactawards.

“Art has the power to transform communities, connect people and drive economic growth,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “The Impact Awards are an opportunity to highlight those individuals who dedicate themselves to ensuring that the arts remain a powerful force for change in South Florida. This year’s honorees exemplify that commitment, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.”

The 2025 Impact Award winners are:

Community Partner of Impact: Michael Albetta – A dedicated civic leader, Michael Albetta has played an integral role in numerous community-building initiatives, from organizing neighborhood cleanups to spearheading voter registration efforts. His long-standing commitment to volunteerism and inclusivity has significantly shaped Fort Lauderdale’s community spirit. 

Artist of Impact: Claudia Castillo – A distinguished artist and founder of Claudia Castillo ART Studio, Claudia’s work is inspired by nature’s fluidity and transformative beauty. Her contributions extend beyond her art, as she actively supports cultural diversity and emerging artists in South Florida.

Community Leader of Impact: Jodi Jeffreys-Tanner – A passionate advocate for the arts, Jodi has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting local artists. As the founder of Las Olas Capital Arts, she has provided artists with valuable opportunities, resources and platforms to showcase their work, ensuring a thriving arts community in Broward County.

Legacy of Impact: Emmanuel George – A historian, filmmaker and archivist, Emmanuel George has devoted his career to preserving and sharing the untold stories of Black communities in South Florida. Through his nonprofit, the Black Orchid Foundation, he continues to bridge generational divides and protect historical narratives for future generations.

ArtServe also acknowledges the generous in-kind contributions of Don D’Arminio and Marc Martorana for catering, as well as DJ Joy Joy for providing the evening’s entertainment.

For more information about the Impact Awards, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit www.artserve.org or email [email protected].

About ArtServe

Named a “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 35th 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 the Community Foundation of Broward. 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.

ArtServe Celebrates the Women of Broward County with Community Events

During Women’s History Month

ArtServe will co-host the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Women’s History Month Reception, a free, public event to celebrate 18 extraordinary women who have made a lasting impact in education, mentorship, and leadership. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” highlights the collective influence of women committed to empowering others.

On Saturday, March 8th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., ArtServe will serve as a community partner for “We the Women Broward: Creating Our Wildest Dreams!,” a free, public event designed to empower women and foster meaningful connections. The event will take place at the NSU Alvin Sherman Library, and participants will hear from thought-provoking speakers, engage in open discussions and Q&A sessions, take part in networking and explore valuable community resources. To RSVP, visit www.wethewomenbroward.com/rsvp.

On Thursday, March 13th at 6 p.m., ArtServe will co-host the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Women’s History Month Reception, a free, public event to celebrate 18 extraordinary women who have made a lasting impact in education, mentorship,
and leadership. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” highlights the collective influence of women committed to empowering others.

“ArtServe is excited to be part of these two powerful events celebrating the women shaping Broward County’s future,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “By bringing together art and ideas, we foster community growth, amplify diverse voices and inspire meaningful change.”

ArtServe supports and advances its diverse members, artists and community by promoting artistic development, education and prosperity through the exploration and presentation of the visual and performing arts. For more information or to become a member, volunteer, or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit www.artserve.org or email [email protected].

About ArtServe

Named a “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 35th 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 the Community Foundation of Broward. 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.

Funding Arts Broward Unveils Second Edition of FAB Goes Public with “Muses Awaken” by Miguel Gonzalez

Captivating light projection to illuminate The Parker beginning March 11

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 3, 2025) – Funding Arts Broward (FAB) will presentthe second installment of its public art initiative, FAB Goes Public with Muses Awaken by renowned local artist Miguel Gonzalez, MFA.

The light mapping installation will debut following FAB’s annual membership meeting and reception the evening of Tuesday, March 11 and will be projected onto the exterior of The Parker in Fort Lauderdale throughout April.

Muses reimagines Erato and Melpomene – the Greek muses of lyric poetry and tragedy/comedy – incidentally, the statues grace the entrance of The Parker. Through 3D animation and light mapping, the muses will be brought to life, levitating and radiating magical energy, bridging the historical with the contemporary.

According to Gonzalez, Muses will pay homage to the Parker’s rich heritage while offering a modern interpretation of its theatrical legacy. The animation will transform the façade of the Parker’s exterior Federal Highway-facing wall into a dynamic, immersive experience, elevating the muses as living embodiments of artistic inspiration.

During the special evening FAB president Mary Riedel will present highlights from the past year, including the results from FAB’s 2024 Impact in the Arts.

“Public art plays a vital role in enriching our cultural fabric, fostering engagement and driving economic growth,” said Riedel. “We are thrilled to celebrate the power of public art in Broward County and continue our mission of supporting artists by making the arts more accessible to our community. This installation is a sight to see.”

A graduate of the Parsons School of Design in New York City, Gonzalez is known for his innovative work at the intersection of new media and technology. He also teaches in the Visual Arts Department at the New World School of the Arts, mentoring the next generation of artists.

“By joining classical mythology and digital technology, Muses Awaken explores the evolving relationship between art, architecture, and urban spaces, illuminating how these elements continuously shape and redefine our connection to the buildings we inhabit,” said Gonzalez.

Muses follows FAB’s first installment, Fast Forward, by artist Rosanna Kalis. FAB Goes Public is made possible through Funding Arts Broward, in collaboration with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, The Parker and Mad Arts. This initiative aims to expand arts appreciation, engage a broader audience and provide emerging artists with hands-on experience in digital artistry.

The inspiration for FAB Goes Public stems from FAB’s comprehensive study, Enriching the Arts Opportunities in Broward County’s Arts Community, which identified a public art showcase as a key priority. To bring this vision to life, FAB partnered with Sofia Bastidas from Mad Arts to curate a program that empowers local artists by enhancing their digital skills, particularly in 3D projection mapping.

 The Parker is located at 707 NE 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale to experience Click here to register for FAB’s March 11^th event.

About Funding Arts Broward (FAB)                                                                                                                                               

Funding Arts Broward (FAB) is a privately funded non-profit organization that provides visual arts and arts education grants to non-profit organizations in Broward. FAB funds an annual grant pool through the support of its members, corporate partners, and allied foundations. FAB was founded by local artist and philanthropist Francie Bishop Good. More information about FAB can be found at fundingartsbroward.org. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/fundingartsbroward.

About Mad Arts                                                                                                                              

A non-profit organization founded in 2020, Mad Arts is a museum, community hub, and laboratory for art and technology. Facilitating visionary exhibitions and projects by individuals, collectives, and companies, Mad Arts operates out of its flagship headquarters, a 50,000-square-foot space in South Florida. More information about MAD can be found at yeswearemadarts.com.

About The Parker

The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit ParkerPlayhouse.com

Magdalena Abakanowicz: A Legacy of Resilience and Human Experience

Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930–2017) was one of the most influential and innovative artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. She is renowned for her powerful, large-scale sculptures and installations that explore themes of identity, individuality, and the human condition. Born in Poland, Abakanowicz’s work is deeply rooted in her personal experiences of war, political oppression, and the collective struggles of humanity. Her art transcends traditional boundaries, blending sculpture, fiber art, and environmental installations to create works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Early Life and Influences

Abakanowicz was born in Falenty, Poland, into an aristocratic family with Tatar roots. Her childhood was marked by the upheaval of World War II, during which her family fled their home and lived in constant fear of the Nazi occupation. These early experiences of displacement, loss, and survival profoundly shaped her worldview and artistic vision. After the war, Poland fell under Soviet control, and Abakanowicz grew up in a repressive communist regime that further influenced her exploration of themes like oppression, anonymity, and resilience.

She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw during the 1950s, when socialist realism was the dominant artistic style in Poland. However, Abakanowicz quickly grew disillusioned with the rigid constraints of state-sanctioned art and sought to develop her unique voice. She turned to unconventional materials and techniques, experimenting with textiles and fibers, which would become a hallmark of her work.

The Abakans: Revolutionizing Fiber Art

In the 1960s, Abakanowicz gained international recognition for her series of significant, three-dimensional fiber works called the Abakans. These monumental pieces, made from woven sisal, rope, and other textiles, broke away from tapestry’s traditional flat, decorative nature and transformed fiber art into a sculptural medium. The Abakans were organic tactile, often resembling natural forms like cocoons, shells, or human torsos. They were suspended from ceilings or mounted on walls, creating immersive environments that challenged viewers to engage with the works on a physical and emotional level.

The Abakans marked a turning point in Abakanowicz’s career, establishing her as a pioneer of fiber art and earning her a place in the global art scene. Her work was celebrated for its innovative use of materials and its ability to evoke a sense of primal, visceral energy.

Crowds and Human Forms

In the 1970s and 1980s, Abakanowicz shifted her focus to the human figure, creating haunting, repetitive sculptures that explored the tension between individuality and anonymity. Her series Crowds and Backs are among her most iconic works. These sculptures consist of dozens or even hundreds of headless, hollow figures made from burlap, resin, or bronze. Arranged in groups, they evoke a sense of collective identity while highlighting the individual’s vulnerability and isolation.

Abakanowicz’s figures are often残缺 incomplete, reflecting the scars of war, oppression, and the passage of time. However, despite their fragmented forms, they exude quiet strength and resilience. Her work speaks to the enduring spirit of humanity, even in the face of adversity.

Environmental and Public Art

In addition to her smaller-scale works, Abakanowicz created numerous large-scale, site-specific installations that engage with the natural and urban environment. One of her most famous public works, Agora (2006), is a permanent installation in Chicago’s Grant Park. It comprises 106 headless, cast-iron figures, each over nine feet tall, arranged in a seemingly random yet deliberate pattern. The work invites viewers to walk among the figures, creating a sense of connection and interaction that mirrors the dynamics of human society.

Abakanowicz’s environmental works often blur the boundaries between art and nature, incorporating organic materials and responding to the surrounding landscape. Her installations are objects to be observed and experiences to be felt and lived.

Legacy and Impact

Magdalena Abakanowicz’s work has left an indelible mark on the art world, challenging conventional notions of sculpture and expanding the possibilities of fiber art. Her ability to convey profound emotional and philosophical ideas through abstract, tactile forms has inspired countless artists and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a sense of connection and understanding.

Her art is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, reflecting her own survival experiences and her deep empathy for the struggles of others. Through her sculptures and installations, Abakanowowicz invites us to confront our vulnerabilities, recognize our shared humanity, and find strength in our collective existence. Her unwavering commitment and courage in exploring the depths of the human experience inspire respect and admiration.

In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, Magdalena Abakanowicz’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art to connect, heal, and transform. Her legacy is one of courage, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to exploring the depths of the human experience. Her art, with its ability to inspire, heal, and transform, offers a beacon of hope in challenging times.