The artists have a lot going on both individually and collectively. For instance, several community projects are already in the works. The Arts Office has assisted local artists in gaining invaluable international exposure and will expand these programs in partnership with Lauderhill Sister Cities International. Tonietta Walters, Executive Director of The Arts Office Lauderhill explains, “Since initial talks in 2005, there has been a continued program of exchange with Suzano, So Paulo, Brazil. In May, several of our artists participated in TAO em Brasil at the Suzano Cultural Center. The ribbon cutting event will also feature a Suzanese artist, Aline Baliberdin, whose painting was the 2nd place winner of our 2006 Brasil, Arte e Espiritualidade competition. In addition, the professional development of the artists will be a focus, through participation in the programs such as the Artist as Entrepreneur Institute offered by the Broward Cultural Affairs Division. Finally, the artists – will begin interaction with the community through workshops and classes.

The Arts Office Lauderhill will facilitate several art mediums. The initial resident artists include:
Tonietta Walters – Sculptor & Digital Artist, Vaughn Tucker – Painter, Simone de Bernard Mas – Jeweler & Metalsmith, Terresa Ford – Painter, Maura Casanovas – Digital Artist & Jaime Ferreyra – Photographer.

The Director of Lauderhill’s CRA, Don Giancoli, explains, “As Lauderhill’s Cultural Arts District on 441 and Sunrise develops with the opening of the Central Broward Regional Park and Carishoca, the Arts Office Lauderhill is opening at an ideal time. The development of artists in our community is an economic stimulus within our CRA and Lauderhill. As the artists gain international exposure, so does Lauderhill. Lauderhill’s Cultural Arts Center is currently being designed and should be expected to open in two years.”

For more information, please visit theartsoffice.net.