"Doing Business as Artist Entrepreneurs” Art Exhibition 2012

Posted on

Broward County Investment in Artist Entrepreneurs Benefits Community

One of Broward County’s strongest economic development initiatives has been the development of the creative economy. Efforts to promote the creative class are proving successful in the form of the fourth annual “Doing Business as Artist Entrepreneurs,” Art Exhibition, “DBA 2012” opening on January 25, 2012.

DBA 2012 showcases the work of 10 local artists including two South Florida Cultural Consortium winners. This years show is curated by artists Frank Crowley and JoAnn Nava. Their common bond isn’t their artistic styles. Rather, each of the artists is a graduate of the Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute (AEI). This class is designed to assist artists by cultivating and advancing their business skills. Sponsored by Broward County, this course has taught 313 artists how to conduct their careers as a profitable business.

DBA 2012 exhibit will feature artwork by the following award winning local artists:

  • Frank Crowley
  • Louis Davis
  • Nolan Hann
  • Michael D. Harris
  • Henning Haupt
  • Debra Kaszovitz
  • Amelia Monroe
  • JoAnn Nava
  • Elle Schorr
  • Bonnie Shapiro

“I have always thought of D.B.A. of one of the high points of the season,” says Crowley. “ We have such a talented group of artists this year that this show promises to be exceptional.”

“DBA’s mission is to launch the careers of its artists by providing exposure for their artwork in the form of an exhibition and a catalogue. They are empowered to move forward from this experience to create their own opportunities. Many DBA artists have gone on to positively impact their community in various ways through performances, exhibitions, teaching, and collaborations with charities, fundraisers and the creation of public murals.

  • Rachael Piering created the Heart Exhibitions for Food for the Poor.
  • Clay artist Steven Sylvester has helped promote foster care with Forever Families.
  • Jacklyn Laflamme’s murals and illustrations in “The Fairy Tale Project” has provided Broward children, workshops in art and reading throughout Broward County Libraries.
  • Henning Haupt recently curated the Smart Ride Exhibition to benefit Broward House.
  • Frank Crowley is currently working on a mural project at Susan B. Anthony Residence.
  • Virginia Fifield has worked with the South Florida SPCA to generate funds to help starving and abused horses.
  • Katie Deits is now the Museum Director at Lighthouse Art Center.
  • Georgeta Fondos beautiful murals grace the new Lauderhill City Hall.

Several artists including LeeAnna Yater and Rod Appleton contribute through teaching at our local colleges. This list goes on and on.

“Doing Business as Artist Entrepreneurs (DBA)” is the creation of earlier AEI graduates LeeAnna Yater, Virginia Fifield, and Jacklyn Laflamme. They continue to mentor and guide the artists in each year’s exhibition. These three have garnered the continued sponsorship of local business leader Bill Calderoni of MetLife whose support has been instrumental in fostering DBA’s continued growth.

The exhibition will close, with an educational forum. Speakers Katharine DeShaw, Executive Director and Amada Cruz, Program Director, with United States Artists will present their “USA Projects Microphilanthropy for Artists.” February 22, 2012.

Thanks to the support of the Broward County Board of Commissioners and the continued support of private business leaders like Bill Calderoni of MetLife, DBA has proven to be an effective investment in the enrichment of Broward County.

DBA 2012 Art Exhibition

Gallery 6, Broward County Main Library,

100 South Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

January 13 – February 27, 2012.

Opening Reception: Jan. 25, 5-7:30pm.

Closing Forum February 22, 2012

  • In his work, Frank Crowley combines discarded bits of paintings with words and phrases to create a poetic visage.
  • Louis Davis’s powerful reconstructed photography addresses social injustice and environmental awareness.
  • Portraits of cinder block walls are Nolan Haan’s obsession, which he uses as the podium for his different states of mind.
  • Michael Harris builds architectural landscapes from wood, which are reflective of his geographic surroundings and reminiscent of three dimensional erosion.
  • Henning Haupt’s large paintings explore the use of color and materials and their relationship to visual space.
  • Cast paper wall sculptures, embossed and endowed with images that speak of loss and recovery, are the uniquely beautiful work of Debra Kaszovitz.
  • Amelia Monroe’s carbon released photography of old French sculptures, enhanced with conte crayon and charcoal, focus on royalty, servitude and the state of humankind.
  • Contemporary folk artist, JoAnn Nava uses milk paint and house paint on abandoned objects to voice respect for all forms of life and lifestyles.
  • Elle Schorr’s photography explores the incongruent impressions that continually bombard us in a transitory world.
  • Florida life past and present, mesh into a harmonious texture which is both mysterious and appealing in Bonnie Shapiro’s dusky paintings.

As well as this superlative group of visual artists, the opening reception will feature A.E.I. graduates Jill Slaughter, writer and Nzingah, performance artist. Storyteller Mij Byram will perform at the closing forum.