Captivating light projection to illuminate The Parker beginning March 11
Funding Arts Broward (FAB) will present the 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 has also served as a professor in Florida International University’s Visual Arts Department, mentoring the next generation of digital 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 11th event.