Talent Before Our Very Eyes

On February 11th I was preparing to fly from Fort Lauderdale to JFK in New York. As I made my way from one end of the airport to my gate I came across a fascinating display in a passageway extension between two different gates. Under the wall display heading "I bet you didn't know! FLL Employee Art Exhibition" were a number of paintings, photographs and sketches created by the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport staff. Every piece of work was stunning in its originality, breadth and talent. Of course, most passengers just speedily walked by, completely oblivious to what was right in front of them. Several of us stopped to admire the work and we all took photographs of the pieces we liked best. Each painting, drawing, etc., included a biography of the artist and a QR code that led visitors to the Broward Public Art & Design website. 

The talent and skill of the featured FLL employees was clearly visible and I think this idea is wonderful. Here are photos of two of the posted works that I liked the most.  

Work by Luis Merida

The work to the left was done by Luis Merida and is a pencil depiction of the Palacio Nacional de Guatemala. This is free hand drawing! Can you believe it! You may contact the artist directly via email at: meridaus@gmail.com.  

The painting below grabbed my attention because of the mix of colors and the movement that I perceived. The artist, Michelle Galli, works as a flight attendant for Spirit Airlines and titles her work "Barrier Reef".  She is very adept at using acrylic on canvas. You may reach her at: GCFluidart@gmail.com. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating and original program email ARTFLL@broward.org. There were numerous other employees who created highly original and engaging pieces of art. I just wish more travelers would take a moment to appreciate its.     

                                  

 The next time you scurry about in an airport, take a moment to look around you. There are some wonderfully talented individuals out there and if we are too busy with work, travel, etc., we will miss the great work that they do. 

"Barrier Reef" by Michelle Galli