ARTS EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
Pathways to Light: How Art Can Transform Grief Art Exhibition at Pompano Beach Cultural Center
Interdisciplinary artist Donna Haynes transforms the pain of grief into delicate, intricate works of art in her exhibition “Pathways to Light” at Pompano Beach Cultural Center. In “Pathways to Light,” Haynes uses collage and mixed media techniques to repurpose personal mementos from her clients into beautiful works of art that inspire healing, honor and celebrate passed loved ones, and invite reflection.
Haynes earned an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and has worked in arts education in Broward County Public Schools for over fifteen years. Her work draws on a variety of artistic techniques, including drawing, mixed media, installation, collage, and sculpture. Much of her work addresses memory and nostalgia and utilizes altered objects and found artifacts.
“Pathways to Light” is on display at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center from Sept. 4 through Sept. 27. The opening reception for the exhibition takes place Thursday, Sept. 4; admission is free to the public. This is presented with funding from Broward Cultural Division’s Innovation Artist Grant.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Pathways to Light: How Art Can Transform Grief Art Exhibition
WHERE: Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach
WHEN: Opening Reception: 5 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4
Exhibition on view: Thursday, Sept. 4 through Saturday, Sept. 27
Cultural Center Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 545-7800 or visit the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Look What I Made Exhibition Opening at Gasper Arts Center
Portrait artist Liv Cook presents “Look What I Made,” a collaborative art exhibition at Gasper Arts Center. “Look What I Made” features a series of mixed-media portraits Cook created in collaboration with eleven other local artists including Symphonii Smith Kennedy (oil painter), Sarah Huang (illustrator, muralist), Amanda Covach (sculptor), Gregory Dirr (multidisciplinary artist), amongst others. Cook developed each portrait from a baby picture of the collaborating artist and then had the collaborator create the background for the portrait. In addition to the collaborative portraits, “Look What I Made” includes recreated art from Cook’s childhood to reflect on the evolution of artistic identity.
“Look What I Made” is Cook’s debut solo exhibition; Cook is an multidisciplinary artist best known for her portraiture. She trained in classical ballet for 13 years, majored in visual arts at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School, and later attended esthetician school where she studied makeup, which inspired her foray into portraiture. She is a recipient of Broward Cultural Division’s Artist Support Grant.
The opening reception for “Look What I Made” takes place Saturday, Sept. 6 at Gasper Arts Center. Gasper Arts Center provides a working environment for artists and includes studio spaces for artists, offices for creative professionals, a gallery for exhibitions, and classrooms for art classes led by Gasper artists.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Look What I Made Exhibition Opening
WHERE: Gasper Arts Center, 250 S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 656-3560 or visit the event page and get tickets on eventbrite
BEST FOR: All ages
Opening night for the exhibition, “Jade x Sade” at Gasper Arts Center. Gasper Arts includes studios for working artists, art classrooms, and a gallery space for exhibits; Liv Cook presents her exhibition, “Look What I Made” at Gasper Arts Center (Photo by Laura Gasper).
Center, artist Vero Rivas teaches a workshop at Gasper Arts Center (Photo by Laura Gasper).
From left, Mark Lester teaches an Intermediate Wheel throwing class at Gasper Arts Center (Photo by Marco Bell).
A beginner wheel-throwing student makes a bowl during a class at Gasper Arts Center (Photo by Laura Gasper).
Down Children and Autism Exhibition at Coral Springs Museum of Art
“Down Children and Autism: Connecting Beyond the Artwork” is an art exhibit by Christian Early examining the heartfelt connections between children with Down Syndrome and adults with Autism. “Down Children and Autism” is the second part in a multi-part art series on Autism and the genuine emotional connections those with Autism are able to create with others. For this project, Early worked with four children, sketching each child, interacting with them, and creating several paintings of each one in different formats. Early also created painted pots, t-shirts, and a book as part of the project.
The exhibit will be on display at the Coral Springs Museum of Art on Thursday, Sept. 18; admission to the exhibit is free.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Down Children and Autism: Connecting Beyond the Artwork Exhibit
WHERE: Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 340-5000 or visit the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Soft Edges: Art Exhibition by Kohl King at Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts
South Florida-based artist Kohl King presents her solo exhibition, “Soft Edges,” at 1310 Gallery at the Artspace Sailboat Bend Lofts in downtown Fort Lauderdale. “Soft Edges” explores grief and personal tragedy, and how to find meaning and embrace life amidst loss. Kohl King’s art practice is informed by Tat Tvam Asi, an Indian sutra or idea which translates to “Thou Art That” or “I am That,” which stresses the oneness between self and the universe and, as King explains, “implies that everything sensed is an extension of the self.” She uses a variety of mediums including paper and collage, mixed media installations, and photography to address vulnerable experiences and emotions like longing, loss, time and impermanence.
“Soft Edges” will be on display at 1310 Gallery at the Artspace Sailboat Bend Lofts on Friday, Sept. 19; the event is free and open to the public.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Soft Edges: Art Exhibition by Kohl King
WHERE: Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts, 1310 Southwest Second Court, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19
COST: Free
INFORMATION: Visit the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Please Touch Exhibition Opening Reception at ArtServe
Carly Daly defies the most fundamental rule of a gallery in her solo exhibition “Please Touch,” in which she invites viewers to physically interact with her tactile artwork of mixed media paintings, sewn installations, and soft sculpture pieces. Daly’s “Please Touch” explores themes of identity, femininity, and aging using sewing and quilting techniques—crafts which are traditionally associated with women and femininity. “Please Touch” uses humor and fabric-based art to encourage vulnerability and empowerment and open the gallery space as an inclusive, accessible environment where audiences of any age and ability can enjoy art.
Carly Daly is a multidisciplinary artist and arts educator based in Florida. She studied Fiber Arts at University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Studio Art and Art History at the University of Pittsburgh. Her work combines whimsy with dark humor and draws on her personal experiences, especially as an artist, mother, and educator. She often delves into topics like femininity and motherhood and deliberately utilizes traditionally “feminine” techniques such as knitting and quilting to create mixed media paintings, installations, and fabric-based pieces.
The opening reception for “Please Touch” takes place Friday, Sept. 26 at ArtServe.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Please Touch Exhibition Opening Reception
WHERE: ArtServe, 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26
COST: Free
INFORMATION: Visit the event page or register on Eventbrite
BEST FOR: All ages
A Stitch In Time: An AfroFuturistic Tribute To Breast Cancer Warriors Event at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum holds “A Stitch In Time: An Afrofuturistic Tribute to Breast Cancer Warriors,” an interactive art event that includes dance, spoken word poetry, drumming, singing, and other live performances to honor breast cancer survivors.
“A Stitch in Time” imagines breast cancer survivors as warriors and “Galactical Healers and Tech-Infused Alchemists” who harness celestial energy to empower and restore communities. During the event, these breast cancer warriors will create a visual art experience and guests will get a chance to participate in interactive exhibits. Guest performers include multidisciplinary artist and vocalist, Alana DaCosta, spoken word poet, community organizer, and West African drummer, Abasi “Manblack” Hanif, and singer DayJah Starr. Dunuye-Fan Drum & Dance, a local organization that focuses on healing, cultural wellness, and empowerment through drumming and movement, will also be in attendance. Speakers at the event include Dr. Alejandra Perez, M.D., who specializes in breast cancer treatment and prevention, and Dr. Kim D. Harris, an educator, artist, author, and 25-year breast cancer survivor.
The event takes place Sunday, Sept. 28 at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a museum and community space spotlighting the culture, community, and history of the Caribbean nations and the Caribbean diaspora. Guests are encouraged to wear pink, black, white, or yellow for the event; tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: A Stitch In Time: An AfroFuturistic Tribute To Breast Cancer Warriors
WHERE: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, 8000 W. Broward Blvd, Suite 202, Plantation
WHEN: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28
COST: $20
INFORMATION: (954) 999-0989 or visit the event page.
BEST FOR: Teens and adults
Summer Exhibition Series and Wrapped Workshop at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery
The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, “The Frank,” wraps up their Summer Exhibition Series at “Wrapped,” a free art workshop on Saturday, Sept. 27 led by exhibiting artist Magda Love. The evening includes the art workshop and a guided walkthrough of Magda Love’s exhibit “Let It Be Light” on display in The Frank’s main gallery. Using vibrant murals and luminous works created from recycled materials, Love explores the dualities of light and shadow, resilience and joy, and explores themes of ancestry, memory, and healing.
The Frank’s Summer Exhibitions also includes “Hidden Worlds,” an interactive exhibition by Dr. Sara C. Schesser Bartra, who educates audiences on the world of microbes and its role in human health and the environment. Dr. Sara C. Schesser Bartra draws on her background as a scientist in her exhibition, creating mixed media pieces, hands-on installations, and video works to engage audiences of all ages. Dr. Schesser Bartra holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Microbiology and frequently brings her knowledge and work as microbiologist into her art.
“Echoes of Memory and Nature” by multidisciplinary artist and art educator, Angela Bolaños, is the third exhibition in The Frank’s Summer Exhibition Series. Bolaños uses woven textiles, soundscapes, and fabric art to create a sensory-rich environment that dives into memory and identity. “Echoes of Memory and Nature” recreates a living memory in two site-specific installations, “Woven Circlescapes” and “When the Rain Speaks.” Each installation evokes nature and honors Central American textile traditions. Bolaños frequently uses textiles, found objects, and natural objects in her work to explore memory and identity.
The Summer Exhibition Series is on display at The Frank through Saturday, Sept. 27; entrance to the exhibitions is $5; participation in the “Wrapped” Art Workshop is free to the public.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Summer Exhibition Series and Wrapped Workshop
WHERE: The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: (Gallery Hours) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Exhibition runs through Saturday, Sept. 27.
(Workshop) 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27,
COST: $5, free admission to the Wrapped Workshop
INFORMATION: (954) 392-9420 or visit the Summer Exhibition page or the Wrapped Workshop event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Cultural Festivals and Events
PRIDE in Progress: Shaping Legacy…past, present, and future! (PIP) Festival at ArtServe and Gray Box Theater
“PRIDE in Progress: Shaping Legacy…past, present, and future!” (PIP) festival centers on LGBTQ+ history in the United States, the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to American life, and celebrates same-sex marriage and family diversity. The festival takes place over two days at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale and Gray Box Theater in Wilton Manors and includes an art exhibition, musical performance, a roundtable discussion, and a lecture and book reading from LGBTQ+ activists.
The inaugural event for “PRIDE in Progress” is a reception and roundtable discussion at ArtServe on Friday, Sept. 19. Attendees can view ArtServe’s current exhibition, “Walk The Runway: Showcasing Local Fashion Designers/Artists,” which highlights South Florida fashion designers and the South Florida fashion scene. Vocalist Karina Iglesias (of “The Voice” acclaim) and The Nu-Thang Band perform live during the reception and the evening’s roundtable discussion includes speakers and artists involved in the “PRIDE in Progress” festival.
A Presentation and Book Reading takes place at Stonewall National Museum, Library & Archives (inside ArtServe) on Saturday, Sept. 20. Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum, Library & Archives, Robert Kesten, gives an informative, 30-minute presentation on the lasting significance of the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969 and discusses other important events and issues within LGBTQ+ history. Kesten’s advocacy work includes helping decriminalize homosexuality in Ukraine (1991) and pushing for treatment and care for those affected by AIDs. A Book Reading from award-winning author and investigative journalist, Robert W. Fieseler, follows the presentation. Fieseler’s first book, “Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation” earned him the Louisiana Literary Award and an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Fieseler will read from his latest book, “American Scare: Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives,” which dives into Florida’s systemic attacks on Black and Queer individuals in the twentieth-century.
The final event of the festival is “The Promise” Salon Concert at Gray Box Theater on Saturday, Sept. 20 and features the musical duo of Casey Breves and Sam Tsui. Both Yale graduates and singer-songwriters, the married duo of Breves and Tsui are best known for their moving musical mashups. In 2024, the couple published a children’s book, “Why Do We Sing?” and an accompanying album of children’s music inspired by their real-life daughter.
Tickets to all three events are $75; admission to the Opening Night Reception is $40; “The Promise” Salon Concert is $50 and the afternoon Presentation and Book Reading at the Stonewall National Museum, Library & Archives is free.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: PRIDE in Progress: Shaping Legacy…past, present, and future! (PIP) Festival
WHERE: (Opening Night Reception) ArtServe, 1300 E Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
(Presentation and Book Reading) Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (inside ArtServe), 1300 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
(“The Promise” Salon Concert) Gray Box Theater, 1444 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors
WHEN: (Opening Night Reception) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19
(Presentation and Book Reading) 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20
(“The Promise” Salon Concert) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20
COST: $75, all events, $40, opening reception, $50, salon concert, free, presentation and book reading
INFORMATION: (954) 709-7447 or visit the event page to purchase tickets
BEST FOR: Adults
Turkish Heritage Day at The Florida Turkish Center
The Florida Turkish American Association (FTAA) celebrates Turkish heritage and culture with “Turkish Heritage Day,” a free festival for the public to highlight the history and rich cultural traditions of Türkiye (Turkey). The all-day event includes live performances, live music, dance, food, and workshops, as well as local vendors showcasing the cuisine and handicrafts of Türkiye.
Folk dancers will perform traditional Turkish dances at the event. There will be a Zeybek dance performed by a male dancer. Zeybek is a popular dance form, particularly in Western Turkey, and is typically performed by a solo male dancer though other forms of Zeybek include duos and groups. A dancer will perform a Turkish Belly Dance, a style distinct from the Egyptian form of Belly Dance. Musicians will also perform on a “Kemençe” and “Saz,” two traditional Turkish stringed instruments.
A “Hacivat and Karagöz” shadow puppet play follows the music and dance performances. “Hacivat and Karagöz” is a popular form of shadow puppet play that dates back to the Ottoman era in Turkish history and follows the adventures of Hacivat and Karagöz, a pair of friends with contrasting personalities. Experts will demonstrate the art of Ebru (water marbling), and present interactive workshops on Turkish cuisine and tile and ceramics. The event also includes a Turkish coffee service.
“Turkish Heritage Day” takes place Saturday, Sept. 27; the event is free and open to all ages.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Turkish Heritage Day
WHERE: Florida Turkish Center, 3020 NE 32nd Ave No 123, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28
COST: Free, registration encouraged.
INFORMATION: (860) 575-4126 or visit the event page, RSVP through FTAA
BEST FOR: All ages
Tango Marathon Weekend at Hallandale Beach
The US Tango Foundation brings the vibrancy and passion of Tango to South Florida with “Embrace Tango Marathon Weekend,” a three-day event of Tango workshops, live music and performances, traditional food, and social dancing. Tango aficionados get the chance to learn the fundamentals of Tango and understand the intricacies of the style through classes and workshops led by celebrated Tango dancers and experts. More advanced dancers can also join intensive Tango workshops to learn additional dynamics of the dance; acclaimed Tango dancers and choreographers lead the intensive workshops, including the duo of Germán and Magdalena (winners of the 2017 World Tango Championship), Celina Rotundo and Hugo Patyn (experts in contemporary Tango with over 30 years of experience), and the duo of Sofi (an international Tango performer) and Joe (a Tango dancer and teacher with expertise in over 25 different dance styles).
“Embrace Tango Marathon Weekend” kicks off with “La Previa Milonga” at Estudio 35 on Friday, Sept. 26. Participants learn the basics of Tango dancing then join a social dance to practice their new skills. Day two (Saturday, Sept. 27) and day three (Sunday, Sept. 28) of the event take place at VK Dance Arena and includes a series of Tango workshops that cover musicality, movement, rhythmic dynamics, Tango improvisation, and other Tango techniques. Day two and three of the event conclude with a special dance show featuring Magdalena and Germán (Sept. 27) and Celina and Hugo (Sept. 28). “Embrace Tango Marathon Weekend” also includes live music by the Tango Colifa Quartet.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Tickets for the full weekend are $210 (in advance), day passes and workshop passes start at $105 and tickets to individual workshops and events can also be purchased starting at $15 (in advance).
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Tango Marathon Weekend
WHERE: (Day 1) ESTUDIO 35, 134 1st Ave Hallandale Beach
(Day 2 and 3) VK Dance Arena, 3129 W Hallandale Beach Blvd. Hallandale Beach
WHEN: (Day 1) 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday, Sept. 26
(Day 2) 1:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27,
(Day 3): 1:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 28
COST: Day pass tickets start at $105, individual workshop tickets start at $15 (in advance)
INFORMATION: (305) 613-4995 or visit the event page for a full list of workshops and ticket prices
BEST FOR: Teens and adults
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Charles F. Dodge City Center
The City of Pembroke Pines holds their second annual “Hispanic Heritage Festival” for the community at the Charles F. Dodge City Center. This free, family-friendly event highlights the traditions and vast diversity of Hispanic culture and the Hispanic community. The festival includes live music and performances, food, artisan vendors, dance performances, children’s activities, games, crafts, and workshops.
Highlights of the event include performances by Flamenco dancers (a dance form originating in Spain), and Mariachi musicians (a traditional Mexican music form); for children, there is an interactive kitchen space where kids can practice making traditional cuisine including tamales, empanadas, arepas, and other favorites. There is also a children’s meet and greet with characters from the beloved Disney film, “Encanto.” The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery will lead an all-ages art activity.
The Festival’s live salsa performance features special appearances from legends in the world of salsa, including vocalist Melina Almodóvar, also known as “La Muñeca de la Salsa” for her powerful vocals, Frankie Ruiz Jr., “El Hijo de la Salsa,” whose father was nicknamed “El Papá de la salsa” for his influence on Salsa Romántica, and Cachi y Saoco Nuevo Band, considered masters of Latin Groove and Salsa Dura.
“Hispanic Heritage Festival” takes place Saturday, Sept. 27.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Hispanic Heritage Festival
WHERE: Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 392-9480 or visit the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
