BROWARD
COUNTY, FL - The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
is currently showcasing the tenth installment of its employee artwork
exhibition, "I Bet You Didn't Know" (IBYDK), a collaborative project with the
Broward Cultural Division's Public Art & Design Program. On display until
March 15, the milestone exhibit located along the connector walkway between
Terminals 3 and 4 features 86 artworks by 52 FLL employees.
Curated by Broward County Aviation Department's Public Art
Manager Christina Roldan, the exhibit features a variety of artworks in
different mediums, including photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures,
videos, and jewelry made by artists whose diverse jobs include security
personnel, flight attendants, pilots, vendor operators, and other professions.
"This unique exhibition gives our employees a wonderful
platform to showcase their skills to the millions of passengers who travel
through our airport every year, said Mark E. Gale, FLL CEO/Director of
Aviation. "It also creates a more personal connection with our airport guests
and is a popular attraction for passengers and employees alike."
Since its debut in 2018, the IBYDK employee exhibition has
received an overwhelmingly positive response from the airport community and
visitors. Employee participation has grown significantly over the years, with
this installment being the largest thus far. The exhibition rotates every six
months to allow more of the over 15,000 FLL employees the opportunity to submit
new work while also discovering and admiring the talents of their colleagues.
"I was lucky enough to have one of my pieces seen by a
professional skateboarder named JT, sponsored by Crushed Skate Shop in
Washington D.C.," said artist Jennifer Aquino, a Ground Operations employee for
JetBlue Airways, who has participated three times. "[Crushed Skate] had a shoe
collaboration with Nike SB, so I made them one, which they currently have on
display at their shop, all thanks to JT and this program!"
Having a passion for sneakers and combining her knack for
art and origami, Aquino transforms what most people see as simple sheets of
paper into some of the most sought-after sneakers on the market.
"My experience as a participant in the exhibition has been
nothing less than amazing," said artist Nadia Timol, a flight attendant and
four-time participant. "I've received so much love and support from
passengers…there's been a few that also reached out and purchased artwork I've
had on display. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity this exhibit has
presented to me."
Timol photographs the many places she travels, and her goal
is for viewers to elicit feelings while looking at her photography instead of
simply glancing at the images.
View the artwork and the employee's roles at the airport here.
About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood
International Airport (FLL)
In 2023, FLL served
approximately 35 million passengers. Pre-pandemic, the airport generated $37.5
billion in economic activity annually and nearly 18,000 direct, local
jobs. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of
Florida's Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL's operator, is a
self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that
does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The
department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for
private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information.
For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on X, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.
About Broward County Cultural Division
The Broward County Cultural Division advances arts and
culture throughout greater Fort Lauderdale. It invests in the creative sector
by providing marketing and capacity-building opportunities for artists,
organizations, and talent through events and activities that
fuel Broward's creative infrastructure. The Cultural Division includes the
county's Public Art & Design program and grantmaking program that
provides over $6 million in annual support for cultural organizations and
artists while engaging the community in education and advocacy
initiatives. For more information on programs, grants, calls-to-artists, and
more, visit @BrowardArts on Instagram, Facebook,
or Broward.org/Arts.
January 31, 2024
MEDIA CONTACTS: Arlene Satchell, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
954-359-6116
asatchell@broward.org
Meredith Clements, Marketing Director
Broward Cultural Division
954-357-7463
mclements@broward.org