Mural To Be Created For 2015 National Urban League Conference in Broward
Emerging and Established Artists to Showcase Work During PNC Art Expo as Part of 2015 National Urban League Conference at Broward County Convention Center on July 29-Aug. 1
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – July 27, 2015 – The Urban League of Broward County Community Empowerment Center will be transformed into a dynamic rotating Art Exhibition, showcasing work from both emerging and established artists. The Art Gallery will launch on Tues., July 28 at 6 p.m. during a reception sponsored by PNC Bank at the Urban League, where Cey Adams, founding creator of Def Jam and renowned graffiti artist, will unveil a special mural entitled “Save Our Cities.”
“The Art Exhibition will inspire our community and provide a prominent platform and exhibition opportunity for local artists, many of whom are seeking opportunities for exposure,” said Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, president and CEO of Urban League of Broward County.
On July 27 and 28, Adams will work with local art students to create the special “Save Our Cities” mural to be donated to the Urban League and unveiled during the reception. Adams, a visual artist, graphic designer and author, was the founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings, and is known for his work with Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, and other recording starts.
To further showcase local and established artists, PNC has hand-selected works to be on display in conjunction with the 2015 National Urban League Conference at the Broward Convention Center on July 29-August 1. This national movement will attract nearly 10,000 attendees, bring in as much as $10 million to the local economy, and feature a Career & Networking Fair, College Fair, Small Business Marketplace and much more.
PNC is sponsoring the Art Exhibition to provide the opportunity to nurture new artistic talent and support the Urban League’s goals of empowering communities and changing lives. Business for the Arts (BFA) and ArtServe also are major partners of this unique artsand culture initiative. In May, BFA organized an Art in the Workplace event with local artist Steven Sylvester in which staff created and glazed clay tiles that will be installed in the Community Empowerment Center and unveiled at the gallery opening.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Urban League of Broward to bring talented artists such as ceramicist Steven Sylvester to work hands on with staff,” said Robyn Vegas, program coordinator for Business for the Arts. “The Art in the Workplace program fosters collaboration, creativity and teamwork among employees in a stress-free, relaxing environment.”
Added Dr. Smith-Baugh: “We are grateful to PNC, ArtServe, Business for the Arts and our many partners for bringing these unique artistic visions to our community. In addition to exposing Urban League visitors to great art, it is also a platform for artists to gain greater recognition and even have the opportunity to sell their work.”
About Urban League of Broward County
Celebrating 40 years of service, the Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit organization founded to empower communities and change lives. Our mission is to assist African Americans and other disenfranchised groups in the achievement of social and economic equality. Our “Breaking the Cycle” of poverty programs uplift more than 7,000 people every year through affordable housing initiatives, youth development and diversion, employment and training, community empowerment, and civic engagement. We are hosting the National Urban League 2015 Annual Conference on July 29-August 1 in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more about the Urban League of Broward County by visiting: www.ulbroward.org.