News

World renowned artist exhibits work in Deer Park

Posted August 07, 2008 11:00 pm

By Chad Brooks

One of Romero Britto most famous sculptures, "Dancing Boy," will be on display at the Deer Park Town Center later this month. courtesy of Cohn Marketing

The South American artist tapped to create commemorative Beijing Olympics stamps is also bringing his work to Deer Park.

Sculptor Romero Britto, whose art has been on display in museums and galleries throughout the world, is for the first time bringing his art to a local community.

Twelve of his monumental sculptures will be on display at Deer Park Town Center from Aug. 21 to Sept. 14.

Each stands 6 feet tall. The exhibit will include some of Britto's most familiar images, including "Big Apple," "Dancing Boy" and "Azul."

"What I would like people to feel when they see my art is joy, hope, happiness and most of all to be able to use simple words to have a discussion about art," Britto said in an e-mail Thursday.

The "Britto Tours America" show is making 11 stops around the country at different Developers Diversified Realty properties. The company owns and manages the Town Center shopping area.

The idea for the exhibit came after John Kokinchak, a Developers Diversified vice president, visited Britto's gallery in Miami two years ago.

"I had the opportunity to personally meet Romero where we ended up in a conversation about how to bring his art to people across the country," Kokinchak said. "The idea transformed into an amazing opportunity."

Britto's big break came after he moved to Miami from Brazil in 1989. He was selling his art on the street when an Absolut Vodka official took notice and commissioned him to design a commemorative label.

Bears fans may have noticed some of Britto's work during Super Bowl XLI in Miami. He helped produce the pregame Cirque du Soleil show.

This week, the United Nations Postal Service announced Britto was picked to design a commemorative stamp collection highlighting the Beijing Olympics. He's creating six original pieces reflecting the theme "Sport for Peace." The stamps, mainly for collectors, can only be used when sending mail out of U.N. offices.

"I see my work as colorful, vibrant and very positive and optimistic about the future," Britto said.

Deer Park Town Center is hosting several events to celebrate the exhibit.

There will be a painting party for kids aged 6 to 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 23. And starting Aug. 22, Town Center visitors have the chance to win $100 gift cards by participating in the "Locate the Sculpture" contest.

For information on Britto and to view more of his work, visit britto.com.

Artist Britto Romero will have his work on display in Deer Park this month. This piece is called "Boomfish." Romero was recently tapped to design stamps commemorating the Beijing Olympics. courtesy of Cohn Marketing

Romero Britto's artwork "Squeki" will be on display this month in Deer Park. Britto's work is traveling the country as part of the Britto Tours America exhibit. courtesy of Cohn Marketing

Romero Britto

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="http://www.britto.com/">Romero Britto Web site </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>

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