ArtServe, Broward County’s largest non-profit arts service organization, regularly hosts traditional exhibitions inside its Fort Lauderdale gallery, but on July 19 from 6 to 10 p.m., the art and artists will spill into the neighboring parking lot and onto Sunrise Boulevard for the largest live multimedia art event of the year.
RedEYE REboot is the interactive accompaniment to ArtServe’s ninth annual RedEYE exhibition on display until Aug. 15 and includes musical performances, spoken word, a graffiti challenge, body art, dance, culinary adventures and other multimedia disciplines.
“RedEYE is not your average art exhibit,” said Jaye Abbate, president and CEO of ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. “It’s edgy and fun and the special event on July 19 brings together the community to experience a unique collaboration of art, film, music, live painting and unique installations.”
“The RedEYE exhibit was originally created to help local kids who were getting into trouble defacing public property, channel their talents in a more positive way,” explained ArtServe Managing Director Byron Swart. With REboot, “we pay homage to that by erasing the walls so there is no distinction between the art taking place inside and outside.”
RedEYE will feature some of the biggest names in urban and extreme art, including neo-figurative artist Ruben Ubiera, known for his strong use of graffiti inspired technique, urban murals and mixed-media work. Ubiera was selected by event sponsor Rick Case Fiat to tag their latest model with a RedEYE inspired design.
Other featured artists include muralist and tattoo artist “Marvel” Cuellar; digital artist Sri Prabha; installation artists and muralists Tabatha Mudra, Chnk, Beju Lejobart, Tati, Anthony Hernandez; and performance artists Body & Soul Dance Theatre.
Filmmaker Michael Chasin has been tapped to serve as the festival director for Red Shorts, an indie film festival that will present short works throughout the entire exhibit.
As part of this year’s ReBOOT, the event will pay tribute to the original “cans to canvas” concept by pairing several of the seasoned graffiti artists with student street artists for a live graffiti challenge. The team concept “not only provides mentoring for the students from artists who came from a similar background,” added Abbate, “it reinforces how channeling their skills to the canvas can lead to bigger and better things for them.”
The event will raise funds to support ArtServe’s mission, including progressive events, affordable facilities and collaborative programs and services that help artists turn art into business. In addition South Florida Gay News sponsoring the event others include Rick Case Fiat, ArtsCalendar.com, Broward Cultural Division, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and Fast Printz.
General admission tickets to RedEYE REboot are $8 in advance and $12 at the door. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $40 in advance and $60 at the door and include reserve parking and access to the VIP lounge. All tickets include a free drink at the RedEYE after party on July 20 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are available online at ArtServe.org or ArtsCalendar.com or call 954-462-8190.
