Homegrown Talent - Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is putting the spotlight on homegrown talent with an exhibit that features artwork by its employees and others who work at the South Florida airport.

Since its debut in August 2018, I Bet You Didn’t Know has showcased a wide range of works, including acrylic, watercolor and oil paintings; bronze and ceramic sculptures; mixed media installations; photography; videos; poetry; and music.

The artists themselves are equally diverse, including FLL executives, operations personnel, employees from federal agency partners, airline crewmembers, concessions staff and more. To date, about 160 artists from all walks of life have had their works displayed.

Alejandro Cuevas, an expansion project administrator with the Broward County Aviation Department, contributed a sculpture called I’ll Drive the Bug in tribute to his 1964 Volkswagen Beetle.

“The invitation to exhibit an art piece at the airport revived my enthusiasm for art,” says Cuevas. “The entire process of creating my sculpture reminded me of how much I love to draw, design and create. Also, in my kids’ eyes, the sculpture reassured them that daddy is still cool by building fun stuff.”

The Broward County Aviation Department, which operates FLL, regularly uses public art to create a sense of place and welcome visitors from around the world. “At FLL, we are fortunate to have such talented employees who can offer visitors a warm greeting to our destination,” says Mark Gale, chief executive officer/director of aviation of the Broward County Aviation Department.

The airport collaborated with the Broward Cultural Division’s Public Art and Design program to present the rotating exhibition. The final installment will remain on display in the Terminal 3-4 Connector until this September. 

Horizons (resin fluid on canvas)
Myrna Gonzalez, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer

Diamond on the Beach (photograph on canvas)
Antonio Reece, customer service agent/ramp, Delta Air Lines

Happiness Resides (oil on canvas)
Janae Morguarge, wheelchair attendant, Direct Airline Services

Flamenco (mixed media illustration)
Franklin Valdez, terminal agent/operations, Broward County Aviation Department

Dancing in My Own Parade (senior portraiture on acrylic print)
Alicia Anir, flight attendant, Spirit Airlines