Dillard High School’s Art Takes Flight

Broward County Cultural Division, in partnership with the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the Dillard Center for the Arts (DCA), presents a new exhibition of artworks by local Advanced Placement (AP) Art & Design students and alumni from Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale.

The exhibition showcases works by 10 students who plan future careers as artists: Lianna Byles, Naima Cornelius, Lewis James, Selena Michel, Mikayle Morrison, Angela Pena, Tayshaun Small, Naimah Rogers, Jennifer Turner, along with Dillard alumna and artist Ruth Burotte, who holds the distinction of being the youngest artist to receive a public art commission from Broward County’s Public Art & Design program. The students have worked under the instruction of Dillard teachers Celestin Joseph, Cynthia Black, and Lauren D’Apuzzo.

The exhibition is located in Terminal 4, Concourse G (post-security), and features high-quality giclee prints of artworks in various mediums. It is curated by Celestin Joseph, an educator and practicing artist, with an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania who teaches AP studio art classes at his alma mater, where he has been strengthening the visual arts program since 1999.

Phil Dunlap, Director of Broward Cultural Division, said “This exhibit shines a spotlight on the tremendous talent in DCA’s distinguished art program and is a perfect example of local agencies working together to enhance our community’s cultural environment through the development of the arts. Cultivating our young, local artists and providing them with the opportunity for their work to be showcased in the airport, is a great way for them to receive exposure and recognition to succeed.”

Since 2017, FLL has dedicated space to present the artistic talent of Broward County youth through the En Plane Air exhibition program. “Exhibits like these are a win-win for the artists, airport visitors, and the County as a whole,” said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation. “This beautiful exhibit truly enhances the airport experience while giving back to the community.”

About Broward Cultural Division

The Broward Cultural Division advances arts and culture throughout greater Fort Lauderdale by investing in the creative sector and providing capacity-building opportunities for artists, organizations, and creative talent through events and activities that fuel Broward’s creative infrastructure. The Cultural Division includes the county’s Public Art & Design program, as well as grant programs that provide over $4.5 million in annual support for Broward-based cultural organizations and artists, and engages the community in education and advocacy initiatives that support arts education at the local, state and federal levels. For more information on programs, grants, calls-to-artists, and more visit @ BrowardArts on Facebook or Instagram or visit Broward.org/Arts.

About Dillard High School

Dillard High School is a historic public high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The school was established in 1907 and named for James H. Dillard a black-education advocate. Dillard is a magnet school for Visual & Performing Arts and Emerging Computer Technology. DCA provides training in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, as well as an academic schedule. Graduates of the magnet program go on to attend some of the top colleges and conservatory programs in the United States, including the Savannah College of Art & Design, Parsons The New School, Maryland Institute College of Art, Juilliard School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Columbia University to list a few.