Romero Britto Wows the Crowds at Coral Springs Museum Fundraiser

by Sharon Aron Baron September 1, 2015

by Sharon Aron Baron September 1, 2015 3 minutes read

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Rio Carnival Showgirls at Coral Springs Museum of Art’s “Blame it on Rio” event. Photos by Adam Baron

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Don’t miss all the photos of the event here!

Supporters and fans of internationally renowned iconic pop artist Romero Britto paid tribute, as well as met him in person at the Coral Springs Museum of Art’s Signature Fundraiser “Blame it on Rio” event.

This summer, the Museum of Art has presented a collection of Britto’s iconic paintings, limited edition prints, and sculptures in an exhibit going on until August 29. Coral Springs residents Bonnie and Steve Opler who were early collectors of Britto’s works, were instrumental in inviting him to the event as they were Britto’s first American patrons. They even drove their signed Britto Corvette which greeted guests as they arrived.

The museum’s board of directors had very little time to plan the event as they wanted it to coincide with Britto’s exhibit.

Romero Britto with art patron Steve Opler.

“What shocked me is the short period of time we pulled this off as we only had four months.” Said Event Co-Chair Joy Carter, who added that the proceeds from the event go to the museum and their scholarship programs. “I was really proud of the museum and the community that supported it.”

Latin food was donated by the Feisty Bull restaurant to tie into their grand opening and Brazilian inspired desserts were donated by Paladar Catering Services. Leblon Cachaca, a premium brand of special Brazilian rum, provided drinks as well as their bartenders. Mobile Media Marketing owner Rodney Price donated use of his Hummer with video screens advertising sponsors and providing music as guests entered.

Rio Carnival Showgirls circulated throughout the venue and many guests had photos made with them and their colorful costumes, or danced away to the samba music performed by the Rhumba Jazz Septet.

Julia Black Andrews, executive director of Coral Springs Museum of Art, said she was delighted by the turnout for the event.

Coral Springs Mayor Skip Campbell is crowned "King Carnival" by Chair Laurette Homan and Co-Chair Joy Carter.

Coral Springs Mayor Skip Campbell is crowned “King Carnaval” by Chair Laurette Homan and Co-Chair Joy Carter.

“It demonstrates the respect and affection the community holds for Romero Britto and his beautiful work,” she said. “The most telling remark made to me by a guest was ‘This is such a happy affair, all you see are smiling faces.’ Exactly what we hoped would happen.”

Event Chair Laurette Homan said, “It was a wonderful collaboration of thought and passion and it was better than I expected. And I must say, that Joy Carter and I make one heck of a team.”

Homan wanted to thank Romero Britto, Michael Monas board president, Linda Anderson, Board Vice President, Julia Andrews Executive Director, and the staff including Robin Drazin.

“And a special thank you Terry Boccard with Temptations Catering for all that she contributed to making this event a success and all of the members that took their time and offered great ideas. Now on to bigger and better events.”

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.