FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In celebration of Brazilian Independence Day in September, ArtServe is presenting the third annual “ArtBrazil” exhibition from Wednesday, September 4 through Friday, September 25. Recognized with a Brazilian International Press Award for last year’s exhibition, “ArtBrazil” will again feature installation work, photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and other forms of art which incorporate Brazilian tradition and culture in a modern, contemporary context.

Blima Efraim Laid In A Splendid Land

Along with many ArtServe members and local artists, the exhibit will highlight the work of featured Brazilian artists whose artwork celebrate and are inspired by South Florida’s contemporary Brazilian art scene. Among the renowned artists participating this year will be Fernanda Frangetto, Jotape,Tom Costa, Didi Marchi, Blima Efraim, Hamilton Aguiar, Carmem Gusmao, Claudia di Paolo and others. Once again, respected photographer Jade Matarazzo and Maria Fulfaro of Simply Marketing co-produce the exhibiton.

“The art of these highly accomplished artists is continually evolving,” notes Matarazzo. “Their presence in ArtBrazil marks the importance of South Florida as a new center of Brazilian contemporary art.”

Presented by the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami and ArtServe, the gallery exhibition kicks off on September 10 at 6 p.m. with an opening night reception that will be a multi-sensory experience with a fusion of Brazilian art, music, fashion and food offered. All the art is for sale, and all the proceeds go to support the local artists that the non-profit organization ArtServe serves.

“We supported the ‘ArtBrazil’ exhibit from the start as a way to give the local community the opportunity to appreciate diverse expressions of Brazilian culture and soul, through the works of a wide range of talented Brazilian artists,” said Hélio Vitor Ramos Filho, Ambassador and Consul General of Brazil in Miami who will preside over the opening night reception. “Each year the exhibition has grown in size and stature and we are pleased to renew our support and once again place it on the official calendar of Brazil's National Day's celebration in Florida.”

Last year’s gallery reception attracted more than 600 patrons and the number of artists requesting participation exceeded capacity. This year, one of the signature elements of ArtBrazil will be a photo exhibition entitled “Amo Noronha,” a partnership coordinated by Rose Anne Leitão, of Smart Trading Miami. Six Brazilian photographers explored the island of Fernando de Noronha this year, one of the most important ecological sanctuaries in the world, and their images of this remote and sacred place will be exhibited exclusively as part of ArtBrazil. Another feature will be “Arte que Salva (Art that Saves), a one night art benefit at a date to be announced that will support children around the world affected by poverty, natural disasters and illness.

“Anticipation for ArtBrazil 2015 has been mounting all year,” notes ArtServe President and CEO Jaye Abbate. “The word is out that the quality of the exhibit was one of the strongest in the South Florida area. With the addition of other new elements this year including a cash prize, the importance of this exhibit takes on a new significance. During our 25th Anniversary, this collaboration with the Brazilian artistic, diplomatic and business communities perfectly illustrates our mission.”

ArtBrazil is brought to you by Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, Simply Marketing, Jade Matarazzo, New York Life and RIVA with support from Big Chef, Acontece, Amo Noronha, Arte Que Salva, Bast Communications, T and the Broward Cultural Division. Admission to the gallery reception on Thursday, September 10 from 6 – 9 p.m. is free.

ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and admission to the gallery is free. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. More information is available at www.ArtServe.org  or by calling 954-462-8190. ArtServe can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/ArtServeFlorida and on Twitter @ArtServeInc.