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Next time you drive NE 188th Street in Aventura towards ACES (Aventura City of Excellence School) next to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, slow down…you surely don’t want to miss the incredible Britto art mural on the front wall of ACES!
Last week was the official unveiling of this enormous piece of artwork, created by legendary Miami artist Romero Britto in partnership with Iberia Tiles. Aventura Mayor Enid Weisman was there with Commissioner Jonathan Evans and City Manager Ron Wasson.
Mayor Weisman said, “Britto personifies community, bringing international acclaim to Florida, his hometown. He sees our world on a different level—united through color. He is an amazing human being and an amazing humanitarian.”
Britto, dressed in a bright yellow blazer, thanked his team and said, “At the end of the day, I just want people to feel positive, so I create images of hope and happiness. I am going back to my studio motivated by the Mayor’s kind words. I am truly touched by this community and would love to have you visit my studio where the magic happens.” Britto had extremely kind words for ACES Principal Anthony Tyrkala, saying “I am honored to have my artwork in your school. It has been an extraordinary experience working with you and Raul Fidel, Director of Iberia Tiles and his entire team.”
Raul Fadel explains how this massive project began. “It all started because of COVID… we were quarantined during summer 2020 because of COVID and the idea of partnering with Britto to produce the mosaic came to my head. I contacted Britto’s CEO Lucas Vidal and we started talking and developing samples, and that’s how the Britto – Iberia Tiles Partnership came to life. During a work session between both teams, Romero and Lucas came up with the idea of donating an artwork for a school using the mosaics since the material can last forever. My first thought was ACES, not only because it is my kids’ school but because I have access to the principal. I’m not sure how it is in other schools, but the communication in our school and especially to our principal is very accessible and this truly facilitated the initiative. I really believe it’s important to highlight the fresh approach Principal Anthony Tyrkala brought to the school– his humility and accessibility to all. His attitude is a major part of the success of this project and I’m sure will bring in a lot of good things to the school as well to the community. “
Ask ACES Principal Anthony Tyrkala how this marvelous artwork came to grace the ‘face’ of his school. “This event is an amazing example of the benefits of schools and families working together. I was contacted by Raul Fadel from Iberia Tiles and a parent of two students attending our school regarding a potential donation of a tile mural made by Romero Britto. Raul worked with me and our Administrative Assistant, Eileen Fernandez, in confirming the ideal location, artwork, and then over the next several months, solidifying the logistics of installation. As is the case with anything related to Aventura, The City of Excellence, what started out as a family art donation quickly blossomed into a Britto tile art mural welcoming all of our students, staff, families and guests to campus. Romero Britto also donated curriculum resources for students which he presented to ACES’ Middle School art students prior to the unveiling. While family and school connections have always been vital to success for all, COVID-19 has brought us even closer together. The increased level of communication needed to be successful during these trying times is largely responsible for allowing relationships such as this one to blossom. Given the cloud that COVID-19 has cast over much of the year, the unveiling of this mural was a bright spot for our school community. The ACES vision begins by asserting the importance of joining with our community, and this is an example of what can be accomplished when schools and families truly work hand-in-hand. ACES has had many families reach out to support in various ways, and while this tile mural stands out, all are valued and important. “
Special recognition was also given to Jose Alfonso, Brand Production Manager and Jenny Ruiz, Director of Operations from Britto; CEO Sylvia Gastaldi, Chiara Paletto, Marketing & Sales Dept,and the team from My Mosaic, the factory in Italy that donated the material; Fernando Navarro, CEO of Euroluz for supervision and logistics; Andres Feliciano, CEO of Engineering For Build for blueprints and measurements; and Jose Marquina, CEO and Alejandro Cabra, Installer from Forever Pools.
