HISTORY FORT LAUDERDALE PRESENTS “TROPICAL CHILL,” A CONTEMPORARY FINE ART EXHIBIT

History Fort Lauderdale, committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history, will present “Tropical Chill,” a contemporary fine art exhibit that captures the serene spirit and coastal hues of South Florida’s mild winter season. The exhibit, on view from Wednesday, December 10, 2025, through Sunday, January 25, 2026, will showcase paintings, mixed media, and photography by celebrated local artists Phoenix, Lori Arbel, Kim Heise, and Karin Batchelder, along with select works and photographs from History Fort Lauderdale’s permanent collection. The exhibition will open with a free artist meet-and-greet reception and preview on December 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the New River Inn (231 Southwest Second Avenue).

The “Tropical Chill” exhibition captures the cheerful spirit of South Florida’s winter when the days are bright, breezy, and full of color. The exhibit brings together local artists who find inspiration in nature, emotion, and everyday life. Their paintings, photography, and mixed media pieces share stories of reflection and transformation, each one shaped by the beauty and rhythm of our region.

“History Fort Lauderdale is excited to share ‘Tropical Chill,’ a showcase that celebrates the creativity of our community,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “From coastal scenes to colorful abstracts, this collection captures the calm, warmth, and inspiration that make South Florida a favorite destination among seasonal snowbirds and other visitors.”

History Fort Lauderdale’s “Tropical Chill” exhibit is sponsored by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part, by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale.

History Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of engaging multicultural experiences throughout the year. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent displays including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: The Story of Boatbuilding Along the New River,” “Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” and “Take PRIDE, a Retrospective on LGBTQ Life in South Florida.”

History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.

For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit historyfortlauderdale.org.

Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has been committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history. Through dynamic exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community initiatives, we strive to connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shape our shared past, present, and future. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus – the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 – present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 SW Second Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. For more information, call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online athistoryfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory, on Instagram @ftlhistory and on Twitter @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.