BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Broward County's Friends of Public Art invites all members of the community to participate in a FREE viewing of Big Blue Bear, a film by Daniel Junge and Davis Combe, that reviews Denver's most well-known and beloved, public art project. The film documents how the artwork, I See What You Mean came to life; and the tremendous impact that it has on the Colorado community.

Big Blue Bear tells an endearing story of the artist's inspiration for the artwork, then concept development through fabrication and installation. Members of the Broward community are encouraged to enjoy the artist's/bear's journey on October 25, at metroLAB at Florida Atlantic University, 111 East Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, at 7 p.m. The film also contributes to National Arts and Humanities Month's Creative Conversations for the month of October; AND is an exciting event offered through Broward County's newly launched Friends of Public Art program.

"This 26-minute film about the making of this popular art project illustrates the complex public art development process for a monumental scale artwork and the need for artists to consider the architecture and site." says Broward Public Art Administrator Leslie Fordham. Following the film, there will be an opportunity to ask Public Art & Design staff questions about the Broward County Public Art & Design Program. RSVP

"Convention Centers are supposed to be bland, sterile corporate spaces. But the Colorado Convention Center bucks that trend in a variety of ways. Case in point: “I See What You Mean,” AKA the giant blue bear sculpture peeking into the center’s lobby. The 40-foot high bear, which injects a welcome sense of fun and playfulness into the convention center experience, is the creation of local artist Lawrence Argent. It was installed in 2005, and quickly become a bona fide Mile High icon – and a can’t-miss photo op for tourists and locals alike. Visit Denver, The Mile High City Website. 

Contact Leslie Fordham, public art & design administrator, 954-357-7532 for more details on this program; and visit the Broward Cultural Division website to become a member of Friends with Public Art. There is no cost to Sign Up.

About Friends of Public Art
Friends of Public Art members will have unique, behind-the-scenes access to one of the most dynamic and vital contemporary public art programs in the nation. Each night is unique,through a series of events and workshops that include, meet the artist receptions, artist studio visits, expert-led lectures, films, a first-hand look at public art conservation, and invitations to public art special events, members will network and learn about all aspects of public art including current and future Broward County public art initiatives and commissions.