BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Fort
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), in partnership with the
Broward Cultural Division's Public Art & Design Program, presents its latest
Terminal 2 Art Gallery exhibition, "The Softness of Being Human," by South
Florida fiber artist Mabelin Castellanos, whose quilted works capture scenes
from everyday life. This exhibition
features 10 quilted paintings that honor ordinary companionship, the tenderness
of solitude, and the quiet rituals that anchor us.
"Through thread
and cloth, my goal is to capture the softness of being human," said Castellanos
of her art. "My minimalist figurative compositions draw on color, pattern, and
cloth to evoke fleeting moments with clarity and tenderness."
Using
meticulous free-motion quilting as a form of drawing, she transforms the sewing
machine into a tool for mark-making, capturing both the vitality of her
surroundings and the intimacy of lived experience.
"At FLL's
Terminal 2 Art Gallery, we are committed to highlighting the extraordinary
talents of local artists, including Mabelin Castellanos," said Mark Gale,
CEO/Director of Aviation. "Each exhibition provides a distinct opportunity
for visitors to engage with the vibrant creativity and cultural richness of our
community, thereby enhancing their travel experience through the transformative
beauty of art."
Castellanos is
a self-taught artist based in Miami. After more than 30 years as a scientist - a
career she deeply valued - she stepped away in 2015 because of neurological
issues. During her long recovery, she turned to art, which became a vital part
of her healing and transformation. Through stitched line drawings and layered
textiles, Castellanos explores the poetics of the everyday: a walk by the sea,
a pause on a bench, the comfort of leaning into someone you trust, or the
stillness of a room filled with plants and afternoon light.
The
Terminal 2 Art Gallery showcases the work of South Florida professional artists
through temporary exhibitions that rotate every eight months. "The Softness of
Being Human" is on view now through April 2027. For information about
the gallery, contact ArtFLL@broward.org.
About
Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
In 2025, FLL served over 32.2 million passengers
and its ongoing multibillion-dollar annual economic activity generated over
15,200 direct local jobs. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the
heart of Florida's Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL's operator, is a
self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that
does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The
department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for
private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information.
For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on X, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.
About
Broward County Cultural Division's Public Art & Design Program
Established in 1976, the Broward County Cultural Division's Public Art
& Design Program commissions, manages and conserves public
artworks throughout Broward County. The program oversees
a collection of more than 300 artworks at County facilities and public spaces,
including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades,
parks, libraries and other civic locations. The program also administers artist
opportunities and provides technical assistance to municipalities developing
public art initiatives. Explore the collection and artwork locations through
Broward County's Public Art Dashboard.
*FLL and the Cultural Division are services of the Broward County
Board of County Commissioners.
August 21, 2026
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Arlene Satchell, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
954-359-6116
asatchell@broward.org
Meredith Clements, Business Development Manager
Broward Cultural Division
954-357-7463
mclements@broward.org