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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
FORT LAUDERDALE’S
CULTURAL HUB Established artists and rising talents at NSU Art Museum
By Heather Turk
Once considered one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets, word is getting out about Fort Lauderdale’s thriving art scene. The city is home to several notable galleries and museums, including what many consider to be its premier art museum: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, NSU Art Museum was founded in 1958 and became a part of Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2008. The 83,000-square-foot building the museum is currently housed in opened in 1986 and was designed by renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. Inside the modern architectural landmark lies more than 25,000 square feet of exhibition space, as well as a 256seat auditorium, gift shop and café.
Among the more than 7,500 permanent pieces NSU Art Museum houses is the world’s largest collection of works by American modernist artist William J. Glackens. The museum also boasts highly regarded collections of Latin American art and contemporary art.
This fall, the museum will have several limited-time exhibitions on view that guests won’t want to miss. These include “Iké Udé: Select Portraits” and “Thomas Bils: Still Cheaper Than Paying,” two of NSU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater’s favorite exhibitions.
“I’m bedazzled by Iké Udé’s luminous, large-scale photographic self-portraits and intrigued by the way Miami artist Thomas Bils’ display of meticulous paintings on parking citations — which sell for the price of the fine — raise questions
William J. Glackens’ “Seated Actress with Mirror,” 1903, oil on canvas
regarding how we value art,” Clearwater told Sunseeker.
Fashion aficionados will also love “The World of Anna Sui.” On display through Oct. 3, the retrospective exhibition features more than 100 looks from the accomplished New York fashion designer.
Admission to NSU Art Museum is free on the first Thursday of every month, otherwise a nominal charge typically applies. nsuartmuseum.org
