Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program in partnership with Port Everglades unveiled a transformative three-dimensional mural by artist Manuel Di Rita, aka Peeta, at the Port’s recently completed 1,800-vehicle Heron Garage serving cruise terminals 2 and 4.
Executed in the famed Italian artist’s illusionistic style, the 70-foot-tall native Florida Great White Heron features colors, shapes, and images reflecting South Florida’s natural environment.
The Heron mural abstractly depicts an elegant avian regally silhouetted against the sky in vivid and subtle shades of whites, blues, greens, complemented by a striking orange accent. Heron was welcomed at a ribbon-cutting celebration on February 24 hosted by the Cultural Division and headlined by Broward County Mayor Michael Udine, Commissioner Beam Furr, Port Director Jonathan Daniels, Visit Lauderdale Executive Vice President Anthony Cordo, and other dignitaries, artists, and arts enthusiasts.
The Cultural Division’s Public Art & Design Program selected this site for its visibility and for wayfinding purposes. Cultural Division Director Phil Dunlap opened the unveiling by observing that “the artist succeeded in creating a unique and exciting mural, which is also a memorable environmental marker for the Port.”
