Mural artist Georgeta Fondos’ PRESS FEATURES

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Mural Shares Important Health Message

Broward County is the epicenter of an uptick in new HIV cases, said David Plath, director of development at ArtServe. But it doesn’t have to be.  “HIV is 100 percent preventable,” Plath said.  To raise awareness in an uplifting way, ArtServe put out a call to artists for its Art to End AIDS mural project. It’s part of the HIV Ends with Me campaign in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, CBS Miami and EcoMedia.

Artists were tasked to convey four points that everyone should know about HIV: “It’s 100 percent preventable… I asked my doctor… I always use protection… I got tested,” Plath said.  Plus, the artwork must appeal to Broward residents with a local focus.

Thirty-three submissions were entered. A panel of seven jurors from the arts community and healthcare professionals narrowed the lot down. Broward College art professor Georgeta Fondos emerged as the winner.

Fondos is an accomplished muralist. Her portfolio shows a range of large scale projects. Recent works include a firefighter mural for the city of Oakland Park and a sea wall for Broward Medical’s Children’s Cancer Center in Davie.   Before adapting a design for Art to End AIDS, Fondos dove into research. She read extensively and watched documentaries to see the struggles of HIV and AIDS patients.  “It inspired me. I noticed a common theme, a call to action. To get people educated and get them tested,” Fondos said.

Fondos’ mural draws on romantic 18th- and 19th-century landscapes. It takes viewers for a metaphorical walk on Fort Lauderdale beach entering between the white pillars on Las Olas Boulevard.  “It’s simple but filled with lots of symbolism,” she said. Themes include the sun, birds and a rainbow suggesting hope, energy, and peace.  “I believe in art,” Fondos said. “Art is a great tool. With art you can teach and educate just through the visual impact of the image.”

Plans are to paint the mural on the side of semi-trailer which can be trucked to various events around the area. It will be unveiled Aug. 27 at the PRIDE Center in Wilton Manors.  “The Florida Department of Health is excited about Art to End AIDS,” said EcoMedia spokesperson Theresa Schieber. “Our hope is this is not a one-off, but something that can continue on.