By Jennifer J.H. Pierce
ArtServe—one of the nation’s longest-standing arts incubators—recently held its inaugural “Impact Awards” to honor the most transformative and influential artists and arts supporters in Greater Fort Lauderdale local media, the community, business and philanthropy.
At the event sponsored by FPL, Primo Liquors, John Knox Village, OutClique and Truist, attendees and honorees enjoyed a fashion show by artist Kenny Ruiz of MagChop, along with cocktails and live music as they mingled amid ArtServe’s successful “Art and Mental Health” exhibit currently being displayed through Friday, June 16.
“Our inaugural Impact Award winners showed exactly why the creative industries are such an important economic driver,” ArtServe Executive Director Jason Hughes said. “In their own individual ways, each honoree exemplified how the human experience of artistic self-actualization can motivate others to also dream big and, in turn, propel their own vision forward, too.”
The ArtServe’s 2023 Impact Award winners expressed their respective gratitude for the recognition:
Yvonne Pubien, whose arts and crafts studio Nailed It DIY Studio Fort Lauderdale has changed lives and brought diversity to her franchise nationwide said “What an amazing night, celebrating with all the honorees and guests. My husband and I were overwhelmingly showered with beautiful comments about the work we are doing in the City of Lauderhill and the impact we are making with youths and young adults. I have received many awards as a police officer, but this one means the most, because it recognizes me as Yvonne Pubien the business owner, mother, friend and wife. I’m so thankful for all the people at ArtServe that night and all the love we felt from each one.”
Marc Martorana, a retired professional big-budget party planner who uses his unique catering artistry skills to help local non-profits with fundraising, said “As I reflect on Artserve honoring me for the ‘Philanthropist of Impact’ award, I am truly humbled and honored. This award has motivated me to take it a step further by encouraging others to start their own journey of giving and making their own impact. Receiving this recognition has enabled me to come full circle in my life, knowing I took the right path and made the right choice. I am truly humbled by ArtServe’s generosity. Thank you ArtServe for all you have done, and all you continue to do.”
Dr. Steven Evans, whose love of the arts led him to create Outclique, a monthly arts, entertainment, and travel magazine popular beyond the LGBTQ community, noted that “South Florida is a vibrant place to live, work, and vacation. There is something for everyone. Come see what we are about – a Place for Everyone Under the Sun. Come sing, dance, laugh, eat, or just enjoy our sun soaked beaches. Thank you to ArtServe for seeing in me the joy and vision that I want to bring to all my readers. May happiness be abounding.”
Dan Perez, an ArtServe graduate and professional photographer who leverages his success to help other up-and-coming artists, said “I only started to consider myself more of an ‘artist’ and less of an ‘entrepreneur’ a few years ago. So, to be honored by ArtServe at their inaugural Impact Awards was a special honor, especially considering all the other remarkable honorees. Every ArtServe event is an exceptional experience—a gallery filled with fabulous people from whom you can always feel the love—but this one topped them all. ArtServe is a very special organization!”
Holy Cross Health, which has successfully created a luxurious sanctuary feeling within its spaces by incorporating artwork in collaboration with ArtServe, noted that it was honored to be chosen as ArtServe’s Business Partner of Impact at the Inaugural Impact Awards Gala. “Our patients, families, staff and guests in the Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center have enjoyed the amazing exhibits provided to us by the talented artists at ArtServe for more than 10 years. It is proven that artwork in healthcare settings can positively impact patients’ physical and mental well-being, reduce stress, anxiety and improve mood and provide a sense of calm and relaxation. We thank ArtServe for honoring us and for their continued partnership.”
Funding Arts Broward (FAB), which sustains cultural enrichment in Broward County by funding high quality visual and performing arts programs that are open to the public, said “A fantastic evening where the spirit of community prevailed. Much like ArtServe, and the honorees, FAB nurtures and supports not only artists, but members of Broward’s arts community alike. Together we rise when we recognize and cultivate unity as a collective mission.”
