Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OU7knawZ3A&list=PLOQvdw7d0cd9RZZkd2lZy2hmrnJv-cfLI&index=74
Evan: So we are back here on the Choose 954 Podcast Episode 26 from the beautiful Frank Gallery in Pembroke Pines with Chief Curator Joshua Horton.
Evan: For those of you that don't know about Choose 954, we started a social movement to cultivate culture and community here in Broward County, where I'm from, in an effort to keep people in the know with all the great things that are going on and make this a better place to live and not just a better place to vacation. So the point with the podcast is to connect you with amazing people like him that are doing incredible things here in the 954. So without much further ado, let's dive into it.
Joshua Carden: Absolutely. My name is Joshua Horton, and I’ve been the Chief Curator here at the Frank for almost five years now. I live in Miami, but working here at the Frank has introduced me to everything that 954 has to offer, and it’s just an incredibly high-living experience. I started working in galleries when I was 18 years old, straight out of college. I started working in the arts and never stopped, which kind of brought me here today. I went to the University of Florida, got my bachelor’s in Art History and a College of Art Design degree.
Evan: Nice. There's a gallery scene in Gainesville?
Joshua Carden: Yeah, small. They actually sold a lot of things online to people out of the area, but because of all the professors and the collections of artwork, we worked a lot with local galleries and museums.
Evan: That's amazing. Happily, you did well.
Joshua Carden: Yeah, I was praised for the work, so working with the University of Florida and all of the surrounding museum systems was a huge opportunity.
Evan: That's interesting and pretty noteworthy. You also went to SCAD, right?
Joshua Carden: Yeah, SCAD is amazing for sure. I got my Master’s in Arts Administration probably three years ago now.
Evan: So, was the transition from SCAD your next step after that?
JoshuaCarden: After SCAD, I was offered a position down in South Florida, and this has been my first job in the area, but I worked at another gallery before.
Evan: Oh, okay. So for those who aren’t familiar and haven’t been out here yet, tell us a little about this beautiful space that we’re in right now.
Joshua Carden: So, the Frank is the City of Pembroke Pines’ big foray into the art scene here in Pembroke Pines. We’re very proud of it. It opened almost two years ago now, and this is actually our seventh exhibit called "Prism." I’ve been here for six of them, and it’s been a huge opportunity, a huge blessing that I’m really excited to be a part of. The city really just wants to cultivate culture here in Pembroke Pines and Western Broward County. They’re really putting all their eggs in this basket, and we’re really excited for it because we’re able to offer so much to the community, absolutely free of charge, all provided by the City of Pembroke Pines.
Evan: And the space is absolutely incredible. It literally is brand new. I mean, the floors are beautiful, it’s truly a blank slate canvas to do anything. I’ll never forget the first exhibit I walked in here, which was Christian Phoenix.
Joshua Horton: Yes, "Perceptual Tracking," by Layne Ruan and Peter Symons.
Evan: That was my first exhibit here at the gallery, and it was incredible.
Joshua Carden: Yes, they created this forest scape using color filters that were painted different colors, and Peter actually programmed the lighting so that depending on the lighting sequence, it would cancel out some colors, enhance others, and Layne had her laser-cut animals that were moving throughout. You couldn’t see them from certain vantage points, so it was about a predator-prey relationship. It really did an amazing job blending technology and artwork. There are only so many places that installation could have been created.
Evan: Absolutely. I am so impressed with this building and the depth of detail they went into.
Joshua Carden: Yeah, they really did a phenomenal job. We have lots of galleries, and most of the time, the spaces are very limited. Here, we have this main room, then a middle room, and two side rooms.
Evan: Yeah, exactly, and the layout really allows for so much flexibility.
Joshua Carden: Right, so the room we’re in now is our main gallery space. It’s 65 feet in one direction and 34 feet in the other, so it’s a huge open room. We can pretty much do whatever we want with it. Then we have our front gallery space, which gives us a little more wall space, and two projection rooms that are perfect for video pieces or installations. These spaces are great because they allow for more intimate experiences, and we also have a classroom space upstairs where we can teach workshops and lectures.
Evan: And that upstairs space is adjacent to the third gallery, right?
Joshua Carden: Yes, the third gallery upstairs is mainly for student work or nonprofit organizations that use the arts for therapy, self-esteem building, or PTSD recovery. It’s an opportunity for people involved in these programs to show their creative artwork. We invite them here for a reception, just like everyone else. It’s been great to give 12 nonprofit organizations a platform to showcase their work in the last few years.
Evan: That’s beautiful. And speaking of Pembroke Pines, this gallery was named after Mayor Frank Ortis, right?
Joshua Carden: Yes, it’s the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Exhibit Hall. Mayor Ortis has been a huge proponent of the arts in Pembroke Pines during his entire term as mayor, and he’s been in office since 2002. He’s always championed the arts here and was instrumental in getting the city center built and ensuring that the arts had a home within it.
Evan: Rightfully so.
Joshua Carden: Definitely, and the city has really supported the gallery in everything we’ve done.
Evan: And you’ve done some grant work as well. For those that are able to see on the video, you’ve had some impressive exhibitions.
Joshua Carden: Yeah, it’s been great to work with the city on these projects. We’re fortunate to have the space and resources to support such varied work.
Evan: You mentioned that many of the exhibits here reflect more of someone's inner energy rather than just an artistic display, and speaking of that, I wanted to bring up Laura Marsh—we’re going to get her on the podcast eventually! You can't hide forever, Laura! But we’re big fans of her work and everything going on at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center as well.
Joshua Carden: Yes, Laura is incredible, and Bailey is a really special place. I just attended their annual fundraiser, Exposed, which is a fantastic initiative. I encourage everyone to attend in the future. You buy a ticket for $375, and you're guaranteed to leave with a piece of art, oftentimes valued at more than the ticket price. The artists who exhibit throughout the year donate pieces of artwork, and the fundraiser goes toward supporting the arts in Hollywood.
Evan: Yeah, I’ve left with pieces from artists like Shree Pradhan, whose work is worth way more than the $375 ticket. It’s amazing what they do there. Maybe something like that could happen at The Frank in the future?
Joshua Carden: Absolutely. It’s something we’ve been thinking about as we continue to grow. They raised $25,000 at their last event, which is a huge success.
Evan: That’s impressive. So, we have the Prism exhibit ongoing now. What else is upcoming at The Frank?
Joshua Carden: We’ve got a lot going on. Every month, we host ongoing programs, including our favorite, "Frank Contemporaries." We invite one arts organization to present and tell us about what they’re up to. We usually feature three visual artists and a performing artist—whether it's dance, voice, or something else. The visual artists set up a one-night pop-up exhibit here, and then as a group, we move around the room, having the artists talk about their work and practices.
Evan: That’s great. And what’s really interesting is that it’s framed as a free meetup, but it’s essentially an arts networking event.
Joshua Carden: Exactly, and it’s become a huge hit. We invite any artist, arts professional, or even someone interested in the arts to come. It’s very informal and has led to many great connections. Some artists who have participated in the pop-up exhibits have gone on to exhibit in full-scale exhibitions here afterward. It’s a good opportunity to get discovered.
Evan: That’s amazing. I’ve discovered some great artists, like Claudio Ranieri, just by attending these events.
Joshua Carden: Yeah, it’s a great way to make those connections. And as you mentioned, for artists who want to exhibit here, this is a great first step—attend Frank Contemporaries, get to know us, and form relationships. It’s a great way to start the process.
Evan: Right. So, if artists are interested, they can just email?
Joshua Carden: Yes, they can send an email to our general inbox, and we’ll take it from there.
Evan: Cool. For those with kids, especially small ones, can you tell us more about what you have for them?
Joshua Carden: Absolutely. We’ve been doing more and more for children because the response has been overwhelming. Our kids’ programs are extremely popular. We started something called the Kids’ Corner, which is a storytime followed by an art project that relates to the story. The books we choose always have a connection to the exhibit downstairs. It’s a great way to introduce kids to contemporary art in a way that they can understand. After the story, we do an art project upstairs based on what they’ve just seen.
Evan: That’s amazing. It sounds like a fun way for kids to get involved in art early on.
Joshua Carden: Yes, and the sessions fill up quickly! We’ve even had to start offering multiple sessions at times to accommodate everyone. We also offer Creative Frank art workshops for children once a month. It’s first come, first served for the first 25 kids and their parents. We provide all the materials, and the kids do an art project with us. It’s always a hit.
Evan: That’s fantastic, especially being here in the suburbs, where it's such a great place to raise kids. If you haven’t experienced any of these events, I strongly encourage you to come and check out The Frank in Pembroke Pines—it’s for all ages. And speaking of kids, you had a very noteworthy children’s exhibit that I’m a huge fan of, and I’d love for you to tell us about what you did with "The Wizard of Oz."
Joshua Carden: Absolutely. That was actually our second year partnering with the Miami Children’s Museum. We brought "The Wizard of Oz" here as an interactive children’s museum exhibit. It was an amazing opportunity to engage both children and adults. We had the main gallery for the kids’ interactive components, and then in the front gallery, we chose artwork that related to the film in a more contemporary context, so it appealed to adults as well. It was a huge success.
Evan: That's incredible. What a great opportunity for families. And I hear you have something exciting coming up this summer?
Joshua Carden: Yes! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting "Into Africa," an exhibition of photographs by Frans Lanting, in collaboration with the Smithsonian and the National Geographic Society. It will feature incredible images documenting Lanting’s journeys through Africa over many years. It’s going to be an amazing experience.
Evan: That sounds amazing. If I recall, "The Wizard of Oz" exhibit was one of the first of its kind here, correct?
Joshua Carden: Yes, it was one of the first interactive children’s exhibits we hosted, and it really set the stage for future family-oriented programming.
Evan: And you’d think with "The Wizard of Oz" being such an older film, kids wouldn’t connect with it as much, but that wasn’t the case at all.
Joshua Carden: Exactly. I was surprised by how many children knew the story and were able to connect with it through their parents or grandparents. It was great to see so many generations come together through the exhibit.
Evan: That's awesome. I mean, I loved how interactive it was, and it was a great learning experience for the kids too.
Joshua Carden: It really was, and it was also a fantastic way to show how contemporary art can be both educational and fun for children.
Evan: Speaking of events, I know you have something big coming up this weekend—the 21st Annual ArtFest in the Pines, right?
Joshua Carden: Yes! This will be the second time it’s held at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, and it’s going to be bigger than ever. We have close to 80 artists attending, a farmers market, and free art workshops here at The Frank. There’s something for everyone, including poetry workshops and other interactive activities. We’re very excited to be part of it.
Evan: That’s incredible. I love seeing how The Frank is becoming such an integral part of the arts scene here in Pembroke Pines. Where can people find more information about these events?
Joshua Carden: They can visit our website at gallery.pines.org or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram at The Frank Pembroke Pines and on Facebook as well. We encourage everyone to follow us, post, tag, and share—it's the best way to get the word out about all the amazing events and exhibits happening here.
Evan: Definitely. And for those who might not know, just because The Frank is located a bit further west doesn’t mean it’s not worth the drive. It’s a true gem, and everything here is world-class. I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve seen here.
Joshua Carden: Thank you! We’ve worked hard to bring world-class exhibitions to Broward County, and we’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished.
Evan: Absolutely, and for anyone who’s grown up out west, like myself, this is such a great opportunity to experience high-quality art without having to travel too far. The Frank is definitely worth checking out.
Evan: So, in addition to all of this, what other events can people look forward to? I know you’ve mentioned a few exciting things coming up.
Joshua Carden: Yes! One event we’re really excited about is our monthly breakfast lecture series called "CreativeMornings," which is like a mini TED Talk. It’s hosted by myself in collaboration with the American Advertising Federation’s local chapter. We hold it on the second Friday morning of every month, and it’s free to attend. We serve breakfast, there’s networking, and it’s an inspiring way to start the morning.
Evan: That sounds fantastic. And I hear you have a world-renowned interior designer coming in this month?
Joshua Carden: Yes, Ynez Martines, an interior designer who has worked with the Design Center of the Americas, is our speaker this month. She’ll be presenting at the Christian Liaigre Showroom. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in design and creativity to learn from someone at the top of their field.
Evan: That’s awesome. I’m sure people will get a lot out of it. And you’re still doing the Choose 954 Local Artist Discovery Series, right?
Joshua Carden: Yes, we’re still doing it every Wednesday night at YOLO, and it’s been going strong for 106 consecutive weeks! We provide local artists with a canvas, easel, and table, free of charge. We don’t take a cut of their work; we just promote it. It’s an effort to connect local artists with the downtown crowd who might not have other opportunities to discover local artists. It’s been really successful in helping artists get commissions, collectors, and followers.
Evan: That’s incredible. I love that you’re giving artists that platform. And I believe you’ve partnered with SoFar Sounds as well?
Joshua Carden: Yes! SoFar Sounds is one of my favorite music experiences. They host intimate music listening sessions at secret venues. You have to RSVP, and they don’t release the venue’s name until just before the event. It’s all about creating a unique experience for true music fans. The next one is coming up on Thursday, March 21st.
Evan: I’ve heard great things about SoFar Sounds. It’s such a cool concept. And you’ve also been involved in storytelling events, right?
Joshua Carden: Yes, we’re big supporters of RAW Storytelling, which is our version of The Moth, a live storytelling event. It’s usually held on the second Thursday night of every month. It’s a great way for people to share their personal stories and connect with others.
Evan: That’s amazing. And for people who are looking for more open mic opportunities or places to perform, I know Yellow Creative Arts has started an open mic night.
Joshua Carden: Yes, Yellow Creative Arts is a great space in Uptown Fort Lauderdale. They’ve started an open mic night on the last Monday of every month. It’s a great place to practice poetry, spoken word, or lyrics.
Evan: It sounds like there’s no shortage of great events happening in Broward County, from Fort Lauderdale to Pembroke Pines and beyond.
Joshua Carden: Absolutely. There’s a thriving arts scene here, and it’s growing all the time.
Evan: So, having moved here and having been so deeply involved in the arts community, what are your thoughts on the arts and culture scene in Broward County right now?
Joshua Carden: I’m so happy I found Broward County. Coming from Miami, I always felt like there was no real sense of community around the arts. It felt like you could go to an art opening and not see anyone you knew. But here in Broward, it’s completely different. There’s such a strong sense of community, and people genuinely want to support one another. It’s been incredible to see how people here invest in the arts.
Evan: That’s so true. It really does feel like a close-knit community here.
Joshua Carden: Exactly. Everyone is so welcoming, and that’s something I didn’t always feel in Miami. Here, people want you to be part of the conversation. They want you to come to the gallery, talk about the art, and be involved. It’s really refreshing.
Evan: That’s great to hear. It definitely seems like Broward is reaching a tipping point in terms of arts and culture.
Joshua Carden: I agree. I think we’re already seeing that shift happen, and it’s only going to continue growing. There’s so much potential here, and I’m excited to be part of it.
Evan: If you haven't experienced or attended any of these events and been out here, we strongly encourage you to come and check out The Frank Pembroke Pines for any ages. I know once again, you're super humble and modest, but you had one very noteworthy children’s exhibit that I would like you to tell us about—what we did with The Wizard of Oz.
Joshua Carden: Absolutely. So, it was actually our second year partnering with the Miami Children’s Museum. We brought The Wizard of Oz here, which was an interactive children's museum exhibit, exhibition. So, it was really great. That was here in the main gallery, and in the front gallery, we actually chose artwork that related to the film in a more contemporary context. So, we had some art for the adults as well as some more hands-on activities for the children, and that was a really incredible opportunity for us.
Evan: I’m happy to announce we have an exhibit coming from the Smithsonian and the National Geographic Society this summer. It’s called Into Africa, featuring the photographs of Frans Lanting. He’s a photographer who spent years in South Africa, and he’s really captured some incredible images of animals in their natural habitat. So, that’s coming here this summer.
Joshua Carden: Yes, absolutely. And I believe that The Wizard of Oz exhibit was either the first or second time it had been shown here in Pembroke Pines, and it was incredibly well received by the community.
Evan: Yeah, that was amazing. And it was really cool because I didn’t realize that children would still have such an attachment to The Wizard of Oz.
JoshuaCarden: I was surprised too. I didn’t think it would be something that resonated with kids, but so many children knew the story and were able to connect with it through their parents or grandparents. It was really wonderful to see.
Evan: Yeah, and kids like me! (Laughs) I thought it was awesome.
Joshua Carden: Absolutely! It was a really fun exhibit, and we’ve definitely had more interactive, creative opportunities like that.
Evan: That’s awesome. So, we also have the 21st Annual ArtFest in the Pines coming up this weekend. This is the second time it’s being hosted here at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, and it’s going to be bigger than ever. We’ve got close to 80 artists attending, a farmers market, free art workshops, poetry workshops, food trucks, all sorts of interactive activities. We’re really excited for it.
Joshua Carden: Yeah, we’ve got a lot going on. The ArtFest is always a big hit, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it again this year. We’ll be teaching free art workshops at The Frank every day during the festival, and we’ve got some great programming lined up, like the "Pinwheels for Peace" project and "Thread It Together," which are both really exciting interactive art pieces.
Evan: That’s amazing. People can find more information on your website, right?
Joshua Carden: Yes, you can find all the details on our website, which is gallery.pines.org, or follow us on social media. We’re on Instagram at The Frank Pembroke Pines, and on Facebook at The Frank Pembroke Pines as well. We strongly encourage everyone to come check us out, post, tag, share—that’s the way we get the word out about these great events and exhibits.
Evan: Definitely! And for those who may not know, just because The Frank is located out west doesn’t mean it’s not worth the drive. It’s a true gem, and it’s not as well-known as some of the other galleries, but everything I’ve seen here has been top-notch.
Joshua Carden: Thank you, we appreciate that. We’ve worked hard to bring world-class exhibitions to Broward County, and it’s been a labor of love.
Evan: Absolutely. And as someone who grew up out west in Coral Springs, I know it’s so great to have something like this so close to home. If you haven’t checked it out, you really should. I’ve never been disappointed by any of the exhibits here at The Frank.
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