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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (April 13, 2012) — SHARK, an exhibition at the Museum of Art  Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University takes visitors on a journey through over 70 artists’ perspectives on these fascinating creatures from predator to victim to pop culture icon. The exhibition has been organized by the Museum of Art and curated by acclaimed marine artist and author, Richard Ellis. It is being presented in association with Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center.

On view May 12, 2012 through Jan. 6, 2013, the multi-media exhibition features drawings, paintings, photography, sculptures and videos by artists from all over the world.

“Sharks have long fascinated man; some ancient societies even revered them as gods. In my art, I pay homage to their graceful beauty,” said Ellis. “This exhibition delves into a variety of issues in an examination of the human impact on sharks. It explores the shark as a predator and its portrayal in culture, the importance of shark conservation, the biology of the myriad of shark species, and the thrill of shark encounters.”

“SHARK is a stunning and timely exhibition about how the shark has entered the public imagination and how artists, over the decades, have portrayed one of the most fascinating, vulnerable, and misunderstood marine animals on the planet,” said Irvin Lippman, executive director of the Museum of Art.

About SHARK

The exhibition opens with John Singleton Copley’s painting Watson and the Shark (ca. 1778) the first depiction that firmly established the shark as a man-eater. Copley’s fascination is shared by contemporary artists such as Robert Longo, José Bedia, Kcho and Damien Hirst, all of whom are featured in the exhibition. SHARK also includes well-known marine artists Guy Harvey and Kent Ullberg, as well as noted photographers Chris Fallows, Ron and Valerie Taylor, Daniel Botelho, David Doubilet, and Rodney Fox. Among the most dramatic installations are the watercolors of 400 shark species by British wildlife illustrator Marc Dando.

One gallery is devoted to Jaws, the 1975 Steven Spielberg film. Original storyboards, illustrations, posters and memorabilia are included to underscore the impact this film had on the human consciousness. Ellis has carefully selected the 160 works in this exhibition to show the multiple portraits of the shark – from predator to prey – to help us better understand this magnificent fish, which is now listed among the most vulnerable of all marine creatures.

Visitors can engage with the exhibition before stepping into the Museum by downloading the SHARK mobile integration onto smartphones and tablets. This family-friendly program offers gaming, shark facts, shark tracking and a family resource guide. It can be downloaded via a mobile bar code or a link on our website www.moafl.org. Furthering the interactive experience are installations throughout the exhibition of education stations that answer questions about the habits of sharks and the need for conservation.

Admission to SHARK includes general admission to the Museum. Adult admission is $10, seniors and military is $7, children ages 6-17 $5, children 5 and under and Museum members are admitted free. The SHARK exhibition audio guide is $4 per person. Schools and children’s group admission is $8 and adult group admission is $10. Group admission rates include audio guides.

About the Museum of Art  Fort Lauderdale

Founded in 1958, the Museum of Art  Fort Lauderdale is one of the area’s leading cultural attractions. The building was designed in 1986 by Edward Larrabee Barnes. The Museum also houses the AutoNation Academy of Art + Design which offers courses year-round to adults and students in grades 1-12. Courses are taught by nationally-known artists and include classes in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, textiles and digital arts. The Museum is also home to Books & Books, with a full schedule of author events. For more information about the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, its café and exhibition and program calendar, visit www.moafl.org.

About Nova Southeastern University

The Museum is a division of Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Located in Davie, Florida, NSU is a dynamic fully accredited Florida University dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs of distinction from preschool through the professional and doctoral levels. NSU has more than 28,000 students and is the eighth largest not-for-profit independent institution nationally. Among its divisions is the Oceanographic Center, which is a world leader in marine biological research with focus on coral reef science and shark conservation. For more information about NSU, visit www.nova.edu.

On view May 12, 2012 through Jan. 6, 2013, the multi-media exhibition features drawings, paintings, photography, sculptures and videos by artists from all over the world.

“Sharks have long fascinated man; some ancient societies even revered them as gods. In my art, I pay homage to their graceful beauty,” said Ellis. “This exhibition delves into a variety of issues in an examination of the human impact on sharks. It explores the shark as a predator and its portrayal in culture, the importance of shark conservation, the biology of the myriad of shark species, and the thrill of shark encounters.”

“SHARK is a stunning and timely exhibition about how the shark has entered the public imagination and how artists, over the decades, have portrayed one of the most fascinating, vulnerable, and misunderstood marine animals on the planet,” said Irvin Lippman, executive director of the Museum of Art.

Recognized for his remarkable stage talent, artistry, and stunning choreographies, the Santa Fe legend Maria Benitez passed the artistic torch to Juan Siddi in 2008. Shortly thereafter, his Flamenco Theatre Company was selected to be the sole presentation for the acclaimed flamenco summer seasons at the Maria Benitez Theatre in Santa Fe, NM. The company’s dynamic shows have met with much success and astounding enthusiasm from national and international audiences and press.

Recognized for his remarkable stage talent, artistry, and stunning choreographies, the Santa Fe legend Maria Benitez passed the artistic torch to Juan Siddi in 2008. Shortly thereafter, his Flamenco Theatre Company was selected to be the sole presentation for the acclaimed flamenco summer seasons at the Maria Benitez Theatre in Santa Fe, NM. The company’s dynamic shows have met with much success and astounding enthusiasm from national and international audiences and press.

Johnny has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame two times so far. In 1998, he made the famous Hall’s list with “Chances Are” (Columbia Traditional Pop Single 1957). In 2002 he made the list again with “Misty” (Columbia Traditional Pop single 1959). Most impressive of all is his 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

In 2004 he sang “Over the Rainbow” with Ray Charles on Mr. Charles’ “Genius Loves Company”. (Johnny was very honored that Mr. Charles requested the song be played at his memorial service.) Also in 2004, Johnny recorded “Isn’t It Romantic” a standards CD that was released in February 2005.

2010 was a special year for Johnny as it marked his first foray into classic country music. The Grammy nominated “Let It Be Me – Mathis In Nashville” was released in September. Vince Gil provides beautiful background vocals for “Loving Arms” and Alison Krauss is wonderful as she sings with Johnny on the song “Let It Be Me.” The Grammy’s were held in Los Angeles in 2011, “Let It Be Me – Mathis In Nashville” didn’t win, but Johnny was so appreciative that his work was recognized once again.