The Frank is a place in Pembroke Pines where art lives and surprises await (includes video story)

The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Exhibit Hall at the Charles E. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines is home to mesmerizing exhibits that showcase multicultural diversity and stories all year long. Dedicated on April 19, 2017 to a former Pembroke Pines Mayor, The Frank is a place where high art is on display and appreciated at no cost.

“The Samara’s Wing” is the latest exhibition. On display starting January 23, it focuses on artists who explore immigration, diaspora, transnational identity and race through landscapes, botany, textiles and organic materials.

Residents like Ryan Levy can’t get enough of the art. “It’s nice. I don’t have to travel to Miami to see some beautiful art.” Levy said. “It’s actually right in the neighborhood for me, and it’s free. It’s nice to experience something that is actually different.”

Exhibiting artists include John Alleyne, Edouard Duval-Carrié, Gonzalo Fuenmayor, Rhea Leonard, T. Eliott Mansa, Lisyanet Rodriguez and Onajídé Shabaka — all of whom are part of the exhibit.

Exhibitions change every three months.

Sofia Benitez is a senior majoring in journalism with a Bilingual Broadcast Journalism certification. After her studies, she wishes to pursue a career within the Hispanic news community and social media.