Artist Romero Britto was on hand to sign books and talk with guests at Miami International’s (MIA) grand opening of Shop Britto® on Dec. 2.
More than 100 people attended the opening, including Miami-Dade Aviation Director Jose Abreu; Deputy Aviation Director Miguel Southwell; and Miami-Dade County Commissioners Dorrin D. Rolle, Audrey Edmonson, Carlos A. Gimenez and Bruno A. Barreiro.
The 1,400 sq. ft. retail store, is in the North Terminal, Concourse D; it spans the entire depth of the space, allowing for two entry points and attracting customers traversing
two separate corridors. In partnership with NewsLink Group, it offers retail products suited to travelers as well as for shipment home, such as colorful luggage, calendars, tea pots, travel mugs, and other unique items with the Brazilian artist’s artwork on each.
“I’m honored to share my art with the millions of people who come and go through this hemispheric hub,” says Britto. “It’s a great opportunity to show off Miami’s art scene to world travelers.”
Raymond Kayal Jr., president and CEO of NewsLink, says the company chose Britto because of his global appeal. The artist has exhibited at the Louvre and recently painted a Bentley for Bentley Motors.
“He has a unique ability to ignite interest in the arts on a global scale and at the same time represent Miami’s exciting culture. It’s a terrific combination,” Kayal says.
Galleries and museums on five continents display Britto’s work, and he has done portraits for celebrities including Dustin Hoffman, Andre Agassi and the late Michael Jackson.
Officials say the store is outperforming original projections, selling at least three large framed Britto prints a week priced at $800 to $900.
