Florida Artists Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Florida Artists Hall of Fame celebrates amazing artists who have made a big difference in the world of art in Florida. It was started by the Florida Legislature in 1986. You can find a special Florida Artists Hall of Fame Wall at the Florida Capitol building. It's on the Plaza Level, which is like a main floor.

Each year, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture looks at new artists who could join the Hall of Fame. They suggest names to the Florida Secretary of State. Usually, only two new artists are chosen each year. However, in 2012, four artists were added!

The Hall of Fame was created to honor people, both living and those who have passed away. It recognizes artists who have "made significant contributions to the arts in Florida." This means they have done important work in different art forms. The artists chosen show how rich and varied Florida's art scene is.

New artists are added to the Hall of Fame every March. This happens during an event called the Florida Heritage Awards. Each artist who is honored receives a special bronze sculpture. This sculpture is called La Florida and was made by Enzo Torcoletti.

Who Are Some Famous Florida Artists?

The Florida Artists Hall of Fame includes many talented people from different art fields. Here are just a few examples of the amazing artists who have been honored:

• Musicians and Performers:
  • Jimmy Buffett (inducted 2000): A famous musician known for his relaxed, island-style songs.
  • Ray Charles (inducted 1992): A legendary musician who played piano and sang, known for his soulful voice.
  • Gloria Estefan (inducted 2013): A singer and songwriter who became a global pop music star.
  • Tom Petty (inducted 2014): A singer and songwriter known for his rock music.
  • Wayne Brady (inducted 2022): A talented actor and performer, known for his comedy and singing.
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd (inducted 2024): A famous rock band that started in Jacksonville.

• Writers and Authors:
  • Marjory Stoneman Douglas (inducted 1993): An author who wrote important books about Florida's environment, especially the Everglades.
  • Ernest Hemingway (inducted 1987): A world-famous author known for his novels and short stories.
  • Zora Neale Hurston (inducted 1990): A folklorist, historian, and novelist who wrote about African American culture.

• Visual Artists and Sculptors:
  • A. E. "Bean" Backus (inducted 1993): A well-known artist who painted beautiful Florida landscapes.
  • Clyde Butcher (inducted 1998): A photographer famous for his large, black and white photos of Florida's wild places.
  • Romero Britto (inducted 2016): A visual artist known for his bright, colorful, and pop art style.
  • Bob Ross (inducted 2022): A beloved television personality and painter who taught millions how to paint happy little trees.
  • Augusta Savage (inducted 2008): A talented sculptor who created powerful works of art.

• Other Artists:
  • Ricou Browning (inducted 2012): An underwater film actor and director, famous for his work in movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon.
  • Edward Villella (inducted 1997): A world-renowned ballet dancer.

These are just a few of the many amazing artists who have been recognized for their contributions to Florida's rich artistic history.

See also

• Great Floridians
• List of music museums