TALLAHASSEE, FL – Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood is pleased to announce that Romero Britto of Miami Beach and Carol Jenkins Barnett of Lakeland will receive the 2004 Florida Arts Recognition Award.

“I am honored to recognize the generosity of spirit and overwhelming dedication of these two individuals,” said Secretary Hood. “Both Romero Britto and Carol Jenkins Barnett have given so much to the State of Florida and are deserving of this prestigious award.”

Neo-pop artist Romero Britto is an internationally recognized artist whose bright colors and imagery of pop culture have been widely received by collectors and individuals throughout the world. Born in Brazil, he traveled to Europe before settling in the United States in 1986. When he was chosen in 1989 for Absolut Vodka’s high-profile ad campaign, he was suddenly thrust into the limelight joining the ranks of notable artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. He has since been commissioned by corporate giants such as Disney, Apple Computers, Pepsi Cola, and IBM. His unique, individual style, which incorporates bold and playful patterns of flowers and swirls, emerged from influences of pop art and cubism. Over the years, Britto has lent his talent and energy to many philanthropic organizations including St. Jude’s Hospital, the American Red Cross, and Best Buddies International. In the summer of 1999, a Britto original, “Cheek to Cheek,” brought $100,000 to the Agassi Foundation at live auction.

Carol Jenkins Barnett, daughter of the late George Jenkins, founder of Publix Supermarkets, is the President of Publix Super Markets Charities where she has become a major patron and sponsor of Florida’s cultural organizations. Both individually and through the Publix Charities, Barnett has donated millions of dollars to the arts in Florida. Organizations that have benefited from her generosity include: The Polk Museum of Art, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Imperial Symphony Orchestra, and the Appleton Museum of Art, to name just a few. Her most recent project, the Barnett Family Park, is a planned children’s park, which will reshape an area of downtown Lakeland around Lake Mirror. Barnett has involved a variety of artists and designers to create a unique and creative play area that will tell the story of native Florida flora and fauna. Her diverse interest in all of the arts from visual and performing arts to arts education coupled with her perpetual dedication have made her one of the greatest philanthropic sources in the state.

The Florida Arts Recognition Award recognizes outstanding initiative, leadership, or excellence in supporting culture in Florida. Patrons, educators, or elected officials, and organizations such as arts groups or corporations who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the advancement of the arts, in any discipline or field, such as visual arts, performing arts, or arts education through either a lifetime commitment, or a recent major achievement, can receive the award.

For general information on the Florida Arts Recognition Award, please contact the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs at (850) 245-6470 or visit www.Florida-Arts.org.

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