New World School of the Arts, Hello Sunshine

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New World School of the Arts

Under the direction of renowned ceramicists Carlos Alves and JC Carroll, five students from Florida's New World School of the Arts, created Hello Sunshine, a vibrant and visually striking work of mosaic art.
Beautifying the risers of Aventura Mall’s Courtyard Staircase, the work weaves together elements emblematic of South Florida, including a pink flamingo whose long slender neck and elegant body stretch over seven stairs. Lush tropical foliage, seashells, and bursts of sunlight complete this exuberant and joyful ode rendered in a rainbow of radiant colors.
Artists Cindy Becerra, Rachel Lee, Jon Millan, Elizabeth Newberry, and Melanie Sarria conceived, designed and hand-made the mosaics, transforming a utilitarian staircase into a work of art that is quite literally uplifting and transporting. Interestingly, the piece’s name, Hello Sunshine, begs a question: who or what is being referred to as “sunshine”? Is it the viewer who is climbing the staircase? Or is “hello sunshine” a description of what is occurring in the art as sunbeams peak through flora? Perhaps in fact it’s a bit of both, because to see this piece is to experience a little extra joy in one’s heart.