The “Diversity in Design Arts” panel conversation, slated for Saturday, February 4, from 11:00AM – 3:00PM, features presentations  about the cultural impact of Black Art, Architecture and Design on South Florida communities. Seacrest Designs, a luxury interior design studio in conjunction with Grace Arts art gallery present artist George Gadson, Professor Dr David Rifkind, Architects Bertram Lewars and Victor Hayes, with Interior designer Kendra Rhoulac.

The discussion explores the contributions of African American culture to design and architecture both locally and internationally. Attendees including creative professionals, observers of the arts, as well as students in the field are welcome to participate in the interactive discussion.

Event organizer and moderator Marsha McDonald, principal at Seacrest Designs, has worked on various design arts programming including at Young Arts and at Florida International University where she attended and later taught as a studio professor.

The event panelists represent multiple aspects of South Florida design. George Gadson, a self taught artist and native Floridian. His works have been featured at the White House and two Florida Super Bowls, and have been commissioned by nationally recognized companies and organizations. Dr David Rifkind is a multiple award winning architect, author and historian currently teaching at Florida International University in Miami. Bertram Lewars of Lewars Design, LLC has played key roles in the construction of Atlanta’s Olympic stadium, Miami’s American Airlines Arena, multiple Broward County School Board projects along with his company’s independent design projects. Kendra Rhoulac is a Cum Laude graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, and is a professional in residential and sustainable design and space planning.

After the panel discussion there will be an opening reception for February’s Outsider Art exhibit curated by Grace Arts FL, featuring the artwork of second generation Highwayman, Kelvin Hair and the only original generation female Highwaymen Artist, Mary Ann Carroll.

The collaboration between Seacrest Designs and Clare Vickery of Grace Arts Fl is programming a three month cultural art exhibition and fair “Outsider Art: Re-interpreting the Pioneer” exploring culture beyond the conventional through the lens of Outsider Artists groups.

Lunch options are available from award-winning Chef Irie, tropical and continental box lunches for $12 per person.