Advertisement
Our guest speaker for May 15 is local Pompano artist Dennis Friel. I don't think anyone in Pompano has not seen one of his paintings around town. His most famous one is the ocean scene on the foundation of the Atlantic Blvd. bridge. He also paint the entrance signs at Palm Aire Drive West and SE 5th Avenue. Join us and hear his history!Following is just a portion of his well-storied life from his biography.
"Dennis is best known for bringing game fish and underwater environments to life with vivid imagery that shows the constant flow of the ocean and the power of apex predators. He works across a wide variety of mediums but maintains a unique, fluid style with a soulful and innovative approach.
He pulls from his experiences on the water, travels and his Florida surroundings as his greatest influence. Art admirers, legendary fisherman and ocean lovers have all embraced his approach. Dennis has built a body of work that is supported by collectors and clientele from all corners of the globe. From Costa Rica to Hawaii, Africa to Dubai, Australia to the Outer Banks — if it’s Connected By Water®, chances are you will find his artwork there.
In 2019, Dennis’ talent and drive earned him national recognition as an AIP artist for the United States Mint. He has been honored twice as the Billfish Foundation’s Artist of the Year (2017 & 2022). In 2019, Dennis and his Connected By Water studio received the Arts & Culture award from the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, followed by the Small Business Champion Award in 2022 and the chamber’s President’s Trophy in 2023. Additionally, he served as the Official Artist for the College Football National Championship game in Miami, Florida, in 2020, utilizing his talents to raise funds for the NCAA beneficiary Extra Yard for Teachers.
During his previous role as a Creative Director in the music business, his projects garnered over 30 internationally recognized design and advertising industry awards, and he completed work for some of the world’s most renowned record labels and artists.
Dennis Friel’s artwork is displayed at the world’s premier fishing tournaments, graces the jerseys of the world’s top fishing teams and featured within the pages of the most respected outdoor publications. From Jimmy Buffett’s vessel, Last Mango to Jimmy Johnson’s National Billfish Championship, the Custom Shootout and many more, Dennis has worked with the elite of the elite.
Thousands of boaters admire this artist’s large-scale works adorning the Intracoastal bridges of Pompano Beach, Florida, every week. “Bridges are designed to connect people to places and each other,” Dennis says. “Being able to complete this work reflects my sense of pride for our oceanic community that is so tightly bound to the water.” Being able to create these large scale public works is one of Dennis proudest achievements."
As a true conservationist, he holds his support of our natural resources and fisheries unquestionably close to his heart. His charitable work for the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), The Billfish Foundation (TBF), Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Captains for Clean Water, Fishing for Muscular Dystrophy and the International Game Fish Association has been done with a great amount of purpose. He also uses his creativity to help countless amounts of charitable organizations throughout his local community of South Florida, including raising over $70,000.00 in donated funds for Hurricane Relief efforts since 2019."
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
217 NE 4th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL, United States, Florida 33060
