Downtown Hollywood ‘Kraves’ Art!

Miami-based artist Daniel Fila, a.k.a. Krave, joins the award winning Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. Downtown Hollywood is home to 11 (soon-to-be 12), vibrant outdoor murals spread throughout the historic business district. The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, successfully rounding up its second year, is proud to welcome its newest artist, Miami native and passionate visionary, Daniel Fila a.k.a. Krave. This past Saturday, during the monthly Downtown Hollywood Artwalk event, a crowd gathered as Fila began to magically transform the wall of Budowsky & Budowsky CPA firm on 21st Avenue.

Fila, who is recognized by many as being ahead of the curve, with a keen eye for discovering emerging art scenes, is a natural fit for the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. After seven years making his mark in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami, Fila relocated his studio to Little Havana. When asked about Downtown Hollywood’s art scene, Fila responded, “What sets Hollywood’s up and coming art scene apart is that the works on the walls are being painted mainly by South Florida based artists. I also enjoy the fact that you can find a great craft beer and delicious food at a reasonable price. I see Downtown Hollywood as a place that will continue to embrace those that helped build it. It has a down home feel and people are nice. I look forward to see this city grow into a unique and vibrant cultural destination.”

The artist is no stranger to creating large format outdoor murals. With dozens under his belt, it’s likely you’ve seen one of his most popular works, Adam and Eve, once titled, Erin, on 37th Street and Biscayne Boulevard in Miami. Fila’s murals have amazed the passersby at many recognized locations both near and far including: Madison Square Garden, New York; The Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, FL; Sandals Resort, Turks and Caicos; SLS Hotel, Miami Beach, FL among many others. Born and raised in Miami, Fila attended DASH, one of the premier high schools for the arts in the country, located in the heart of the Miami Design District. He then attended Columbus College of Art and Design and, with a B.F.A in hand, got right back to his roots, returning to Miami to launch his career.

Why murals? Why Hollywood? It’s about appreciating and celebrating the arts, as well as “placemaking”. Placemaking is an approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. It is both a process and philosophy that capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential by creating public spaces that promote a community’s health, happiness, and well-being. When asked about the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, Jorge Camejo, Executive Director of the Hollywood Redevelopment Agency Director said, “The community has embraced the mural project. It has been a great success and we have received local, regional and national recognition for the murals. The program enhances our community and helps to create a sense of place.”

Daniel Fila’s mural is set to be complete later this month. Visitors are welcome to come by and watch the work in progress. The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, recognized by The New Times Broward-Palm Beach in 2013 for Best Public Art in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, includes murals by acclaimed local artists David “Lebo” LeBatard, Jessy Nite, Luis Pinto, Edward Mendieta, Ruben Ubiera, 2alas, Evoca1, Michelle Weinberg and Tati Suarez. A special beautification project, spearheaded and managed by The Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency, The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project is invested in its mission to eliminate slum and blight and in turn, beautify Downtown Hollywood.

The Downtown District of the Hollywood, Florida CRA was created in 1979, and the Beach District of the Hollywood, Florida CRA, in 1997.  Since then, the Hollywood CRA has been committed to stimulate private investment and economic growth, upgrade infrastructure and public spaces, mobilize community stakeholders, partner with the City of Hollywood and other government agencies and provide leadership for the CRA Districts. Well on its way to becoming one of South Florida’s premier destinations for tourists, businesses and residents alike, Hollywood boasts a lively and vibrant downtown scene along with a popular, inviting and accessible beach community.