I was driving through Davie when this beautiful mural caught my eye.. Run is a public art mural featuring colorful horses painted on the side of the Robert H. Bamford Sports Complex on Pine Island Rd.
Run was painted by Nicaraguan artist, Luis Valle. Luis Valle aka El Chan Guri, was born on April 16, 1977 in Managua, Nicaragua. He grew up in Miami where he was drawn to the arts from an early age. During his teen years he began painting as a graffiti artist. He went on to take art classes at Florida State University in Tallahassee where he graduated with a BFA in Visual Arts. He later went on to receive a Masters in Arts Degree from New York University.
The Town's Open Space and Recreational Activities Committee (OSRAC) gave direction and approved the design. The 1,000 sq. ft. Run mural depicts four 20-ft. tall horses representing Davie's equestrian history.. The horses appear to be galloping straight off the wall as they head towards the viewer.
When Davie was settled its economy was based almost entirely on agriculture from farm land and cattle but now the farms and livestock are disappearing to make way for new commercial developments. Davie hasn't forgotten its western roots entirely however. It is still home to the Bergeron Rodeo, you can see western inspired architecture in the downtown, and so many people own horses that you can find horse tie ups and corrals in the the local parks. While these horses gallop off the wall, you are likely to see the real thing walking down Pine Island Road. read more