Miami, FL – The American Institute of Architects Miami recently honored René González for his design of the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO) at the 52nd annual awards banquet celebrating Miami design. The project, commissioned by Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, was the recipient of this year's Award of Excellence in the renovation and restoration category.
González's work at CIFO consists of a compelling sweeping facade mural that brings new life to the CIFO Art Space which was formerly a boxing gym. The mural, an abstract mosaic of tropical foliage, is composed of more than a million one-inch glass tiles. After transforming the exterior, González kept the interior contemporary art display space industrial with a high-shine concrete floor.
CIFO, the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, is a non-profit organization, established in 2002 by Ella Fontanals-Cisneros and her family to foster cultural and educational exchange within the visual arts. CIFO has three primary initiatives: CIFO Art Space—a permanent venue for the presentation of engaging and provocative contemporary art exhibitions highlighting works from the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros Collection, works by its grantees and commissioned artists and experimental, challenging art programs; the Grants and Commissions Programs supporting emerging and mid-career contemporary multi-disciplinary artists from Latin America; and offering support to other cultural endeavors including Miami Art Central.
Go to http://www.cifo.org for more information.