Cornell Art Museum Extends Popular “ICONS of ART Italian Mosaic Portraits” Exhibition
Delray Beach, FL – April 15, 2025: Due to overwhelming public enthusiasm and interest, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is pleased to announce the extension of the “ICONS of ART Italian Mosaic Portraits” exhibition at the Cornell Art Museum through October 27, 2025. The acclaimed exhibition features 40 hand crafted mosaic portraits of iconic figures from the worlds of art, music, film and culture – including Frida Kahlo, Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sophia Loren, Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, and Mohammed Ali. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work, blending centuries-old mosaic techniques with modern artistic interpretation.
Curated by Marusca Gatto, Cultural Arts Director at the Delray DDA, in collaboration with Guglielmo Zanette, Artistic Director of the Associazione Naonis of Pordenone, Italy, and creator of the Concorso Mosaic Young Talent, and prestigious Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, a world-famous Italian mosaic school, the exhibition has become a cultural highlight in South Florida.
To celebrate the extension, the Cornell Art Museum will host a Meet & Greet reception on Friday, April 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The evening will include live music, refreshments, and a rare opportunity to meet the creative minds behind the exhibition, including Gatto and Zanette.
The event also marks the debut of the official ICONS of ART exhibition catalogue, available for purchase in the museum store. Printed in Italy in a limited run of just 1,000 copies, the 68-page hardcover catalogue is a collector’s item—featuring 24-karat gold leaf accents and an embossed ICONS of ART logo on the cover. As the first official exhibition publication in the Cornell Art Museum’s history, the catalogue underscores the museum’s rising global profile and its commitment to excellence.
“This project is a result of a prestigious partnership with Associazione Naonis and highlights the growing cultural connection between Delray Beach and Italy, supported by the Delray DDA and Palm Beach County’s broader arts community,” said Gatto. “The exhibition has resonated deeply with visitors, merging ancient craftsmanship with contemporary spirit. This extension reflects the incredible community response and generous support we’ve received.”
The Cornell Art Museum is free and open to the public. It is located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Parking is available in Old School Square garage. Hours at the Cornell Art Museum are Wednesday 12 to 5 p.m.; Thursday & Friday 12 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.
