Meet Ornella Verano | Artist & Pharmacist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ornella Verano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ornella, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want my legacy to be about artistic freedom and the healing power of art. I want to be remembered as a seeker of the truth and a spreader of love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Much of my recent work of art reflects the current political, social, and cultural events as seen through my experiences in the healthcare field and my passion to explore an unheard perspective. In May of 2021, unsatisfied with the politicization of the pandemic, I left the medical field to devote myself to the arts full time. I founded The Art Lab Co. with the mission to help other artists gain exposure to the community through different projects, as well as, helping the community connect through art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having lived in Fort Lauderdale for over 20 years, I love showing friends who visit me around. There is an unlimited amount of things to do from the beach to dinner in town. My favorite itinerary involves food, art and supporting small businesses. Bubbles and Pearls Restaurant, in Wilton Manors, is one of my must go to. The owners, Marcy Miller and Chef Josie Malave, support artists by constantly showcasing and rotating works of art in their space. Other businesses I frequent that support artists, or I am currently showcasing at, are: Bona Italian Restaurant, Rebel Wine Bar, Hot Spots Art Gallery with Dennis Dean, Munchies by Mama, and Sistrunk Kollective inside the Sistrunk Marketplace. It would be unfair not to mention my super talented husband and chef Martin Verano, who has taken over the menu at YOLO and transformed it into a true culinary experience.

For a week long in town, I venture out to Wynwood, of course stopping by the Wynwood Kollective, where I showcase my work, and taking it to the streets to see some of the most amazing graffiti artists.

You can also stay low budget by visiting some of our amazing beaches and parks at little to no cost as well as local art walks, galleries, and projects like ‘Zero Empty Spaces’ which are affordable artists studios in vacant spaces open to the public.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The single most important thing an artist can do is to make sure the Arts continue to prosper by getting involved and supporting artistic movements in your community. I would like to give a SHOUTOUT to ArtsUnited. This incredible arts organization has been around for 23 years supporting the LGBTQ+ community and allies and providing opportunities for artists.

Website: www.artlabco954.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artlabco954/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ornellaverano

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtLabCo954

Youtube: https://youtu.be/gNuIq0LVKLI