In a black suit and magenta lipstick, she looks severe. Her tone, however, is earnest, and she is soft-spoken. She's more interested in running the Hortt than persuading the museum to reclaim it, and for good reason. Located in a battered building on busy NE 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale, the guild is a sharp contrast to the newly renovated MoA. Though it is celebrating its 50th anniversary, the organization is operated on a shoestring budget by Buzzi, her assistant, and a board of volunteers. While the BAG has something to gain by sponsoring the Hortt, the changeover could diminish the show's reputation.
Many artists say the show's main appeal was the chance to exhibit inside a museum.
Without the MoA's involvement, entries might drop off. That's basically it. For anyone who wants to be established, that is a step one has to take, to have some kind of working relationship with the museum. Winners of this year's Hortt won't be afforded that career-building opportunity, nor will they establish a similar liaison with the Carone Gallery. Carone says he rarely shows local artists at his prestigious, appointment-only space.