Commissioner Diaz helps unveil new Romero Britto painting in support of Autism Awareness Month

Brendan Britto, joined by members of the Board of County Commissioners, speaks at the unveiling of his father Romero Britto’s new painting in support of Autism Awareness Month.
(Photos by Ryan Holloway / Miami-Dade County photographer)

(MIAMI-DADE COUNTY) – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz today helped unveil a new painting by internationally renowned pop artist Romero Britto in support of Autism Awareness Month.

Romero’s son Brendan Britto participated in the unveiling, along with Deputy Mayor Alina T. Hudak, Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa and the Board of County Commissioners.

The event’s keynote speaker was Sarah Rollins, 23, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, which is identified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder. A former homeschool student who earned her GED before her 17th birthday and went on to earn a certificate in photography at age 20, she is currently studying entrepreneurship at the Dan Marino Foundation.

The painting will be on display in the Stephen P. Clark Center lobby through the end of April as part of this year’s artistic display to promote autism awareness. It will then be donated to the South Florida Autism Charter School.

Commissioner Diaz sponsored the 2009 County Commission resolution that declared April as Autism Awareness Month in Miami-Dade County.

“I want to thank Romero Britto for his commitment to the autistic community and to helping promote awareness about this disorder through this beautiful work of art,” Commissioner Diaz said. “I also want to thank the South Florida Autism Charter School, the Dan Marino Foundation and Autism Speaks for helping sponsor this year’s observation of Autism Awareness Month.”

Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz speaks at the event.