PRESS RELEASE: Secretary of State Cord Byrd Announces Florida Artists Hall of Fame Inductees

Tallahassee, Fla. –

Today, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced the 2024 inductees into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

"Today, we honor the newest inductees into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, celebrating their enduring influence on our state's vibrant cultural legacy,” said Secretary Byrd. “These individuals have not only left an indelible mark on our state's artistic landscape but have also woven themselves into the fabric of our collective identity. Through their creativity, passion, and dedication, they have inspired countless others and helped shape our beloved Sunshine State.”

Established by the Florida Legislature in 1986, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida. Inductees will receive a commemorative bronze sculpture commissioned by the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and made by Enzo Torcoletti, an artist in St. Augustine. A plaque for each inductee will also be permanently installed on the Florida Artists Hall of Fame wall located in the rotunda of the Florida Capitol building. 

The Florida Artists Hall of Fame currently consists of more than 50 inductees, including musician and performer Ray Charles, actor and director Burt Reynolds, writers Zora Neale Hurston, Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, filmmaker Victor Nunez, and visual artists Duane Hanson, Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd is pleased to announce the induction of Roger Bansemer (visual artist), George Clinton (musician), Xavier Cortada (visual artist), and Lynyrd Skynyrd (musicians) into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

Roger Bansemer, St. Augustine

Roger Bansemer, an author, artist, and filmmaker, has spent his entire adult life dedicated to his creative pursuits. Currently residing in St. Augustine, Florida, with his wife Sarah, Roger is renowned for his nationally televised series “Painting and Travel with Roger and Sarah Bansemer,” produced independently for Public Television. Over the years, they have completed 143 half-hour programs, reaching 91% of the country in 168 markets. Their show has been a staple on PBS stations and the Create Channel, airing over 32,000 times in 2023.

Roger's connection to Florida runs deep, as he has lived and worked in the state for 66 years. His journey began when his parents relocated to Clearwater when he was just nine years old. He pursued his passion for art at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota before serving in the U.S. Navy. During his service, he utilized his artistic talents as an Illustrator/Draftsman for the “Cruiser-Destroyerman” magazine while stationed on an aircraft carrier in Mayport.

George Clinton, Tallahassee

George Clinton, a musical visionary hailing from Florida, has shaped the landscape of music with his groundbreaking contributions to funk. With a career starting in the 1970’s, his induction into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame today is a testament to his enduring impact. Furthermore, since 1994, he has called Tallahassee home, where his influence continues to resonate. Notably, he was the musical guest of honor during the 20th Annual Rainbow Concert of World Music. FSU’s Balinese gamelan orchestra paid tribute to Clinton by performing a percussive rendition of his signature hit “Atomic Dog.” As a musical trailblazer, George's legacy inspires artists worldwide, solidifying his place among Florida's esteemed artistic icons.

Xavier Cortada, Miami

Xavier Cortada, a prominent figure in the Florida arts scene, has deep roots in the state, having been a resident since his early years. Cortada was born in Albany, New York, in 1964 to parents who were originally from Cuba. Later that year, they moved to Miami, where Cortada has lived ever since, even throughout his college years at the University of Miami.

As a Cuban American artist, Cortada's work spans various disciplines, creating over 150 public artworks, installations, collaborative murals, and socially engaged projects on six continents.

At the heart of Cortada’s artistic practice lies a profound engagement with his audience. He pioneered eco-art in Miami with his "Reclamation Project" in 2006, a participatory mangrove reforestation initiative. In 2018, he founded the "Underwater Homeowners Association" to raise awareness of Miami's vulnerability to rising seas. Recently, he received a Creative Capital Award in 2022 to support his latest socially engaged art project, "The Underwater," which involves over 2,000 students from his alma mater, Miami Senior High School, in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jacksonville

Lynyrd Skynyrd, a legendary band with roots deeply embedded in the heart of Florida, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Formed in Jacksonville in 1964, the band quickly rose to fame with their distinctive Southern rock sound, characterized by soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and powerful lyrics.

Since their inception, Lynyrd Skynyrd has been synonymous with the spirit of the South, captivating audiences with anthems like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." Despite facing adversity, including the tragic loss of band members in a plane crash in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd's legacy has endured, inspiring generations of fans worldwide.

With their unmistakable sound and uncompromising authenticity, Lynyrd Skynyrd has solidified their place as cultural icons. Their music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, earning them a well-deserved spot in the Florida Artist Hall of Fame. As ambassadors of Southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd's contributions to music history are unparalleled, ensuring their legacy will live on for years to come.

An induction ceremony for the 2024 inductees will be announced once details are finalized.

For more information on the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, please visit https://dos.fl.gov/cultural/programs/florida-artists-hall-of-fame/.

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About the Division of Arts and Culture
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.