Empty Walls, Full Hearts
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
A beloved South Florida museum fundraiser returns — and this time, 200+ original works are waiting to come home with you.
What if you could walk into a gallery, fall in love with a painting, and walk out owning it for the price of a dinner out? That's exactly the premise behind Empty Walls — and it's as wonderful as it sounds.
The Coral Springs Museum of Art is gearing up for one of Broward County's most charming art events: the Empty Walls fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, March 21, from 5:30 to 9 PM. The concept is deceptively simple and utterly irresistible: cover the museum's East Gallery with original artwork, then invite the community to buy it all until the walls are bare.
Right now, more than 200 original 6" x 6" canvas pieces line those walls — and every single one is available for just $25. All proceeds go directly toward supporting museum programming and sustaining free public access to the arts.
How It All Began
Empty Walls launched in 2022 as an annual event, born from a playful inversion of the museum world's most fundamental truth: that gallery walls should always be filled with art. The goal, of course, is to empty them completely by night's end — a sold-out wall being the ultimate measure of success.
After a few years of running it annually, organizers noticed something: the two-year cadence kept community excitement at a peak. So now Empty Walls runs every other year, giving artists time to create and giving attendees something to genuinely look forward to. Consider this your reason to show up.
From whimsical pieces by up-and-coming students to professionally crafted works by established artists — anyone can be an artist, and anyone can be a collector.
Art Made by Everyone, for Everyone
One of the most magical things about Empty Walls is its radical inclusivity. Artists of all ages, skill levels, abilities, and specialties were invited to create and donate pieces. That means the work hanging on these walls ranges from whimsical, joyful paintings by 7-year-old students enrolled in the museum's own classes, to sophisticated, finely crafted pieces from established professional artists.
While most of the 200+ works are paintings, some incorporate mixed media — paper, fabric, and reclaimed materials among them. The result is a collection that's as diverse and layered as South Florida itself.
And yes: you might find yourself drawn to a piece, only to discover it was painted by a child. That surprise, museum staff say, is one of the night's greatest delights.
A Night Out Worth Marking on Your Calendar
This isn't just a shopping event — it's a full evening at the museum. DJ Gumthewrapper will be spinning throughout the night, keeping the energy up as guests browse, mingle, and find their favorites before someone else does. It's the rare kind of art event that feels genuinely alive.
Beyond Empty Walls itself, three additional exhibitions are currently on view: the Broward County Public Schools Superintendent's Advanced Academics Studio Art Exhibition, Imitation of Life — an interactive, cinematic vignette by Dario Feal — and The Home Team, Florida Panthers Stanley Cup photography by Lauren Souporn. Plenty to explore before you zero in on your favorite 6-inch square.
Early entry tickets ($10) can be purchased online and are the move if you want first pick of the collection. Active museum members and contributing artists get in free at 5:30 PM. The general public is welcome from 7:30 PM onward at no cost.
Your Chance to Start (or Grow) a Collection
Empty Walls is designed with aspiring collectors in mind. At $25 a piece, the barrier to bringing original art into your home has never been lower. The museum encourages visitors to choose purely on instinct — if something speaks to you visually, that's enough. No art degree required.
And if the evening sparks something deeper? The museum offers art classes, specialty programs, and future events worth exploring. Consider this your entry point into Coral Springs' creative community.
Saturday, March 21 · 5:30–9 PM
General admission free from 7:30 PM
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