On the iconic stretch of Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, creativity, culture, and community intersect at the Friendship Center Gallery, founded by Stacy and Ely BenHayon. Located at 1406 E. Las Olas Blvd., the gallery has quickly emerged as a unique destination where contemporary art and meaningful community engagement come together.
The BenHayons, both passionate advocates for the arts and education, bring strong academic roots to their work, having studied at Lesley College, Boston University, and American University. Their shared vision has been to create more than a gallery — it is a welcoming space where art lovers, collectors, and local artists can connect, explore creativity, and build lasting relationships.
At the heart of Friendship Center Gallery is a simple belief: art has the power to bring people together. Recently I spent some time at this beautiful gallery visiting with Ely. His passion to bring our entire community together was inspiring to me. It is critical we support our loyal allies. They make a huge difference in the fight for equality.
The gallery is dedicated to showcasing exceptional contemporary artwork, particularly from local and emerging South Florida artists. Visitors will find a dynamic rotation of paintings, mixed media works, sculptures, and experimental pieces that reflect the diversity and energy of the region’s artistic community.
The gallery also brings art directly to the streets of Las Olas. Every Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m., artists paint live in front of the gallery, giving visitors a rare opportunity to watch creativity unfold in real time. It’s an engaging experience where the public can meet the artists, ask questions about their techniques and inspiration, and even purchase artwork or commission personalized pieces. The weekly live-painting event has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors, adding energy and spontaneity to the Las Olas art scene.
For Ely, the gallery also represents a deeply personal artistic journey.
A graffiti artist whose roots trace back to the vibrant streets of 1980s New York City, Ely grew up during the formative years of the graffiti movement. Surrounded by the bold colors and rebellious spirit that defined the era, he began painting at an early age, immersing himself in the raw creative freedom that characterized urban street art.
Over time, his artistic expression evolved dramatically. What began with spray-painted walls and subway-inspired lettering has developed into large-scale murals, refined canvas pieces, and multimedia compositions that blend spray paint, acrylics, and epoxy resin.
His work — often described as “graffiti abstract” — bridges two worlds: the gritty authenticity of urban street culture and the sophistication of contemporary gallery art. The results are layered, expressive pieces that combine spontaneity with technical precision.
Each work tells a story through color, movement, and texture, inviting viewers to experience both the rebellious spirit of graffiti and the contemplative depth of abstract art.
The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and events that encourage conversation and collaboration, strengthening the growing arts culture in Fort Lauderdale.
Bobby Blair is an LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
