Miami-Dade County lawmakers have spent $4,500 of taxpayer funds on three portraits of former Chairman Oliver Gilbert, a retired colleague who is now running for Congress. Records indicate that two of the commissioned artworks were not used.
The commissioned portraits were intended as a tribute to Gilbert, who served as chair of the Miami-Dade County board from 2022 to 2024. The unveiling ceremony for the portrait that was used took place on July 13, attended by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and several commissioners.
"It's a very special occasion today," Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez stated during the ceremony. "The Chairman's portrait collection will serve as a lasting tribute."
One of the portraits, which was displayed, cost $280 according to an invoice reviewed by the Miami Herald. The other two portraits, however, cost the county $4,500 and were never put on display.
The first discarded portrait was created by artist Rahiem Milton, who was paid $2,000 for his work. Milton stated that he was informed the piece was not what commissioners expected, though he expressed confusion about the specific issue.
"I honestly don't know what the issue was," Milton told the Herald. "I was dumbfounded."
Milton's portrait depicted Gilbert in a blue suit with a red stripy necktie, based on a photograph provided by a county staffer. The artist, who also paints cultural icons, delivered the acrylic painting to County Hall in December.
Shortly after Milton's portrait was rejected, a second portrait was commissioned from artist Sitki Dogan for $2,500. Dogan was given the same photograph and incorporated an American flag and the Miami-Dade County seal into his work. Although Dogan received full payment, his painting was also not used. The artist of the portrait that was ultimately displayed remains unidentified.
Miami-Dade County and Gilbert's office were contacted for comment regarding the expenditure and the reasons for the unused artworks.