METRO BLOG
#Highlights
Dwyane Wade: 305 ~ His House For Life!
On October 27, 2024, the Miami Heat unveiled an 8-foot bronze statue of Dwyane Wade at the Kaseya Center, honoring his iconic "This is my house" celebration. Metro Group Miami proudly contributed to this historic event with custom bronze plaques and a blackout banner structure for the big reveal.
Statue Celebration
On October 27, 2024, the Miami Heat unveiled an 8-foot bronze statue of Dwyane Wade outside the Kaseya Center, commemorating his iconic "This is my house" celebration from a 2009 game against the Chicago Bulls.
Metro Group Miami, a proud partner of the Miami HEAT, was truly honored to be part of the ceremony celebrating Dwyane Wade’s extraordinary legacy with the HEAT, where he achieved three NBA championships and became the team’s all-time leading scorer. Crafted by renowned sculptors Omri Amrany and Oscar León, the new statue serves as a powerful tribute to Wade’s lasting impact on the team and the city.
For this epic day at the Kaseya Center, Metro created two bronze plaques highlighting Wade’s achievements and story. We also built a custom structure with a blackout banner to keep this tribute under wraps until the big reveal!
Witnessing this historic moment and contributing to its success was unforgettable.
Check out the behind-the-scenes process and the iconic unveiling!
Bam, Books, and Brotherhood
Miami Heat’s All-Star Bam Adebayo reached out to Metro Group Miami as a last-minute request to brand and transform the newly renovated basketball court at Chapman Partnership Homeless Assistance Center.
Bam ADebayo unveils new basketball court by metro group miami
Miami Heat’s All-Star Bam Adebayo reached out to Metro Group Miami with a last-minute request to brand and transform the newly renovated basketball court at Chapman Partnership Homeless Assistance Center, in Homestead, FL.
Metro painted oversized motivational quotes on the aprons of the court. They also included his BBB Foundation logo and an impactful message that read “Keep Going” along the half-court lines.
There are other impressive details all over the court which look amazing. The final element was the “Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot” lettering printed on the awnings with his Bam, Books & Brotherhood logo.
Adebayo demonstrates what HEAT CULTURE breeds on and off the court. 🤝 🏀✨
“Give thanks for little,
and you will find a lot”
~Bam Adebayo
Remembering Lebo Art
A look back at Metro’s longtime collaboration with local artist Lebo (David Lebatard) whose recent passing reminds us of the power of art to transcend time, culture, and even life itself.
Honoring the Legacy of David “LEBO” Lebatard. Godspeed
The art world has always been a canvas for creative souls to leave their indelible marks, and the recent passing of David Lebatard, known by his artistic pseudonym Lebo, has left a void that resonates deeply within the art community. Lebo's vibrant, energetic creations and his unique approach to storytelling through art have made a lasting impact on both the art world and the lives of those who have had the privilege of experiencing his work. In this blog post, we pay tribute to the creative force that was David Lebatard and his iconic Lebo Art.
Bruno Dede and David LeBatard at LEBO studio.
Metro Group Miami CEO and founder, Bruno Dede reflected on their longtime friendship:
“I met David “LEBO” Le Batard 20 years ago. I came across some amazing hand-painted art at Burdines, which is now Macy’s. I asked to meet this artist so I could discuss future projects together. When we met, we immediately bonded over our common interests, and as we spent more time together, our rapport grew. We knew we would have a bright future sharing our creative visions. I asked him if he would like to add art on our work vehicles and branding for Metro’s 15-year anniversary. This was a new venture because David only painted and drew his art by hand. He began by drawing mermaids and elements on paper with pen and ink. We took his art, scanned it, and added color together. Once we finished the compositions, we printed and wrapped our vehicles. He was inspired by this new medium and was able to implement this process in some of his future work. As LEBO expanded into the digital art world, it enabled him to produce more art on numerous new materials.
I feel blessed to have grown together in our career, friendship, and brotherhood of showcasing art and the love of art. No one was adding art to vehicles in this manner. In fact, it confused many people why we would add art on a work truck. I was quick to respond “Because we love art and want our world to be a canvas.” Since then, we have added his art on numerous amount of vehicles, substrates, and walls throughout the city of Miami and South Florida.
I will miss his talent, smile, and friendship we shared. I will forever honor and miss him. Rest in paradise, my friend”
David Lebatard's passing reminds us of the power of art to transcend time, culture, and even life itself. His Lebo Art not only brought colors and stories to life but also brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity. As we honor his legacy, let us continue to celebrate the joy, vibrancy, and connection that his art exudes, keeping his spirit alive through the masterpieces he leaves behind.
Lebo discusses the vision behind his custom-wrapped van by MetroWrapz.
The Sounds Of Silence
The Sounds Of Silence: Metro Group Miami Merges Design & Functionality to Improve Sound Quality so Guests Can Enjoy the Atmosphere at GEKKŌ Where You Will See Miami’s Biggest Stars.
Acoustical Art Walls
Noise Reduction solutions
🎶
Noise Reduction solutions 🎶
💮 GEKKŌ is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge from the minds of Groot Hospitality’'s Dave Grutman and recording artist Bad Bunny.
The word “GEKKŌ” translates from Japanese to English as "Moonlight"!
The Sounds Of Silence: Metro Group Miami Merges Design & Functionality to Improve Sound Quality so Guests Can Enjoy the Atmosphere at GEKKŌ, Where You Will See Miami’s Biggest Stars.
BEFORE
AFTER
Located in Miami's Brickell neighborhood, GEKKŌ Immerses patrons in a fusion of elevated steakhouse surroundings with the modernity and precision of Japanese cuisine.
GEKKŌ’S aesthetic is lush, luxe, and jewel-toned. With design accents like custom wall coverings and 3M graphics, dark and rich palettes, and hints of soft golden light, the restaurant transports visitors to an intimate, rare nocturnal world.
The team at METRO GROUP MIAMI's Metro Signs and Metro Wallz divisions, together with Candice Kaye and Miami based graphic designer/photographer Santlov, created all the beautiful wall coverings.
These designs with dark and rich palettes are not only decorative but are the solution for noise reduction. Acoustical wall panels improve sound quality so patrons can enjoy the atmosphere in Miami where you will see the biggest stars!
To learn more about how METRO turns dreams into reality visit call 954-983-6662 to speak with one of our design/graphics consultants.
The Last Judgement
Art has long been a staple at MetroWrapz. Italian-born, Bruno Dede, CEO, was exposed to art at a very young age. Italian-born, Bruno Dede, CEO, was exposed to art at a very young age.
What’s your verdict?
The year was 1536 when Michelangelo began working on this fresco painting, which covered the whole altar wall of the Sistene Chapel in Vatican City. Representing final and eternal judgment by God of all humanity, this painting is both powerful and controversial.
Fast forward to 2021, four hundred eighty-five years later, when Bruno Dede of Metro Group MIami, found himself inspired to take this masterpiece out of its traditional setting. The Sistene Chapel and The Last Judgment are both projects that changed the course of Western art and are considered major artistic accomplishments of human civilization. So why limit them to the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City?
Artwork of this magnitude must be taken out for a ride!
The blank canvas: a 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena.
Avery Dennison SF 100 Conform Silver Chrome was used with Matte lamination to keep the look authentic to the fresco technique used in the Italian Renaissance. The gilded baroque pattern details in the door jambs, under the bonnet lid, and the motor walls are replicated from the columns found in the cathedral architecture.
The cracked background pattern is one of a painted masterpiece prior to restoration, revealing its foundation underneath. The headlights are wrapped with a continuation of the art that resembles stained glass when lit.
But as we already know, MetroWrapz is all about the details. So the addition of Swift 24k Gold Leaf was a must and gave this piece the final touch – a uniqueness that is consistent with the Sistine Chapel. The gold leaf was applied by hand to the print before encapsulating with matte lamination. The team carefully accented the silver rims with Avery Dennison SF100 Gloss Gold Chrome wrapped in matte lamination. This allows the art to be seen as it goes from 0-60 mph in the blink of an eye.
Art has long been a staple at our MetroWrapz division. Italian-born, Bruno Dede, CEO, was exposed to art at a very young age. Influenced by his grandfather and uncle, who were both sculptors, Bruno grew up fascinated by art in its various forms. He was blessed with a natural artistic talent that allows him to imagine, create, design, and bring his visions to life. Together with his exceptional team of designers and installers, MetroWrapz proudly presents our version of “The Last Judgement.”
Wear Dior or Drive Dior? Both!
Inspired by fashion and for the love of luxury, MetroWrapz takes Dior out of the Design District and out for a drive!
Inspired by fashion and for the love of luxury, MetroWrapz takes Dior out of the Design District and out for a drive. CHRISTIAN DIOR, in large bold white letters, catches the eye of any fashionista – whether the name is branded on a necklace, a belt, or a handbag, anyone and everyone will be sure to notice its simple, yet bold statement.
This unique “Art Car” takes a 2017 white Lamborghini Huracan luxury convertible and transforms it into an icon on wheels.
Printed on 3M IJ180 and 3M 8520 Matte Overlaminate for a soft, silky touch, and perfectly finished with gold chrome accents, MetroWrapz takes couture from the runway to the highway!
Always fashion-forward, our Wrapz create hype! To learn more click here!
MISSION FLYER 2.0 TAKES FLIGHT
The challenge presented to METROWRAPZ was to re-design, as well as eliminate all of the original white color of Technical Sergeant Romeo Peart’s 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, wrapped as a WWII era P51 Mustang. He is an active duty US Air Force Flight Engineer on the Mighty Combat Talon II aircraft. He first came to us to wrap his Hellcat inspired by a Tuskegee Airman Red Tail P51, to pay homage to the airmen who paved the way for him.
This is Technical Sergeant Romeo Peart’s 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, wrapped as a WWII era P51 Mustang. He is an active duty US Air Force Flight Engineer on the Mighty Combat Talon II aircraft. He first came to us to wrap his Hellcat inspired by a Tuskegee Airman Red Tail P51, to pay homage to the airmen who paved the way for him. The challenge presented to us was to re-design, as well as eliminate all of the original white color of the car. We created the artwork from historic photos to keep the design authentic to the original aircraft. While staying close to the original concept, we shifted the color scheme and added some personal effects.
The attention to detail on this project has raised the bar of any wrapped vehicle we have ever created. Panel by panel, we methodically added shadows to every bullet hole to showcase depth in the layers of paint. All interior elements were changed to coincide with the design and color of the aircraft. No details were left uncovered resulting in wrapped doors, door jambs, under the hood, inside the engine compartment, inside of and under the trunk lid. The air tanks inside the trunk were wrapped as well. The details are so realistic that it is a challenge to decipher what is real from what is wrapped. The Avery Conform Chrome with matte lamination solidified the look of this one of a kind wrap. What we have now is a perfect rendition of Sergeant Peart’s very own P51 Mustang……Mission Accomplished.
“Congrats to MetroWrapz of Miami, Florida for taking home the crown! Announced Day 2 of SEMA 2018 at the Avery Dennison booth. MetroWrapz has been killing the wrap game for many years, it’s the second time taking home the crown title “King of the Wrap World” in Avery’s Wrap Like a King Challenge, the first time being in the second annual WLAK in 2014.” via - Wrapfolio.com
Miami Heat Family Festival
Metro Signs is the official Corporate Partners of the Miami Heat and provide Signs and Graphics for the 21st Annual Miami HEAT Family Festival.
EVENT SIGNAGE // MIAMI HEAT FAMILY FESTIVAL
We facilitated all Outdoor Event Signage for this years 21st Annual Miami HEAT Family Festival presented by Carnival Cruise Line, a charitable celebration benefiting SafeSpace, the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels, and the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund.
Key West themed Mesh Banners with sponsored logos were installed on either side of black fence to indicate main entrance for the family event.
All photos by Miami Heat 21st Annual Miami HEAT Family Festival
SIGNS. GRAPHICS. EVERYTHING. // FOOD VENDORS
Signs and Graphics were everywhere. Hanging Signs made from Foamcore were located above all local food vendors that catered and sponsored the Miami Heat Family Festival. Mrs. Riley and friends are holding a Custom 48" by 24" Donation Check for Miami Heat charitable funds.
FOAMCORE CUT OUTS // MIAMI HEAT PLAYERS
You may have seen a custom life size Ultramount cut out of Miami Heat basketball player Goran Dragic and other Miami Heat players throughout the event.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Metro Group Miami is proud to be the Official Sign Provider for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
SOBEWFF // EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.
The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, five-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities.
We are proud to be the Official Sign Provider for SOBEWFF an amazing global event.
All photos by WorldRedEye.com/Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival
EVENT SIGNAGE // SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Grand tasting entrance showcases 4 Truss Mesh Banners with all event sponsorships. We provided 36" Circle Cut Outs made of Coroplast for all food vendors at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Horizontal Vinyl Banners with a Fork, Knife and Spoon pattern were installed behind round cut outs to create contrast and add a splash of color throughout the event.
POP UP BANNERS // BRANDING
10' Pop Up Banners made of durable Fabric was seen around entire South Beach Wine & Food Festival event, displaying Food Vendors, Food Descriptions and Logos.
SIGNAGE // OUR SIGNS CREATE HYPE
These small Triangle Signs are stylish and affordable. We made this 8.5" by 11" Informative Sign from one piece of Foldable Coroplast, was used to promote chefs and their custom menus at SOBEWFF.
2018 Wrap Training Class
MetroWrapz located in South Florida hosts Avery Dennison 2018 Wrap Training Class lead by wrap instructor Justin Pate.
METROWRAPZ // AVERY DENNISON
MetroWrapz was proud to host the Avery Dennison 2018 Wrap Training Class at their headquarters in Hollywood, Florida from February 7th to 9th with certified instructor and installer Justin Pate founder of The Wrap Institute.
We make it a priority to keep our Wrap Team and industry on the cutting edge of Quality and Techniques that will produce the best possible outcome in the wrap industry.
ADVANCE CLASS // NEVER STOP LEARNING
The advance class focuses on vehicle color change wraps with Supreme Wrapping™ Film, featuring a wide array of finishes and textures, including Conform Chrome, Colorflow™, metallics and more. Installers will learn cutting edge techniques and how to lower installation times by 20-50 percent while improving quality.
JUSTIN PATE // THE WRAP INSTITUTE
Justin Pate is an Avery Specialist and 3M Certified graphics instructor and installer who specializes in Vehicle Graphic Installations. Justin began car wrapping in 1996 in New York City and, in 2007, moved to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Over his 20-year career, Justin has wrapped over 3000 vehicles, a majority of them by himself. UGIS (Universal Graphic Installation System) is the basis for the workshops he teaches throughout the world and has been officially endorsed by Avery Dennison in North America.
WRAP INSTALLERS // CERTIFICATION
MetroWrapz is proud to announce that their wrap team successfully passed and is made up of 100% Avery Dennison Certified Wrap Installers.
Homestead Middle
Metro Signs worked alongside Ray of Hope Foundation to help transform Homestead Middle School's computer lab into a room filled with inspiration from Ray Allen life achievements.
WALL GRAPHICS // RAY OF HOPE FOUNDATION
We are always honored to help Ray of Hope Foundation fulfill there mission to help children in need. We transformed Homestead Middle School generic classroom into there new Technology Lab with Motivational and Inspirational Images of Ray Allen's professional accolades and life achievements.
BANNERS // HOMESTEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Retractable Banners in a width of 36" were designed to display Ray of Hope Foundation mission helping young students build greater self-esteem; Foamcore Boards were printed and cut showcasing academic accolades of Ray Allen.
TABLE GRAPHICS // TECHNOLOGY LAB
We applied large Ray of Hope Foundation and Ray Allen signature Vinyl Graphics on classroom tables and one Vinyl Logo of Homestead Middle School.
Wrap Like A King
MetroWrapz a division of Metro Group Miami, is the premiere vehicle wrap company in South Florida, focusing on Art Cars, Color Changes, Fleet Graphics and Commercial Wraps.
King of the South 2017 N.A Regional Winner.
METROWRAPZ // KING OF THE SOUTH
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions held its fifth annual “Wrap Like a King” Challenge from July 1 through September 15, 2017. Wrap installers from 53 countries across the globe submitted commercial, full print or color change wrap projects.
For the third time MetroWrapz was selected as the 2017 N.A. South Regional Winner for the DUAIV Masterpiece!
WRAP LIKE A KING // 2017 N.A. SOUTH REGIONAL WINNER
We collaborated with world-renowned American French artist DUAIV, to create an eye-catching art car. The challenge was to match up every line on the vehicle while staying true to the design concept.
We photographed his actual Oil Paintings, and added a little Twist of Creativity, to have the Art Flow Seamlessly.
DUAIV // AMERICAN FRENCH ARTIST
DUIAV was born in the maritime region of France near the city of Bordeaux. He’s traveled the world as a Classical Musician and accomplished Painter, receiving accolades for his incredible work in service of nurturing and promoting the Arts.
With the world as his canvas, DUIAV'S work is a contemporary representation of Impressionism at its height. For DUAIV, his Art is his Life.
McLAREN 675LT SPIDER // ATTENTION TO DETAILS
It took many hours of prep work and color matching to make this car pop like a true work of Art, we used Supreme Wrapping Films and Digital Wrapping Films.
Satin Black and Carbon Fiber were added to the door jambs and mirrors, to enhance the beauty and attention to detail of the McLaren 675LT Spider.
OUR WRAPZ CREATE HYPE // ART IS LIFE
We take a lot of pride in the Quality of our Work, and were honored that DUAIV himself, called the finished wrap a Masterpiece.
PAST WINNERS // RUST BUCKET & KICK N WHIPZ
We Create Awareness
MetroWrapz does 911 Tribute Jeep for First Responder Howard Rudolph as he shares his personal story.
Never Forget // 911 Jeep Tribute
911 First Responder Howard Rudolph enlisted MetroWrapz to create a moving tribute to everyone touched by this tragic event in our nations history.
Click below to see the Full Story.
Signs. Graphics. Donuts!
Metro Group Miami was proud to be a partner at The Second Annual Donut Day Party with The Salty Donut and Lyfe Brand at Bar Works Wynwood.
THE SALTY DONUT // NATIONAL DONUT DAY PARTY!
We were proud to be a partner at The Second Annual Donut Day Party with The Salty Donut and Lyfe Brand at Bar Works Wynwood.
EVENT SIGNAGE // SIGNS. GRAPHICS. DONUTS!
Metro contributed unique signage solutions for the entrance with a 12' by 8' Step & Repeat Backdrop printed on Ultramount Selfstanding Board and several jumbo size donut Foamcore Cut Outs for selfies. We also designed and produced the first ever life size donut themed Twister Board.
Living Waters Rejuvenation Day Spa
Metro Signs assisted with designing, producing and installing the interior features of Living Waters Rejuvenation Day Spa new office space in Boca Raton.
LIVING WATERS REJUVENATION DAY SPA // GRAND OPENING
We designed, produced and installed Pin-Mounted Aluminum Raised Letters with a Full Color Raised Logo, beautiful Wall Decor Art printed on brushed Aluminum and an amazing LED Lightbox with crystal rock geodes at Living Waters Med Spa's front office for their grand opening this summer.
VIDEO // CLICK TO PLAY
Take a look at the Living Waters Rejuvenation Day Spa beautiful new office.
OFFICE DECOR ART // LIVING WATERS REJUVENATION DAY SPA
We used Brushed Aluminum; printed large tranquil and serene images throughout the offices to create a relaxing experience.
Horace Mann Middle
Metro Signs helped transform Horace Mann Middle School's computer lab into a room filled with motivational and inspirational images from Ray Allen's academic and professional achievements.
WALL GRAPHICS // RAY OF HOPE FOUNDATION
Metro helped transform Horace Mann Middle School's computer lab into a room filled with inspiration from Ray Allen. Our print artists enjoyed creating Floor to Ceiling Wall Graphics of Ray's most memorable and inspiring moments throughout his prolific NBA career.
"Nothing great is achieved without sacrifice." - Ray Allen
FOAMCORE BOARDS // LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS
To showcase Ray Allen's professional achievements we printed directly on Foamcore Panels 24" by 36", making it memorable for anyone who walks through the new computer lab at Horace Mann Middle.
SIGNAGE // HORACE MANN MIDDLE
We completed the space with some more visual elements; Ray of Hope Foundation Logos on classroom tables and Horace Mann Technology Lab specialty cut Vinyl Letters.
Learn & Play Center
Metro Signs is always honored to help the Miami Heat, contributing Signs and Graphics for their newest Learn & Play Center in Moore Park.
MIAMI HEAT // LEARN & PLAY CENTER
The Miami Heat celebrated the opening of its 17th Learn & Play Center at Moore Park in Miami. Heat players, Josh McRoberts and Josh Richardson, and Heat Legend, Glen Rice, interacted with students in new Learn & Play Center.
WALL GRAPHICS // MOORE PARK
The walls at the new Learn & Play Center in Moore Park received a fresh appearance with custom Miami Heat Wall Graphics. Classroom walls were covered from Vinyl Graphics Floor to Ceiling with panoramic views inside the arena and fans supporting their Heat.
PULL UP BANNERS // FLORIDA BLUE
We also installed Large Vinyl Decals of the Miami Heat, Lean & Play Center and Florida Blue logos in each of the classrooms along with 36" Wide Pull Up Banners.
In Your Face Banners
Metro Group Miami was proud to unveil El Clásico Miami at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach making headlines worldwide as it comes to Miami for its first ever match in the United States.
YOUNG WORLD FACES OF SPORT // EL CLASICO MIAMI // KICKOFF!
Metro Group Miami was proud to unveil Young World Faces of Sport, El Clásico at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach making headlines worldwide as it comes to Miami for its first ever match in the United States. The match took place at the Hard Rock Stadium on July 29th featuring Real Madrid C.F. and F.C. Barcelona.
Artist Robert Young | YoungWorldFaces.com
MESH BANNERS // GET YOUR GAME FACE ON!
We unveiled larger than life banners of Faces by artist Robert Young celebrating the spirit of competition by artistically immortalizing two of the most talented clubs in fútbol.
In this historic event, Metro Signs orchestrated an incredible unveil by dropping 3 Enormous 50' x 60' Mesh Banners, spanning over 150' across the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
FACES // RETRACTABLE BANNERS
The Faces were everywhere during the El Clásico Miami press conference near the ocean lawn at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
Mermaid Siren
Metro Group Miami teams up with the influential Miami artist Diana Contreras a.k.a. DidiRok, to paint an alluring and whimsical mermaid at our Hollywood office.
ABOUT // DIDIROK
Diana Contreras has established herself as an influential Miami artist. From painting in the Urban Art scene to exhibiting canvas pieces in galleries, her work has been in exhibitions and private collections in several parts of the world.
Didirok's primary medium is oil, and also enjoys experimenting with anything she can get her hands on from canvas, walls, stickers, and shoes. Her work embodies femininity and always positions her characters in whimsical portraitures.
VIDEO // CLICK TO PLAY
Take a look at DidiRok's approach to painting, colorfully inspiring.
METRO MERMAID // ART IS LIFE
She painted a colorful mural of an alluring mermaid showcasing our Metro Siren at our office headquarters in Hollywood, Florida.
Larger Than Life Letters
Metro Signs works alongside The Andy Warhol Museum to print and install, Letters to Andy Warhol at the Miami Design District.
3D LETTERS // ANDY WARHOL
Cadillac and The Andy Warhol Museum will bring the Collaborative Exhibition, Letters to Andy Warhol to the Miami Design District.
We made a statement by installing life size Cadillac + Andy Warhol letters on the ceiling of the museum at the Design District Palm Court.
WALL GRAPHICS // LETTERS TO ANDY WARHOL
As you walk up the stairs to enjoy Letters to Andy Warhol exhibit you will see bold Floor to Ceiling Wall Graphic with details about the exhibition.
