(December 4, 2010) MIAMI — With roots entrenched in Italian design heritage and specifications catered to the U.S. market, a Fiat 500 is being transformed from car to canvas during the four-day Exhibitalia event at Art Basel, Miami Beach, Fla.

Italian artists and two University of Miami art students are painting and decorating a Fiat 500 during the exhibit, which ends Sunday.

Exhibitalia is a 15,000-square-feet exhibit featuring a selection of Italian art, design, fashion and culture.

Curated by renowed art critic and director of Italy's Lu C.C.A. Center of Contemporary Arts Maurizio Vanni, the pavilion showcases more than 200 artworks, 40 artists and 150 yards of mobile walls, a platform for video art and a bar lounge.

The exhibit is made possible due to the support from FIAT North America, Ducati Miami and SEA Milano Airports.

The Fiat 500 is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011.