Britto is savvy about public appearances. He’s used charity events to connect with prominent people: actors, politicians, athletes and corporate executives. He travels worldwide and has taken on the title of celebrity artist — rubbing elbows with Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and British Ambassador to Brazil Alan Charlton. “People are critical about artists who are successful while they are alive. I think in my case, I have an opportunity to work with companies and charities who want to work with an artist who has a face.”

Shriver says businessman Britto still hasn’t learned to say no. Through his foundation, he has donated art and time to more than 250 charitable organization, particularly children-related charities in Miami and all over the world. He sits on the board of Best Buddies International, run by Shriver’s husband, and on the Leadership Council for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Most recently, he was selected as the Ambassador to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Of course, jetting around the world has taken him away from as much hands-on painting as he would like. “We have a process. It’s pretty organized,” Shriver explains. “We present the ideas to him, once he approves an idea conceptually, he doesn’t see the project again until it’s at the physical stage. That’s when he tweaks it for color or patterns.”

Going forward, Shriver says, expect more Britto concept stores in unique locations. And, if Shriver is right, expect Britto fans and customers to multiply. “There are always going to be critics but history will tell who is successful. The world is changing, museums are changing, and people have to change, even art collectors are changing.”

Britto, too, has his vision for the future: “I’d like to one day have a studio open to the public, to invite the public to come see how everything happens.”

For now, Britto creates art in a 50,000-square-foot Renaissance-style studio in Wynwood with a team of dozens of assistants carrying out most of the technical work based on his sketches. Next, he wants to build one that’s 100,000-square-feet with a giant sculpture garden. “I have my art in the hands of the most incredible people in the world. But art is not just for the richest people. I want my art to be enjoyed by all.”