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04.05.13
Another art walk? Not quite. Given the magnitude of the stage, Downtown in its entirety, more than walking you might decide to use the Metromover or the Trolley. Downtown is a city within a city, the original city: Miami was founded in today's Downtown.
The inaugural First Fridays Art Walk offers an additional attraction: experiencing Downtown's latest transformation. Urban philosopher Richard Florida speaks of a renaissance, pointing out that in less than ten years Downtown Miami has become a major financial and cultural center. The opera house, for starters, is second only to New York’s. Renowned entrepreneurs, artists, chefs, people who can live anywhere have made Downtown Miami their home. This creative class demands walkable streets, distinctive architecture, diversity, restaurants, art galleries, museums, cafes and bars, in other words, an urban renaissance.
"Art walks are part of this renaissance, converting the city into a stage where you are the protagonist, a model told me. "Art walks make spectators protagonists. The event is made to see and be seen. It’s about feeling interesting.”
And there are many ways to do an event with venues scattered around the city: walk, bike, trolley, Metromover, even arrange for a water taxi.
My Opinionated Guide
1. McCormick Place is an old customs house dating to the 1920s. "Transformed into a Mecca for culture, art and history," said Sean McCormick (the man is a Miami native with connections to the Pioneers.) Eleazar Delgado, whose work pays homage to Miami’s history, created a rooftop centerpiece for the structure, highlighting and complimenting McCormick Place and the Miami skyline. Visible from I-95 expressways and downtown streets.
Raúl Guerrero es periodista, historiador y novelista. Se especializa en historia cultural e idioma. Es autor de numerosas obras, se destacan las novelas INSOLENCE y La dudosa fuga de la cronista LIBERTINA. Dicta conferencias frecuentemente en Florida y New York.
Raúl Guerrero is a journalist, historian, and writer specializing in cultural history and language. He is the author of numerous works, notably the novels INSOLENCE and La dudosa fuga de la cronista LIBERTINA. He lectures frequently in Florida and New York.
Puede contactarlo: RGuerrero@salonespanol.com
McCormick place is a work in progress, except for Eleazar Delgado's Studio—that alone is worth the visit.
111 SW 3rd St Miami, FL 33130. Metromover: Riverwalk Station.
2. MIA Encore aboard the floating gallery, the mega-yacht SeaFair.
Mia Encore features contemporary, cutting-edge art, including photography, painting, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, installation and video.
Stephen Knapp, "Risen Blue"
In addition the SeaFair features an exciting schedule of events including “After Hours Cocktail Cruises” Friday and Saturday night from 10 pm-12 am and a “Art on the Bay” brunch cruise on Sunday from 11 am – 1 pm.
A highlight of the program will be “Appraisal Saturday,” from 10 am-2 pm, Miller Gaffney from the PBS Series Market Warriors will be offering complimentary art appraisals. Followed by a lecture “Contemporary Passions for Art,” presented by Ms. Gaffney from 3 pm – 4 pm. For a full schedule of events visit www.expoships.com.
100 Chopin Plaza, across the Intercontinental Hotel. Metromover: Bayfront Park Station.
3. Ocean Bank presents Faces of Faith featuring Papaloko, Molina and Rachel Dugger. The exhibit is curated by The Urban Tour Host. Reception from 5-8.
200 SE 1st Street. Metromover: Bayfront Park Station.
4. The Freedom Tower, constructed in 1925, is one of South Florida’s most distinctive historic building. From 1962 t0 1974, it was a reception center for Cuban refugees. Today it is part of Miami Dade College and home to the MDC Art Gallery, which features 2 exhibits:
Arnold Mesches: A Life’s Work
Arnold Meshes. Anomie 201: Coney.
Transcending Narratives of Humanity: Selected Works From the CINTAS Foundation. A minimal exhibition featuring six works by artists Ernesto de la Vega Pujol, Pablo Cano, Mario Petrirena, Juan Nickford, Ernesto Oroza, and Maria Elena Gonzalez. The exhibit follows artists whose works investigate and relate material and visual culture to history and storytelling.
600 Biscayne Blvd. from 4 to 8 p.m. Metromover: Freedom Tower Station.
5. The Artisan Lounge is a new innovative studio and gallery space for emerging and seasoned professionals, supported by Christ Fellowship Miami, and housed in another architectural gem dating to the 1920s.
For Friday the Artisan Lounge features recent works by the seven women of W 10, a group of Latin American artists who have worked together over the years and used their own experiences, personalities, and life stories to create varying formats of imagery and intuitive meaning. Artists include Toa Castellanos, Maria Castillo, Mary Chirinos, Esther Mendoza, Gail Marie Ruiz, Patricia Sowers, and Silvia Yapur.
500 NE First Ave. 6 to 10 p.m. Metromover: College North Station.
6. Wine by the Bay with Etra Fine Art presents The Different Arts of Sandro Chia: A Great Painter, a Great Winemaker... a Great Host. “Chia's paintings, sculptures, and prints will be displayed,” said Stefano Campanini, owner of Wine by the Bay, “while guests enjoy a tasting of some of his most celebrated wines.”
Sandro Chia is an Italian painter and sculptor. A native of Florence, he was a key member of the Italian Transavanguardia movement.
888 Biscayne Blvd. Metromover: Park West Station.
7. Dimensions Variable is an exhibition space located in the new Downtown Arthouse building.
As part of First Friday inauguration, the artist studios of Frances Trombly, Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova and Adler Guerrier will be open to the public. Dimension's Variable, with Bas Fisher Invitational, TM Sisters, and Turn-Based Press.
100 NE 11th Street. Metromover: 11th Street Station.
If It Rains?
Organizers guarantee the Metromover or a trolley should take you within two blocks of participating venues. Whatever you do to get there, just remember, you are a protagonist: act interesting!
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