It is that time of year, friends! We can almost smell the fresh paint lacquer from our new Wynwood digs. Fashion and art insiders will gather for Miami’s glossiest of affairs next week. Enter, Miami Art Week 2018; the South Beach version of a globe-trotting art fair that debuts significant work from the masters of modern and contemporary art, as well as the new generation of emerging stars.
If this is your first rodeo, we’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s not just about the art (gasp). Each day of Miami Art Week boasts a busy schedule for socializing!
We’ve broken down the most worthwhile happenings by neighborhood to help you set your schedule.
MIAMI BEACH
Cocktail Party at The Sagamore Hotel with Jason Newsted and The Chophouse Band
Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco hotel, The Sagamore Hotel, known for its rotating experiences of museum-quality art year-round, presents an immersive experience of ambitious and innovative art programs coordinated by Sebastien Laboureau, resident art advisor of the Sagamore Hotel. The programming, spanning various types of media, will launch December 3 during Art Week and run through January 4. This year, #SagamoreIsArt presents an immersive solo show by Jason Newsted. Newsted is the former bassist of Metallica. Other highlights include the Miami edition of FRAME, an incubator of art experiences, sculptures in the hotel’s newly-renovated garden by Gillie and Marc Schattner and digital art by REO presented by ART REPUBLIC. Additionally, PIMAX, an urban artist known for denouncing the vices of modern society through his art, will showcase a mural wall focused on history, reproducing works by Van Gough, Picasso and Warhol. The hotel is proud to showcase an impressive list of inspiring and talented artists with a passion for music, technology and innovative design. Guests will be immersed in a unique and innovative art experience, throughout the entire hotel. The Sagamore Hotel is one of the only venues in Miami Beach where guests can experience museum-quality art for free and open 24/7 to the general public.
After-School All-Stars Party with Arthur J. Williams, Jr. at The Setai Hotel
One of the greatest counterfeiters of modern history Arthur J. Williams Jr. is now a professional artist and will be hosting an exhibition of his work during Miami Art Week at The Setai Hotel on Miami Beach on December 5, 2018 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Williams is best known for being the counterfeiter who successfully replicated the supposedly impossible to replicate 1996 $100 bill in the United States. In the late ‘90s, U.S. Secret Service agents doggedly pursued Williams as he printed what some estimate to have been as much as $10 million dollars in fabricated money before he eventually landed in federal prison for almost seven years. While incarcerated, he mastered his craft by painting and taking art classes to become an artist. He is the subject of the book The Art of Making Money by Jason Kersten, which is currently being opted for a movie. His work hangs in the homes of celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Floyd Mayweather and many others including, ironically, a few banks. Williams is donating a portion of his sales from his Miami Art Week exhibit at The Setai Hotel to After-School All-Stars South Florida (ASAS), the local chapter of a national non-profit organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger to help low-income children in schools across the U.S. Tickets will be $250/pp for this exclusive VIP event sponsored by Padre Azul Tequila, art preview, Q&A with the artist and live entertainment.
Opening Art Cocktail Party at The National Hotel
The National Hotel, a historic Art Deco property in the heart of South Beach, has partnered with The University of the Arts in Philadelphia to host the ultimate art experience. Some of the school’s top artists alums will fuse the arts through moving-image installations, contemporary art pieces, photography, and musical performances throughout the hotel from December 5-9th. The Miami Art Week experience will include a neon installation on the hotel’s roof by contemporary American artist Stephen “ESPO” Powers, best known for his transition of graffiti writing into street art and text-based conceptual works. Meanwhile, dynamic duo Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib will showcase their collaborative large-scale, immersive moving-image installations using original imagery and unique soundtracks to create colorful video projections that explore history, cultures and conventions. In the interior of the hotel, visitors can enjoy photography by internationally renowned African-American artist, photographer, writer and educator Deborah Willis. Her works are grounded in making and studying photographs that reflect personal and collective memories on beauty. The hotel will host a free Public Preview Party on December 6th from 8 p.m. to midnight, including one free welcome drink per person.
The Global Gift Gala Miami with Eva Longoria Baston at the Eden Roc Hotel
Eva Longoria Bastón will co-host the third annual Global Gift Gala on Thursday, December 6th from 7-11 p.m. at Eden Roc Miami Beach. Proceeds from the gala will support Eva Longoria Foundation and Global Gift Foundation’s shared mission of creating a positive impact on women, children and families that live in a situation of need. The Eva Longoria Foundation aims to also help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship. A star-studded affair, the event will include a red carpet and champagne reception, a five-course dinner presented by Malibu Farm, a thrilling live auction, as well as remarkable performances from talented entertainers. This unique event is set to be an unforgettable star-studded experience.
After-School All-Stars Event at National Geographic Fine Art Gallery on Lincoln Road
The new National Geographic Fine Art Gallery on Lincoln Road is partnering with After-School All-Stars, a national non-profit organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger to help low-income children in schools across the United States, for an exclusive event during Miami Art Week. To attend, people can buy a special edition piece ($5,000 to $25,000) from NatGeo to get placed on the VIP guest list for this invite-only event. The event will be held at the new National Geographic Fine Art Gallery on Lincoln Road on December 6th from 7-11 p.m.
Art. Fashion. Music at The Sagamore
The Sagamore Hotel will host a celebratory gathering of art, fashion and music entitled AFM. The evening will include designs by Alexis Varballosa, public art displays, a fashion show, music and dancing.
Master Class with Arthur J. Williams, Jr. and Skyler Grey at Fontainebleau Hotel
Family Association Foundation, a premier global membership organization for ultra-high-net-worth families, will host a “Master Class with the Artists,” a private, behind-the-scenes art affair with notorious American counterfeiter-turned-artist, Arthur J. Williams, Jr., and 18-year-old “Fresh Prince of Street Art” painter, Skyler Grey, at The Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach on December 7th from 4-5 p.m.. Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Florida chapter of After-School All-Stars, a national non-profit organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger to help low-income children in schools across the United States.
Iconic Sagamore Brunch
Once again, ownership of The Sagamore Hotel is pleased to host the 17th annual Iconic Sagamore Brunch on Saturday, December 8th. The private, invitation-only affair will include art activations and performances by The Chophouse Band led by Jason Newsted. Newsted is the former bassist of Metallica. Additionally, PIMAX, an urban artist known for denouncing the vices of modern society through his art, will showcase a mural wall focused on history, reproducing works by Van Gough, PIcasso and Warhol during the Sagamore Brunch. Guests will enjoy an inspiring program of live art within the newly-renovated sculpture garden. Historically, this the signature event for the elite of the international art world including collectors, dealers and artists.
Welcome to Miami Closing Basel Brunch at The National Hotel
The historic Art Deco National Hotel is hosting a “Welcome to Miami Closing Basel Brunch” on Sunday, December 9th, from noon to 5 p.m., featuring nearly 20 local artists on display, DJs and musicians. Brunch is $39 (plus tax) per person with $20 bottomless mimosas.
DESIGN DISTRICT
Alain Godon Cocktail Reception at Markowicz Fine Art
Markowicz Fine Art will be celebrating the U.S. debut of internationally renowned French painter and sculptor Alain Godon’s new exhibition from November 20 through December 7. Godon’s exhibition, which is inspired by the late French artist Henri Matisse, will present original artwork from his collection created in collaboration with the Matisse Departmental Museum of Le Cateau-Cambrésis in France. Godon’s distinguished exhibition, titled “Matisse – Godon; New York – Tahiti: Architecture of Dreams,” was previously on display at the Matisse Museum from October 2017 to March 2018. For the exhibition, Godon was invited by the Matisse Museum, which gave him a “white card,” to reinject life and offer a new perspective on the works of celebrated French artist, Henri Matisse. Godon was inspired by the importance of real and imaginary travels in Matisse’s work, including his trip in 1930 from New York to Tahiti, his excursion into a dream world and new cosmic spaces, and other travels in his artistic journey to create his new collection. The exhibition will be open to the public at Markowicz Fine Art, Miami Design District’s premier art gallery, from November 20 through December 7. The gallery will also host a free public cocktail reception with artist Alain Godon on Thursday, December 6 from 7 pm to 10 pm.
WYNWOOD
Zenith Art & Fashion at Red Dot Miami
Zenith Art & Fashion, a Miami-based gallery, couture boutique and event space is fusing art and fashion this Basel at Red Dot Miami, a modern and contemporary art show in the heart of Miami featuring an international slate of 50+ galleries showing over 500 leading artists. The gallery will be bringing together the artistic creations of emerging and established artists and fashion designers from around the world. With a mission of uniting cultures through the arts, Zenith will be exhibiting the works of diverse artists from different nationalities. Visit their booth #R406 inside Mana Wynwood between December 5-9th and view the works of sculptors Fernando Cid de Diego, Jesse Nusbaum and Ian Fichman, as well as paintings by Adam Lucey, Elena Kupreeva, Hector Salas, Raida Lopez, Kre8, Solczy, Hamid-Nicola Katrib, Marcus “Gomad” Debie, Merete Steinvik Haugen, and Tomasz Kucharski.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Miami Street Photography Festival at HistoryMiami Museum
HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate located in the heart of downtown Miami, will capture photography lovers’ hearts during Miami Art Week by hosting one of the most popular art events in recent years: the Miami Street Photography Festival. An international event showcasing the best of contemporary street and documentary photography, the Miami Street Photography Festival features world-class photographers from over 45 countries, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, photo walks, and portfolio reviews. The festival’s mission is to give exposure to up-and-coming photographers from around the globe and highlight the best in international street photography. Featured speakers include Meryl Meisler, Peter van Agtmael, Stella Johnson, Nick Turpin, and Constantine Manos. In conjunction with the festival, the museum will exhibit the finalists of the Miami Street Photography Festival’s international street photography competition, the leading and most widely recognized contest in street photography in the world.
Zenith Art & Fashion
Zenith Art & Fashion, a Miami-based gallery, couture boutique and event space that is exhibiting the sculptures and paintings of 11 national and international artists at Red Dot Miami, will be hosting two free (by invite-only) after parties on December 6th and 8th from 9 p.m. to midnight at their gallery. The space, which includes a 4,700 square-foot indoor gallery and 8,000 square-foot outdoor sculpture garden, is located in the heart of Miami, next to the Adrienne Arsht Center. Locals can enjoy a cocktail reception and meet and greet artists, including sculptors Fernando Cid de Diego, Jesse Nusbaum and Ian Fichman, as well as painters Adam Lucey, Elena Kupreeva, Hector Salas, Raida Lopez, Kre8, Solczy, Hamid-Nicola Katrib, Marcus “Gomad” Debie, Merete Steinvik Haugen, and Tomasz Kucharski.
