Thursday, August 4, 2011

Coconut Grove Gives Artists a Fighting Chance: Grove Gallery Walk Features Sports, Pastimes and the Individual on August 6


In the thrilling words of Michael Buffer: South Florida, “Let's get ready to rumble.” This month’s First Saturday Coconut Grove Art Gallery Walk features a lineup of artists that are sure to knock you out. 

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 10 galleries will host a night of art, wine, fun and excitement. The Grove Gallery Walk continues through 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations.

Round 1 begins at AC Fine Arts, located at Mayfair, where it will host a solo exhibition by artist and renowned corner man of Mohammad Ali, Ferdie Pacheco, aka “The Fight Doctor.” Hosting an exhibition of original oil paintings by the same name, this once boxing analyst and physician showcases his imaginative use of color alongside abstract conceptions. Also featured in the exhibition are original photos taken by Pacheco’s wife during his years with the boxing legend. AC Fine Art will celebrate Pacheco’s diverse achievements with an opening night of live music, cigar rolling and a special book signing.

Giving artists of all kinds a fighting chance, RODEZ Art Gallery is proud to present “ART MACtown.”  Founded in 1962, MACtown, Inc. is a charitable organization whose primary mission is to improve the lives and further the independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Florida. Under the direction of artist and gallery owner George Rodez, small format works by more than 100 MACtown participants will be on display, in addition to one grand piece created by all participants. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefitting MACtown, Inc.

Renowned abstract artist Kathleen Staples will be at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery I inside the Mayfair complex. With paintings portraying a variety of textures and layers, “SWIMMING TO SESTOS” is sure to pack a punch through its different surface effects and intuitive expression of color.

Next door at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II, “A Summer Show” by solo artist Luisa Mesa, fights to create symbols that connect with a deeper purpose. Every piece of Mesa’s artwork creates a different outlook and meaning, yet all coming together to constitute a whole. 

Not one to shy away from the ring, Max in the Grove will be featuring an exhibition by the Texan artist Daniel Padilla. With a steady hand, Padilla is known for working diligently with colorful and tranquil brush strokes. Alongside Padilla, Max in the Grove will also be showcasing the works of Pino, Chagall, Kaufman, Britto, Tadeo, Ferio and Peter Max. 
“AMERICAN ICONS,” a solo exhibition by Hernando Alzate at Cristina Chacon Gallery, will continue until August 20. The exhibition features legendary figures of our recent history blended with Neo Pop elements. It is located on Commodore Plaza. 

Local artist Amy Reshefsky will again be featured at FrameWorks Studio Gallery and GroveHouse. Artists will present an exhibition of member artists’ works, including those by Grovites Barbara Tejada, Isabelle “Izi” Schuette and Bobbi Headder.

Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, Blue Moon Studio of Art and Dharma Studio.

As part of the pre-show entertainment, the popular Paper Bag Heads are proud to present a “Paper Doll Fashion Show.” Taking place at the Mayfair Promenade Fountain, the show will feature life-sized fashion outfits constructed solely from paper. Designed by local artists, the “clothes” will be voted upon by the audience. Prizes for the most popular outfits will be donated by numerous Grove stores and include one-night stays for two at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa and the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa. 

Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID). The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. 

For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

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