Miami is THE Place for Art in December: Art Basel, Satellite Shows & More!

Beatriz Milhazes | Crianças fizeram um homen de neve
(Children Made a Snowman) | Mary-Anne Martin Fine Art, NY

ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH: Dec. 6-9. Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States; a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. At the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-674-1292. artbaselmiamibeach.com

SCOPE MIAMI: Dec. 4-9. The art show that has established its name by curating cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world proudly returns to Miami for its 10th year. Cementing its future with an 80,000 square foot pavilion across the street from Art Miami, SCOPE Miami's high-profile venue is centrally located in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District. An Art Basel satellite event. At 3000 NE 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33127, 212-268-1522. scope-art.com

FOUNTAIN ART FAIR: Dec. 6-9. Featuring independent galleries showcase innovative and ambitious projects from younger artists. Returning to Miami for its 7th year, Fountain Art Fair announces an extensive lineup of unique, alternative, exciting art projects and performance art events. With more than 35 exhibitors from around the world, the 2012 art fair will provide a visual display of installation heavy artworks, a spectacle for art enthusiasts to enjoy. An Art Basel satellite event. At 2505 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33127. fountainartfair.com

PULSE MIAMI: Dec. 6-9. Held annually in New York, Miami and London, PULSE presents leading international galleries and artists showcasing the latest movements in contemporary art in powerful architectural environments designed to serve both seasoned and emerging collectors. An Art Basel satellite event. At Ice Palace, 1400 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33136, 212-255-2327. pulse-art.com

ART MIAMI: Dec. 5-9. This premier fair celebrates its 22nd anniversary as it kicks off the opening day of Art Week. World-famous for its extraordinary variety, outstanding quality and its stylish gallery-like decor, Art Miami showcases the best in modern and contemporary art from more than 100 international art galleries and prominent art institutions. An Art Basel satellite event. At Art Miami Pavilion, 3101 NE 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33137, 520-529-1108. art-miami.com

MIAMI PHOTO: Dec. 4-9. This leading contemporary international art fair dedicated to photography, video and new media features an international roster of galleries, artist projects, institutions and publishers. An Art Basel satellite event. At Midtown Miami, NE 1st Ave. and NE 34th Street, Miami, FL 33137, 323-937-4659. miamiphotofair.com

DESIGN MIAMI: Dec. 5-9. Design Miami presents the best international design galleries exhibiting extraordinary historic and contemporary design. Designers, collectors, dealers and curators from around the world participate in lectures, exhibits and design installations. An Art Basel satellite event. At the Miami Beach Convention Center, P-Lot, Meridian Avenue and 19th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-572-0866. designmiami.com

SEVEN: Dec. 4-9. SEVEN, the pioneering collective project organized by the galleries BravinLee programs, Hales Gallery, Pierogi Gallery, Postmasters, P.P.O.W., Ronald Feldman Fine Arts and Winkleman Gallery returns to Miami for its third year. With a focus on a collaborative, exhibition-like presentation commingling galleries and artists, SEVEN looks beyond the art fair model to create a new platform for viewing and acquiring works of art. SEVEN features an integrated exhibition format where galleries and artists are commingled. An Art Basel satellite event. At 2637 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33127. seven-miami.com

POP-UP PIANO MIAMI: Dec. 4-9. During the week of Art Basel Miami Beach 2012, Steinway Piano Gallery of Miami presents Pop-Up Pianos Miami. Seven pianos will "pop up" around Miami offering spontaneous concerts for all to enjoy. Visit the website for musician announcements and event details as well as the specific locations where the pianos will be placed. At various locations in Wynwood, Midtown and the Design District, Miami, FL. popuppianomia.com

MIAMI PROJECT: Dec. 4-9. Miami Project is the newest addition to Miami's December contemporary art scene. The centrally-located fair will take place in a 65,000 square food tent/pavilion in Midtown Miami and feature curated presentations from 65 galleries, exhibiting leading emerging and mid-career artists from around the world. At NE 1st Avenue and NE 30th Street, Miami, FL 33137. miami-project.com/miami

AOA TRIBAL ART MIAMI SHOW: Dec. 4-9. This fair features a selection of private dealers showcasing museum-quality traditional art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Explore how modern art was conceived. At the end of the 19th century, famous artists work from the likes of Picasso, Matisse and Braque were all profoundly influenced by the Art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. View African masks, oceanic shields and house panels, as well as ancient zoomorphic vessels from pre-columbian peoples. An Art Basel satellite event. At the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132, 305-949-6722. tribalartmiami.com

MIAMI RIVER ART FAIR: Dec. 4-9. The Miami River Art Fair will provide a unique fair-going experience during Art Basel week as the only riverfront art fair, boasting an 800 linear foot public sculpture mall on the banks of the Miami River called the Riverwalk Sculpture Mall. Enjoy art talks, gallery exhibits, and more. At the James L. Knight International Center, 400 SE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33131. miamiriverartfair.com

CONTEXT: Dec. 5-9. Trendsetting galleries from around the globe will exhibit in a state-of-the-art pavilion directly adjacent to Art Miami. CONTEXT will feature a curated group of 50 galleries representing exceptional emerging and mid-career artists, including solo artist installations, immersive environments, curated projects and multimedia exhibits. At 3101 NE 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33137. contextartmiami.com

INK MIAMI ART FAIR: Dec. 5-9. The Fair is unique among Miami's fairs for its focus on contemporary works on paper by internationally renowned artists. It is sponsored by the International Fine Print Dealers Association and exhibitors are selected from among members of the Association for their outstanding ability to offer collectors a diverse survey of 20th century masterworks and just published editions by leading contemporary artists. An Art Basel Satellite event. At the Suites of Dorchester, 1850 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. inkartfair.com

James Dupree’s (Dupree Gallery, Philadelphia, Pa.) work will be

showcased in the Main Lobby of the Catalina and in an exhibition

space during SELECT Fair Miami. www.dupreestudiosinc.com

SELECT FAIR: Dec. 5-9. Select Fair features cutting edge contemporary work by galleries, print dealers, collectives, and artists. An Art Basel Satellite event. At the Catalina Hotel, 1732 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. select-fair.com

ART ASIA: Dec. 5-9. This fair brings more than 60 galleries together to showcase paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, video and installations from established and emerging Asian artists. An Art Basel Satellite event. At Art Asia - Miami Midtown, 2901 N. Miami Ave., Wynwood, FL 33137, 212-268-6148. artasiafair.com

ARTSPOT MIAMI ART FAIR: Dec. 5-9. At Miami Art Basel Week 2012, ArtSpot Miami Art Fair is the new Miami International art wing. Organized by Aldo Castillo (Aldo Castillo Projects) the fair is hosted by Red Dot Art Fair (6th Edition) that will take place from December 5-9. Red Dot Art Fair's prime location is adjacent to Art Miami and next to Scope and Art Asia makes Midtown and Wynwood the most visited areas which run concurrent and successful satellite art fairs during Art Basel Miami Beach. During Red Dot Art Fair, ArtSpot will have a dozen booths located at the right of the 60,000 square foot tent, near the entrance in a section named ARTSPOT showcasing painting, sculpture, photography and works on paper. An Art Basel Satellite event. At 3011 NE 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33137, 312-375-8887. aldocastilloprojects.com

RED DOT ART FAIR: Dec. 5-9. This art show features more than 50 international, modern contemporary art dealers from around the world. It includes painting, photography, sculpture and more. An Art Basel Satellite event. At 3011 NE 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33137, 917-273-8621. reddotfair.com

Andy Warhol "Flash - November 22, 1963" (1968). Siklscreen, colophon and
text on white paper. Photo courtesy of Taglialatella Galleries.

OVERTURE MIAMI ART FAIR: Dec. 4-9. Arts for a Better World returns during Art Basel Miami Beach Week for its third year with OVERTURE MIAMI; its newly redesigned and enhanced international platform for contemporary art. Included is a featured monumental exhibition by Andy Warhol: "100 Warhols, an Overview: Painting, Drawing, Collage, Unique Work on Paper, Trial Proofs and Edition Prints". The principal goal of Arts for a Better World is to promote Social Responsibility by using the arts as a vehicle for positive change. At the Midtown Miami Arts Hub, NW 34th Street & Buena Vista Avenue, Miami, FL 33127, 754-423-0726. overtureartfair.com

UNTITLED: Dec. 5-9. Housed in a customized beachfront pavilion under the artistic direction of New York-based curator Omar Lopez-Chahoud, UNTITLED will present a cohesive collection of international works by contemporary artists selected from 50 galeries. At Ocean Drive & 13th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. art-untitled.com

NADA ART FAIR MIAMI: Dec. 6-9. The New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) features 88 emerging art galleries from 19 countries as well as performances, lectures, and events. Admission is free and open to the public. An Art Basel Satellite event. At The Deauville Beach Resort, 6701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140, 212-594-0883. nadaartfair.org

JUST MAD MIA: Dec. 6-9. Just Mad MIA features emerging art from a selection of 40 galleries in Spain, Latin America and other countries in Europe. At Soho Studios, Wynwood Convention Center, 2136 NW 1st Ave., Miami, FL 33127. justmadmia.com

AQUA 12 AT THE AQUA HOTEL: Dec. 6-9. Based in Seattle, the fair has a distinctly west coast character set off by the balmy indoor/outdoor atmosphere of the Aqua Hotel. Fair organizers continue to seek out vibrant and noteworthy programs in their region as well as the greater USA and abroad, with a particular interest in supporting young dealers and galleries with strong emerging and early mid-career artists. An Art Basel satellite event. At the Aqua Hotel, 1530 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. aquaartmiami.com

ART AFRICA MIAMI ARTS FAIR: Dec. 7-9. A juried multidisciplinary exhibition of fine contemporary art from the global African Diaspora, situated in the epicenter of Miami’s African-American cultural hub, Historic Overtown. The central idea of Art Africa Miami is to present an array of visual works that pay homage to the centrality of Africa and its descendant diaspora’s artistic contribution to the modern world. At 919 NW 2nd Ave. (next to Lyric Theater), Miami, FL 33127, 305-576-7101. artafricamiami.com

Landry’s Restaurant Group Menus Add Special Seasoning to Miami Spice

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

During the months of August and September, the city of Miami has teamed up with an impressive lineup of restaurants to host Miami Spice. Participating Landry’s restaurants include Morton’s The Steakhouse, Chart House and The Oceanaire Seafood Room.

Miami Spice has grown to be quite popular because it gives people in Miami an opportunity to experience the city’s exceptional restaurants for an affordable price. Each restaurant is required to create a three-course menu for both lunch and dinner.

Waterfront dining at Chart House

Landry’s restaurants are recognized in Miami for their delicious menus and boast items that guarantee a fine dining experience. Some of these items can be found on the various Miami Spice menus, such as:  Oceanaire’s Parmesan Crusted Maine Lobster Tail for dinner, Oceanaire’s Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels for lunch, Morton’s Baked Five Onion Soup for dinner, and the Chicken Bianco for lunch. Additionally, Chart House is offering a Slow Roasted Prime Rib and Spiced Yellowfin Ahi Tuna. Lunch is $19 or $23, and dinner is $33 or $39.

A complete listing of all menu items can be found on the Miami Spice webpage:

• The Oceanaire Seafood Room
• Chart House
• Morton's The Steakhouse
• Coral Gables
• Miami

Global Fashion Retailer H&M to Open New Location at Aventura Mall in Fall 2012

H&M, Hennes & Mauritz, one of the world’s largest global retailers known for offering fashion-forward apparel and quality basics, is thrilled to announce that it will open a second location in Miami at Aventura Mall.


Following the success of its South Beach pop-up shop, H&M will open its Aventura Mall location shortly after its highly anticipated H&M Lincoln Road flagship store opens, in the fall of 2012.

The South Beach pop-up H&M
shop. (Photo by Phillip Pessar)

The fashion retailer is excited to provide even more shoppers in southern Florida access to the brand’s high-fashion, quality collections. The approximately 25,000 square foot space at Aventura Mall will offer collections for ladies, men—including the full suiting collection, young ladies and young men, with separate “store within store” sections for accessories, lingerie, and sports apparel. This location will also carry the Swedish retailer’s fantastic children’s collection, featuring quality clothing for kids ages newborn to eight.


Since H&M opened its first store on New York’s Fifth Avenue 12 years ago, the U.S. has been one of the retailer’s most important markets. With its emphasis on expansion, H&M is committed to opening stores in the best properties and locations for its customers. Now offering U.S. consumers access to quality fashions at the best prices through 245 locations across the country, H&M at Aventura Mall will be a welcome addition to the local Florida market. Internationally, H&M has more than 2,600 stores in 44 markets.

For more information on this store and all the latest from H&M, please visit www.hm.com. 

Miami Beach Botanical Garden Hosts FREE Performing Arts Events

Miami Performance and Visual Art Festival - July 26-29

The first of its kind, this free festival will offer workshops, artist's talks, performances and parties for four days. Presented by Edge-Zones, a non-profit arts organization, live performances will be presented to the public in a participatory discourse during the four-day program. This intensive contemporary arts event will take place at three different sites: Downtown Miami, the Miami Design District, and the Botanical Gardens. 

This innovative program will explore the breaking down of boundaries between visual art, music, dance and poetry. A dynamic dialogue between time-based art practice and its documentation will occur through a comprehensive exhibition of site-reactive installations. 

At 9:30 a.m. on the 26th, the festival will start with a meet-and-greet here at the garden, with artist's talks and lunch to follow until noon. Come to the garden to pick up a schedule of events, and visit the event website here.

On the 29th, performances, installations, and discussions at the garden will start at 9:20 a.m., with a free children's workshop at 10 a.m. Events continue until 8 p.m., where you can join the party with DJ Action Pat at 150 NE 40th Street, a pop-up performance space in Miami. 

Shakespeare Under the Sun - August 4 and 11, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily

The garden is hosting three outdoor plays produced by Arturo Fernandez of Ground Up & Rising. The first performance will be Julius Caesar, with two shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  This is an hour-long, modern adaption of the Shakespearian classic. Ground Up & Rising is an award-winning,  non-profit theater organization with a vision "to replace the safe and already treaded with the avant-garde and risque." 

The producer, Arturo Fernandez, has been named as one of the Top 20 Artists Under 40 by the Miami New Times, and was given the 2010 Theater Visionary Award by the Miami ArtZine, amongst other accolades. Read more about Fernadez's performances and accomplishments here!

Start your weekend off right with a refreshing reminder of the performing talent Miami is known for. Some chairs will be provided, but everyone is encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy the zoysia grass. For more information, 305-673-7256, Ext. 201.

Performances to follow will be Macbeth on August 26 and September 2, and Danny & the Deep Blue Sea, September 16 and 30.

For more information, please visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden website.

Miami’s Independence Day Celebrations

CocoWalk

CocoWalk's All-Day 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 12:30pm-9:30pm. An all-day 4th of July Celebration at CocoWalk! Live Caribbean music from 12:30pm-3:30pm by entertainer Peter Berbard. The kids will enjoy the balloon twisting, face painting and 4th of July freebies from 2pm-5pm. The annual Hot Dog Eating Competition takes place at 5pm in the Courtyard, followed by Beer Pong at 6pm. Watch the fireworks at 9pm from one of the great restaurants with a view! At CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-444-0777. www.cocowalk.net

Miami Beach 4th of July Celebration: Fire On The 4th

July 4, noon-9:30pm. The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual patriotic 4th of July celebration of music and fireworks. There will be a DJ performing throughout the day starting at noon, followed by live jazz from 6pm-9pm. The fireworks get started at 9pm, but many people show up early to snag a spot on the beach and set up beach towels and chairs. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach. The event is free and open to the public. At 8 Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-673-7577. www.miamibeachfl.gov

The view from Bayfront Park

America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park 

July 4, 3pm-9:30pm. Bring the whole family to celebrate the birth of this great nation! Enjoy music, food and beverages, a free Kids’ Zone, and one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. The park is open all day. Free Kids’ Zone from 3pm-7pm; fireworks at 9pm. Free admission. At Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami, 305-358-7550. www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

The Biscayne Lady

4th of July Dinner Cruise with Island Queen

July 4, 8pm-10pm. This special 4th of July dinner cruise aboard the Biscayne Lady includes an unlimited buffet and full open bar. There will be a professional DJ onboard playing dance music until the spectacular fireworks display over downtown Miami begins. Patriotic music will be played during the fireworks show. The Biscayne Lady features two ideal areas to view the fireworks, the sky deck and the front bow of the yacht. Please arrive one-hour prior to departure. The cruise departs from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami. Info at 305-379-5119, Ext. 2001. www.islandqueencruises.com

Jungle Island’s 4th of July Fireworks Bash

July 4, 10am-6:30pm. This 4th of July, join Jungle Island’s salute to America’s Armed Forces with a fireworks and BBQ bash! Escape the heat and watch the City of Miami’s fireworks spectacular from the terrace of Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom. You will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat mouthwatering BBQ buffet, family entertainment including music and dancing, and last but not least, interactive visits from some of Jungle Island’s animal friends! Ticket info can be found here. At Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, 305-400-7000. www.jungleisland.com

The Miami Children's Museum

Miami Children’s Museum 4th of July Celebration 

July 4, 11am-3pm. Celebrate the 4th of July in style at the Miami Children’s Museum! There will be art, food, water games and more. There will even be a signing of the Declaration of Independence with Ben Franklin. At the Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami, 305-373-5437. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

The Key Biscayne Parade

Key Biscayne’s 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 11am-9:30pm. The parade will start at 11am with a flyover of jets, and proceed south on Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive. There will be patriotic-themed floats and marching groups. A picnic at Village Green Park (450 Crandon Blvd.) will follow at noon with food and rides for the kids, culminating with fireworks at the beach at 9pm. All events are free of charge. At locations throughout Key Biscayne, 305-361-8557. www.kb4.org

4th of July in the Grove

July 4, 4pm-11pm. Don’t miss the annual July 4th celebration and fireworks display at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove! Plan on having a fabulous time filled with food, music and patriotic cheer. At Peacock Park 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, 305-444-7270. www.coconutgrovechamber.com

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Old Fashioned July 4th Picnic 

July 4, 11am-4pm. Kids can participate in a historical scavenger hunt and make their own kites, toy boats and paper dolls in order to understand how different children’s lives were 100 years ago. Live music by singer/songwriter Joel Zoss from 11:30am-3pm. Pack a picnic or buy burgers, hot dogs and veggie dogs on-site. At The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy., Miami, 305-442-6866. www.floridastateparks.org

MAY Art Live On!

Before the summer fun begins, the city of Coconut Grove invites visitors to enjoy a night out with international art, hors d’oeuvres, friends and family. The Grove Gallery Walk, an event that takes place the first Saturday of each month, will continue with the May 5 event. 

The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7pm and continues through 10pm. It is FREE and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at selected galleries, while live music at some locations.

* * * * * * * * * * *

This month RODEZArt.com Gallery (3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 237) will host the 24th annual exhibition by the National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill (NAEMI), an organization dedicated to collecting, displaying and selling art by persons in recovery from mental illness. The exhibition features the works of artists from Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Spain and the United States. All 40 artworks featured in the exhibition will be available for sale with the proceeds benefiting the artists and NAEMI’s goals of helping artists from around the world.

Cristina Chacon Gallery (3162 Commodore Plaza, Suite 1f2) will feature artist Alberto González Vivo’s exhibit titled “Formas/Shapes.” His work ranges from geometric abstraction to Op art, influenced by his research on the production of artists Luis Tomasello, Julio Le Parc, Victor Vasarely, Martha Boto and Eduardo Moisset de Espanés, a generative geometry artist and creator of the Centre for Plastic Mathematical Research of Argentina. The artist’s use of light combined with geometric shapes and smart colors adds balance to his work creating effects of great magnetism.


May’s featured artist for FrameWorks Gallery (3196 Commodore Plaza) is fine art photographer Paul Marcellini. His photos capture the unspoiled scenes of wild Florida with breathtaking views of the Everglades. Through the end of May, Marcellini’s work will also be on display at the Everglades National Park Visitor’s Center.  In the past, he has been featured at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, The Winter Park Side Walk Festival, The Santa Fe College Arts Festival and The Islamorada Fine Art Expo. 


At Boswell Mourot Fine Art (3162 Commodore Plaza), May’s exhibit will feature all of the current gallery’s artists. Boswell Mourot is solely a fine art gallery, selling original paintings, mixed media and sculptures by international, national and local artists for the established and emerging collector. Artists include Hans Feyerbend, Karen Deilke, John Allison and Diana Ashley.


The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (339 Mayfair Street, Suite 128) Meme Ferre will showcase her paintings for another month in her exhibition titled “Raw Energy / Energía Cruda.” Ferre’s pieces combine colors of the Caribbean and the iconic mysticism of India. She will also conduct a live program titled “Art Attack” during the opening, where she will paint to music.


The Jim Hunter Gallery (3390 Mary St. Suite 128) right next door will continue to feature Erika King’s retrospective collage collection, titled “Evolution of Spirit.” This exhibition displays iconic images of the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Statue of Liberty, Native Americans, angels and even Marilyn Monroe, through the use of familiar fragments of sheet music, stamps and torn foreign currency.


Art-inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove 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.

Third BACARDI Miami Sailing Week Features 85th BACARDI Cup Regatta

BACARDI Miami Sailing Week (Photo © Franco Pace) 

Next week the red carpet will again be rolled out for the annual BACARDI Miami Sailing Week (BMSW) when it returns to Coconut Grove in Miami, Fla., from March 4-10.

The third annual running of BACARDI Miami Sailing Week will mark several milestones starting with the 150th anniversary of the BACARDI Company, as well as the 50th year that the BACARDI Cup is being held in Miami for the storied Star Class, which just celebrated its own 100th anniversary.

Also being celebrated during the week will be Jose E. “Tito” Argamasilla Bacardi, who lost his battle with cancer late in 2011.  During his 40 year career with the company he not only hosted the BACARDI Cup for several decades but also founded the BACARDI museum in Miami.

The BACARDI Cup headlines the week-long regatta in Miami, and, with 65 Star teams registered to date, will continue its tradition of excellent competition.

Among the notable sailors vying for the 85th BACARDI Cup title are 2007 winner Hamish Pepper with crew Jim Turner (New Zealand) and 2008 Olympian Peter O’Leary and David Burrows (Ireland).  Three of the top-seven finishers at the 2011 Star World Championship in Australia will also compete, including 2008 world champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Dominik Zycki (Poland) who finished fourth in Perth, as well as Eivind Melleby and Petter Morland Pedersen (Norway) and Xavier Rohart and Pierre-Alexis Ponsot (France) who were sixth and seventh respectively.  Leading the American contenders are 2009 Star World Champion George Szabo (San Diego) who will sail the BACARDI Cup with Miami’s Magnus Liljedahl, who was both world champion and winner of Olympic Gold in 2000.

Racing for the Stars gets underway on Monday, March 5.  Starting on Thursday, March 8, the Stars will be joined on Biscayne Bay by sailors in the Viper 640, Audi Melges 20, and Melges 24 classes, along with the J/80 class which makes its event debut following their successful participation in the 2011 BACARDI Newport Sailing Week.  Racing, for all classes, will conclude on Saturday, March 10.

Favorites in the 20-strong Melges 24 class are Alan Field (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Riccardo Simoneschi (Milan, Italy), who drove to podium finishes of second and third, respectively, in 2011.  Kristen Lane (Tiburon, Calif.), the 29erXX North American Champion, is another sailor to watch in this competitive fleet.

More information on the BACARDI Miami Sailing Week and the 85th BACARDI Cup is available at www.MiamiSailingWeek.com and www.BacardiCup.com.

City of Miami Beach Arts in the Parks presents Five Nights at the Opera

Don't miss any of the five exceptional opera films that will be shown throughout the month of March on The Wall at the New World Center during SoundScape. Films begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., and one is shown on each Thursday in March. This is a free event.

The New World Center is located at 500 17th St., Miami Beach.

March 1: CARMEN (1984) Directed by Francesco Rosi; featuring Placido Domingo and Julia Migenes

March 8: LA TRAVIATA (1983) Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, featuring Placido Domingo and Teresa Stratas

March 15: OTELLO (1986) Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, featuring Placido Domingo and Katia Ricciarelli

March 22: DON GIOVANNI (1979) Directed by Joseph Losey,  featuring Ruggero Raimondi and Kiri Te Kanawa

March 29: RIGOLETTO (1982) Directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, featuring Luciano Pavarotti and Ingvar Wixell

The Florida Grand Opera will present live soloists prior to one of the screenings. Check the official website for details.

Miami Beach Arts in the Parks events feature a variety of cultural offerings such as concerts, plays, musical performances and other acts, and are free and open to the public. The Arts in the Parks program further elevates Miami Beach’s role as a leader in the cultural arts.

Arts in the Parks launched in 2006 in response to the results of community surveys and focus groups that indicated residents would like to see more free cultural events. The Miami Beach Arts in the Parks program hopes to increase the community rating of cultural activities, which is part of the City’s overall strategic plan.

The Cinema Series at SoundScape, also an Arts in the Parks program, continues its free film series on Wednesday nights at SoundScape.

For more information on Arts in the Parks visit www.mbculture.com.

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The Jewish Museum Of Florida Presents "Max Miller: Final Mourner's Kaddish: 333 Days in Painting" Opening Jan. 31

Cuban Hebrew Congregation, Miami Beach, FL,

Watercolor, 2005

After the death of his father, Murray A. Miller, artist Max Miller chose to undertake the custom of saying Kaddish, the Jewish prayer of mourning. This prayer, exalting the name of God, is recited in the presence of a congregation daily for eleven months. 


Miller, who grew up Orthodox with Yiddish as his first language said, "The Kaddish provided me with time to grieve and reflect on spiritual aspects of life and death, and because of this I felt compelled to create images that captured my response to what I was experiencing." 


The artist's grief provided the inspiration for a vivid, moving and cathartic account of his experience of honoring his father through the daily recitation of the Kaddish.


As an historic record and for personal reasons, Miller created a watercolor of each the synagogues he visited during the 333 days of saying Kaddish in New York, Vermont, Ohio and Florida (including Congregation Beth Jacob, that is now the Jewish Museum of Florida). 

Beth Jacob, Miami Beach, FL  

Watercolor, 2005

The 50 vibrant watercolors, considered by the artist to be a coherent unit, are painted on paper. As a whole, the collection suggests the diversity of the social and religious settings that Miller frequented, as well as the breadth of personal transformation and learning he experienced over the course of those eleven months.


Though the form varies, humanity's expression of mourning transcends time, society, and culture. The extraordinary body of work that ensued is an intimate document of Miller's faith, observance and the Jewish community. The ultimate unity of the Jewish people is found in these remarkable works.


Each image is distinct in its orientation, composition and focus. Depictions range from exterior to interior, from human to architectural portraits, from limited to wide-ranging color schemes. The richness of his color and line inscribes the vitality of faith and continuance of ritual and tradition. The exhibition also includes a stunning portrait of Miller's father, against a silver leaf background, an image of iconic and descriptive power that sets the tone for the show.

Kehilath Jeshurun, Upper East Side, New York City  

Watercolor, 2005

Accompanying the images are the artist's commentaries, based on his thoughts, feelings and experiences with those he met during this pursuit. While honoring the Jewish tradition of memorializing a parent, Miller came to learn a great deal about his father and their shared heritage.

Though the daily ritual of saying Kaddish has formally ended for Miller, bringing this project to fruition provides an opportunity for those within the Jewish community, and for those in other communities, of all ages, to witness and honor the tradition of the Mourner's Kaddish, and to reflect on their own humanity and spiritual journeys.


This exhibition by Max Miller originated at the Yeshiva University Museum in New York City and is sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts.  


Max Miller: Final Mourner's Kaddish - 333 Days in Painting will be on display at the Jewish Museum Of Florida January 31-May 13, 2012.

Max Miller

Max Miller is known for his abstract paintings that embrace color and line, as well as his figurative paintings of human and animal subjects. He has had exhibitions in New York City and throughout the East Coast. He received his BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and MFA from Yale University. He has been awarded numerous fellowships, including a New York Foundation for the Arts, Guggenheim, National Endowment for the Arts and two Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grants.


The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings on South Beach that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The Museum's focal point is its core exhibit MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida  - 1763 to the Present and temporary history and art exhibits that change periodically. Currently on display: Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection through March 18, 2012. A Collections & Research Center, several films, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, Museum Store filled with unique items and Bessie's Bistro complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.


Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach 33139, and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays, Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/Always Free; Saturdays/Free. For information: 305-672-5044 or www.jewishmuseum.com.


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Sea Trek Reef Encounter at the Miami Seaquarium

The Sea Trek Reef Encounter is a helmet diving experience that allows guests to become one with the Miami Seaquarium's 300,000-gallon tropical reef aquarium, while moving in ethereal slow motion in a near zero gravity diving system.

"Sea Trekking," developed by Sub Sea Systems, can be experienced by non-divers, ages 10 and above; no certification or swimming skills are necessary. In the magnificent Reef Aquarium at the Miami Seaquarium participants may Sea Trek as deep as 15 feet under the "sea" to swim with more than 3,000 fish and 80 different species of marine life.

The Sea Trek Reef Encounter at Miami Seaquarium lasts approximately 90 minutes, including an orientation session. Twenty minutes are spent under warter.

General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $38.95 and $28.95 for children (ages 3-9). The Sea Trek Reef Encounter costs $99 per participant; $39.95 for adult observers (ages 10 and older), $29.95 for a child observer (ages 3-9), and observers under 3 are free. Book today by calling 305-365-2501.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com and on Facebook.

Sea Trek Reef Encounter Restrictions

For safety reasons, please review the following information. Guests participating in the Sea Trek Reef Encounter must meet the following requirements:

* Be at least 10 years of age.

* Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a paid adult participant.

* Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a supervising adult who pays the observer fee. (General park admission also applies.)

* SCUBA certification is not required.

* Eyeglasses are permitted, but no sunglasses. (Transition lenses are acceptable.)

* Guests must wear a wetsuit during Sea Trek Reef Encounter.

* Guests are not permitted to wear jewelry.

For more information please see the Sea Trek website.

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Jewish Museum Honors Florida's Jews from Poland During Florida Jewish History Month

The Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach

       This year's observance of Florida Jewish History Month, in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibit, "Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection," will honor the 80% of American Jews whose origins are from Poland.
       For the January 8 kick-off event, the Jewish Museum of Florida welcomes Floridian families with Polish roots, who will share their experiences in a panel discussion. Bring family and friends to join this FREE celebration. Walk-ins welcome or RSVP to 786-972-3175 or e-mail info@jewishmuseum.com. 
       Jews have lived in Poland for more than 1,000 years. Poland was the center of the European Jewish world before World War II, when the Holocaust resulted in the death of 90% (3 million) of the Polish Jews. By preserving the memories of families, such as those on this panel, the Museum is able to keep Jewish cultural heritage alive and transmit it to future generations. 
       At the January 8 kick-off event, the Museum will award cash prizes to the winners of its statewide student creative writing contest. The Museum challenged middle and high school students to connect to their own cultural heritage, by answering the following question: "How does a place tell a story that represents your cultural heritage?"
       As part of the celebration, Joe's Stone Crab restaurant is providing their famous key lime pie, designated in 2006 as Florida's official state pie. The founders of Joe's, Joe and Jennie Weiss, were the first Jews to settle on Miami Beach in 1913. Joe's is still owned and run by the family, and has been open since 1913.
       The concept for Florida Jewish History Month began at the Jewish Museum of Florida. Founding Executive Director Marcia Jo Zerivitz worked closely with legislators to translate the Museum's mission into a statewide observance. In April 2003, Governor Jeb Bush signed a bill into that officially designated the month of January as Florida Jewish History Month. Florida is the first state in the nation to have a month dedicated to the tremendous contributions of Jews in its state. 
       The success of Florida Jewish History Month inspired the legislation for Jewish American Heritage Month, also initiated by the Museum, and observed each May, with a Proclamation signed by President George Bush in April 2006. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Rachel Kosowski, 1938.

       The family of Rachel Kosowski (Abramowitz) settled in Kosov, Poland about 300 years ago. She was born in Yanov in 1928. The family's plan to immigrate to Palestine on September 7, 1939 was thwarted by the outbreak of World War II on September 1, when Germany invaded Poland. The family was arrested and sent to Siberia.
       In 1946, they were allowed to return to Poland to vote for the Communists; however, they found severe anti-semitism and government-sponsored pogroms there. An organization called Bricha (escape) had been formed to find and bring Polish Jews to Germany on their way to Palestine. Bricha rescued Rachel's family and sent them to a DP (displaced persons) Camp. Rachel met her husband there, U.S. Army Chaplain (1st Lieutenant) Mayer Abramowitz. The couple moved to Miami Beach in 1951.

Maria (2nd from left) and son, Allan
Horowitz (3rd from left), with Russian
soldiers outside of Warsaw, 1946.

       The family of Allan Horowitz (Hall) from Krakow walked east to the Russian area in 1939, when the Germans overran the western part of Poland. In 1941, when the Germans came, the family went into hiding. After the war they were liberated.
       Father, Edmund, worked for the Polish government but was purged by the Soviets and sent to Siberia. He broke out of prison and fled to Paris with his wife, Maria. Edmund and Maria separated from their sons so that the Soviets could not use the children as hostages. The family eventually reunited and immigrated to the U.S. in 1947.   

Shomir Atzarim Zionist Organization,
Poland Hebrew School, Biala Podlaska,1939.
Alice Weinglas (2nd row, top, 1st from left)
with classmates. Only five of this
group survived the Holocaust. 

       Alice (Weinglas) Vinik was born in Biala Podlaska between the two world wars. In late 1939, when the Germans came, her family escaped to the Russian side. They were captured by Russian soldiers and forced to live and labor in the forest.
       Alice met her husband, Max Eiman from Bielsko, Poland. The family members were finally released and reunited in 1946 and returned to Poland. Due to the antisemitism and pogroms, they escaped and were smuggled across the borders.
       After time in Displaced Persons (DP) Camps in Austria and Germany, Alice came to America in 1949, and settled in Miami Beach in 1956.

Louis Schneider wearing
an "Acolyte" outfit, 1944.

       Louis Schneider's parents, Joseph and Debora, were born in Lipsko/Narol. His family was separated when his father was caught by French police in 1942. Louis' mother attempted to smuggle Louis and his sister into Switzerland, but they were caught at the border.
       While traversing northern Italy, their train was bombed by American planes and they were rescued from the wreckage by Italians. Louis spent the rest of the war hiding as "Luigi Sarto" in a Catholic monastery in Italy.
       The family miraculously reunited in 1946.

       

* * * * * * * * * * 

       The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings on South Beach that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The Museum's focal point is its core exhibit "MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida: 1763 to the Present." Interesting history and art exhibits change periodically.

       Currently on display are: "Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection," through March 18, 2012 and "Rabbi Irving Lehrman: His Life & Art," through January 15, 2012. A Collections & Research Center, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, several films, Museum Store filled with unique items and Bessie's Bistro for snacks complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

       Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, except Mondays, Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults-$6; Seniors-$5; Families-$12; Members and children under 6-Free; Saturdays-Free.

       For information please call 305-672-5044 or visit the website, www.jewishmuseum.com. 

The official logo for Florida Jewish History
Month, created by one of Miami's most
famous artists/residents, Romero Britto.

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