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

Box springs do battle at tongue-in-cheek Coconut Grove PJ-party tradition dating back 30 years

Vanilla Ice, Miami native and Grand Marshall of the 2011 Bed Race

In the mood for some mattress mayhem? Perhaps even a little bed-on collision? Then set your alarm for Labor Day Weekend and don’t hit snooze—you’ll lose.

There’s no bedside manner required for this pajama party that’ll shake you out of your slumber and have you shedding your slippers and rippin’ your one-sies. This, Sleeping Cutie, is your wake-up call for the 2012 Great Grove Bed Race.

A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds down the streets of Coconut Grove, the origins of the Great Grove Bed Race date back three decades. Tireless teams consist of five members—call it a “five-way”—with four ready-to-romp racers and one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor (this being a consummate competition). Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Said Daisy Lewis-Salazar, Coconut Grove Merchant Group Event Director: “Racers, sponsors and fans all raising money to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade; who wouldn’t get in bed with that?”

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local clubs, businesses and organizations all are invited to pull back the sheets on this year's affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night, Sept. 1, of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday, Sept. 2 is race day, with highlights to include Kids Storytelling Time; the Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and of course the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. And to eliminate any awkwardness or hard feelings after the on-track tryst, Grove merchants will host a post-race celebration complete with live music, interactive exhibits and perhaps even a little pillow talk—just no sleeping with the enemy... maybe....

This Labor Day Weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter. For event info—and to register to create your own bedlam—visit www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com. Don’t sleep on it!

Guests Can Savor the Savings at Dolphin Mall Restaurants 'During the Delicious Discounts At Dolphin Mall' Promotion

From August 10 through 19, Dolphin Mall will host “Delicious Discounts At Dolphin Mall,” where patrons can choose from an array of dining options at discounted prices! Participating restaurants will offer 25 percent off food and beverage bills, excluding alcoholic beverages, taxes and tips.

“We are delighted to bring this new exciting dining event to our patrons,” said Madelyn Bello Calvar, marketing & sponsorship director for Dolphin Mall. “The promotion allows our guests the opportunity to experience a range of dining options at a fantastic value.”

Guests interested in the program are required to visit the Information Booth at the Ramblas Plaza (Entrance 3) in the mall to obtain their Dolphin Mall Delicious Discounts Card. With the Discount Card, customers can try as many of the restaurants as they wish, on their schedule and budget. The special discount applies to the entire bill excluding alcoholic beverages, taxes and tips. Additional restrictions and exclusions apply. The Delicious Discounts Card cannot be combined with any other offers. The Discount card can only be used by one person per household from August 10 to August 19, 2012.

The line-up of participating restaurants at Dolphin Mall includes:

Mojitos Cuban Cuisine is a tropical hideaway at Dolphin Mall, named after the traditional Cuban drink, the Mojito, and the specialty drink of the house in 14 different flavors. In keeping with the Cuban tradition, they pride themselves with preparing and serving only the most authentic Cuban dishes.

Rotelli Pizza & Pasta is a neighborhood Italian eatery that has a well-rounded menu, unique appetizers, traditional and gourmet pizza, freshly made gourmet pastas, hearty soups, salads tossed to order, fresh seafood and much more.

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is more than a wing joint, boasting 14 signature sauces. The popular hangout is a fun, edgy, high-energy and easygoing restaurant -- much like the personalities of their guests!

Catch of the Day is an exciting seafood bar and grill where guests can kick back and unwind. Enjoy great food and fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dave and Buster’s serves great food in a casual setting, with fun and spirited bars. Whether it's interactive games and simulators, it’s a unique experience that has something for everyone.

CinéBistro is an experience that offers anyone who has a passion for movies and a palate for great food an environment unlike anything they have ever experienced before.

Johnny Rockets is an old-fashioned hamburger and malt shop that takes diners back to the Happy Days. Food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana. The menu includes classic American burgers and fries, hand-dipped shakes and malts, plus apple pie as good as Mom's.

Dolphin Mall’s Delicious Discounts promotion rules and restrictions are available at Dolphin Mall’s Information Booth located at Ramblas, Entry 3, and also via the website www.shopdolphinmall.com.

Dolphin Mall is an enclosed value retail/entertainment/dining destination with more than 240 retailers. It is located just five miles west of Miami International Airport, where the Dolphin Expressway and the Florida Turnpike intersect. Shoppers can access the mall by taking Exit 27 off of the Florida Turnpike. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with extended hours in the Ramblas entertainment area.

Preview the stores, the styles and the savings at www.shopdolphinmall.com.

Actors' Playhouse & Out and About Pub Crawl Tours Team Up for Theatre/Pub Crawl Package

Nick Santa Maria, Stephen G. Anthony and Paul Louis in Real Men
Sing Show Tunes...and play with puppets. (Photo by Alberto Romeu)

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is excited to collaborate with Out and About Pub Crawl Tours to present the "Real Men" Theatre/Pub Crawl Package!

The $60 package includes a theatre ticket to the world premiere hit-comedy Real Men Sing Show Tunes...and play with puppets and admission to a post-show, guided 90-minute pub crawl/bar tour through downtown Coral Gables (including all drinks, taxes and tips).

The deal is only available for the Friday, August 3 and Friday, August 10 performances of Real Men Sing Show Tunes...and play with puppets, and is valid with new orders only. Patrons can reserve the "Real Men" Theatre/Pub Crawl Package by calling the Actors' Playhouse Box Office at 305-444-9293.

A hilarious romp through manhood, Real Men Sing Show Tunes...and play with puppets offers an inside glimpse of what it takes to be a man in a modern world shared with women, children, and yes, even puppets. It is the story of Real Men, who make a habit of juggling their every day lives; fatherhood, midlife crisis, dating, marriage, potency, sexuality, and the lack thereof. 

Although puppetry is featured in this production, this risqué and witty musical is not suitable for children...only the childish and immature.

The show runs through August 12, with evening performances held Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with afternoon matinees on Sunday at 2 p.m. 

The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. For more information please call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org. 

Beloved Orangutan on Jungle Island Diagnosed with Lymphoma, Veterinary and Medical Teams Rally to Help With Treatment

Peanut

Jungle Island is sad to report that Peanut, an 8-year-old female twin orangutan and arguably one of the most famous animals in south Florida, has recently been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although the news came as a surprise, Jungle Island has assembled a world-class team and is committed to giving Peanut the best care available.

For more information on Peanut, her treatment and progress, please visit www.jungleisland.com/peanut or Facebook.

Peanut’s diagnosis came after undergoing major abdominal surgery, performed by Miami veterinary specialists, with the help of Dr. Suzanne Thigpen, a board certified radiologist,  to remove what was thought to be a simple obstruction. When histopathology, the microscopic examination of tissues, revealed otherwise, the veterinary staff at Jungle Island turned to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Division of Comparative Pathology, which specializes in wildlife. A UM team consisting of veterinary pathologists, a hematopathologist, radiologist, and oncologist confirmed the diagnosis and is providing a wealth of clinical information to implement a course of action.

The course of action takes into account all aspects of Peanut’s life, from the medical procedures to her social interactions and quality of life. Everything is being done to give Peanut the best possible chance to overcome this illness.

The team at Jungle Island chose to consult with human hematopathologists because Orangutans share approximately 96% of a human’s genetic make-up, which means that they are closer to humans than other animals. As a result, the treatment plan for Peanut is closer to that of what a human would receive, and Miller School hematopathologist Offiong Francis Ikpatt, M.D., and hemotolgist/oncologist Joseph D. Rosenblatt, M.D., are consulting in her care.

“Peanut is loved by so many people and we consider her part of our family, so we are really hoping that Peanut’s cancer treatment is successful. We just can’t imagine losing her,” said Linda Jacobs, Orangutan Caregiver at Jungle Island.

Peanut and her sister, Pumpkin, are 8-year-old fraternal twins, a rarity in the animal kingdom. These lovable girls have very different personalities and tastes in food. While Pumpkin is independent, introverted and quiet, Peanut is outgoing, energetic and demanding. The duo has been a part of the Jungle Island family since their birth and are some of the park’s most famous residents.

Jason Chatfield, DVM-General Curator at Jungle Island states, “As a twin myself, I know that any health challenges faced by Peanut, also affect her twin sister Pumpkin. So far, we have not observed any overt signs that Pumpkin is aware of Peanut’s crisis, but as a twin, I suspect she must have a sense of it.”

While the decision to come forward with Peanut’s diagnosis was a challenging one, Jungle Island hopes to further the awareness of cancer and its impact not just on humans but on animals as well.

Give $3, Save 30% at Miami Seaquarium, All Proceeds from Offer Benefit South Florida Animals

In a continuing effort to help local animal charities, Miami Seaquarium introduces the Give $3, Save 30% offer, which gives guests the opportunity to donate to one of their favorite charities and receive a 30 percent savings on admission to Miami Seaquarium. Following the success of the last two years’ similar promotions which raised more than $46,000 in donations for wildlife related charities, this year’s promotion will benefit south Florida-based charities including Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet, Humane Society of Broward County and South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue.


The offer starts on July 30 and runs until September 30. To participate visit www.miamiseaquarium.com for a donation form.

“Miami Seaquarium has a long history of reaching out to and assisting charities of all types,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager. “We are happy this year to focus the fruits of these promotions on three very worthy charities that help dogs, cats and horses.”

Guests may choose from one of the following charities:


Humane Society of Greater Miami
The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet is a limited admit, adoption guarantee facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in our care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. Adoption guarantee simply means that every animal under our care is safe from the threat of euthanasia for as long as it takes to find them a forever family.

Humane Society of Broward County
The Humane Society of Broward County provides shelter, aid and responsible adoptions to animals entrusted to our care, and educates the community about respect and kindness to all animals.


South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue
The South Florida SPCA, founded in 1992, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large animals. We also educate the community about responsible animal care, animal ownership and promote the welfare of animals through local and national advocacy.


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. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com; also "Like" Miami Seaquarium on Facebook.


Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.