New “Art Stroll” every first Saturday in Coconut Grove

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 30, 2010

A new arts district has formally emerged in Coconut Grove. The neighborhood has long hosted the largest yearly arts festival in Miami, and theater and dance performances and art galleries have steadily increased over the years.

Perhaps to keep up with the other arts districts scattered throughout Miami, Coconut Grove has decided to formalize its focus on arts and culture with a monthly arts walk. 

The Coconut Grove Art Stroll will be held every first Saturday of the month, with live performances, street art exhibits and openings of art galleries. The next Art Stroll will occur this Saturday, October 2 at the Promenade of the Shoppes at Mayfair.

Over 40 local and international artists will exhibit their art work in the open promenade, as well as in participating galleries in Mayfair and Cocowalk.

October’s Art Stroll will coincide with the Grand Opening of Artway 66, a bohemian-style artist community set in an artist’s loft at the Mayfair. Artway 66 will host an exhibit “Diversities,” representing nine artists -- all with different styles -- including: Luis Breso, Proman Garcia, Marlenes Gasiba, Nelba Gonzales, Arien Lopez, Kurt Merkel, Haydee Pichardo, Rolando Serra and Johnny Valdes.

There will be live music by Different Faces, a local party band which plays a mix of rock, funk and blues with a Latin flavor, and Serena Stroppa, a pop/folk/rock fusion singer and songwriter. Other performances include street magicians by The House of Flying Cards, ballet show by Coconut Grove Ballet Academy, and a dramatization by Young Christian Artists from the Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale.

For more information on the Art Stroll, visit www.myspace.com/coconutgroveartstroll.

Coconut Grove Art Stroll

When: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, 7-11 pm

Where: Promenade of the Shoppes at Mayfair, 2911 Grand Avenue

Coconut Grove, FL

Admission: Free

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.

Master Cuban artist honored at Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 27, 2010

The City of Coral Gables held its first Hispanic Cultural Festival in downtown Coral Gables on September 25, coinciding with Miami Dade County’s Hispanic Heritage month between September 15 and October 15. 

The festival paid homage to late master Cuban artist Cundo Bermudez. To honor a distinguished career in the arts, the artist’s mural  “Madria Tiri” completed in 2005 was on display at Coral Gables City Hall during the festival. The piece shall serve as the official poster for the inaugural festival.

The mural has been held at the artist’s estate and was lent for the use at the festival. Word is that a local bank is paying over $2 million for the mural, but there has been no confirmation as of the publication date.

Bermudez was part of the popular Cuban Vanguard movement along with other well-known Cuban contemporaries in the 30s and 40s. His international career began in 1944 when he took part in the exhibit entitled Cuban Paintings at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He was one of the first Cuban Modernists to be collected by MOMA, as two of his nine paintings from the exhibition became part of the permanent collection.

His artistic career has spanned over 70 years, in which he has worked and exhibited throughout the U.S., Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. He is known not only for his paintings, but also his murals and public works.

He lived the last years of his life in Miami until he passed away in 2008. His estate founded the Cundo Bermudez Foundation, which provides scholarships and opportunities to young artists in need.

For more information on the artist and his works, visit the site www.cundobermudez.net.

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.

Viernes Culturales art exhibit pays homage to late Russian abstract painter

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 26, 2010

Among the bands and dancers performing along SW 8^th Street at Friday’s Viernes Culturales Arts & Culture Festival, there is a growing art following of the galleries in the Little Havana district of Miami. 

There are 13 art galleries which participate and are open during Viernes Culturales. Although the monthly festival has traditionally been known more as an open-air music and street arts fair, the galleries in Little Havana have gained recognition in the last couple of years for their representation of emerging and well-known Latin American artiststs and quality exhibits.

The Viernes Culturales Art Gallery located at 742 SW 16^th Ave.. held its opening reception on Friday for its group exhibit “Miami Abstractions 2010.” Master Cuban painter Baruj Salinas is the curator of the exhibit. The artists represented include Blanca Caraballo, Ina Esteva, Tony Nunez, Celia Reigle and Emilio Hector Rodriguez, all former students of Salinas.

The show pays homage to Russian abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky on the 100-year anniversary of his first abstract painting. Much like Kandinsky’s work in abstraction, all of the pieces use vibrant colors and present an ephereal and dream-like view of reality.

According to Salinas, each artist displays good taste and imagination with the pieces chosen. “It is a different kind of exhibition, and one that deserves the attention of critics and the public,” said Salinas. 

For more information on Viernes Culturales, visit www.viernesculturales.org.

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com. 

Miami showers can’t stop live music at open-air cultural festival

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 25, 2010

Once the rain clouds passed on Friday night, there was an unending rhythm of live music playing at Viernes Culturales /Cultural Fridays Arts & Culture Festival along SW 8^th Street.

Although earlier performances were canceled, the two last musical acts went on as planned at the stage on 15^th Avenue in Domino Plaza.

Headlining the night was Cuban timba group Timbalive, which performed several dance songs from its recently released album “From Miami a La Habana.” The 10-piece band consists of timbales, congas, piano/keyboard, trombone, bass and three vocalists. The sole female band member and vocalist Yezi Gonzalez rocked the plaza with her meaty soulful voice with catchy songs “Como Miami no hay na” and “Un poquito pa despues,” among others. This will be one of the group’s last performances in Miami before they begin touring in November according to the group’s website www.timbalive.com.

A mariachi group El Mariachi Cielito Lindo also performed some of the more popular Mexican ballads, inspiring much sing-along to the usual crowd-pleasers such as El Rey and of course Cielito Lindo.

Several galleries, bars and cigar shops on the strip also showcased their own live Latin jazz, salsa, and bongo playing.

For more information on future musical performances at Cultural Fridays, visit www.viernesculturales.org.

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com. 

Cultural emersion in Miami’s Latin district every last Friday of the month

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 24, 2010

Today is the last Friday of the month in Miami, and that means the Hispanic cultural district known as “Little Havana” on SW Eighth Street dances to the Latin beat of Viernes Culturales, or Cultural Fridays Arts & Culture Festival. 

And what a cultural experience it is!

Just walk down SW Eighth Street between 14^th  and 16^th Avenues to get bombarded by arts and craft exhibits, Latin music, street performers, bongo players and lots of visitors dancing along.

The Festival consists of live musical performances on stage at SW 15^th Avenue, art exhibited in Domino Plaza and along the sidewalks, exhibits at art galleries and cultural centers, and films and educational programs at the historic Tower Theatre. There is even a free walking tour of Little Havana starting at 7 pm.

Several galleries, bars and cigar shops on the strip also open up to live Latin jazz, salsa, and bongo playing on Cultural Fridays.

Today there will be a performance stage set up on 15^th Avenue in Domino Plaza. Latin jazz group Timbalive will be performing, as well as a mariachi group and cirque acts by South Florida Circus Arts School.

As far as the art, there are 13 participating galleries that have established a name for themselves over the last couple of years. The art in Little Havana is quintessentially Latin American, with an overwhelming presence of Cuban-descended artists.

The Viernes Culturales Art Gallery located at 742 SW 16^th Ave.. will be holding an opening reception today for its group exhibit “Miami Abstractions 2010.” The exhibit of abstract paintings is curated by master Cuban painter Baruj Salinas. Artists represented in the exhibit include Blanca Caraballo, Ina Esteva, Tony Nunez, Celia Reigle and Emilio Hector Rodriguez.

For more information, visit www.viernesculturales.org.

Viernes Culturales / Cultural Fridays Arts & Culture Festival

When: Friday, Sept. 24, 2010

Time: 6-11 pm

Where: Little Havana, Miami  - SW Eighth Street between 14^th and 17^th Avenues

Admission: Free

For a link to the article on ArtistaMundo.com: Viernes Culturales Preview 

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com. 

Coral Gables holds inaugural Hispanic heritage street festival

By Alexandra Figueredo
ArtistaMundo.com


September 23, 2010


Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month running from September 15 to October 15, the City of Coral Gables is holding its first Hispanic Cultural Festival in downtown Coral Gables all day Saturday September 25.


Several blocks of Biltmore Way will be closed off for the festival to pedestrian traffic only. Booths lining the streets are displaying art work and jewelry by local Hispanic artists such as Gilda Sacasas from GDS Fine Art, Leonor Murciano and Annie Maxwell. There are also several restaurants providing an array of culinary tastes and retail stores selling guayaberas and other typical Latin wear.


A main stage will hold a continuous stream of performances throughout the day, including Latin bands, flamenco dance, Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, and children’s music acts.

One of the highlights of the festival is the VIP area for cigar lovers called the Smokin’ in the Gables VIP Lounge which features 30 cigar manufacturers and open bar by Bacardi. VIP tickets include special entertainment from CigaRobbie Radio Show Live and musical performances by Arias, Jenny Love and other groups.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit in part the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Cundo Bermudez Foundation which provides scholarships to young artists, Samantha’s Purpose which provides financial assistance for therapy costs for those with special needs, and CCDH, Inc. which supports people with disabilities and their families.

The festival pays tribute to Cundo Bermudez, a master Cuban artist who passed away in 2008. In honor of the life of the artist, his mural entitled “Madria Tiri” is on display at Coral Gables City Hall during the festival.

(Photo posted 9/25/10)

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.

Uncovering the Miami arts scene

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 17, 2010

Miami has long been the place to visit for its beaches and glitzy nightlife. But the City’s burgeoning arts and culture scene has become a major attraction for both tourists and locals for its many exciting and unique art exhibits and cultural events.

Dennis Scholl, vice president for the arts/Miami program director at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation said, “Miami is having a true cultural moment. Years ago, it was common to hear Miami called a cultural wasteland. Today, we have one of the country’s top visual arts scene, a world class ballet, a beautiful cultural arts center and much more.”

Much of the success of local arts organizations is due to the Knight Foundation and the many projects and grants that are offered throughout the year.

“The Knight Arts Challenge is adding to that momentum. We’ve funded 51 truly innovative ideas for the arts. Knight Foundation does this because we believe the arts bring this community’s diverse residents together,” said Scholl.

The Patricia and Philip Frost Museum collaborates with several local organizations and has been a recipient of grants from the Knight Foundation over the last few years.

Carol Damian, the Director and Chief Curator at the Frost, said, “There is no doubt that in this cultural climate, we are all struggling and cooperation is the answer.“

“The beauty of the Knight Arts Challenge is that it’s open to anyone – large institutions, small nonprofits, individual artists. We’ve funded the Miami City Ballet to put an orchestra back in the pit to accompany the dancers, and an individual artist to publish local art books. Along the way we’ve received more than 4,200 applications – showing just how creative this community is.”

For video footage of Carol Damian at the Fall for the Arts Festival, visit: Carol Damian @ Fall for the Arts 

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com. 

Fall for the Arts Festival unites the community in the arts

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 15, 2010

Sunday’s Fall for the Arts Festival at the Adrienne Arsht Center brought together over 100 local arts organizations to showcase their events for the upcoming fall season.

The Adrienne Arsht Center estimates that over the course of the entire day approximately 7,000 people attended the festival.

Andrew Goldberg, Vice President of Marketing for the Adrienne Arsht Center said, “The response from the community has been tremendous. From the participating arts organizations, local artists, families and the community at large, we have received phenomenal feedback about how the Fall for the Arts [Festival] united our community, provided a platform for arts organizations to come together and share information, and created a terrific synergy of excitement and energy around Miami’s arts scene.”  

Each of the local arts organizations had its own booth decorated to highlight the events for the season and provide additional information, giveaways and prizes. Two performance stages were also set up for musical acts. The main stage had live music playing by Los Angeles band Ozomatli, and musical groups Jahfe and DJ El G, among others. There was also a separate stage for families to watch musical groups perform in both English and Spanish.

Ethnic dance performances were sprinkled throughout the festival, including the lively Bahamas Junkanoo Revue and a provincial Colombian dance troupe.

 “We feel so fortunate to have been able to collaborate with the community in a meaningful and impactful way, and we are very grateful to all of our partners who joined in this unprecedented effort to provide an opportunity for arts organizations to engage with the community, build new audiences, and hopefully to inspire Miami’s next generation of arts lovers,” said Goldberg.

For a link to the video footage on YouTube check out: ArtistaMundo @ Fall for the Arts 

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.

Embrace the fall while previewing Miami’s arts scene

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 10, 2010

Although the leaves may not yet be changing in Miami, the fall season is quickly upon us. That means many exciting new art exhibits and cultural events in Miami’s burgeoning arts community.

The Fall for the Arts Festival will preview all that the local arts scene has to offer this Sunday, Sept. 12, along with live musical performances, workshops and gourmet food in one concentrated area.

The Festival, co-hosted by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, will take place in the open plaza of the Adrienne Arsht Center in Downtown Miami.

Over 100 arts and cultural organizations will showcase their calendar of events and exhibitions this season. These organizations will have staff on hand to discuss their fall offerings, volunteer opportunities and provide giveaways and prizes.

Miami has seen rapid growth of support and excitement for the arts over the years.

Dennis Scholl, vice president for the arts and Miami program director of the Knight Foundation, said “Miami is having a true cultural moment…Today, we have one of the country’s top visual arts scene, a world-class ballet, a beautiful cultural arts center and much more.”

Furthermore, Scholl said that the Knight Foundation believes that the arts bring the community’s diverse residents together. “The Fall for the Arts Festival is a great example too – hundreds of people from a variety of neighborhoods will be enjoying the arts together downtown on Sunday,” he said.

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum is one of the local arts organizations that will be represented on Sunday.

The Frost Director and Chief Curator Carol Damian said, “We are very happy to be part of this collaboration and looking forward to Sunday and seeing everyone – and a preview of what will be happening in the cultural community.  I hope it will also help us to plan events that will not conflict with others… if that is possible.”

In addition to giveaways, the Frost will be raffling a family membership to The Museum. 

Two performance stages will feature several musical groups including Ozamatli and Jahfe, and DJ sets by El G (from ZZK Records) and Mr. Pauer. There will also be children’s workshops for acting and breakdance, and several seminars on topics ranging form recruiting volunteers, jobs in the arts and partnering with corporations and business professionals.

For more information, visit: arshtcenter.org/fall.

Fall for the Arts Festival 


When: Sunday, Sept. 12
, 2010

Time: Noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL

Admission: Free

For a link to the article on www.ArtistaMundo.com: Fall for the Arts 

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.