ARTS CULTURE
The Arts & Culture Insider for Greater Miami & Miami Beach
WELCOME
Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a best-in-class destination for arts and culture that inspires and captivates with its spirited energy and contemporary vision.
Every year in early December, Art Basel Miami Beach draws thousands of artists and collectors. All year long, the destination’s dynamic gallery scene encompasses mainstream, thoughtprovoking and emerging artists. Galleries abound in the Miami Design District, Allapattah, Little Haiti, Downtown Miami and South Beach.
In the Wynwood Arts District, a kaleidoscope of works by groundbreaking artists can be seen throughout the neighborhood and at Wynwood Walls. In Downtown Miami, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a must-visit for its impressive collection of contemporary art of the Americas.
Miami is also an exciting performing arts destination. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami hosts touring Broadway shows as well as performances by its resident companies: Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera and the New World Symphony. The New World Symphony also performs at the New World Center, its cutting-edge space in South Beach designed by Frank Gehry.
Miami’s science and history museums open up new worlds for exploration. At the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami, you can visit the planetarium and check out the 500,000-gallon aquarium. Visit HistoryMiami to delve into our rich and vibrant past.
Explore Miami’s rich Caribbean and Latin American culture in Little Havana and Little Haiti as well as its fascinating Black history in Historic Overtown and Liberty City.
ABOUT THE FRONT COVER
GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
MiamiandMiamiBeach.com
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
MiamiDadeArts.org
The Department and its 15-member volunteer advisory board, the Cultural Affairs Council, develop cultural excellence, diversity, access and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting equitable opportunities for artists and cultural organizations and the approximately 2.7 million residents and millions of annual overnight visitors who are their audiences.
ARTS CULTURE
BOARD CHAIR
Julissa Kepner
PRESIDENT & CEO
David Whitaker
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Rolando Aedo, CDME
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & TOURISM
Gisela Marti
DIRECTOR, ARTS & CULTURE
TOURISM / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
John Copeland
DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES
Junia Parodi
SENIOR EDITORIAL MANAGER, PUBLICATIONS
Robert Franzino
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Tito Monsante
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Luis I. Reyes
MARKETING COORDINATOR
William Abreu
This edition highlights several “Black Miami Artists Everyone Should Know.” One is Mark Delmont, who draws from his Jamaican and Haitian heritage to explore the Black experience. “More Than Wives” (2024) is a deeply personal work inspired by his mother’s reflections on her past, recalling carefree days spent dancing and partying with friends in her early 20s.
CONTENTS
12 21 28 36 2 8 ART ON YOUR WAY AT MIAMI’S AIRPORT AND SEAPORT
10 YEARS OF ART OF BLACK MIAMI
BLACK MIAMI ARTISTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
WYNWOOD’S THRIVING ARTS & CULTURE SCENE
ART & CULTURE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
THE REEFLINE: MIAMI’S UNDERWATER ART PARK
EXPLORE MIAMI’S PERFORMING ARTS VENUES 40
Scan to access a digital edition of this guide.
ART ON YOUR WAY AT MIAMI’S AIRPORT AND SEAPORT
By Michelle F. Solomon / ArtburstMiami
Fred Eversley, “Parabolic Flight”
Here
are 10 surprising, engaging and inspiring works to look for while traveling through the vibrant airport or
seaport.
Let’s face it: Traveling can be stressful, even if you’re heading in and out of a destination for some well-deserved R&R. Miami-Dade County’s most traveled destination hubs – Miami International Airport and PortMiami – are among the busiest in the world. Both are great places to take in art and enjoy a respite from the hustle and bustle. Keep your eyes open for masterpieces from Miami-Dade County’s exquisite Art in Public Places permanent collection, which seamlessly blend into the environment.
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA) ON THE WAY IN
Fred Eversley, “Parabolic Flight,” 1980 (stainless steel, neon, plastic)
Fred Eversley began his career as an aerospace engineer and then retired at age 25 to become an artist. His early vocation shows in his art, which appears to be in constant motion. This 35-foot-high sculpture, like many of his pieces, incorporates parabolic (U-shaped) curves, which can concentrate and reflect energy at a single point. It may sound complicated, but with all its complexities, Eversley’s work is, at its core, a beautiful piece of art. “Parabolic Flight” is located at the entrance to MIA.
TERRAZZO FLOOR, NORTH TERMINAL CONCOURSE D
Michele Oka Doner, “A Walk on the Beach,” 1995-1999 (epoxy terrazzo, bronze, mother-of-pearl)
Beneath your feet in Concourse D, you’ll see a monumental art installation by Michele Oka Doner, an artist who gets inspiration from shells, seaweed and other natural life that wash up on the beach along with other marine forms that inhabit Miami’s shallow coastal waters. Two thousand unique cast-bronze images of sea life are embedded in terrazzo, while scatterings of mother-of-pearl mimic the sea foam at the water’s edge.
Michele Oka Doner, “A Walk On The Beach”
CENTRAL TERMINAL, FLOOR 3, SKYWALK VESTIBULE
Michelle Lisa Polissaint, “Comes Manje Series,” 2021 (series of six mixed-media works, 4 X 4 each, on digitally printed cotton, satin, beads, embroidery floss and cotton thread)
“Comes manje,” which uses the words for “eat” in Spanish and Haitian Kreyòl, reflects on how food is a significant cultural connector in many Miami communities. Through abstract textile patterns inspired by African wax fabric, artist Michelle Lisa Polissaint explains that her work shows, “We all have some kind of rice dish or stewed chicken or meat and fruit pastries, many of which come from our shared ancestry in Africa.”
SOUTH TERMINAL, MEET AND GREET LOBBY
Brad Goldberg, “Coral Eden,” 2007 (travertine marble)
Carved from Italian travertine marble and measuring approximately 30 feet wide by 90 feet high each, these two massive, hand-finished stone walls are awe-inspiring, rising
Lisa Polissaint, “Ceviche, Comes Manje” one of six
through cutouts in the terminal’s floor plates. To create the work, artist Brad Goldberg used original tiny photographs of brain corals and made them into large-scale sculptural panels. The corals get their name from the grooves on their surfaces that look like folds of the human brain. Stop and take a closer look as natural light seeps into the building directly over the works, creating shadows that emphasize the refined coral patterns.
ON THE WAY OUT, CENTRAL TOLL COLLECTION PLAZA
John David Mooney, “Miami Wave,” 2004 (multi-concrete paving design)
You might not even notice the installation art on the central island of the toll collection plaza as you exit the airport’s parking garages. John David Mooney’s “Miami Wave” consists of a 57,000-square-foot, multicolored concrete paving design integrated into the toll plaza’s design.
Inspired by Miami’s light and water, Mooney’s use of color and lines takes on the movement of the natural forms of the ocean, reflecting Miami’s coastal environment.
Michelle
John David Mooney, “Miami Wave”
Brad Goldberg, “Coral Eden”
PORTMIAMI
ARRIVING ON CRUISE BOULEVARD
Jim Drain, “The Bollard Project,” 2014 (high-density polyethylene-molded bollard sleeves)
In front of terminals C, D, E, F and G, and on both sides of Port Boulevard, artist Jim Drain has transformed the usual utilitarian bollards – metal posts used to guide vehicle and pedestrian traffic – into a signature work of art. He also nods to the nautical use of bollards associated with marine moorings. He arranges the posts in color sequences and geometries referencing mariner flags, a symbolic and vibrant bon voyage for cruise passengers.
Jim Drain, “The Bollard Project”
TERMINAL A, ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP
Erwin Redl, “Volume Miami,” 2018 (white LEDs, wires, custom electronics and software)
Erwin Redl’s monumental work features 650 white cylindrical light fixtures that unfold over time, creating an illuminating dance of lights in the interior of the 200,000-square-foot Royal Caribbean Group terminal. The vastness of the space makes the site-specific installation even more impressive. Drivers on the MacArthur Causeway, which connects the mainland to Miami Beach, can marvel as the shimmering light display glimmers across Biscayne Bay.
TERMINAL V, VIRGIN VOYAGES
Dara Friedman, “Sunday,” 2022
(LED video wall of 16 columns, 35 feet x 65 feet)
Artist and filmmaker Dara Friedman captured imagery on 35mm film from within the Everglades and coastlines of Miami for her vast video work, which fills the triple-height space with a showcase of a vibrant series of sunrises and sunsets. The artist slightly speeds up the film so that the sun, water and horizon pulse with emotional energy as the sun repeatedly rises and sets. Birds and boats zip by in triple time, and ripples of water reverberate. Rather than zipping past the art piece, stop for a moment to soak in the beauty. It will bring to mind how impactful views help make memories on a cruise.
Dara Friedman, “Sunday” / Photo by Robin Hill
Erwin Redl, “Volume Miami”
TERMINAL F, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE VIP LOUNGE ENTRANCE
Juana Valdés, “The Deepest Blue,” 2023 (glazed ceramic panels)
Juana Valdés shares stories in her work, often related to her Afro-Cuban heritage. “The Deepest Blue” depicts the complex terrain of multiple cultures and nations in 36 ceramic panels immersed in cobalt, turquoise, aqua and teal glazes, using topical reliefs of data from undersea cameras, stretching from the Ivory Coast to the Caribbean. The text, “un solo mar” (a single sea), is a message that the ocean unites us all, whether we are VIPs or not.
TERMINAL B, NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE OUTSIDE ENTRANCE/EXIT
Jorge Pardo, “Mural De Miami,” 2021 (ceramic tile)
Jorge Pardo uses the public art space outside the terminal as a vast canvas in this complex work. The ceramic tile mosaic mural has custom-tile shapes that repeat patterns (although not precisely) while a stream of blue meanders through the work. The Cuban American artist immigrated to the United States as a child, passing through Miami’s Freedom Tower. He describes his mural’s pattern as “like a breeze, a river, or a train that is always and only conscious of where it starts and stops,” evoking the feeling of leaving and arriving – something familiar to Pardo.
If you’re traveling through Miami International Airport or PortMiami, take a few moments to check out some of these amazing works of art. The experience will enhance your visit to Greater Miami & Miami Beach.
Whether you’re passing through or if Miami is your final stop, the artwork at Miami International Airport and PortMiami is a source of pride for the destination. It reflects the diversity that is part of the cultural
landscape and of the artists who created it. So, stop for a moment, reflect and take advantage of this first-rate art collection. Best of all, viewing the work is free.
ArtBurstMiami.com is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more.
Juana Valdés, “The Deepest Blue”
Jorge Pardo, “Mural De Miami”
By Zebrina Edgerton-Maloy
A DECADE OF CELEBRATING BLACK CREATIVITY
Scan
Chire “VantaBlack” Regans, “TMansa,” 2023
to
more about Art of Black Miami.
Greater Miami & Miami Beach is renowned for its diversity, creativity and global cultures. At the heart of the local art community is Art of Black Miami (AOBM), a groundbreaking initiative celebrating 10 years of elevating and commemorating Black Miami artists in 2024. What started as a response to a gap in the representation of Black artists has evolved into a year-round platform that’s transformed how visitors experience Miami –and how artists see themselves as a key part of the local community.
A LOOK INTO ART OF BLACK MIAMI
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) founded AOBM in 2014 with a clear vision: to create a premier art experience for visitors to see Miami through the lens of diversity while filling a void in the destination’s art scene and spotlighting Black artists who were often overlooked. The program started as a localized effort to bring Black art into the spotlight during Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach. The launch of AOBM helped bring Black art to the forefront of the art scene during a pivotal time when thousands of locals and tourists explore the destination looking for all things art.
Over the past decade, AOBM has expanded to showcase Black culture through visual art, music, film and other creative expressions all year long. Spearheaded by Petra Brennan, Senior Director of Tourism Business Enhancement at the GMCVB, and Connie Kinnard, Senior Vice President of the GMCVB’s Multicultural Tourism & Development Department, AOBM plays a pivotal role in shaping the destination’s cultural identity.
“Art of Black Miami has been a catalyst for organizations, nonprofits and artists to start thinking of themselves as an integral part of the tourism industry,” said Kinnard. “Local artists didn’t see themselves in the tourism space before. Now, there’s been a growth in understanding, and it has made it easier to celebrate Black art year-round.”
As AOBM commemorates its 10th anniversary, the initiative’s long-lasting impact on the destination is clear. By connecting the dots between artists and tourists, AOBM has revitalized Miami’s cultural landscape by showcasing the work of hundreds of Black artists to foster a deeper appreciation of the diversity and richness of Black art. Now, more than ever, Black artists have a platform to share their stories, inspire audiences and connect with the broader community through curated exhibitions, fairs, performances and events.
Jamea Richmond-Edwards, “Dark Night of the Soul,” 2023 “Ancient Futures” Exhibition at MOCA, North Miami
ART OF BLACK MIAMI THROUGH THE LAST 10 YEARS
In the past decade, AOBM has grown into a driving force in Miami’s cultural scene. By bridging the gaps in the local art community, AOBM has curated opportunities for collaboration among neighborhoods that once had minimal overlap.
“When we started, we focused on four pillar communities: Little Haiti, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and Historic Overtown,” said Brennan. “Over the past 10 years, this footprint has expanded to include the entire destination. Our platform now showcases Black art events across various neighborhoods.”
Local Black artists who were once unknown outside of Miami are now building national and even international recognition, thanks to AOBM. Black Miami artists are included in major Miami events like Art Basel Miami Beach now more than ever, helping them connect with broader audiences and gain access to new economic opportunities through AOBM’s intentional partnerships.
“Art of Black Miami and AfriKin share a deeply aligned mission: to champion Black culture, elevate Black artists and provide platforms where their work can be recognized and appreciated by a broader audience,” said Alfonso Brooks, founder of AfriKin Art Fair
“Our collaboration with Art of Black Miami ensures that these important conversations reach both local and international audiences, fostering a greater appreciation for the contributions of Black artists and their ability to inspire change.”
With numerous success stories, AOBM has created opportunities for some artists to create iconic murals around the destination. Other artists have expanded their portfolios to showcase their work in prominent galleries, art festivals and conventions nationwide.
Pati Vargas of the Umbrellas of Little Havana festival has also witnessed AOBM’s transformational impact. AOBM has supported her annual three-day festival by providing critical exposure to Black and Latino artists who otherwise might not have had an opportunity to showcase their work.
“Art of Black Miami totally aligns with the goals of the Umbrellas of Little Havana. With their support, we’re able to host many events throughout the year, not just the Umbrellas festival,” said Vargas. “Miami is a true melting pot, though I believe it has been somewhat dispersed by race. However, I’ve noticed a real shift in 2024, with more aggressive efforts to bring communities together – and that makes me very happy.”
AfriKin Art Fair, 2023
THE FUTURE OF ART OF BLACK MIAMI
Looking ahead, AOBM has ambitious goals for its next decade and beyond, with a clear focus on furthering its support of Black artists’ growth and success. In the years to come, AOBM will continue elevating artists, providing them with the resources, tools and connections to thrive in Miami’s growing arts and culture scene.
The economic impact of AOBM has made waves in the local community. The connection between art and the local economy is a key focus for AOBM moving forward so the program can continue supporting artists and contribute to the broader success of the destination.
“Art and culture play a pivotal role in making Miami a true cultural mecca. They are powerful influencers and drivers for our tourists, which is why it’s at the top of our minds as a tourism bureau,” said Brennan. “Understanding our customers and the influences that inspire them to travel is essential because art changes lives. It’s our priority to ensure we’re meeting the needs of all our visitors.”
One of the key areas of development for AOBM moving forward is deepening relationships with industry partners, especially within the hospitality and tourism industry. A success story that highlights the power of collaborations is the partnership between AOBM and the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. EPIC launched its Artist in Residency program in November 2021 to help elevate the artwork of local artists and connect hotel guests to the Miami art scene.
“Kimpton EPIC Hotel wanted to elevate and diversify the art they showcased, so Art of Black Miami collaborated with the hotel to provide consultation and help identify artists for their art residency program,” said Kinnard. “In addition to assisting artists in thinking through their creative vision, we also work with organizations to connect them with the artists they’re looking for so they can promote diversity and art.”
Juan Francisco Elso, “José Martí,” 1986
“Por América” Exhibition at MOCA, North Miami
Kimpton EPIC Hotel Artist in Residency Program featuring Joanne Hampstead
BLACK MIAMI ARTISTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
By Treméne Triplett
Greater Miami & Miami Beach is famous for its countless awe-inspiring natural resources, including glorious beaches, gorgeous coral reefs and majestic palm trees.
Yet, these natural wonders are only one part of the equation. Miami is also known for its vibrant people and cultures. Miami’s Black artists have made significant contributions to the cultural landscape. If you’re in the know about the arts, you’ll want to get to know these dynamic Black artists and artisans.
Marcus Blake, “The Temple”
CHARLES HUMES JR.
Charles Humes Jr. is a Miami Beach native with Bahamian roots. This cultural combination informs his deeply felt art, which has spanned a 40-year career. Humes stated that he “depicts the visual poetry of Black People in Black Miami.” Humes is a painter, printmaker, muralist, draftsman, collage artist and multimedia artist. His favorite medium is painting. “I am a sensitive and expressive painter of primarily oil paints,” he said.
Presently a Visual Arts Scholar in Residence at the University of Miami’s Center for Global Black Studies, Humes describes his early work as ethnic social realism, which told the story of the inner-city and the national climate of socio-economic suppression. With age and maturity, he says he now creates art that involves a more critical yet spontaneous multimedia approach.
Humes’ work can be seen in a variety of locations, including the Miami-Dade Public Library North Branch, Government Center in Downtown Miami as part of the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places Collection, and the Joseph Caleb Community Center in Liberty City.
charleshumesjr.com
MARK DELMONT
Mark Delmont is a proud resident of Miami Gardens who draws from his Jamaican and Haitian heritage to tell the story of the Black experience. “The purpose of my work is to reprogram how Black and brown people see themselves in art and the world,” he said. “I paint real lives. Our real stories are powerful and profound.”
Delmont is a multidisciplinary artist informed by the worlds of music, cinema and construction. He credits hip-hop artists like Outkast, the legendary soul music of Curtis Mayfield, and films like “Boyz n the Hood” and “Equilibrium”
as soundtracks to his development. His father’s vocation as a contractor and fabricator also influences Delmont.
“I am self-taught,” said the 33-year-old Delmont, who uses paints, construction materials and fabrics to create his alluring art. “I learn from my environment.”
Delmont is a long-term resident artist at Oolite Arts in Miami Beach, and his work is available at N’Namdi Contemporary art gallery in Little Haiti.
NATE DEE
Nathan Delinois (Nate Dee) is an urban contemporary artist and muralist. Dee earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in arts education from Florida International University.
A South Florida native and resident, Dee draws from his Haitian lineage and the region’s beautiful surroundings to create his artistry. “Growing up in a tropical place and seeing Haitian art, I’ve kind of been drawn to bright colors,” he said. “It’s inherent and innate.” Dee creates intricate three-dimensional masks with animal motifs to capture the character or culture of the person wearing them.
Trained in traditional styles, Dee works in oil paint on canvas, but he’s best known for his mural work, where he uses “any wet medium that gets the job done,” he said. Dee’s murals are on display at Mana Wynwood, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and Aventura Mall
LONI JOHNSON
As a multidisciplinary visual artist, Loni Johnson focuses on assemblage, healing spaces, activations and offerings – all of which fall under the category of performance art. A Miami native with Southern ancestry, the SUNY Purchase College School of Art and Design graduate outlines clear goals for artists.
“We have a certain obligation to be the mouthpiece of what’s happening,” she said. “We have to question, confront and investigate society.”
Johnson creates assemblages of wood pieces from materials of cultural value, such as cowrie shells and bamboo earrings, to build “Black Girl Realness” of ancestral memories and current-day values. Instead of an artistic style, Johnson’s practice is creating space for Black people that activates historical memory.
Installations are site-specific and create new environments. Johnson’s work can be seen throughout Miami.
lonijae305
ANNICK DUVIVIER
Haitian-born and raised mixed-media artist
Annick Duvivier moved to Miami in 2015. In 2019, she earned a bachelor of fine arts from Miami International University of Art & Design. She developed her signature style using acrylic on canvas paintings, with pieces created by theme and in series. Political satire and consumerism are examples of her themes, which – along with color –are informed by Haitian culture and nature. “As Black artists, we are ambassadors of the
culture,” said Duvivier. “We have the responsibility to show the positive stories of Black and brown people.” Duvivier shares those stories in various styles, from realist portraits to nudes. She changes styles and mediums at will, but she always goes back to her favorite: paper. “I love the feel of it and the surprise of working with it,” she said. Duvivier’s work can be seen throughout Miami, including at Miami International Airport
CORNELIUS TULLOCH
Cornelius Tulloch is a multidisciplinary artist and designer with a degree in architecture from Cornell University. He has received many accolades, including being selected as the 2024 artist laureate for the collaboration between the Bakehouse Art Complex in Wynwood and La Cité internationale des arts in Paris.
“At the core of my work, I’m choosing to center on Black and Caribbean narrative and culture, rendering culture visible,” he said. “You can see this through bright color patterns and lighting. I am really interested in people reimagining the everyday by creating community-centered installations and experiences with art.”
EXPLORE MORE: ART OF BLACK MIAMI PODCAST SERIES
The GMCVB launched the Art of Black Miami Podcast series in 2021 in response to a lack of creative opportunities during the pandemic, providing a platform for local Black artists to share their work and stories to connect with new audiences.
“The podcast was born out of a time when the local art community was hurting. We asked ourselves, ‘How can the GMCVB give artists a voice when many of the opportunities were no longer available?’” said Brennan. “Our artists in this creative space give us the joy to appreciate their work. Now, the Art of Black Miami Podcast lends a voice to local creatives to share their story.”
Airing monthly from April to September, the podcast offers listeners an intimate look into the creative journeys of the destination’s artistic community. Since its inception, the AOBM Podcast has grown into a creative outlet for emerging and established artists to highlight how Miami shapes their work.
The future of Black art in Miami is brighter than ever. As Art of Black Miami celebrates a decade of elevating Black artists, the movement is just getting started. Whether through murals, exhibitions or personal stories shared on the Art of Black Miami Podcast Series, AOBM is an invitation to locals and visitors alike to explore, engage and be a part of Miami’s growing Black art scene.
To listen to the AOBM Podcast Series, visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com or subscribe to major podcast platforms, including Spotify.
Scan to discover Art of Black Miami podcasts.
Alive With New Experiences Every Day.
WYNWOOD’S THRIVING ARTS & CULTURE SCENE
By Jennifer Agress
WALK THROUGH THE STREETS OF WYNWOOD AND FEEL THE ENERGY
Located just north of Downtown Miami, this colorful neighborhood is a creative and cultural hub of Greater Miami & Miami Beach. It’s packed with award-winning restaurants, eclectic bars, exciting boutiques and city blocks covered in Instagram-worthy murals and art installations.
Equal parts thrilling and artistic, Wynwood is always in flux, and there’s something new to see every time you visit. Here’s our guide to exploring Wynwood’s thriving arts and culture scene.
Mikael B., “Everything Starts With Nothing,” 2022
WYNWOOD IS FOR ART LOVERS
In the early 2000s, visionary developer Tony Goldman looked at Wynwood’s many windowless warehouses and knew they could become canvases for the most incredible collection of street art the world had ever seen. Fastforward to 2009, and the opening of Wynwood Walls
sparked a movement that has since brought the best local, national and international graffiti artists to Miami and turned Wynwood into a must-see destination.
EXPLORE WYNWOOD WALLS: WHERE GRAFFITI ART MEETS CULTURE
Wynwood Walls is an outdoor art museum with rotating murals, a garden, an art gallery and art studios. Since its inception, the renowned art destination has featured hundreds of local, national and international artists from more than 20 countries, covering 80,000 square feet of walls with dynamic graffiti and street art. The talented individuals whose art has graced its walls are some of the most famous muralists in the world,
representing diversity in heritage, gender and style. Wynwood Walls has grown into one of the world’s leading collections of graffiti and street art, helping propel those genres of art onto the national stage. The entrance to Wynwood Walls is on Northwest 2nd Avenue between 25th and 26th streets.
Bordallo II, “Plastic Mom and Baby Monkeys”
DISCOVER THE ARTISTS BEHIND WYNWOOD WALLS
MOJO
Miami-based artist Anthony Renelle Reed II – or, as the world knows him, Mojo – is a contemporary artist on a mission to support, celebrate and shine a positive light on the Black community.
His paintings tell important visual stories. At Wynwood Walls, Mojo’s
“Liberty City” mural comprises four Black children, each representing one of the artist’s four principles that lead to true spiritual freedom: retrospection, prayer, curiosity and tranquility. The lush plants around the subjects in the mural symbolize the idea that anyone can thrive.
DEFER
Alex Kizu, who goes by DEFER, was a pioneering Los Angeles graffiti writer in the mid-1980s. Known for his freehand, layered and complex letterforms that mix typography with abstract designs, his work blurs the lines between street and fine art. DEFER excels at using acrylic, spray paint and various inks, oils and watercolors, producing colorful and eye-catching art.
THE LONDON POLICE
Since 1988, The London Police, a two-person British art collective based in the Netherlands, has been beautifying dilapidated streets in Amsterdam with lighthearted murals that make people smile. While Chaz Barrisson paints his popular
“LADS” characters, co-artist Bob Gibson illustrates their world.
Their latest contribution to Wynwood Walls, “World of TLP,” was added in 2023 to commemorate their history of working together for several decades.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN WYNWOOD’S STREET ART MAGIC
While Wynwood Walls may be at Wynwood’s epicenter, very little that’s concrete goes uncovered.
The neighborhood is a canvas for local and international street art, from buildings and sidewalks to gates and open spaces.
Here are some artists whose work is currently on display along the streets of Wynwood.
ATOMIK
Miami-born Atomik is part of the legendary Miami Style Graffiti (“MSG”) Crew. This graffiti art collective has become famous for its signature tag: a smiling, cartoon-like Florida orange created in response to the demolition of Miami’s Orange Bowl stadium. In his more than 20 years as an artist, Atomik has brought that toothy orange to walls across the globe, from Europe and South America to Asia, Australia and beyond. You can find Atomik’s work at 2390 NW 2nd Ave.
JASON NAYLOR
For award-winning artist Jason Naylor, making art comes from a passion to spread positivity worldwide. His work juxtaposes an electric color palette with rich black hues and incorporates uplifting messages to inspire anyone who sees it. Naylor is known for his optimism, humility and confidence, and his art reflects what he values most: life, joy and love. You can find Naylor’s work at Northwest 24th Street and 5th Avenue.
QUAKE
Born and raised in Miami, Quake started exploring graffiti in the mid-90s, inspired by the art around him. He later earned a BFA from the University of Miami and founded Cushy Gigs Creative, a design and mural company. His work spans various mediums, drawing inspiration from Miami’s highways, water towers, waves and urban landscapes. Quake is passionate about abstract lettering and takes pride in tackling fresh projects whenever possible, always keeping a strong Miami influence in his art. You can find Quake’s work at various locations throughout Wynwood.
EXPLORE WYNWOOD’S ART SCENE WITH TOURS AND MUSEUMS
THE MARGULIES COLLECTION AT THE WAREHOUSE
The Marguiles Collection at the Warehouse features contemporary art, photography and sculptures from the vast collection of renowned art collector Martin Z. Margulies. With its unique and spacious warehouse venue, the museum provides a one-of-a-kind experience that is captivating and inspiring. The museum hosts both permanent and seasonal collections and has donated several works to various educational institutions across Miami. If you’re looking for an engaging cultural outing, The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse is sure to leave a lasting impression.
591 NW 27th St.
WYNWOOD ART WALK TOURS
Wynwood has a calendar of art events and festivals all year long. Wynwood Art Walk offers daily guided tours, including a graffiti golf cart tour and a guided walking street art tour. Or try the unique Wynwood Graffiti Experience, in which children and adults can participate in an immersive, hour-long spray-painting class and try the art form themselves after a professional demonstration.
413 NW 27th St.
MUSEUM OF GRAFFITI
Located just steps from Wynwood Walls, the Museum of Graffiti celebrates the history and evolution of graffiti through its featured exhibits, events and classes. The museum gives visitors a look into the cultural significance of graffiti and how it influences contemporary art and society. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, the museum offers guests of all ages the opportunity to participate in workshops to create their own graffiti art.
276 NW 26th St.
WYNWOOD BUGGIES
Wynwood Buggies offers unique and exciting ways to explore the neighborhood. Its guided rides take you through the streets in a buggy, allowing you to see all the street art and graffiti Wynwood is famous for while also providing an insider’s perspective from knowledgeable and friendly guides. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Wynwood Buggies is a must-do experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this eclectic and creative neighborhood. Throughout Wynwood
NADER MUSEUM
The Nader Museum is home to works of art by major Latin American artists. It showcases a diverse collection of modern art, including the work of masters of the modern era, that confirms how Latin America is a major player on a global scale in the history of art. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibitions, films and music and take part in its educational programs. With its vibrant and inspiring atmosphere, the Nader Museum is a cultural hub that offers a unique perspective on the contemporary art scene.
62 NE 27th St.
Whether it’s a special event or a typical Tuesday, Wynwood is always brimming with creativity. From gallery-hopping and art tours to one-of-a-kind artist encounters, classes and live art events, Wynwood is a dream come true for every art enthusiast.
ART & CULTURE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
By Angela Caraway-Carlton
While Greater Miami & Miami Beach may be widely known for its arts and culture, to get a pulse on the destination’s local talent and cultural offerings, you sometimes have to explore a little further afield from the usual hot spots. Do so and you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods with murals and sculptures you can enjoy for free as well as some top museums and galleries.
ART BLOOMS IN ALLAPATTAH: MIAMI’S NEWEST ARTS DISTRICT
Inspired by its famous neighbor, Wynwood, Allapattah has become an arts district that’s now home to some of the destination’s biggest art heavyweights. One of the most notable venues is the Rubell Museum, which showcases the incredible collection of longtime Miami residents Don and Mera Rubell.
Just across the street, interactive art takes center stage at Superblue, a sprawling warehouse filled with everything from mirrored mazes to digital walls of growing flowers.
Take time to pop into prominent art galleries as well, such as the Mindy Solomon Gallery. Solomon is an art pioneer who was one of the first gallerists to open a space in Allapattah.
Another highlight is El Espacio 23, which features the personal modern art collection of Miami real estate mogul Jorge M. Pérez. Exciting newcomers in the neighborhood include Voloshyn Gallery, featuring Eastern European art, KDR, which highlights emerging and prominent Miami artists, and Andrew Reed Gallery for contemporary art.
Superblue
Jared McGriff, “A Bond at the Edge between Solid and Liquid,” 2021 oil on canvas / courtesy of Spinello Projects
DORAL: A THRIVING HUB OF ART & CULTURE
Doral is another dynamic neighborhood for art and culture. The large gallery space at the Doral Cultural Arts Center showcases art exhibitions that change regularly. Many of the exhibitions mix art and culture from South America. Mark your calendar for annual events here, like the Doral International Art Fair, which takes place in November and displays quality art from different periods, along with talks, live performances and workshops.
The center is located next to Downtown Doral, which is home to LUX Doral, a series of vibrant art installations by renowned artists and designers from around the world.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated art museum, the Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) is another cultural hot spot. It features expertly curated art exhibitions and regular programming, including educational lectures.
Jen Lewin, “Helix” at LUX Doral
HIALEAH: A HIDDEN GEM IN MIAMI’S ART & CULTURE SCENE
Miami culture also reigns supreme in Hialeah, where there are plenty of public art-filled spaces if you know where to look. A hidden Hialeah gem is the Garden of the Arts, where you can take a leisurely stroll in nature as you view art. Weave around well-manicured paths to peep at Instagram-worthy murals and sculptures by renowned artists. Another place to immerse yourself in art is the Leah Arts District, an industrial area that’s lined with street art and murals
Head to Don Quijote Plaza, where you’ll see a 28foot sculpture of Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic literary character by local artist Ramon Pedraza. It’s also worth stopping at the local Miami-Dade Public Library branch – the John F. Kennedy Library – to see its array of dreamy murals and sculptures.
MIAMI
SPRINGS:
EXPLORE A VIBRANT ART SCENE
History is just as important as the present, and the Miami Springs Historical Society and Museum does a good job of bridging the two. Dive into exhibitions that showcase the evolution of Miami Springs, from its founders to the city’s role in aviation, along with exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The museum is free to the public and is open on Saturday afternoons.
Continue exploring local history at The Curtiss Mansion. The former Florida home of famed aviator and inventor Glenn H. Curtiss features 1925 Pueblo Revival architecture. It has received historic designation and has been recognized by The Smithsonian.
You can also pop in at City Hall, where each month there’s a new artist highlighted in the lobby as part of the Art in City Hall program. All the featured artists live in Miami Springs (and range in age from 4 years old to their 80s) and exhibit everything from paintings to photography and even sculptures.
Locals also look forward to the annual River Cities Festival, which has been running for more than 50 years. For three days in April, attendees can enjoy live music, shop for handmade arts and crafts, and dive into different cuisines.
The Curtiss Mansion
John F. Kennedy Library
MIAMI GARDENS: HOME TO A HISTORIC LANDMARK
A historic landmark and notable piece of public art stands tall in Miami Gardens. The Sunshine State Arch is a 110-foot structure that hovers over the entrance of the Sunshine State Industrial Park at the intersection of Northwest 167th Street and13th Avenue.
You can see it from the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826), and you can even drive under it on Northwest 13th Avenue.
MIAMI LAKES: DISCOVER VIBRANT PUBLIC ART
Stroll or bike through the picturesque streets and parks of Miami Lakes to discover an array of public art. Look for murals and sculptures – including life-size cow sculptures splashed with emblems of civic pride – sprinkled throughout the town. Artwork by longtime Miami Lakes resident Barbara Baron even embellishes traffic control boxes. A great way to see local art outside of a typical museum is on the MiGlo Walking and Biking Trail along Northwest 170th Street between 77th and 89th avenues, where painted artwork is powered by the sun and glows in the dark after sunset, providing light for walkers and bikers.
Luis Valle, “Caterina,” 2022
Glenn Ligon, “Notes for a Poem on the Third World,” 2022
“Por América” Exhibition at MOCA, North Miami
UNCOVER NORTH MIAMI’S ART SCENE: A MUSEUM, MUSIC & CULTURAL CENTER
The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is a treasured museum that launches fresh exhibits every November and April and is home to permanent works by artists like Keith Haring. The museum is beloved by locals for its rich programming, including the popular Jazz at MOCA on the last Friday of every month, when attendees can enjoy free concerts on the open-air plaza.
New to North Miami is The Copper, by the Copperbridge Foundation, an expansive cultural arts and educational center that showcases international art exhibits, lectures and workshops that focus on everything from photography to architectural preservation. A separate events space called Santa Fe and an artist-in-residency program will debut soon.
DISCOVER HOMESTEAD: CULTURAL
GEMS AND RICH HISTORY
Homestead may be known for the rich soil of its farmlands, but it’s also abundant in culture. One of the most fascinating sights in Homestead is the Coral Castle Museum. While not typically thought of as a work of art, the level of craftsmanship on display here is undeniable. It’s a castle made entirely of coral rock with amazing design features like a sculpture garden, hefty gates and a coral rock sundial. The castle has an incredible story – one man completed the incredible project all by himself in an attempt to regain a lost love.
Another historic space in Homestead is the Seminole Theatre, where you can catch everything from comedy shows and Broadwaystyle plays to jazz performances. While the Homestead Center for the Arts doesn’t have a physical location, this organization features an online gallery of around 40 artists and is a great group for those looking to connect with others who have a passion for fine art, dance, theater and more in the Homestead area. It is affiliated with many groups, such as the Seminole Theatre and the South Florida Woodturners Guild.
If you’re looking for art and antiques, stop at Etc. in downtown Homestead, where you can also grab a cup of coffee.
THE REEFLINE: MIAMI’S UNDERWATER ART PARK
By Angela Caraway-Carlton
Art is going deep in Miami Beach. Step outside of the traditional art gallery on land and slip on your snorkel mask and fins to swim The ReefLine, an environmental art activation that will soon adorn the ocean floor in Miami Beach.
Located 600 feet offshore, the new underwater public sculpture park will stretch seven miles beginning at 4th Street in South Beach and running north along the coastline of Surfside and Bal Harbour. It’s more than a snorkel trail; the submerged artwork also doubles as an artificial reef meant to create much-needed habitats for marine life.
Whether you’re an art lover or a water enthusiast, get ready to take the plunge when The ReefLine opens in phases beginning in the second quarter of 2025.
A DEEP DIVE INTO THE REEFLINE’S MASTERPLAN
The ReefLine was imagined by Ximena Caminos, a Miami resident who is a champion for out-of-thebox arts and culture as well as a big supporter of organizations that promote ocean conservation and fight climate change. (Caminos was also the artistic planner behind The Underline, a 10-mile park and urban trail that weaves below the tracks of the Metrorail.)
Petroc Sesti, “Heart of Okeanos” / courtesy of The ReefLine
Recognizing the need to replenish and protect Miami Beach’s all-important coral reefs and marine ecosystem that are dying or disappearing due to unprecedented warmer waters, Caminos came up with a brilliant idea: drop artificial reefs that double as art along the ocean floor. She teamed up with marine biologist Colin Foord, the founder of Coral Morphologic, and they submitted a grant proposal for the Knight Foundation Arts Challenge Award. In 2019, their creative idea won the seed money needed to bring the project to life underwater.
It takes a village to create a seven-mile underwater sculpture park, and the visionaries collaborated with the City of Miami Beach and the Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), among others, to craft The ReefLine master plan.
THE REEFLINE’S PURPOSE
The ReefLine intermingles art, science and conservation and ultimately uses art as a tool for change. In recent years, coral has become bleached
or has died off, which is largely attributed to global warming. To combat these destructive changes in the ocean, artists have created sculptures made of environmentally friendly materials that aim to support coral growth and create new habitats for marine life. “We are rebuilding what was there,” says Ximena Caminos, “and providing a platform for nature to thrive.”
SWIM THE REEFLINE’S ART CRAWL
Think of it as an underwater art crawl. No boat or bulky scuba gear is needed – you can simply swim out from the shore to see and interact with the submerged sculptures that line the trail. Much of the artwork raises awareness of the delicate marine ecosystem and often presents a thoughtprovoking call to action for sustainability. The ReefLine not only offers a free and accessible way for the public to view art; it also presents the chance for snorkelers to experience Miami’s rich array of sea life, from colorful fish to sea turtles.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
Expect to view artwork by renowned artists from around the globe, which will be unveiled in several phases. One of the first activations will be Argentinian conceptual artist Leandro Erlich’s “Concrete Coral,” which is a new version of his expansive sand installation portraying a 60+ car traffic jam that was on view on the beach during Miami Art Week in 2019. Now, a similar traffic jam of 22 cars and trucks will congregate on the ocean floor, symbolizing the emissions that threaten our planet (and, hopefully, spark environmental awareness and change).
Another eye-catching module that’s sure be a heavenly underwater home for marine life will be British artist Petroc Sesti’s giant sculpture called “Heart of Okeanos,” which mimics the heart of a stranded blue whale. Also, Miami-based artist Carlos Betancourt will create a trail of large-scale starfish titled “Miami Reef Star” that will sprinkle the entirety of The ReefLine. It’s based upon a childhood memory of experiencing a starfish migration while snorkeling in Puerto Rico.
Expect to have a different experience each time you dive under the water. You never know what marine friends will be taking their own art walk.
Leandro Erlich, “Concrete Coral” / courtesy of The ReefLine
The ReefLine Sculpture, OMA for The ReefLine
EXPLORE MIAMI’S PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
By Kassandra Mendes
From historic Art Deco gems to modern marvels by award-winning architects and amphitheaters under the stars, Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s performing arts venues are as varied as the events staged in them. Here are some of the destination’s best places to enjoy music, dance, theater and more.
SEE IT ALL AT THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is a premier cultural venue. Home to Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera and the New World Symphony, it also hosts touring Broadway productions, standup comedians, musicians and dance troupes from around the globe. Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, the Arsht Center features three state-of-the-art theaters: the 2,400-seat Ziff Ballet Opera House, the 2,200-seat John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, and the intimate Carnival Studio Theater.
NEW WORLD CENTER:
THE SOUTH BEACH HOME OF AMERICA’S ORCHESTRAL ACADEMY
Designed by star architect Frank Gehry, the New World Center in South Beach is home to the renowned New World Symphony, an orchestra of graduates from top music programs presenting a wide-ranging schedule of concerts with leading conductors. It also boasts the unique feature of a massive projection wall and adjacent SoundScape Park for free WallCast concerts and movie screenings under the stars. Pack a picnic and enjoy.
THE BLACK ARCHIVES HISTORIC LYRIC THEATER: THE DESTINATION’S OLDEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Dating to 1913, The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater in the heart of Historic Overtown played host to countless legendary performers in its heyday. After a period of dormancy, a newly restored Lyric has reclaimed its title as the oldest operating theater in Miami. Under the stewardship of The Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, the theater hosts art exhibitions, film festivals, community events and touring acts.
COLONY THEATRE: EXCITING PRODUCTIONS IN THE HEART OF LINCOLN ROAD
A throwback to Miami Beach’s Art Deco past, the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road is a true historic gem. It is home to Miami New Drama, a company that produces thought-provoking plays by local, national and international playwrights. The venue also hosts concerts, film festivals and special events.
MIAMI BEACH BANDSHELL: CONCERTS UNDER THE STARS
The Miami Beach Bandshell is an enchanting performance venue. Built in 1961, the charming amphitheater is on the National Register of Historic Places as a prime example of Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture found throughout North Beach. With string lighting extending from the bandshell, twinkling above the theater’s aluminum bench seats, it’s an incredible venue for alfresco concerts made all the more enjoyable by the ocean breeze.
ACTORS’ PLAYHOUSE AT THE MIRACLE THEATRE: MUSICALS & PLAYS FOR EVERYONE
Centrally located in Coral Gables, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is a premier regional theater that produces professional plays and musicals. It also offers workshops and summer camps for the community, and the facilities are available to rent for private functions. You can’t miss its old-timey marquee and glowing neon sign lighting up Miracle Mile.
ENJOY INTIMATE CONCERTS IN THE BEAUTIFUL CORAL GABLES CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Built in the Spanish Mediterranean Revival style, the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ is a stunning venue ingrained in Coral Gables’ cultural community. It hosts readings by acclaimed authors and world-class jazz and classical concerts. It’s also home to Conservatory for the Arts, a youth music training group.
DANCE, MUSIC AND MORE AT THE MOSS CENTER
Located in Cutler Bay, The Moss Center is a state-of-the-art facility for chamber music, dance, theater and community programming. Local companies, like the vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire, and touring musical acts perform here regularly.
BE CENTER OF MIAMI ARTS AND CULTURE AT THE
8, 2024
Calida Rawles, Thy Name We Praise 2023. Courtesy the artist and Lehmann Maupin.
Calida Rawles