AQUA - South Florida Edition - December 2024

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SOUTH FLORIDA

WISDOM OF THE CENTURY STORIES FROM 90 FLORIDIANS AGE 90 AND OLDER GIFT GUIDE FOR OCEAN LOVERS REVIVING OPA-LOCKA THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION

DECEMBER 2024

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Stories to Inspire Us All Wisdom of the Century shares insights from 90 Floridians age 90 and older.

Reviving Opa-Locka

The Art of Transformation exhibition is helping to grow Opa-Locka as a cultural hub amplifying the global Black experience.

32 Coastal Frost AQUA is bringing winter wonderland vibes to your tropical wardrobe.

36 Gifts for Him

Forego the old standbys and gift your favorite men something cool, classic, trendy or timeless.

37 Gifts for Her

Celebrate the special women in your life with gifts they’ll treasure for years to come.

38 Aqua Lovers Gift Guide

These unique water toys are sure to be a hit with the ocean enthusiasts on your list.

SEASON OF SPARKLE

iI FEEL A TROPICAL SPARKLE in the air! It’s a tell-tale sign that South Florida’s holiday season is upon us. The radiant warmth and festive flair cause this city’s cultural pulse to beat stronger than ever. In your latest issue of AQUA South Florida, we present a carefully curated selection of gift ideas that capture our unique style, making it easy to find that perfect treasure—whether for a loved one or as a treat for yourself.

Our December art scene is a vibrant convergence of creativity and culture, from the iconic Art Basel to an array of satellite fairs, exhibitions, and installations. It’s a month when our unique energy takes center stage, drawing admirers

and elevating our home to a globally envied cultural epicenter.

Embracing the sunny spirit of the season, the AQUA Lovers Gift Guide brings Miami’s luminous energy to life. Discover our curated selection of exceptional finds for ocean lovers, guaranteed to captivate even the most selective ocean enthusiasts.

And what would the holidays be without cocktails and chocolate? In this month’s Distillations column, we introduce a new level of indulgence: two beloved pleasures combined into one elegant gift box—classic cocktails and exquisitely crafted chocolate truffles. Designed to delight even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs, this gift box is destined to become the season’s most coveted treat, perfect for sharing or savoring in solitude.

As we indulge, we also celebrate a vibrant cultural tapestry with an extraordinary new coffee-table book. This work honors the life stories and wisdom of 90 Floridians over the age of 90 to inspire current and future generations. Let’s cherish this generation’s legacy and carry it into the new year, preserving the richness they bring to our lives.

As we say goodbye to 2024, join us in celebrating all that makes this region so unique. Here’s to a holiday season filled with warmth, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. Raise a glass to a new year infused with South Florida’s boundless beauty, creativity, and style.

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Ariel St. Felix

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Amit Bloom

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Teo Montoya

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Malan Breton

Gestalt Brand Lab

aquasouthflorida.com

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Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

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Maria Regan

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Sophia Carlisle

Art Director

Rosemary O´Connell

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Jacquelynn Fischer

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SOUTH FLORIDA

GERRY BARKER

Gerry’s two passions are writing and travel. Atlanta-born and Texasraised, he left an awardwinning media career to see the world. Today, he maintains a website, North Palm Beach Life, and works as a freelance travel writer. Follow his adventures every month in Wanderlust.

CARON COLE

Caron’s company, Foodalicious, specializes in sourcing rare, “new-tomarket” ingredients that add zest, zing, and flair to every dish for South Florida’s chefs. She’s a trailblazer in the industry, collaborating with chefs to oversee private dining and large-scale events, solidifying her reputation as one of South Florida’s most esteemed event visionaries.

JULIETA FIGUEREDO

Only weeks after turning 21, Julieta landed her first job in the wine industry in a wine store. She earned her WSET level 2 certification and continued in wine retail until she moved to the restaurant side and became a sommelier in 2020. She loves bringing wine to life for readers.

MARC GRANET

Marc is an adventurer, 15-time offshore-racing world champion, pilot of the Miss GEICO powerboat, and an avid sportfishing enthusiast. Based in South Florida, he has been featured in numerous publications and TV shows centered around watersports.

JOSIE GULLIKSEN

Josie, a Miami native, is a freelance writer, arts advocate and enthusiast. She currently contributes to South Florida on the Cheap, Biscayne Times, and Artburst Miami, where the inspiration for her AQUA article originated. Josie has been an arts writer for over three decades and has her own blog, Scene Around South Florida, at josiegulliksen.com.

SUZAN McDOWELL

Suzan’s marketing agency, Circle of One Marketing, which she founded 23 years ago, has grown itself into a formidable and influential brand in South Florida. The agency’s work is mainly done in the multicultural space for a variety of clients and industries.

LEIGH ALLISON POLLACK

Leigh is a personal stylist, wardrobe consultant, poet, and lyricist based in Coconut Grove. She grew up in and worked for a fashion family, and earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at San Diego State University. Find her on Instagram @caprettogirl and @leighpo.

ALEXIS SERRINS

Alexis is a pioneering art broker known for her innovative approach to the global art market. At the core of her vision is a commitment to empowering women within the art world. She is the founder of The Art Club Miami, a multifaceted creative enterprise offering art acquisitions, curatorial expertise, large-scale project management, and immersive art experiences.

ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN

Rochelle is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of seven novels. When Rochelle’s not writing, she’s sharing book recommendations in the online literary magazine Women Writers, Women’s Books; teaching workshops at Nova Southeastern University; hiking; reading; and finding the world’s best nachos. Her eighth novel, We Are Made of Stars, will release on February 25, 2025.

SEA,MEX &SUN

70 Years of

OPULENCE

As the Fontainebleau Miami Beach approaches its 70th anniversary, South Florida celebrates the past, present, and future of this iconic brand.

AIR CONDITIONING made Miami Beach cool. Seriously, it all started with air conditioning.

Imagine you’re a well-to-do woman summering in 1950s Miami. You prepare for your Fontainebleau Miami Beach grand reveal wearing a floor-length sable over your Dior dress, silk opera gloves, corset, and pumps. You descend the lobby’s famous “Stairway to Nowhere,” designed by renowned architect Morris Lapidus, to impress your date, who waits for you below.

Now imagine doing all that without air conditioning. The ability to cool an interior space positioned Miami Beach as a vacation destination. It also paved the way for the luxurious Fontainebleau Hotel. Established in 1954, “LIV,” the Roman numerals for “54” in the famous nightclub’s lobby, serves as a memento, further carving its place in the pantheon of legendary luxury resorts.

Approaching its platinum anniversary, the Fontainebleau continues to pay homage to the 17th-century French palace, the Château de Fontainebleau, that inspired original owner Ben Novack.

“This 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s sophisticated glamour, unparalleled service, and innovative design,” says Philip Goldfarb, chief operating officer of Fontainebleau

Bottom: Frank Sinatra enjoying a cocktail in The Poodle Room with Bernice and Ben Novack, the original owners

Development. “Since 1954, we have been synonymous with luxury, extravagant entertainment, world-class dining, and a revolving door of Hollywood’s elite.”

LUXURY IS IN THE DETAILS

Architectural flourishes, like hidden bowties, columns that seem to ascend to the heavens, and gently curved walls, add to the property’s bright, white, airy, decadent aesthetic. Highend retail boutiques, such as Ida and Harry, invite you to buy this season’s polka-dot Dolce & Gabbana stilettos on the way to your private cabana beside the poolscape. The hotel lobby’s legendary Bleau Bar, with its dégradé floor in shades of blue, glimmers in afternoon sunlight before descending with the sun into controlled chaos.

With three signature restaurants, 10 pools featuring a combined deck space that can accommodate up to 1,000 chairs, and LIV nightclub, which regularly hosts the best DJs in the world, Fontainebleau Miami Beach looks to the future by infusing the present with a nostalgic taste of its legendary past.

Resort guests from all walks of life receive superstar treatment for their stay. Whether celebrities themselves or the average guest, each patron can admire walls adorned with photographs of legendary Hollywood elites, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Elvis Presley.

If you grew up in Miami, you probably have a Fontainebleau story or 12. When I was in high school (not to age myself, but before the Soffer family purchased the property in 2005), a friend’s father was a keynote speaker at a convention at the Fontainebleau every Super Bowl weekend. Luckily for us, he allowed his daughter to invite a few of her friends to share the Governor’s Suite with her on Super Bowl Sunday. Scenes from Whitney Houston’s 1992 film The Bodyguard had been shot in that very same Governor’s Suite. The whole thing was ridiculously cool.

LIFE IS A STAGE AT THE FONTAINEBLEAU

Even if you don’t have your own Fontainebleau story, you’re probably only one degree of separation from a friend or a family member who can tell you an anecdote

about the iconic resort. Plus, the hotel has been a mainstay in pop culture for 70 years. To name a few iconic scenes: Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley filmed Welcome Home Elvis in the Sparkle Ballroom; Whitney Houston was carried offstage by Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard; and Midge took full advantage of the Stairway to Nowhere in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

“Throughout modernizations, renovations, and expansions, we’ve maintained these traditions of excellence,

and our guests are still wowed by this resort when they walk through those iconic front doors into our historic Château lobby,” says Goldfarb. “As we embrace a new decade of endless possibilities, we remain committed to building on our legacy and rich heritage, which has redefined Miami Beach hospitality.”

After 70 years, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach remains a leader in opulence. Luxury is at the core of its legacy, and after all, true luxury is timeless.

of Fontainebleau.

MiAMI Luxe

In Jonathan Adler’s modern American designs, vibrant luxury meets Miami vibes.

Palm Beach resident Jonathan Adler is a designer and potter.
Through his eponymous brand, he offers furniture, throw pillows, rugs, lighting, pottery, and more.

BOLD, BRIGHT, VIBRANT—those three words best represent the South Florida aesthetic of designer and potter Jonathan Adler’s eponymous brand. It doesn’t hurt that he and his husband, legendary Barney’s window designer Simon Doonan, reside in Palm Beach.

“Miami is first and foremost about color,” says Adler. “It’s also about Art Deco architecture, and the colors and lines of the Miami Collection reflect this. These days, all art takes is money, and there’s a lot of money in Miami.”

Indeed!

That doesn’t mean all art lovers and art collectors need to be wealthy. In Adler’s view, “Art is art, and it’s personal. If you love it, that’s all that matters.”

Much like Miami—if you love it, that’s all that matters.

“I think there’s an energy in Miami that exists only in Miami,” says Adler. “When you land in Miami, you know exactly where you are and that you couldn’t be anywhere else in the world. You see it in the colors, the clothing, and, of course, the design.”

ART VS. DESIGN

When quizzed on the difference between art and design—Adler explored the latter at Rhode Island School of Design while studying art history at neighboring Brown University—he muses, “Design has to function. If I make a teapot, it has to pour. If I make a sofa, it has to be comfortable to sit

on. Art just has to be.”

Whatever their differences, design and art are both creative pursuits, and Adler is an avid creator—one who is inspired by his voracious approach to observing, studying, and infusing both culture and counterculture into his brand. “When I was starting my business,” he says, “I knew I wanted to make stuff that is commercially understood but slyly integrates the substantive influences of my youth.”

What does Adler design? It might be easier to ask what he doesn’t design. On the Jonathan Adler website, you’ll find furniture, throw pillows, décor, bathroom accessories, rugs, lighting, and pottery.

Adler asserts that pottery is counterculture. “Potters are outsiders,” he says, “usually sequestered in a garret selling their work at rain-soaked crafts fairs.”

EYES WIDE OPEN

Drawing inspiration anywhere and nowhere, Adler says, “My creative process is to keep my eyes and mind wide open. I’m fortunate to preside over a company where, if I think of it, we can make it.”

Adler’s self-described aesthetic, “Modern American Glamour,” doesn’t modernize in the traditional sense.

“For me,” he says, “the concept of Modern American Glamour doesn’t change. ‘Modern’ because I strive to make things that are modern. ‘American’ because I hope to capture the optimism and freedom that is

at the core of the American sensibility. And ‘Glamour’—glamour always. To me, glamour is designing objects and spaces that reflect you at your best, most interesting self.”

Learn more or shop at www.jonathanadler.com and in the 10 Jonathan Adler stores—located from London to San Francisco—one of which is in Miami at 44 NE 41st St.

The Reluctant Hero

After a successful basketball career in Europe, Brent Wright came home to Miami and found his true purpose.

IT’S ALWAYS INTERESTING when someone gives up their privilege. It makes you wonder. Why would a star American basketball player who calls the planet his playground and jet sets from America to Belgium from Russia to Sweden give it all up for the greater good?

Especially one living in upper-crust countries like Croatia and Latvia, where a 6-foot-9-inch American basketball star is treated like a king in every room and on every court.

Meet Brent Wright, a reluctant educational activist who fell in love with his purpose—after spending years running from it.

Born in Liberty City, Wright remembers playing basketball in his front yard as a kid. He grew into his undeniable talent at Miami Senior High School, where he earned State Championship status as a power forward— twice. He left Miami to pursue a sociology degree with a basketball scholarship at the University of Florida. He played in three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including the Final Four, before heading to Europe, where he played in nine championship games in 14 years in seven countries. Wright has had quite a celebrated career playing professional basketball all over Europe. He

After his basketball career, Brent Wright founded the B. Wright Leadership Academy, a K-8 school focused on the arts, technology and social development, in Liberty City.

says while there, he never faced racism and formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

LIFE AFTER BASKETBALL

In 2013, America drew him home. Struck by inspiration after a conversation with his uncle, Bernard Wright, a respected voice whose ideas he took to heart, Wright contemplated his next move: Life after basketball. The B. Wright Leadership Academy, a private K-8 nonprofit, was born from that conversation. Focused on the arts, technology and social development, the program also offers free meals and provides student and family services—largely funded by Wright.

In the academy’s fourth year, Wright attended a business conference where a woman he didn’t know asked him about the school and his role in it. He talked candidly about his mission and vision—he even discussed his reluctance to be in the spotlight, preferring to work behind the scenes to not abuse his celebrity. Then she said something that shook him, creating a moment in time he will never forget: “This is your purpose.”

Those four words changed his life. Initially uncomfortable at the thought of leaning into it, Wright disagreed. Over time, however, he acknowledged that the academy, the kids, its modern challenges, and his unique ability to solve them were his true purpose. Since then, he has leaned in and accepted his responsibility as part of the solution for the 160 Black and brown children who attend his academy.

PAYING IT FORWARD

In retrospect, he believes the school was calling him from across the pond, pushing him toward the kind of work he admits is one of the best decisions of his life. Now he had the chance to return to Liberty City to pay it forward and make a real impact on young children of color who face a new set of educational challenges.

Modern-day behavioral hurdles have been exacerbated by the pandemic, apathy, and the biggest issue of them all: smartphones and social media. “Kids are different today,” he says, pairing new problems, like social media, with age-old issues of peer pressure and coming-of-age growing pains.

“I really love being with the kids and playing all the roles,” Wright says. “I know I can make an impact with a return to achieving simple small things, person to person, that lead up to bigger and bigger goals achieved. Just like basketball.”

Longtime board member and Certified Public Accountant Yinka Majekodunmi says he joined the team because, “The academy solves a problem for kids in Liberty City. It’s tapping into a way for those kids who may not fit into any other traditional private schools to have a small classroom and use the close relationship with the teachers to push forward. It’s a tight-knit relationship that the children need, based on their common circumstances of poverty and chronically traumatized environments.”

In Majekodunmi’s view, the academy goes beyond education—it’s also about building

community for kids who need it the most.

Wright could have followed the wellworn path of many athletes and celebrities. Unlike most, however, he chose a different legacy, one focused on empowering inner-city youth in Miami and grounded in long-term change. Drawing from his global experiences and the discipline he learned from his sport, Wright is committed to inspiring the next generation to achieve educational excellence.

Wright plans to build an ambitious basketball sports program, a true alchemy of athletic excellence, to be launched in 2026.

Though he has no regrets, he still misses basketball.

To learn more about the B. Wright Leadership Academy or make a donation, visit www.bwrightla.com

“I know I can make an impact with a return to achieving simple, small things, person to person, that lead up to bigger and bigger goals achieved,” says Wright. “Just like basketball.”

Saving the Planet One Sip at a Time

With a mouthwatering menu and eco-friendly wines that take you on a journey through the world’s vineyards, Sixty Vines is quickly becoming a leading South Florida eatery.

At Sixty Vines, each bite celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients. The setting is ideal for holiday gatherings. A private dining room that seats 40 people is available.

STEPPING INTO SIXTY VINES, nestled in the heart of Miami’s vibrant new downtown, felt like crossing the threshold into a sunny vineyard abroad. Its relaxed, unpretentious ambiance blends European charm with Miami’s warmth, immediately inviting you to linger.

Whether cozy banquettes for intimate conversations, long communal tables for gathering with friends, or plush, loungeworthy sofas for you to sink into and sip leisurely, the spacious eatery offers an array of seating options.

Our evening began with a warm welcome and a quick tour of the impressive layout, revealing inviting patio spaces and a private event room ideal for any special occasion. At Sixty Vines, it’s all about sharing.

The restaurant boasts 60 eco-friendly wines on tap, thoughtfully curated from renowned wine regions across the globe. Each tap reflects a commitment to quality

and sustainability, offering wines that pair beautifully with the vineyard-inspired menu designed to be shared and savored.

Our server, Alyssa, an expert in her craft, helped us select the perfect wines to complement our meal. The recommended vibrant Planet Oregon Rosé and bold Daou Pessimist set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

To start, we selected a build-your-own charcuterie board brimming with local meats and cheeses, followed by a crisp Caesar salad, a hand-tossed mushroom and kale pizza, and a wood-roasted cauliflower that was to die for. Each bite celebrated fresh, seasonal ingredients, bringing a taste of vineyard life right to our table.

Entrées like their tender Atlantic salmon, pan-roasted chicken (bursting with flavor!), indulgent Double Cabernet Burger, and wood-grilled Bavette steak were an additional delight. We brought our meal to a

satisfying close with two delectable desserts, the mouthwateringly moist Sticky Toffee Cake and the aptly named Deviled Affogato.

Sixty Vines spans a generous 9,500 square feet, with over 300 seats, catering to everything from spontaneous wine flights to thoughtfully planned wine dinners. With lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch that’s served until 3 p.m., Sixty Vines is poised to become Miami’s go-to spot for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Its creative and unique setting is ideal for a holiday gathering with family, friends, or colleagues. The private dining room offers an exclusive setting that seats 40 people. Ample self-parking and valet services make Sixty Vines an easy choice for any occasion.

Visit www.sixtyvines.com for more information and prepare to embark on a journey through the world’s vineyards—right here in Miami.

Brushstrokes of LOVE

Kei Murakami’s art fuses Japanese calligraphy and vibrant, colorful selfexpression.

Between Murakami’s bright, bold color choices and the deeply personal connection she establishes with each client, her work is a source of joy, healing, and inspiration.”

KEI MURAKAMI’S art is a radiant reflection of love, resilience, and the power of connection. Born in Okayama, Japan, to a caring mother and an alcoholic father, Murakami’s early years were shaped by hardship and bullying— especially over her calligraphy. Yet through it all, her mother’s unwavering encouragement, “Your smile will save the world,” was the beacon that guided Murakami out of darkness and into the light of self-expression.

After leaving home to pursue her dreams, Murakami ventured into the fashion world, carving out a successful career despite facing the rigid expectations of traditional Japanese society. But it wasn’t until tragedy struck with the sudden loss of her mother that Murakami’s true journey of selfdiscovery began.

In honor of her late mother, Murakami set out to travel the world, learning English in New York, French in the south of France and exploring different cultures and ways of life. During this time of exploration, she reconnected with calligraphy—a childhood passion she once abandoned due to the painful memories tied to it. A friend asked her to create a tattoo using her handwriting, and this simple request opened the door to a new chapter in her life.

DEEPLY PERSONAL ART

Murakami’s love for calligraphy deepened as she taught herself the art, eventually developing a unique

style that combines Japanese kanji with vibrant, colorful expression. Her ability to interpret the essence of a person through Kanji symbols became her signature, and soon, Kei’s Smile Factory was born. Each piece of art she creates is a deeply personal reflection of the individual it represents, transforming their name into a beautiful work of art that captures their spirit and essence.

A pivotal moment in Murakami’s life came when she met her husband, Gavin, while vacationing in Miami. What started as a chance encounter blossomed into a deep and enduring partnership. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the two married a year later in a simple, intimate ceremony on the shores of Miami Beach. For Murakami, Gavin has been a constant source of love, support, and inspiration. When he suffered a debilitating back injury, Murakami stepped up, supporting him through two major surgeries while continuing to grow her business. Her love for him and unwavering commitment to their partnership are at the heart of her creative journey. Today, they are the ultimate art duo, working side by side at every show: A true art meets love story.

As the duo’s business grew, Murakami’s art began to catch the attention of prestigious companies like Grand Seiko and Nobu Hotel, and she started to showcase her work at events and exhibitions. Continuing to hone her craft, she

specializes in live art performances where she interprets the names of individuals into unique Kanji pieces in real-time.

Between Murakami’s bright, bold color choices and the deeply personal connection she establishes with each client, her work is a source of joy, healing, and inspiration.

Opposite page, bottom: Artist Kei Murakami and her husband, Gavin.

90 STORIES TO INSPIRE US ALL

Wisdom of the Century shares stories and insights from 90 Floridians age 90 and older.

iIN A WORLD BUZZING with quick soundbites and rapidly changing trends, Wisdom of the Century stands out as a poignant tribute to the resilience and wisdom of 90 exceptional individuals in Florida—all over the age of 90. This project isn’t just another coffee-table book; it holds a rich tapestry of experiences and lessons from those who have lived through the most transformative events in modern history. A blend of storytelling and soulful photography, Wisdom of the Century gifts its readers insights that can be infused into their own lives and passed on for generations to come.

THE HEART OF THE PROJECT

Founded by Sandra Coiffman, who has a background in psychology, the project is rooted in the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. She wanted to shine a light on a generation that has lived through life-altering transformations brought by wars, pandemics, economic and social collapse, immigration, poverty and success, and the exponential development of technological leaps—changes that seemed unimaginable just a century ago.

“What can these individuals teach us about love, life, and legacy,” Coiffman wondered, “and how can we honor this

PHOTOGRAPH THIS PAGE BY LESLIE GABALDON. ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS BY PIPE YANGUAS
The Wisdom of the Century team, from left: photographer Pipe Yanguas, author Merle R. Saferstein, project founder Sandra Coiffman, and designer Jenny Menzel.
Don’t underestimate yourself. Trust your intuition. Be open to opportunities.”
Marilyn Kreisberg, born 1928

generation and preserve its wisdom?”

Each story included in the book offers a glimpse into the human experience, highlighting themes of love, perseverance, and legacy. Coiffman explains, “This project has transformed my view of aging and how I see my own life. It reminds me to cherish the present, to find strength in vulnerability, and to approach the future with an open heart and the understanding that nothing is permanent. Meeting these 90 remarkable souls has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and their stories will stay with me forever, guiding me in ways I’m still discovering.”

A MOSAIC OF LIVES

Wisdom of the Century displays a colorful array of lives and cultures. Immigrants from over 20 countries share their journeys, enriching the narrative with their diverse backgrounds. Among the featured individuals are authors, artists, musicians, physicians, inventors, engineers, teachers, secretaries, clergy, businesspeople, Holocaust survivors, homemakers, and more—all

with unique and relatable tales defining the human spirit.

Take Victor Billig, for instance. Beginning his career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, he later became a mechanical and electrical engineer, inventing the bomb bay doors and designing Helios, the satellite that circles the sun. His contributions to defense and international space programs underscore the impact one person can have on technological advancement. Billig’s dedication to bridging the digital divide in underdeveloped regions through satellite technology leaves a legacy impacting an untold number of people, directly and indirectly.

Then there’s Dr. Enid Pinkney, who shared her journey as a young Black child growing up in Miami, where the harsh prejudice weighed heavily on her. In search of a life free from discrimination, she left for Chicago. However, one pivotal moment would make her realize that racism was not confined to the South. While Pinkney was serving as a social worker alongside 11 white women in a community project, they all went to a restaurant for lunch one day. When

the food arrived, everyone’s meal was served on a plate except Pinkney’s, which was given to her in a basket. She instantly recognized that she couldn’t run from racism, leading her back home to Miami with her family and community. Pinkney became an educational administrator and devoted her life to activism.

COLLABORATION AND CAMARADERIE

The collaborative spirit of Wisdom of the Century’s dedicated team illuminates every aspect of the project. Coiffman has been the driving force from the start. Author Merle R. Saferstein weaves compelling narratives authentically representing each person’s voice and legacy. Pipe Yanguas brings his world-traveled lens to capture the essence of everyone in breathtaking portraits. And designer Jenny Menzel combines her eye for detail with a modern, classic touch to create a visually attractive book. “In my almost 80 years, I have worked with many teams. Never have I been with such an amazing group of people,” Saferstein remarks, reflecting on the seamless chemistry experienced throughout the project.

THE LEGACY OF SHARED WISDOM

Legacy stands at the cornerstone of Wisdom of the Century Many of the people interviewed shared their desire to be remembered for their achievements, meaningful connections, and the acts of kindness they cultivated throughout their lives. Their stories weave a powerful narrative about the value of relationships and the lasting influence of others on our journeys.

Several conversations revealed the impact mentorship had on some of the subjects during their formative years, emphasizing the ripple effect of positive guidance. It’s a striking reminder that our legacies are intimately shaped by the bonds we build and the values we choose to live by each day.

Recounting these conversations, Saferstein shares, “Every conversation was an opportunity for profound learning. The wisdom imparted

Give to others who have less than you do.”
Olga Gilbert, born 1933
Nothing happens if you don’t have determination.”
David Schaecter, born 1929
Once there was, and now there is not. You have to conform with what is.”
Sally Dorfman, born 1933

by these remarkable individuals is not just valuable; it has the potential to be life-changing. Their experiences remind us of the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the impact one person can have on many lives.” This sentiment echoes throughout the project as the team collectively strives to honor the legacies of the nonagenarians and centenarians interviewed.

INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS

As readers delve into Wisdom of the Century, they are invited to reflect on their own lives and consider the legacies they wish to create. The book serves not only as a celebration of life but also as a guide for current and future generations, emphasizing that our actions today define how we will be remembered.

The project deeply resonated with the younger members of the team, who recognize the importance of learning from those who’ve come before them. When asked how he felt about meeting and photographing all 90 participants, Yanguas replied, “I was honored to

Live and teach by example.”
Jose S. Basagoitia, M.D., born 1927
Communication is the key to everything.”

take their portraits. I carry with me all the wonderful perspectives of life and will hold on to the words of wisdom and love that they shared with us. Being old is just a concept in the mind because these people are younger in spirit and lifestyle than many my age that I know.”

Menzel attended three interviews as the only team member who doesn’t live in Florida. Remembering how they affected her, she states, “Three of my four grandparents passed away either shortly before or just after my birth. By the time I was 20, my surviving grandmother had developed dementia. I didn’t have grandparents to turn to for guidance. Listening to Betty Brosz recount her life on a farm only

hours from where my grandparents were raised made me feel connected to family I never had the chance to know. Meeting these participants brought the project to life for me, deepening my realization of how necessary it is to learn from those who have lived so much longer than we have—even those we’ve not met.”

Wisdom of the Century is more than a collection of stories; it serves as a testament to the value of our elders and the richness of the human experience. By safeguarding these narratives, the wisdom shared becomes a vital blueprint for cultivating respect, demonstrating resilience, and embracing the transformative power of community.

Wisdom of the Century launches at the HistoryMiami Museum on December 12, 2024, featuring a photo exhibition that will run through February 16, 2025. The book will be available online at www.wisdomofthecentury .com and Amazon, and at local bookstores. For more details, contact Sandra Coiffman at info@wisdomofthecentury.com

Victor Billig, born 1931

REVIVING

OPA-LOCKA

Ten North Group’s Art of Transformation exhibition, now part of Art Basel, is helping to grow Opa-Locka into a destination that celebrates the global Black experience.

IF YOU HAVEN’T HEARD that Opa-Locka is on the come-up, you need new sources. Art Basel is now in Opa-locka. Yes, Opa-locka. Home of both the largest installation of Moorish architecture in the United States and the largest collection of art from Africa and the African Diaspora in Florida. Today, the very name Opa-locka brings to mind the art, architecture, and design that celebrates the global Black experience.

For the past 12 years, Ten North Group, a 40-year-old nonprofit fostering equitable access to housing, economic opportunity, and cultural engagement, has strategically dedicated itself to acquiring art from Africa and the African diaspora, especially the Caribbean. It aims to capitalize on and perpetuate the achievements of the Art of Transformation by further promoting African and African diaspora culture, safeguarding heritage, promoting global Africa’s economy, and

Garden Of Humanity, curated by James Brazil
“Cockpit Country Entanglement and Hope” (Jamaica) by Bryan Mcfarlane. Oil on linen, 2022. Image courtesy of the artist
Top: The Barbershop” by Phillip Thomas. Acrylic on canvas
Bottom Left: Solomon Adufah, Ghana. Anita, Oil on canvas. Screen print
Bottom Right: Dr. Willie Logan and Suzan McDowell at the opening reception
SOUTH FLORIDA

Under the Bridge, Beyond the Beach, Above the Muck” by Joseph-Francis Sumégné. Ten North Collection. Photograph by David Bock

structuring the development of the African cultural industries in Miami.

Since 2018, Dr. Willie Logan, President and CEO of Ten North Group, has traveled across Africa, searching for artists who would embrace his unusual business model for art acquisition. His approach involves purchasing high-level fine art from the artist to establish a direct connection. The incredible work of these artists could easily (and many times does) get lost in a huge gallery, a private collection, or worse, a museum warehouse, sitting in obscurity, never even making it onto a wall.

INCREASING ACCESS TO BLACK ART

In exchange for this direct access, Logan promises laser-focused personal attention, more wall space, enhanced exposure, and inclusion in the organization’s art loan programs, which result in its collection being shown in museums, galleries, and other public spaces worldwide.

“We give access to the artist’s work, and we have greater access to the artist,” says Logan. “Our meaningful interactions and relationships with these masters of fine art from the African diaspora, like Mali’s Abdoulaye Konate and Afro-Cuban artist Juan Roberto Diego, make our model unusual. Our ultimate goal is to make these works available to the general public, specifically communities from the African diaspora, free of charge.”

Logan stressed using art to bring outside people inside the African diasporic experience, with the hope that people will invest in and see these communities in a different light. In 2022, he snagged the official and prestigious Art Basel nod to extend the luxurious Miami Beach annual celebration of fine art to historic Opa-Locka in North Dade.

He finally convinced Art Basel leadership to take a chance on his idea to bring fascinating programming

“The Thinker” by Siriki Ky. Photograph by Zangrà T. Michel

BLACK ALIVENESS: AN AESTHETICS OF BEING

The 2024 edition of the Art of Transformation exhibition continues the exploration of the interrelations between words and image making in the Black world. It builds on the work of African American scholar Kevin Qashie, Black Aliveness or A Poetics of Being (2021), Duke University Press, which pairs Black texts with image making by artists from the Black world. As African and African diaspora writings are debated, contested, legislated, and outright banned, it is worth considering how the Black world conceives and uses literature and image making to construct an autonomous field.

Black Aliveness: An Aesthetics of Being allows us to expand the practice of diaspora to reach new heights through exhibitions, performing arts, moving images, and conversations on contemporary issues affecting the Black World, highlighting the exquisite productions by artists from the Black World and their attempts to stay with

their version of the human question: How to be?

Art of Transformation 2024 will include six exhibitions (read about each below) over four days spanning three blocks in downtown Opa-locka, Florida.

Jamaica on My Mind: Aliveness and Livity

Curated by Phillip Thomas, Professor, Edna Manley School of Art, Kingston, Jamaica

This exhibition brings a generation of 15 artists living on the island and from the diaspora. “Aliveness and livity” is the perception of a moment of accomplishment, an instant in which what has matured in the alchemical athanor metamorphoses into perfection or, rather, an epiphany, an event—or accomplishment. It is an idea of the individual’s transformation and emancipation resulting from them molting toward a new being. It is the type of accomplishment that opens the pathway to a new era,

where individuals rethink their relationship with others and how to rearticulate their presence in the world.

Embodiments of Aliveness:

The Sculpture of Siriki Ky Curated by Dr. El Hadji Malick NDIAYE, Director, Museum of the Institute of Fundamental Africa, Curator, African Contemporary Art Biennale Dakar, Senegal (2022).

Ky’s sculpture emerges from the depth of Africanness as a spatial and temporal strategy of resistance, insisting on it as the past, present, and future to highlight African aesthetics’ “times of entanglement” with dominant representations. The work thinks of political and imaginary linkages beyond the simplistic valorization of the former and the equally simplistic condemnation of the latter. The two dimensions of the political and the imaginary, with their instinctual content, have specific figurations in the articulations because there is no imaginary without a political-sociological context.

Under the Bridge, Beyond the Beach, Above the Muck: Snapshots from the Ten North Arts Collection

The Ten North Arts Collection is unique in its approach, embodying and enacting Black memory principles. It serves as a locus of memory, a landmark around which past events structure present memory. This

distinctive approach provides an alternative model, operationalizing a process that offers an architecture of memory and a metonymic model for consciousness.

And Is:

The Black Florida Project The Photography of Johanne Rahman

Curated by Melissa Hunter Davis, Editor and Director, Sugarcane Magazine

Elizabeth Alexander argues that “Black creativity emerges from a long series of innovative responses to the death and violence that afflicts our communities.” And Is: The Black Florida Project traces this evolution in a documentary focusing on black communities in Florida. The works in this exhibition illustrate Rahman’s creative uses of photography to resist colonization, inequality, disenfranchisement, and brutality.

Site Memory:

The Sculpture Garden

Curated by James Brazil’s Studio

James Brazil’s Site Memory provides a model for understanding how African diaspora mnemonics generate the semantic dynamism and social construction of historical thought. Thus, Site Memory can then be ‘read’ as a psychological diagram of the African diaspora subconscious.

Opa-Locka’s original city hall

Tales of Opa-Locka in Moorish Dream

The “Tales of Opa-Locka: A Heritage Journey” exhibition, located at the historic train station in Opa-Locka, presents an in-depth exploration of the city’s near-century-long history and cultural heritage. This inaugural historical experience offers visitors a carefully curated journey through Opa-locka’s unique architectural and social legacy. Conceived by the pioneering aviator and motorist Glenn Curtiss in 1925, Opa-Locka stands as a testament to South Florida’s ambitious urban development during an era of remarkable expansion—a historical period with parallels to today’s urban growth.

Inspired by themes from The Arabian Nights, Curtiss established Opa-locka with a distinctive Moorish Revival architectural motif, making it one of the few U.S. cities to feature this style so prominently. The exhibition sheds light on this design choice, illustrating how Curtiss’s vision helped shape the aesthetic and cultural identity of the community.

Beyond architecture, “Tales of Opa-Locka” also examines the city’s military history as a training site for the U.S. Naval and Marine Corps before and during WWII. Also featured are narratives that delve into the contributions of community leaders who played crucial roles in Opa-locka’s growth. Through this exhibit, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Opa-locka’s position as Miami-Dade County’s eighth oldest municipality.

to the annual Art of Transformation as a memorable and valuable addition to its annual calendar. Programming is created by artists, curators, scholars, and collectors who look for works conceived to address issues in politics and aesthetics that will resonate in the contemporary era.

A MUSEUM TO CELEBRATE FLORIDA’S BLACK HISTORY

Opa-Locka is among three finalists alongside St. Augustine and Eatonville as potential locations for the first and only Florida Museum of Black History. Local leaders believe the museum would be an anchor in a community that plans to use culture to rejuvenate itself—the ultimate art of transformation. A museum of this magnitude and relevance is touted as a financial boost to Opa-Locka and the entire Miami-Dade County economy.

Logan asserts that Opa-locka is the state’s perfect choice based on Miami’s eternal popularity, its proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean, and access to ports that bring in thousands of tourists who, if there were a cultural museum of this sort, could easily spend an extra day or two making it an excursion option. His argument draws the obvious conclusions of the economic upside of lodging, restaurants, and transportation, that just an extra day in the area could generate.

The push to beat out the competitors includes broad and powerful Miami-Dade County support from the Miami-Dade County Commission, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, University of Miami and History Miami. The final decision will be made during the 2025 legislative session.

“We are here to make sure we can preserve Black history in Florida, and what better place to do that than in Opa-locka,” says Miami-Dade Mayor Levine Cava.

“When you used to think about cities that provide a cultural experience, you think about New York, you think about Los Angeles,” Logan says. “You didn’t think about Miami. If you wanted to party, enjoy the sunshine and the beach, then you thought about Miami. Now, we’re becoming a cultural hub. We just need to have a few more museums.”

The Art of Transformation is in Opa-Locka from December 4–8, 2024. It’s free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.tennorthgroup.com

Florida Museum of Black History (rendering)

W Coastal FROST

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Gifts for HIM

This year, replace “Old Faithful” gifts for men—like neckties, socks and wallets— with something cool, classic, trendy or timeless.

Designed by Jill Martin, this cozy indoor/ outdoor hoodie made of the highest quality blanket fabric is perfect for game days. Available at www.jillmartin.com Instagram @jillmartin

Introducing “The Grind” by Johnathan Schultz! It really doesn’t get any more exclusive than this 23K gold skateboard from his not-yet-released Gilded Anarchy collection. To purchase, contact js@theiconoclast.art

Fill your abode with sultry, signature-scented candles by Hotel Lobby. With notes of black musk and spice, these candles, both moody and mysterious, invoke the aroma of a dimly lit Parisian cocktail bar. Available at www.hotellobbycandle.com Instagram: @hotellobbycandle

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Gifts for HER

Gone are the days of gift cards or cash for the holidays. This season, celebrate the special women in your life with something they won’t soon forget.

Looking for a high-quality gift to last a lifetime? Handcrafted in 18K Rose gold, Jacob & Co.’s Love Lockdown Interlocking Diamond Necklace, featuring 0.48 carats of pave set diamonds, has you covered. Available at www.jacobandco.shop.

Accessorize, entertain and gift in maximum style this season with these fabulous items. Shop these looks and more at Wyld Blue Boutiques or online at www.WyldBlue.com. Instagram: @wyldblue

For the bag-lovers in your life, Consuelo Vanderbilt for Ximena Kavalekas’ structured trapezoid clutch features a versatile chain and leather cross-body strap to make for a seamless transition from day to night.

AQUA LOVERS GIFT GUIDE

These unique water toys are sure to be a hit with ocean enthusiasts.

CALLING ALL OCEAN FANATICS!

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GUIDE

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Learn more at www. nauticalventures.com

Rhythm AND WINE

‘Tis the season to pair a classic winter varietal with a timeless Christmas playlist.

The best way I can think of to explain the various styles of grenache is through Christmas’ most iconic songs and the artists who sing them.”

AFTER A VERY WET hurricane season and the first cold front of the year, it’s finally starting to feel like winter is upon us. Though the only “changing of the leaves” we may see is seaweed departing our beaches, many of us Floridians tend to anticipate “sweater weather” no differently than those in colder climes. As humidity falls (blowouts are so back!) and Christmas lights are strung up, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. It’s time to enjoy a bottle of red wine in a festive living room lit by candles, with a classic Christmas playlist brightening the atmosphere. But what’s in that bottle?

For me, it’s grenache because of the varietal’s many different personalities. Some have even called it “the new pinot noir” for its vast spectrum of flavor profiles. Also known as “garnacha” in Spain and “Cannonau” (short for Cannonau di Sardegna, the designation of origin) in Italy, this cosmopolitan world traveler has made its mark on entirely different demographics. Yet most seem to know only one side of this wonderful varietal. The best way I can think of to explain the various styles of grenache is through Christmas’ most iconic songs and the artists who sing them.

For starters, grenache grows in four of my favorite regions in the world: the Rhône Valley in France, Sardinia in Italy, and Castilla y León and Catalonia in Spain. The style you’re likely most familiar with is from the Rhône Valley, with the most popular being Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In

this region, grenache is usually blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. I like to think of this version of grenache as “White Christmas” sung by Michael Bublé, which perfectly embodies Châteauneuf. Why? Because it’s bold, classic, and can have some subtle peppery highlights in the background (making Shania Twain’s vocals Syrah and Mourvèdre, of course).

Next, we fly south to meet Cannonau on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. For Cannonau, I hear “Santa Baby” sung by Eartha Kitt—straightforward and ultra-feminine, with the scent of a costly perfume. Finally, Spain’s garnacha is well represented by none other than “All I Want for Christmas Is You” sung by Mariah Carey, because, boy, does she have range! Catalonia garnacha is on the fuller side of the spectrum—oaky-driven style perfumed with dark cherry aromas. Castilla y León, however, is on another part of the spectrum, much lighter and cozier than its Catalonian counterpart. There are also some ashy undertones to these wines, which mirror Mariah’s lower register in the song.

Whatever your holiday dinner, it’s easy to find a food pairing for any of our grenache options. That’s why this vino has become my go-to for the season and will undoubtedly be the bottle I grab on the way to my family’s house for our Christmas Eve dinner. Because there’s nothing like spending time with loved ones over a luscious glass of delicious grape juice.

Merry Christmas!

WHERE TO FIND MY TOP PICKS

RETAIL

Giuseppe Sedilesu Mamuthone, Cannonau | Wine by the Bay

Bodega Marañones 30,000 Maravedíes, Garnacha | Clementine’s Wine Gourmet

Saint Cosme Gigondas, Grenache Blend | Total Wine

RESTAURANTS

Comando G La Bruja, Garnacha | Sospiro Natural Wine Bar

Francesco Cadinu Perdas Longas, Cannonau | Dōma

Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grenache Blend | LPM Restaurant & Bar

The Thrill of the CATCH

When majestic Atlantic sailfish make their way into Miami waters, it’s game on for billfishing fans.

AS THE WEATHER COOLS IN MIAMI, trade winds begin their easterly dance as northern cold fronts start their descent. Living here for a while grants you insight into the winter weather patterns that weave the backdrop of my tale.

It begins with the humid island winds, warm and tropical, sweeping in from the south—bringing with them the delightful taste of summer on crisp fall days.

Gradually, these winds grow stronger, and just when the skies seem serene, they darken ominously as the northern cold front devours the warm tropical air, unleashing a powerful storm that crashes in like a rogue wave.

A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

Quick and fierce storms like these can drop temperatures by 20 degrees in the blink of an eye, ushering in the arrival of a unique predator, making its southward migration to breed and feast: the majestic Atlantic sailfish.

With its sleek body and impressive dorsal sail, the sailfish cuts through the currents, heading toward Miami’s inviting waters.

Much like the tourists flocking to our shores, these fish know exactly where to find paradise.

Among the many images that evoke adventure, few rival a fighting billfish. T-shirts, hats, and dresses emblazoned with billfishing motifs can be found everywhere, a testament to a sport that has captured hearts.

Tommy Bahama built an empire around Hemingway’s dream of island living and the thrill of the catch.

The sight of this perfect predator launching out of the water in a desperate fight for survival is a spectacle to behold. This imagery has blossomed into a phenomenon of the 21st century, and the finest boats, coupled with the most competitive captains and crews, converge in South Florida for tournament season, all vying for glory and riches.

Beyond the money, whether thousands or millions, the true prize is the coveted maroon jacket, akin to that of the Masters golf tournament, and a Super Bowl-style ring to declare their achievements to the world.

We all yearn for it, yet a select few will ever grasp it.

As I glided down a traffic-free I-95 one cool Miami morning to catch a ferry to our boat on Fisher Island, the adventure, my

adventure, began.

My team was already onboard, preparing for the battle ahead. They meticulously prepped tackle, Italian precision reels in hand, and carefully selected each baitfish we took to sea. It’s serious business: The sailfish can sense the slightest hint of fatigue, stress, or sickness in the bait. Only the finest make the cut.

Captain Brett Dudas, a legend in his own right and a member of a storied fishing family, has spent his life navigating these waters. Despite his library of world records, his enthusiasm mirrored that of a six-year-old with a new fishing pole. Our vessel, Warbird, was a 4,000 HP, 65-foot Hatteras Sportfish, a marvel of design tailored for billfishing.

With a weight exceeding 100,000 pounds, she could swiftly slice through Miami’s choppy winter seas at 50 mph.

Leading our eclectic crew was Roger Ward, a former fighter jet pilot from the Vietnam era, whose spirit added a unique flair to our adventures.

The fishing reports were promising. The large packs of sailfish entered our waters, setting the stage for a fierce tournament. We were kite fishing, an innovative technique that allows you to dangle lines with prime baitfish from kites, presenting a tantalizing feast to the lurking predators.

By 8 a.m., we were anchored 20 miles south of Miami in 165 feet of crystalline blue water, right at the color change where the Gulf Stream meets the shallows. The radio crackled to life as the first fish were hooked as we tossed in our lines. In this catch-andrelease tournament, we cut the line once a

fish was within 10 feet of the boat, allowing it to continue its journey unharmed.

SECONDS COUNT

As the captain, perched high in the tower, shouted with excitement, my left line suddenly went tight. My heart raced. This was the critical moment when I had to let the hook set. With every fiber of my being, I counted the seconds. My focus sharpened as the captain’s voice pierced the air again. My co-angler leapt to the transom, battling a sailfish that erupted into the air, glistening like a living jewel.

Then, it happened. A magnificent 100-pound sailfish—a blend of black and electric purple—rocketed from the depths, soaring 15 feet into the sky, twisting with ferocity. The battle unfolded, a graceful dance of man and fish. Each leap and surge echoed the thrill of the chase. My co-angler was locked in his own struggle. Our lines wove together as both fish fought for freedom.

Just as my rival landed his catch, mine began to tire.

The captain skillfully backed down to get close enough for a release. The fight was over. My adrenaline surged through my body as my adversary thrashed one last time, reminding me that our paths would cross again.

With seven more hours ahead, we set our sights on the moment we’d win that championship ring and a red jacket would be draped over our shoulders.

While Miami offers countless thrills, in my view nothing compares to the unforgettable experience of landing a billfish off of our stunning South Florida beaches.

Michael Jordan’s sport fishing yacht Catch 23.

An all-inclusive river cruise on the Rhône is a memorable way to take in the sights and experiences of France’s Provence region.

Cruising PROVENCE

PROVENCE, FRANCE. It’s where Van Gogh painted some of his greatest work, a mecca for food and wine enthusiasts, renowned for its truffle, lavender, and olive farms, as well as Roman ruins and medieval, walled towns. This region in southeastern France has earned its place as one of Europe’s premier tourism destinations.

Our Provence visit started in Paris, where we boarded a TGV high-speed train for the journey down to the coastal city of Arles. Waiting for us there was the AmaKristina, one of AmaWaterways’ river ships and our home for the next eight days. We were taking the all-inclusive “Colors of Provence” cruise on the Rhône River.

It was August—a peak month for tourists—with weather typical for this time of year, hot and dry. While there are many options for exploring Provence, for firsttimers, a river cruise is a great choice. Every day’s a new destination and, better yet, you step off the ship into the heart of another

The author enjoys a sunny break along the Rhône River in Provence, France.

charming town. Add in five-star meals, shore excursions, and drinks, and it’s hard to find a better value for your money.

Ready? Let’s go!

Arles. Here we are in France’s largest city— geographically speaking. Its population may be only 50,000, but land-wise, it’s seven times the size of Paris. If you love Vincent Van Gogh, this city is a must-see. In the two years he lived here, the artist completed 200 paintings and 100 drawings and watercolors. Follow in his footsteps via markers in the pavement and see the hospital where Van Gogh was committed after slicing off his ear and delivering it to a woman at a brothel. Learn more by stopping at the Foundation Van Gogh Museum. Another must-see: the Roman ruins, including a 20,000-seat amphitheater where chariots once raced and gladiators battled.

Les Baux-de-Provence. It’s been called the most beautiful village in France, and no argument here. Built high atop a rocky plateau in the Alpilles mountains, the town gives you a drone’s eye view of the Provence countryside. Once a 13th-century stronghold built around the Château des Baux fortress, it’s now a center for arts, culture, and tourism, attracting some 1.5 million visitors a year. Charming shops and restaurants line its narrow, cobblestone streets. If you want to combine food and a view, stop at the Café du Musée.

Avignon. You can’t help but be impressed by the massive walls surrounding this medieval city. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it takes its place in the history books as “The City of Popes” because in the 14th century, Pope Clement V moved the papal seat from Rome to Avignon, where, over time, seven popes resided in the imposing Palais des Papes. Charm and history abound as you walk the streets, where you’ll see the famous trompe l’oeil (“deceives the eye”) window paintings— easily mistaken for real people. Visit the gourmet food market of Les Halles for a taste of authentic French food, and plan to spend time in the town square, where you can grab a coffee at one of the outdoor venues.

Wine Tastings. You can’t come to the South of France and not sample wine. In Tournon, we visited the Villa Caroube at the

Cave de Tain winery, beautifully located by a Hermitage hillside and surrounded by vineyards. We sampled a variety of red wines paired with fine chocolates from master chocolatier Alain Berne. In the Châteauneufdu-Pape wine region, we stopped at the Famille Quiot winery, operated by the Quiot family for 13 generations since 1748. While wineries here produce both reds and whites, the region is best known for its rosé. In the Beaujolais wine region north of Lyon, near the medieval town of Oingt, is the Domaine de Fond-Vieille winery, family-owned since 1758. Winery owner Dominique explained how they make the wine from 100-year-old vines. So much wine, so little time.

Vienne. Once a Roman capital city, Vienne is located between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. History

comes alive here everywhere you look. A good place to start is high atop Mount Pipet, which offers sweeping views of both the city and the surrounding countryside. Roman ruins abound, including the Augustus and Livia Temple, built in honor of Caesar Augustus, son of Julius Caesar, and his wife, Livia (take note of the plaque at the temple honoring the visit of Thomas Jefferson in 1787). Marvel at the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build.

There’s so much more to experience in Provence—visiting olive farms, watching dogs find highly prized truffles, exploring Lyon, France’s third-largest city, riding a steam train through the Gorges du Doux— more than one visit might allow. But trust me, you’ll be back.

Photograph by Steven Lyon

ART Powered by WOMEN

The Art Club Miami isn’t just changing the way art is bought and sold—it’s creating a fearless and ambitious community of women and artists ready to take over the art world.

IN A WORLD WHERE THE ART market is often perceived as an exclusive realm of highprofile sales, secretive transactions, and elusive gatekeepers, there’s me, Alexis: The visionary behind The Art Club Miami. My mission is to reshape the narrative and give people a closer look at the entire art ecosystem. For me, it’s more than just selling art.

It’s about revealing the intricate layers that make up the world of art brokerage, acquisitions, exhibitions, charity events, and art asset management. My new venture goes beyond just business: It’s founded on the principle of inclusivity and empowerment.

To put it plainly, it’s a movement.

Designed to foster a collaborative and supportive environment to help others break through the barriers I faced earlier in my career, The Art Club Miami focuses on giving women the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed.

THE ART WORLD REIMAGINED

My art journey started as a serendipitous turn of events—a chance encounter with a friend that set me on a path to working with Keith Haring, one of the most influential figures in contemporary art history. With no formal training in art or art history in my youth, my natural curiosity and drive pushed me into the scene.

I was young, fearless, and naïve, but I knew this was the world I wanted to be part of.

The exhibition I worked on for Keith

Haring was just the start of something much bigger. It opened my eyes to what I could accomplish. It taught me the power of passion, the importance of networking, and the unique value of having an entrepreneurial spirit when navigating such a competitive industry.

From there, my career rapidly accelerated. I didn’t wait for permission to enter the field; I just took action. The art world can be an intimidating space, especially for women. But I knew I wanted to break in and was determined to make it happen. So, I focused on building relationships with other artists, collectors, and galleries. Soon after, I was running my own events, connecting clients with pieces they needed, and establishing myself as a trusted advisor for private and corporate collections.

Today, after curating a global roster of clients, an extensive network of artists, galleries, collectors, and like-minded individuals, I’ve finally taken the leap to developing The Art Club Miami, where art is for everyone, regardless of background or experience.

REWRITING THE RULES

I created The Art Club Miami to be a place where women can learn, thrive, and take ownership of their careers in this incredible industry. So, selecting a powerhouse team of women—or “Gallery Girls”—as they’re

affectionately known, to represent the company’s core was only fitting.

Their goal: To redefine what it means to work in the art world and crush barriers that have traditionally limited women’s access to this lucrative yet opaque industry.

When it comes to art, there’s an entire universe to explore, from primary and secondary market sales to curating exhibitions, managing acquisitions, running charity events, and providing asset management over art portfolios.

I’ve always believed in the strength and creativity of women. When I started in the industry, I was one of the few women doing the things I was doing. I want to make it easier for other women to break in and build successful careers in the arts. That’s why the Gallery Girls are made up of a diverse group of women who share a passion for art and a fierce determination to challenge the status quo.

Together, they bring a range of expertise, from curating high-end exhibitions to managing a plethora of art projects, and they’re ready to make their mark on the global art stage.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE ART BROKERAGE

While my brokerage firm may be similar to others in how it connects clients with coveted art pieces for their collections, our approach is anything but traditional. Our

LUMINARIES

unique platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, allowing our clients to experience the full spectrum of the art world.

What sets The Art Club Miami apart from other firms is that our firm focuses on transparency and education. A lot of the art world has been shrouded in secrecy, with few people really understanding how the process works. I want to change that. We want people to understand the art world, not just participate in it.

The brokerage handles both primary and secondary market sales, meaning it

facilitates selling new works from living artists and reselling established pieces. We offer acquisitions and asset management services for private and corporate collectors to help navigate the complexities of building and maintaining valuable art collections.

More than sales, however, The Art Club Miami is about experience.

Passionate about curating art exhibitions that bring fresh, exciting works to new audiences, we use art to provoke thought, inspire conversation, and challenge societal norms. At The Art Club Miami, we curate exhibitions that showcase emerging talent, blue-chip artists, and everything in between.

Deeply committed to giving back to the community through art and raising awareness for important causes, our brokerage also plays an active role in charity events and philanthropy. From hosting charity auctions to organizing benefit events, The Art Club Miami aims to positively impact the world through art.

GLOBAL VISION, LOCAL ROOTS

Despite building global success, The Art Club Miami has a strong local presence in Miami’s dynamic and rapidly growing art scene. Miami has long been a hotspot for international art buyers, partly thanks to the city’s iconic Art Basel Miami Beach event. Miami is the perfect launching pad for our vision, blending the city’s vibrant, eclectic culture with her global network of artists, collectors, and investors.

I’ve always believed in the power of Miami as an art destination. It’s an international city with a growing presence in the art world. I’m proud to be building something here that’s not just for Miami but for the world. After all, it is where I was born and will be one of my forever homes.

Looking to the future, The Art Club Miami will continue to expand its global reach, while nurturing its local community. With a roster of successful women behind me and a bold vision for the future of the art world, I plan to continue making it more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for the next generation of fierce and fearless tastemakers.

Photograph by Steven Lyon

GIFTS Beauty-ful

These gifts for the beauty lovers in your life are guaranteed to keep you on their nice lists—at least until next year.

Chantecaille Gilded Garden Collection. A botanical wonderland comes to life this holiday with a glamorous spirit. Gilded gold eyeshadow compacts and lipsticks are decorated with dazzling, engraved packaging. There are three eyeshadow duets ($65 each) and two Lip Cristals to choose from ($54 each). Available at Saks Fifth Avenue. www.saksfifthavenue.com; www.chantecaille.com

Le Bain Hermès Collection. The French luxury house has once again elevated elegance and sustainability with its bath and body collection. Previously exclusive to hotels, this indulgent line makes a dazzling gift for the home décor-lover on your list with an array of vibrant, refillable glass bottles ($74-$90). Available at www.hermes.com

Clé de Peau Beauté City of Dreamlight Collection. This beautiful collection is inspired by the landmarks of Paris and includes limited-edition, giftable products that truly invoke the holiday spirit. Stand-outs are the eye-color quad ($110); the

Luminizing Face Enhancer ($95); and the fabulous lipstick ($65). Available at Bloomingdales. www.bloomingdales.com; www.cledepeaubeaute.com

BK Beauty Holy Grail Trio. This limited edition set includes the best-selling, cult-favorite 101 Contoured Foundation, 109 Mini Contoured Foundation, and A506 Concealer brushes featuring an all-new completely anodized metal handle. The set comes with a burgundy vegan leather storage pouch and elegant packaging, perfect for gifting ($120). Available at www.bkbeauty.com

Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick. A world-renowned makeup artist and product developer for Chanel, Shiseido and Lancôme, Lisa Eldridge has brought her expertise to her own line. This truly luxurious lipstick boasts a new, lightweight creme formula in a gorgeous, gold, collectible case that can be personalized with initials. Choose from eight super modern, wearable shades ($59). Available at www.lisaeldridge.com

AN AVANT-GARDE ATTRACTION TO ECOTOURISM

A 7-mile underwater public sculpture park, snorkel trail and purposebuilt reef is coming to the Miami Beach shoreline.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX and in an effort to combine their love of art and the environment, Ximena Caminos, founder and artistic director of The ReefLine, along with Colin Foord, a marine biologist and founder of Coral Morphologic, are making their dream a reality.

Caminos, whose work involved discovering talent and creating launchpads for them, met Foord years ago and fell in love with his avant-garde style but was also taken with its duality.

“It felt so Miami and so international at the same time. Colin’s work is beautiful and very important,” says Caminos.

It’s obvious why she tapped Foord to work with her on this project: Coral

Morphologic aims to blend science and art with the goal of showcasing the coral’s beauty, while inspiring people to restore the reefs as way to protect the planet.

Caminos, who arrived in Miami after 2010, is no stranger to both national and international projects of immense magnitude. Having worked with two large scale cultural districts in North and South America, including Faena Group in Miami Beach and Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as The Underline, she understands the scope of the ReefLine.

The ReefLine will be a 7-mile underwater public sculpture park, snorkel trail and purpose-built reef, located off Miami Beach’s shoreline, within swimming distance from shore. It grew out of a

conversation with Foord about the current condition of Miami Beach reef heads and artificial reefs in place south of Fifth Street. That conversation ignited a desire to do more, leading Caminos and Foord to apply for the Knight Arts Challenge grant.

The ReefLine combines art and science, involving experts from the Department of Environmental Resources Management and the Army Corps of Engineers. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist and oceanographer, was initially skeptical but recognized the project’s importance. All of these elements combined were the key to winning the Knight Arts Challenge grant.

Caminos was thrilled when Victoria Rogers, Vice President for Arts at the

Knight Foundation, called with the news.

“Victoria said she’d awarded it to us because she knew we could pull it off,” says Caminos.

Alongside her on this journey and lending his expertise is Foord, a graduate of the University of Miami in marine biology and co-founder of Coral Morphologic.

“Our organization Coral Morphologic, which we founded in 2007, works to draw awareness to Miami’s reef track, which is the third largest in the world. It’s right here, and there just wasn’t a lot of awareness about it,” says Foord.

Connecting with Caminos was inevitable as Foord has been dedicated to making the reefs along Miami Beach accessible once again. The ReefLine project had been a long-time ambition for Foord, and with their

combined expertise in art and science, they formed the perfect team for this innovative arts/science hybrid project.

Foord explains, “Miami Beach’s development hindered reef accessibility, so it was crucial for me to create a place that is accessible. Using art as a means of attraction not only promotes ecotourism but also serves an ecological purpose.”

The ReefLine is really a collaboration with nature, and the sculptures are the beginning of its evolution. Overseeing the creation of the sculptures and working with the chosen artists will be Shelby Thomas, CEO and Director of Research of Ocean Rescue Alliance International.

“Shelby is in a position to guide the artists on how they create art that will help corals

settle more easily and her involvement really makes this a true collaboration between scientists, arts and nature,” says Foord.

One of those commissioned artists is Miami-based multimedia artist Carlos Betancourt, who Caminos immediately tapped for the project.

Betancourt’s Miami Reef Star prototypes will form a monumental star-shaped artificial reef. This environmental sculpture will be visible from flights over Miami Beach and was inspired by his childhood memory witnessing a starfish migration while snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

Learn more about The ReefLine project and all those involved, including scientists, artists and environmentalists, by visiting www.TheReefLine.org.

Boozy Bliss

French truffles modeled after your favorite classic cocktails make the perfect holiday gift.

Louis Oliver (@louisoliver1825) and Lana Blüm (@positiwibe) enjoy chocolates from Bissinger’s Cocktails Truffle Gift Box paired with their favorite cocktails at The Moore Miami (@themooremiami).

Left: Bissinger’s

WE’VE REACHED the month of December, when we focus our attention on finding perfect gifts for the people we care about to show how much we appreciate them.

Personal items, such as jewelry, perfume, and clothing, are difficult to select for someone else. So, what is the fool-proof seasonal gift that will bring a genuine smile?

Whether I’m the giver or the receiver, one thing that has never failed me is chocolate. Almost everyone loves it. And very few things can beat receiving a box of scrumptious truffles that I can eat all in one sitting while watching a favorite holiday film.

recipes in the sidebar to start shaking or stirring, just in time for the holidays.

Of course, there are other ways to enjoy sweets than in the solitude of a televisionlit living room. Sharing said sweets with friends over homemade cocktails is always a great night in. So, when I was recently given Bissinger’s Cocktails Truffle Gift Box, I knew I found my new obsession. It’s two of my most beloved guilty pleasures in one box: classic cocktails and beautifully crafted truffles. I don’t think I could ever ask for more in a dessert.

With Cocktails at Bissinger’s Truffle Gift Box, chocolate snobs are no concern as there’s an assortment of flavors— something for every palate. Seriously! This gift box consists of 16 truffles, including two each of the following truffles: Manhattan, Chocolate Martini, French Connection, Kir Royale, Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, French 75, and Sidecar.

CHOOSE YOUR COCKTAIL

One more delicious than the next, these divine temptations are best enjoyed when paired with one of the cocktails by which they were inspired. These are classic cocktails, so you might be familiar with one if not all. However, if you’re not familiar with how they’re made. then check the

My personal favorite is the Old Fashioned. I can’t get enough of the bourbon and chocolatey mix! So, of course, I had to whip up its namesake cocktail to pair with these tiny, tasty treats.

There’s such a coziness about sitting comfortably with friends or loved ones and sipping one of these cocktails while indulging in this assortment of chocolates.

With such a wide variety of flavors— from white to dark chocolate, and from lemon and orange zesty undertones to the simple cream-filled milk chocolate truffle— there’s a truffle for everyone.

Be it a gift or a shared moment, chocolates and cocktails have long been a highlight of the holiday season, and these French-made delicacies are no different. The Parisian packaging is as beautifully decorated as the chocolates themselves.

You couldn’t ask for a better way to ring in the holidays in the tropical South Florida winter. After all, there’s more to the season than snowmen and bonfires. It’s also about enjoying cocktail-flavored chocolates over drinks with friends old and new.

See our classic cocktail recipes on the next page. Santé!

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TEO MONTOYA
Cocktails Truffle Gift Box. Right: Elzbieta Pruszynska (@elapruszynska) with Louis Oliver at AQUA’s classic cocktail and truffles party at The Moore Miami.

MANHATTAN

• 2 oz Kentucky bourbon (Basil Hayden, Four Roses Small

• Batch or Buffalo Trace)

• 1 oz Dolin Sweet Vermouth

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• 2 Luxardo Marachino cherries

• 1 dash Luxardo cherry juice

1. Pour bourbon, Vermouth and bitters in rocks glass and stir.

2. Add 1 large ball of ice or ice cubes and garnish with 2 Luxardo cherries.

3. Add a dash of cherry juice.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI

• Bissinger’s 60% dark chocolate

• 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream

• 2 oz chocolate liquor

• 2 oz premium vodka

1. Melt Bissinger’s chocolate and drizzle on the inside of a martini glass.

2. Add Baileys Irish Cream, chocolate liquor and vodka in cocktail shaker and fill with ice.

3. Shake for 10-15 seconds and pour into a martini glass.

4. Garnish with shaved Bissinger’s chocolate.

FRENCH CONNECTION

• 1 oz Remy Martin cognac

• 1 oz Disaronno amaretto

1. Add cognac and amaretto in a rocks glass and stir.

2. Add one large ice ball or ice cubes.

KIR ROYALE

• ⅓ oz Crème de Cassis

• 3 oz champagne

1. Add Crème de Cassis to a champagne flute.

2. Top with champagne.

OLD FASHIONED

• 2 tsp simple syrup

• 2 dashes of Peychaud bitters

• 2 oz Kentucky bourbon (Basil Hayden, Four Roses Small

• Batch or Buffalo Trace)

• 1 orange slice

• 1 Luxardo cherry

1. Pour simple syrup, bitters and bourbon in a glass and stir.

2. Add 1 large ball of ice or ice cubes.

3. Wash the rim of the glass with an orange slice.

4. Garnish with 1 orange slice and 1 cherry.

ESPRESSO MARTINI

• 2 oz premium vodka

• ½ oz Kahlúa

• 1 oz freshly-brewed espresso (or cold brew)

• ½ oz simple syrup coffee beans

1. Add vodka, Kahlúa, espresso and simple syrup to shaker with ice.

2. Shake for 10-15 seconds and pour into a martini glass.

3. Garnish with coffee beans.

FRENCH 75

• 1 oz Tanqueray gin

• ½ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 3 oz champagne

• Lemon twist

1. Combine gin, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.

2. Shake for 10-15 seconds and pour in a champagne flute.

3. Top with champagne.

4. Garnish with lemon twist.

SIDECAR

• 2 oz Remy Martin XO cognac

• 1 oz Cointreau

• ¾ oz freshly squeezed

• Lemon juice

• Orange twist

1. Coat the rim of a cocktail glass with the orange.

2. Add cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice and ice in a shaker, shake for 10-15 seconds.

3. Strain into the cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with 1 orange twist.

This holiday season, enjoy the winning combination of chocolate and classic cocktails. See Aqua’s recipe refresher below.

Give Kids a Place to Dream & Grow Help Us

Miami Beach welcomes residents and visitors to experience the holidays in a stunning string of performances by South Florida’s first immersive symphony and opera.

Festival of Lights!

AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON descends upon us, the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights makes its dazzling return to Ocean Drive! Attendees of all ages can expect a stunning and diverse showcase of art, culture, and whimsical holiday spirit through live musical performances, a light show with vibrant colors, festive holiday characters, and more.

Michael Rossi, founder and artistic director of the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival, has worked alongside The Betsy Hotel to celebrate international holiday traditions for over a decade, and this year’s event will bring even more excitement.

“Our goal is to create unforgettable memories for families, locals, and visitors by blending world-class performances with innovative projection mapping. We hope this festival becomes a treasured tradition for the community,” says Rossi.

“A special thank-you to the City of Miami Beach, The Betsy Hotel, Ocean Drive Association, and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, whose support has been instrumental in bringing the festival to life.”

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

Miami Beach welcomes residents and visitors to experience the holidays in a stunning string of performances by South Florida’s first immersive symphony and opera. Designed to be a magical experience for all ages, the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights offers face painting, special appearances from Santa Claus, the Grinch, and Elsa, and snow for kids to play with while adults indulge in seasonal treats and explore local art vendors.

“As a Miami Beach resident and business owner, I am thrilled to welcome

Michael Rossi and the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights back to Ocean Drive for this holiday-rich, family-centric event,” says Jonathan Plutzik, co-owner of The Betsy Hotel. “The Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights is quickly becoming the standard for other cultural celebrations around the world.”

The event will be held at The Betsy Hotel on the 1400 block of Ocean Drive from December 13 through December 15, and December 20 through December 22 at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.

The Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights is free and open to the public, with the option to reserve a VIP seat at www.miamimusicfestival.com/ holidayfestivaloflights. For more information about this event, visit www.miamimusicfestival.com

Miami’s spectacular holiday celebration of art and community

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Discover an unparalleled travel experience: the first 6 star slow luxury cruises. For more information, please contact your Travel Advisor, or simply drop us a line at (833) 305-3313.

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