TOO BROKE FOR BASEL?
Free. It’s arguably the nicest fourletter word in the English language that starts with F.
Especially in this economy, which is a weird one. Like, you could be up, like Jeff Bezos, who just parked his oil tanker size schooner at Port Everglades, or you could be down, like the poor schlub who just got a $600 rent increase on his Kendall efficiency.
If the latter sounds more like the life you’re currently experiencing and your soul is in need of absorbing some culture during Miami Art Week, we got you.
There are actually a bunch of gratis events where you won’t have to spend a dime and may even get a glass or two of cheap bubbly in the process.
Miami Art Week, which runs now through Sunday, is all over town, except Kendall, of course. You’ll need to leave your suburbia bubble but it will be worth it, thanks to all the cool works you’ll see at pop-ups, galleries, bars, and even in the streets.
EVENTS
INFINITE GROWTH: See Brazilian artist Gustavo Barroso’s creations made from pâte de verre (powdered-glass paste) repurposed from Jägermeister’s iconic green bottles at The Set Miami. There will also an interactive element that we are told does not involve taking shots. Dec. 8-9. 776 NW 21st Terr., Miami.
ARTISTRY OF THE WORLD: Feast your keyboard-tired eyes on the stunning works of 15 international artists, painters and sculptors at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. The showcase, through Dec. 15 in the lobby, is curated by Noel Santiesteban, curator and founder of Art Fest @ Doral.
Things kick off 6-10 p.m. Dec. 7 with a free, boozefueled preview.
Through Dec. 15. 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami.
LOCUST PROJECTS: This art nonprofit is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a new warehouse space in Little River. The inaugural shows featured a Meet the Artists reception on Tuesday. Fancy-schmancy Justin Vineyards and Winery was doing the pouring. 297 NE 67th St.
THE CHRONICLES OF MIAMI: France’s JR debuted his latest mural in the Design District’s Jungle Plaza from 7-10 p.m. Monday for MAW. Inspired by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, the piece is part of JR’s ambitious “Chronicles” series, photographs that represent locals through their cities. You are encouraged to download the app JR: murals before arriving to better understand
his process. To celebrate the unveiling, Anitta performed a free concert. Jungle Plaza, 3801 NE 1st Ave. www.addevent.com
REYNA NORIEGA x NAUTILUS: Join Afro-Latina painter, author and “Miami girl” Reyna Noriega as she debuts a multimedia installation that explores her “vibrant heritage” as a Cuban-American at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach. Dec. 6-10. Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., was the opening reception on the Oceanfront Terrace. 1825 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.
THANKYOUX: Arlo Wynwood has partnered with L.A.-based NFT genius ThankYouX to create a mural on the rooftop called “Want to Be Reminded” just for MAW. The colorful piece, showcasing the energy of the hipster neighborhood, was unveiled 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at a free party. Visit Eventbrite for
more info. 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami.
LOST AT SEA: The Balfour Hotel was temporary headquarters for local artist Gustavo Oviedo’s “Lost at Sea,” delving into underwater discovery, organic materials and debris analysis. At 7 p.m. Dec. 6, a reception featured a pop-up of eco-friendly handbags by Piper & Skye, live entertainment and an opportunity to get a selfie with Oviedo. Visit Eventbrite for more info. 350 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach.
DIVE MIAMI: The Gates Hotel is ground zero for amazing visuals in
SoBe this weekend. Starting at 1 p.m. Dec. 8, there will be comp Cuban sandwiches and cafecito in the lobby, which will be decked out in both digital and physical works. From 2-3 p.m., contribute to a collaborative canvas that gets auctioned off. An evening affair starts at 5:30 p.m.-midnight, with a fashion show, live body painting and DJ. From 1-11 p.m. Saturday, more fun out by the pool with a paint-by-numbers mural, music and breakdancing. 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. RSVP here.
EBONY FWD: Miami Beach’s Temple House is known for exciting events and this free two-day multimedia event
presented by Coca-Cola Zero is no different. Attendees get to enjoy music by Mariah The Scientist and cuisine by Chef Amaris Jones. This celebration of the Black diaspora’s future will champion Black culture from its music and visual art to its delicious food. EBONY has become a Black lifestyle brand connected to generations of Black communities and this event will showcase the joy of our community moving forward. The event is Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1415 Euclid Ave., Miami Beach. RSVP here.
DISCO NAP: You really haven’t lived until you’ve seen the world’s largest cocktail shaker at one of the biggest pajama parties in the nation. So say the organizers of Disco Nap at Centro in Wynwood on Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight. Monkey Shoulder Whisky will be served while DJ Louie Arson of 1-800-LUCKY spins. The aforementioned shaker, actually a 27-foot-long, 13-foot-tall concrete mixer, makes a great selfie station. 297 NW 23rd St., Miami.
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, NORTH MIAMI: The museum known as MOCA has three concurrent presentations, Dec. 2-9. On Dec. 5 was the opening reception of Jamea Richmond-Edwards’ “Ancient Future,” “exploring the realms of Afro futurism,” and “Por América” by late Cuban sculptor Juan Francisco Elso. The festivities ($15 in advance, $20 at the door) will include presentations by Miami’z Finest Majorettes and refreshments by Rhum Barbancourt, Justin Wines and Tripping Animals. Take your bev outside to the plaza to wow at the third exhibit, Chris Friday’s freestanding metal creation, “Narcissist.” 770 NE 125th St., North Miami. mocanomi.org; $10. 305893-6211.
PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI: ”Gary Simmons: Public Enemy” will include roughly 70 pieces spanning this multidisciplinarian’s 30-year career. Simmons touches on such popular genres such as hip-hop, horror and science fiction with a “cool, analytical and unflinching” approach. To kick off his exhibit, at 3 p.m. Dec. 5, Simmons partook in the Scholl Lecture Series, free with your $16 admission. 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; www.p amm.org; $16, 305-3753000.
CHROMA 2023: This year’s annual group show at Lucid will show paintings and sculptures, as well as fiber pieces from 15 emerging and mid-career artists through Dec. 19. The opening reception was 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. 10-12 NE 41 St., Miami. Visit Eventbrite for more info or www.lucid designdistrict.com.
WYNWOOD WALLS: Sure to be one of the most talked-about pieces at Miami
Art Week is Dan Lam’s “A Subtle Alchemy.” Originally only two inches high, her cutting-edge sculpture, made from metal, styrofoam and epoxy and slathered with automotive paint, was supersized. You won’t be able to miss this behemoth at the Walls, through Dec. 10, as it’s now almost nine feet tall. The grand unveiling was 11 a.m. Dec. 3, followed by a conversation with Lam at 2 p.m. 2516 NW Second Ave. Visit museum.thewynwoodwalls .com
ICA MIAMI: You’re invited to First Fridays: Art Week Edition at 6 p.m.
Dec. 8 p.m. “Genre pushing” DJ Juliana Huxtable, along with the Tongue in the Mind band, will jam in the sculpture garden until 10 p.m. Free with advanced RSVP; tickets at the door are just 10 bucks. Institute of Contemporary Art, 61 NE 41st St., Miami Design District. ica miami.org; 305-901-5272.
SMORGASBURG:
The Wynwood open-air market transforms into a haven for foodies and art lovers alike. The urban hotspot will host a handful of open-to-the-public events with such partners as CocaCola, DoorDash, Diageo and Fever Tree, which are all offering specials from 6 p.m. to midnight Dec. 7-10. 2600 NW 2nd Ave., Miami. www. smorgasburgmiami.com
THE GOODTIME HOTEL: Vilebrequin will unveil swimsuits made in collab with such greats as Derrick Adams, Sylvie Fleury and Kenny Scharf while guests sip on Chateau D’Esclans rosé and shop at 5 p.m. Friday. The popup runs through Sunday. Guests receive a complimentary John Armelder pouch with their purchase, while supplies last. 601 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; The GoodtimeHotel.com.
SWAG/IN-STORE EVENTS
SWEETGREEN: This salad-lover’s paradise has tapped local muralist Emma Ortiz for a limited-edition tote inspired by SG’s healthy ingredients. Visit the Wynwood location to pick up a reusable bag free with an in-store entree purchase from Dec. 8-10. Insider info: The restaurant’s exterior mural was done by 305 artist Jen
Stark. 2621
NW 2nd
Ave, Miami, www.sweet green.com
FAIRS
FRIDGE: Also known as the “little fair that could,” Fridge, which originated on NYC’s Lower East Side, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This year is a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, with a rainbow theme. Dec. 6-10, Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove, 2649 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami; free; fridgeart fair.com
INK: The premiere fair for works on paper is celebrating its 16th year Dec. 6-10. Meander from room to room at the Art Deco Suites of Dorchester at your leisure. 1850 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; free; inkartfair.com
HIVE WYNWOOD: You’ve got art, entertainment and food all in one place at Wynwood Marketplace, Dec. 7-10. Check out activations and installations while you nibble, drink and listen to live DJ sets from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Among the highlights are a live mural painting of a life-size Modelo bottle, an interactive game zone and a photobooth for take-home souvenirs. 2250 NW 2nd Ave. RSVP for free drink at www.hivewynwood .com.
Madeleine Marr: madeleinemarr