As we approach summer we can reflect on another trip around the sun with year of art in review.
This year the sun was shining on Florida’s ever popular event season. The festive art season starts with embracing Carnaval events in and around South Florida and the famed Fantasy Fest set in Key West, Florida.
Focusing on a celebration of the Key West bicentennial celebration, crowning the “King” and “Queen” of the ball grabs the attention of locals and tourist during October.
A return trip to Key West ensured Thirsty Mermaid was the first stop for weary travelers on Fleming Street. And there it was - a decadent plate of Mac and Cheese croquettes to feast on while waiting on some of my favorite local seafood . A side of northeastern origin oysters and a glass of wine later I was reminded why I visit this restaurant almost every time I visit Key West.
I took a moment to reflect on both old and new - so I purchased one old book and one new one. Once centered around Hemingway’s third marriage. If at first you don’t succeed…you can visit the Hemingway House to acclaim you too are a certified Key West tourist. A visit to the Key West Museum makes it easy to understand why Duval Street is often called the longest street in the world and why Guy Harvey is more than a favorite collab art of clothing brands.
Sometimes adventure is trying the familiar all over again- with a twist. In March 2023, another trip to Key West beaconed. New stops were the goal of this get away. A trip to the Ilvedson Brothers art studio with minimalist, colorful art was the perfect place to start followed by a refreshing libation at a wine bar across the street boasted another memorable Key West happy hour. Of course, I had to pick up a print to add to my collection and easily settled on the simply beautiful “Rooster to Roost” from Loren Ilvedson.
A quick check in at the famed Conch Hotel of Duval Street to cool off made me think of Hemingway and Tennessee Willams walking these floors decades before. An hour later we whisked away to visit one of my new favorite bars in Key West where visitors can refresh their palette with a homemade ginger beer vodka cocktail at The Roost on Fleming. They have a happy hour from noon to six pm - and it is worth a stop. Of course, the Key West Guild Hall co-op art gallery on Duval was a must visit before making our way back to Miami.
As some celebrate all things new, we can also recall old favorites like Miami’s 2022 Art Basel, and the 2023 Coconut Grove Arts Festival. In between the bookends of big events, we took time to take in Miami art scene and visit local galleries such as the Miami Fine Arts Gallery and one of Miami’s artist co-ops - Art Fusion Miami Gallery in the Wynwood district where Gallery Night on Second Saturdays are celebrated monthly from 7-10 pm EST. If you are great at planning outings in advance - there is a wait list for the also free Second Saturdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami in downtown Miami. The wait list is about two weeks so call early.
While newness can be bright, shiny, so can some adventures worth a second, or third, or fourth time around.
New works by Wakeah Jhane art featured here. Her work is timeless and somehow brings the past into the future. Her graphic art piece was selected by Yahoo featured for a celebration Native American Heritage Month (November 2023).
The artist featured here is Humberto Benitez of Coral Gables, Carol Rezba of Key West (part-time), and Loren Illivedson of Key West. The music is Bob Marley.