This years 5th annual IKF Art Auction Fundraiser is tonight and features 120+ works from local and international artists.

Featuring works by artists such as Jose Bedia, Pablo Cano, Wifredo Lam, Jose Iraola and many more:

From 7-10 at Villa 221- 221 NE 17th Street

Cocktails by Grey Goose

Live and Silent Auctions

$75 in advance, $100 at the door

Special pricing for MAM Contemporaries members- $30

For tickets and information call Niurka Del Valle- 305-585-1134

Come out to support a great cause and to snatch up some fantastic works of art at phenomenal prices!

www.wonderfund.org

Moving on! The Pulse brunch was fun, good food and drink and the outdoor lounge area featured performance artists and art installation/rope seating. My favorite pieces were by Al Farrow and were scale models of places of worship- cathedrals, mosques, synagogues made out of guns and ammunition.

I also loved the gorgeous installation by Heeseop Yoon at Mary Ryan Gallery. Up close the mural is swirls of black tape, standing back chaotic swirls form shapes and sketchy structures:

SCOPE had a brilliant installation by Olek at Christopher Henry the artist knit a car outside the fair and inside a room complete with TV, bathtub, bed… it was so so cool:

I also loved Matthais Schauwecker’s Godzilla Series- from a distance they looked like Kandinsky sketches, it was only up close that the various portraits of the monster became apparent:

I also found Colgate Searle‘s wire hanger sculpture/portraits of dogs absolutely charming. The artist also had a genius innovation for how to purchase his works by texting him!!

Spinello Gallery had more fantasy animals from Enrique Gomez de Molina

The Seven show had a mural that looked like the wall had exploded to reveal outer space courtesy of Adam Cvijanovic which I found beautiful:

I always love attending MAM‘s party on the plaza, this year they had a mac and cheese bar and hula hoop artists. They showed selections from the permanent collection and an exhibition by Susan Rothenberg that I enjoyed.  Then we hit the Sanrio 50th Anniversary Installation pop-up store to party with Hello Kitty! The shop featured candy “sushi” and a tattoo parlor, and Sanrio character art:

On our way to SCOPE’s party (which took place at a location where I am sure they must film porn!) we spotted these amazing dumpsters- proving that no space in Wynwood is off-limits for artistic expression:

As for the actual Art Basel, the big boy of all the fairs, its was overall sort of an underwhelming year. That’s not to say that VIP lounge wasn’t as glamorous as in past years, I did spot Gerard Butler and A-Rod respectively, but I can’t say that I saw anything that really blew me away. That’s not to say it wasn’t fun, I did like a few things I wouldn’t mind taking home with me such as the sculpture from Manolo Valdes and the owl print from Jean Pagliuso at Marlborough:

I would always, of course, love to go home with one of Hernan Bas‘ lush paintings at Fredric Snitzer:

We capped off the Basel festivities with a gorgeous fashion show for Chloe’s Spring line at the newly opened Miami outpost of the Soho House. Russell Simmons was holding court alongside the chic girls who will no doubt be sporting these looks:

All in all it was a fabulous week- Basel Tov!

Surprising the millions of people following his decision for weeks, he explained by saying that the Heat provided him with  the best opportunity to win championships, “I  can’t say it was always in my plans, because I never thought it was possible,” James said on a made-for-LeBron live show on ESPN. “But the things that the Miami Heat franchise have done, to free up cap space and be able to put themselves in a position this summer to have all three of us, it was hard to turn down. Those are two great players, two of the greatest players that we have in this game today.”

He is of course speaking about Dwane Wade, who LeBron described as “unselfish” someone who is a great team player, and Chris Bosh both of whom he played with in Beijing, and essentially the reason why he choose Miami over New York or Cleavland. The choice came down to wanting to play with teammates who could take him to the top and secure championships, he told the Associated Press, “all of us are ultimately going to take less money because we wanted to play along side each other and we feel like we can be great together.” Apparently we also have Mama James to thank- his mom encouraged him to go where she thought he would be happy- playing alongside Wade & Bosh.

By all accounts LeBron is going to be an amazing addition to this city. He has successfully avoided the pitfalls that have caused many young star athletes to stumble (Kobe Bryant’s and Ben Roethlisberger‘s indescretions come to mind), he has  handled his incredible fame with admirable maturity for a young man who became the #1 draft pick at age 18. His nickname is King James for a reason, alongside his god-like athletic ability, LeBron is a young man with a huge heart who gives back to the community, involving himself with charity work, starting the LeBron James Family Foundation to help children and single-parent households. Last night’s highly anticipated televised announcement drew millions in ad revenue, which he  also donated to charity.

Last nights announcement on ESPN was not without its negative reactions,  drawning strong criticism from his furious former boss Dan Gilbert in an open-letter to the city of Cleaveland resorting to name calling- stating LeBron was a “narcisstic” “coward” and “I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE” (good luck with that dude- you couldn’t win WITH him, you’re going to win WITHOUT KING JAMES?? HA! SOUR GRAPES!!!). His new teammate Dwane Wade rushed to support him,  stating to the Associated Press, “”I think I’m happy that I have the owner that I have here in Miami. I’m happy Micky Arison is my owner. I couldn’t believe it. I’m speechless. It’s very unfortunate and I think it makes LeBron that much better about his decision. We knew ‘Bron would take some backlash. I told him he’s a strong man for it.” His other future teammate Chris Bosh succinctly expressed everyone in Miami’s reaction by tweeting, “”Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! INDEED!!! Miami loves you and welcomes you with open arms KING JAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz have long been known for their passion for art and for championing cutting edge, conceptual and often local artists. Before they built this mini-museum to house their treasures they’ve had a gallery on their property which was open to the public for the past fifteen years. Now, like CIFO and the Rubell Collection they have made their collections more accessible by bringing their collection to the Wynwood/Downtown Miami area. The opening last night was to celebrate the works of Argentine artist Guillermo Kuitca:

Among the other works which I really enjoyed was a small and very personal installation of  correspondence the de la Cruz’ received from Felix Gonzalez-Torres over the years. Gonzalez-Torres was a Cuban conceptual artist who is considered very important- his works are in the MOMA and Guggenheim amongst other major museums. The de la Cruz’s have long-time championed his works, now deceased, the letters from the artists are a touching window into the life of an enigmatic talent:

The gallery also has a beautiful work by Cuban artist Cesar Trasobares, a series of leaves made out of flesh-colored marble. The artist was good enough to pose for a picture with his work:

There are several gorgeous pieces by American conceptual artist Jim Hodges whose whimsical works include his Diary of Flowers- a year’s worth of doodles of flowers on napkins and scraps of paper:

Local art stars Naomi Fisher and Hernan Bas who have their own art space, the fabulous Bas Fisher Invitational, also have works in the collection:

The collection is heavy on conceptual art and may sometimes mystify those who are unfamiliar with the meaning behind some of the works, such as the case with Ana Mendieta. One may wonder why there is a series of pictures of a woman smearing blood on a wall or a video of a woman’s body in a river. Mendieta was a Cuban artist who was known for performace/earth art- involving her body and its silhouette in nature-based often violent performances. She used her body as a tool for expression and in doing so inverted the traditional purpose of a woman’s body used as an object for viewing pleasure. The photographs are records of her performances; sadly her work carries an additional poignance as her life ended violently and tragically when she fell off a balcony.

The collection is not all serious- there are many humorous pieces and the space is large but not too large- a perfect art experience which will surely give plenty of food for thought and great conversation. Did I mention its also very nicely air conditioned and free?? A visit to the gallery is the perfect summer-time activity.

PLAN AHEAD & GET THERE EARLY- most places are going to be crowded- if you want a table or a place to sit you must get there right after work.

TAKE A CAB- seriously this is not the night to be driving around- the weather is bad, the cops are going to be out, you don’t want to have a night of celebrating turn into a nightmare. So with that in mind, read below, pick a spot and partake in merriment!:

The Irish Times: this South Miami tavern will most likely will be a scene for UM kids but guess is it will probably be less likely to be mobbed than some other spots.

Duffy’s Tavern in the Gables is one of Miami’s older no fuss no frills pubs. It has great burgers, cheap beer and probably less likely to be overrun by aforementioned Spring break vibe than other places.

Flanigans has a pretty loyal following, so it is likely to be packed with regulars and serious drinkers considering its open super late.

The Tavern in the Grove is seedy and dark- I used to get my cards “read” to me there by an aging hippie named Ellen back when I was in high school. Ellen is probably still there, as is the smell of stale beer in this dingy hole-in-the-wall. Still I am glad places like this still exist, if only to be a point of reference for people who grew up here.

John Martin’s on Miracle Mile is sure to be a blast but like most places the idea is to get there early! Last year it was a mob scene with a huge line to get in. Definitely going to be one of the more popular places tonight.

The Bar in the Gables turned into a block party last year- was really fun despite the bad weather.

One of my favorite new bars is Waxy O’ Connor’s which has two locations in Miami- the Brickell location is really nice- has beautiful old-world feel with banquettes and wood paneling. The location on South Beach is sure to be packed with tourists and (wait for it….) Spring Break revelry. It actually IS Spring Break, so for those of you who want to hang out with drunk Mid-Western girls, that is the place to be.

Last but certainly not least on my list is The Brickell Pub- this huge and very stylish bar feels a bit more like Epcot Center’s version of an Irish bar than anything I’ve ever experienced before. Still, its hugely popular and sure to be packed with people looking to party. My dear friend Annie Lord’s kickass cover band The Bailouts is performing tonight, so that’s where I’ll be. Bring on the Guinness!!

I admit, I don’t know much about the festival…  I don’t usually go see the debbie downer movies about AIDS in Iceland or what-have-you… I prefer the wierdo comedies in the spirit of The Baxter or Rushmore or Best in Show… So if I do go see a movie from the festival I will probably drag my boyfriend to see City Island with the resplendent Julianna Margulies (who is fabulous in The Good Wife), Andy Garcia, and that kid from Californication who plays Hank Moody’s daughter’s boyfriend. The story is about a family of compulsive liars living in the Bronx who don’t get along (wait- isn’t that the secret to getting along with your family… ??). It won the Audience Award at Tribeca Film Festival last year- so I’m thinking its a good bet.

BUT…. and its a big BUT… its the Oscar’s on Sunday and I still haven’t seen AVATAR much to the dismay of all those who have seen it who INSIST that I have to experience it in the theaters. Fine fine… its just that movies have gotten so expensive to go see and the last thing I want to do is spend my Friday or Saturday night at Sunset Place spending an hour trying to get out of that parking lot!

So not sure, I may go see flying blue people just so I know what the fuss is all about on Sunday. There is no way am I seeing Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire… and no I did not need to look it up to know the whole title, I watched the SAG awards and Golden Globes so that damn title is sticking with me till I die. Don’t get me wrong I loves me some Mo’Nique- who was amazing in Phat Girlz BTW- so I will be rooting for her come Sunday. Still I just can’t for some reason… So its either the big-Hollywood-blockbuster-highest-grossing-film-of-all-time (!) or the indies. Either way I see a bag of Twizzlers in my future.

Irene’s pieces manage to look  timeless yet absolutely original, and since she is a California girl whose major design inspiration is the ocean, her jewelry looks right at home here in South Florida.

Irene Neuwirth is a serious talent- she was nominated for a CFDA award in 2008 (its the equivalent of the Oscar’s to the fashion world) and her jewelry has become increasingly popular- I am a HUGE fan of her work and have noticed over the years that I can’t open up a magazine without seeing one of her designs! Luckily for me (and all the fashion obsessed girls in Miami) I now have a local venue to peruse and admire first hand!

Friday night the Delano should be fantastic at the  Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ presented by Allen Brothers hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Friends $350 general admission, 7:30-11pm

Saturday night at the Fontainebleau another round of celebrity chefs host an Italian dinner party: Midnight Amore at $125 per person features food by Scott Conant & Rocco DiSpirito & Alex Guarnaschelli

Last but certainly not least, on Sunday Joe’s is hosting a brunch called Joe’s Big Chill at $175 the brunch includes stone crabs, hash browns, prosecco belinnis and more- should be amazing!

There are still tickets available to wine courses and seminars throughout the weekend too. For more information check out sobefest.com

The best cards around are by KISS greetings- photographed and designed by Miami photographer Bridges Aderhold  www.bridgesaderhold.com . These cards are like works of art- printed on heavy paper and gorgeous they can be framed as a lovely memento. They are available at Books & Books or at  www.kissgreetings.net 

These beautiful cards are available online (order today to get them in time) or at Books & Books

 If you are looking to get sweets for your sweet look no further than the amazing cookies from Sucre:

This Miami-based company makes beautiful candy grams, chocolate cookies, strawberry & guava hearts! Order today to get them in time for Valentine’s Day- need 48 hours to complete an order, prices are between $10-15 a dozen, special requests welcome! Call 786-260-3760, 786-314-8068 or contact sucre@bellsouth.net

For your four-legged love, The Raleigh is hosting a pet-friendly brunch- “My Furry Valentine” features  brunch, matchmaking and adoptions benefiting Miami Pets Alive (MPA). A special menu features tasty treats, priced from $12 to $24, for humans and dogs along with MPA volunteers “matching” single guests in need of a little loving. Brunch served from 11am to 3pm. For reservations contact events@raleighhotel.com 305-612-1173 www.raleighotel.com

If you’re looking for a romantic setting the InterContinental Miami,  http://www.icmiamihotel.com  is offering specialized accommodation and/or spa packages. All are based on 2 people and are set at different budgets for the many ways to say I love you:

The Proposal- $999
§         Overnight accommodations in Presidential Suite
§         Moonlit couple’s massage at mySpa in the Ocean Suite
§         Private dinner/cooking presentation with your personal chef in the Ocean Suite
§         Personalized robes
§         In-suite breakfast
§         Rose petal and champagne turn-down
§         Full access to the pool, steam, sauna, fitness center and relaxation lounge
 
Love You Package  $599
§         Overnight accommodations in the Parlor Suite
§         post-massage naps and essential oil baths at the mySpa guest suite
§         Rose petal and champagne turn-down
§         Full access to the pool, steam, sauna, fitness center and relaxation lounge
 
Like You Package $399
§         Welcome glass of champagne
§         mySuite at mySpa – Enjoy any treatment side by side in our duet suite.
§         Lunch at Indigo
§         Full access to the pool, steam, sauna, fitness center and relaxation lounge

Single’s Ladies Anti V-Day Package – $150
Express Mani/Pedi Combo
30 minute Power myMassage
 30 minute Power mySkincare
 includes complimentary glass of champagne and strawberries

For reservations call: 1-305-5771000

HAPPY VALENTINE”S DAY! I LOVE all my readers! XOXOXO

Tonight is the closing night for “Florilegio”,  artist Jose Iraola’s beautiful show of hyper-surrealist flower photographs. Iraola uses a broken camera to create lush and haunting images; when the camera started warping images he initially tried to get it fixed but after an unsuccessful attempt he decided to work with the effect rather than fight it. The results are reminiscent of early photographic images created with pinhole cameras- a very basic version of a camera which is not much more than a simple box with a hole allowing light through. These pinhole cameras would allow light to “leak” the sides creating surrealistic distortions, like this image from photographer Sally Mann:

What sets Iraola’s work apart is the saturated color, which makes his images seem more like POP art than surrealism.  A review by the The New Times discusses with the artist the comparisons to Andy Warhol’s very famous POP flowers:

www.miaminewtimes.com/2010-01-28/culture/at-edge-zones-in-wynwood-three-photographers-search-for-hidden-patterns-in-the-everyday/

Tonight is the last night to see the show:

Edge Zones Art Center

47 NE 25th St, Miami FL 33137   www.edgezones.org