ARTWALK SEASON TAKES A BOW

The Shops at Sunset Place has initiated a series of art installations including the entrance plaza columns and murals throughout the center. Meet some of the artists – see SOMI Magazine Vol. XI, No. 6, page 35 and in this issue the following page.

Finishing up its nineth year, the 2016-17 SOMIartwalk© in our town center wrapped up its six-month program on Friday, March 10.

Artwalk is held on the second Friday of the month from October through March, and from 6-9p the area business district opens its doors to artists, and visitors enjoy engaging with visual and performing artists on the sidewalks throughout town until 10p. Unlike other communities which have multiple art galleries and host art night events, South Miami relies on responsive establishments and its tree-lined sidewalks to host artists.

Isabel’s Fine Home Accessorites hosted Meme Ferré at her store in February. Joining at the artist reception was her father, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre and recently elected State Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez.

Southwood Magnet Art Students present their paintings in an exhibit titled “Birds in their Habitats” at the Tropical Audubon Society.

Artwalk typically starts at The Wirtz Gallery at the First National Bank of South Miami, the first of several “host venues” participating in artwalk. The gallery hosts local and international artists each month of the year, and an artist’s reception is held on the second Friday. Heading west from the bank on Sunset Drive in the Bank’s Courtyard, RESPICE – Independent Republic, a concept store is open to show their unique independent life-style brands, and Respice hosted local students’ artwork during the season. In the courtyard is the Humberto Benitez painted manatee “Celebration,” from the South Miami Manatee Exhibit (2013). Further down Sunset toward US1, Bhoom Shanti as “fashion is art” showcases beautiful Indian clothes & jewelry, and offered Henna tattooing outside the store. And Miami’s premier contemporary design gallery, arango, stays open to show their latest functional designs.

Henna Tattooing

Heading east from the bank, on 57th Court, Just OM Yoga features art and artists in the genre of yoga, angels and spirituality. On Red Road, between 73rd & 74th Streets, Isabel Fine Home Accessories exhibits a different artist in her store each month. Isabel’s is a popular stop on artwalk

Across Red Road on the east side of Sunset Drive, visit the National Historic Designated Doc Thomas House home of the Tropical Audubon Society (TAS). They are one of the artwalk anchor exhibitors and enjoy hosting student and professional artists showing environmental themes.

South Miami Middle School Jazz Band has performed at artwalk for the past seven years. Other student music ensembles performing this year were Miami Palmetto Senior Jazz Band and Palmetto Elementary Jazz Combo.

The SOMI Sidewalk Showcase features the visual and performing arts and showcases emerging student and professional artists and groups. Participating this season’s artwalk were students from South Miami Senior High School Arts Honor Society, South Miami Middle School, South Miami K-8 Expressive Arts Magnet, Palmetto Elementary School, Palmetto High School, Pinecrest Elementary School, Killian High School Silver Knight Nominees, Southwood Magnet Arts and Miami Dade College participated in events. New this season was “Pop-Up” comedy with “Dead Funny,” and on-street rehearsals for a UM Ring Theatre musical production.

Members of the South Miami Senior High School JROTC serve as Artwalk Ambassadors, distributing artwalk maps & the SOMI Shopping & Dining Guide to our visitors.

A SOMIartwalk© After Party was hosted at Tea & Poets at Sunset Place, providing live entertainment and drink specials.

SOMIartwalk© is co-presented by the City of South Miami, ChamberSOUTH and SOMI Magazine, and sponsored in part by ChamberSOUTH, First National Bank of South Miami, JES Communications, Massage Envy SPA, Miro’s Boutique, Sergio’s Printing, South Miami Jewelry & Antiques, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, The Dog from Ipanema, The Shops at Sunset Place and Town Kitchen + Bar. Media sponsors: Community Newspapers/South Miami News, WDNA Serious Jazz Radio and SOMI Magazine.