Located in the lobby of UNITED COMMUNITY Banking Center (formerly First National Bank of South Miami), each month The Wirtz Gallery exhibits local and international artists. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 9a-4p; Friday, 9a-6p. Artist receptions are generally held on the second Friday of the month from 6-8p and are open to the public. The bank is located at 5750 Sunset Drive, South Miami.
Located in the lobby of UNITED COMMUNITY Banking Center (formerly First National Bank of South Miami), each month The Wirtz Gallery exhibits local and international artists. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 9a-4p; Friday, 9a-6p. Artist receptions are generally held on the second Friday of the month from 6-8p and are open to the public. The bank is located at 5750 Sunset Drive, South Miami.
THE WIRTZ GALLERY is named in honor of the Wirtz family patriarch Arthur M. Wirtz of Chicago. Wirtz made his fortune in real estate and liquor distribution; he created the business in 1922. The Wirtz Corp. also owns the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team and co-owns the United Center arena— where the Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls play. When the gallery opened, it was reportedly the first bank in the United States to have a registered gallery within the institution.
During January, the gallery is hosting an exhibit of Terry Kaplan, whose unique vintage textiles on photos are showcased. Getting Lost in the Details is a fitting name for her collages. Her collage works began as an evolution of 17th century portraits. Kaplan notes that she “chose a portion of the portrait to reinterpret and redefine from subject to object. What was once a personal statement to display social class, wealth, taste in fashion, sexual appeal, political and religious beliefs is now something new and different.” In her works, delicate pieces of embroidery, lace and ribbon from vintage saris, semi-precious gems, antique and vintage steel cut and composition flecked buttons, seed, bugle and French glass beads, vintage jewelry from markets all over the world are used toe accent the images, ink and glitter draw attention to the fine details. Each collage is finished with six layers of fixative. Each print is a one-of-a-kind collage signed by the artist.
During the month of February, the South Florida National Parks Camera Club will be exhibiting photography by its many members.
The South Florida National Parks Camera Club welcomes you to join them. SFNPCC is a growing, active club of photographers spanning all ages and skill levels, offering a fun mix of opportunities and ways to participate.
The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month. All meetings begin at 6:00p and conclude around 7:45p. “In Person” meetings are held at the Pinecrest Branch Library, 5835 SW 111th Street. “Zoom” meetings are indicated in the event announcement – links are emailed to members prior to the meeting. Members and guests are invited to arrive early to socialize before the meeting begins. Browse their website (www.sfnpcc.org) or contact them at info@sfnpcc.org.
Area Stage is an award-winning theatre organization that offers world-class professional productions, a vibrant conservatory program, and opportunities for underserved populations and theatre artists of all abilities.
Founded by John and Maria Rodaz in 1989, the 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization began as one of the pioneers of the Miami Beach arts community on Lincoln Road. Since its inception, Area Stage has presented a mix of contemporary and classic plays, world premieres, and immersive theatrical experiences, quickly “changing the perception and standards of what South Florida’s theatres can and should be,” according to the Sun-Sentinel, which described the organization as “one of the most influential theatres in the region.” In 2008, Area Stage moved into the beautiful Riviera Theatre in Coral Gables, a dream come true and an opportunity for the company to reinvent itself. With a reimagined mission and vision, the company established a professional-level conservatory program in addition to maintaining a full season of professional productions, concerts, and community events. In 2014, the Inclusion Theatre Project (ITP) was established, a life-changing program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
In 2020, Area Stage moved to The Shops at Sunset Place. Its current headquarters, built from the ground up for its needs, hosts state-of-the-art dance and voice studios and a black box theatre.
With a vision of unceasing growth, Area Stage aspires to remain a key component of South Florida’s artistic and cultural growth now and in the future.
The Area Stage Rodaz family, John, Maria Banda & son Giancarlo with internationally renowned architectural designer Thomas Heatherwick at Sunset Place. It is anticipated that Area Stage will be in the mix of space for the newly designed project.
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
LOVE FOR LULY: A FUNDRAISING CABARET
February 8, 2025
Area Stage is hosting a special fundraising cabaret performance for Luly Banda, the sister of our Executive Director, Maria Banda-Rodaz. Luly has been diagnosed with an aggressive tumor, requiring a highly invasive brain surgery. The financial burden is overwhelming for the family, compounded by the emotional strain of this reality.
This event will feature performances by our Mainstage professionals, Conservatory students, and Inclusion Theatre Project actors. Area Stage Company invites you to join us for this evening of compassion and celebration of family.
LADY MIASMA
April 2025
(Workshop Production) Some fairytales begin with a dream…others begin with a nightmare. Long ago in the distant land of Umbra, countless knights have met their end trying to rescue the Kingdom’s long-lost Princess Miasma from her towering prison. When a restless peasant boy named Bertram finally succeeds where others have failed, he uncovers a chilling secret: the true danger lies not in the tower, but in the Princess herself. Recommended for Ages 13 and up!
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION,
PLEASE CONTACT AREA STAGE COMPANY AT 305.666.2078
The Shops at Sunset Place
5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 286
South Miami, FL, 33143
http://www.areastage.org
