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 the month of March, the gallery hosts Diana Benedetti. Works from her collection “Reality Bites” will be showcased. This collection balances realism and fantasy by using elements from nature and everyday life to tell the story of humanity. She contemplates social and cultural issues to show them in a new light of love and hope. With this series of paintings, the artist addresses the prolife issues by portraying children’s items. The little dresses and shoes represent the blessing of every child that is permitted to live a normal life without violence or trafficking. As she notes, “every child is perfect exactly the way God made him or her. Life is always beautiful and valuable!” Her website is Diana Benedetti Art.
During the month of April, the Miami Watercolor Society presents its 50th Anniversary juried Spring Show Exhibition at the Wirtz Gallery.
The Miami Watercolor Society is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization whose membership consists of a broad spectrum of water media painters. The culturally diverse society informs and educates members and others in the community by providing workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and classes. Our mission is to teach and promote watercolor painting.
