Miami Renaissance
The exhibit Happy Together reveals an exciting range of the themes of David LaChapelle from 1985 to present, showing how they have become a mirror of the time we live in, while providing a glimpse into the future. Highlights of the exhibition include: Archangel Uriel (1985); My Own Marilyn (2002); After The Deluge: Museum (2007); Spree (2019-2020); Behold (2015); and Revelations (2019), inspired by the biblical book of the same name. His newest work, Three Graces (male) (2023) will also be on view. Now thru Mar. 2; VisuGallery.com.
Night At The Opera
The Florida Grand Opera will welcome a select 200 VIP guests to their 82nd Anniversary Gala themed “What would you do for love?” to preview the exciting new 2024/25 season. The black-tie event will be a feast for the senses, featuring a digital and immersive opera experience that integrates sight, sound, scent and taste seamlessly. “We are excited to welcome you to what promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating the legacy and future of opera in an ambiance of unparalleled sophistication and joy,” says Tina Vidal-Duart, Chair of the FGO Board of Directors and Gala Chairwoman. Nicknamed “The Met South” by the many distinguished artists who have graced its stage, including Luciano Pavarotti, FGO continues to present internationally-acclaimed stars and fast-rising artists; March 16 @ The Temple House, Miami Beach; FGO.org/Gala.
Piece By Piece
Former NYC corporate lawyer turned artistic visionary, Nathan Sawaya is not just an artist, he’s a trailblazer, making his mark on the contemporary art world with The Art Of The Brick, a playful, profound and thought-provoking display of contemporary artistry in an unparalleled and completely approachable tour-de-force of Pop Art and Surrealism. With more than 1 million LEGO bricks that collectively form 150+ sculptures, there is no limit to how high your imagination soars. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring interpretations of globally celebrated masterpieces by Michelangelo, Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci. Channel your inner Barbie aspirations with an interactive selfie-stop in the plastic “Pink Dream” room. Open your heart and mind in the presence of the iconic Yellow sculpture, a life-size representation of a man pulling his chest apart with 11,014 bricks flowing from the cavity — a reminder that each of us has an artist within; Thru March 2024; TheArtOfTheBrickExpo.com.
Artistic Growth
Back in 1963, Coconut Grove was Miami’s original art district. Local theatre maven Charlie Cinnamon decided to celebrate its uniqueness by asking a handful of locals to recreate an outdoor Parisian exhibition as a publicity stunt for the Coconut Grove Playhouse’s production of Irma La Douce. A native of New York, he moved to Miami in the late ‘50s eager to make his mark on the city. Ironically, it was a visit to the Coconut Grove Playhouse that finally launched him on his path to becoming a key figure in Miami’s arts world. Six decades later, his little clothesline arts fair has morphed into the world-class Coconut Grove Arts Festival — one of the largest outdoor arts festivals in the nation; Feb. 17-19; CGAF.org.
