Social Miami Art about town

Lichtenstein at Fairchild
Through May 31

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is hosting an exhibition of one of the world's most iconic Pop artists, Roy Lichtenstein. Fairchild, one of the world's premier botanic gardens and Miami-Dade County's oldest cultural institution, is hosting the large scale sculpture exhibition as part of its annual art program. With sculptures ranging from 8 to 30 feet high, Lichtenstein at Fairchild marks the largest sculptural exhibition of Lichtenstein's pieces in a naturalistic setting. Sculptures are on display daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through May 31, 2008. Beginning December 13, Fairchild will remain open for Pop'n Tropical Nights on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Day admission is $20 adults, $15 seniors 65+, $10 children 6-17, and free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. Night Admission is $20 Fairchild members, $15 member children 6-17; $30 non-members, $20 non-member children 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.



Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami
305-667-1651



Shakespeare in the Park - Miami 2008
Thursday – Sunday
January 17 – 20

Shakespeare Miami opens its 2008 season with one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Colleen Stovall. Written in prose in straightforward language, it's considered one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays. Set on the cusp of the 1960's in Louisiana, this production of Much Ado About Nothing swings with music of the era. With Donia Aguero (pictured) as Beatrice and Earlington Taylor as the woman-hating cad, Benedick, Shakespeare's most famous battle of the sexes is in good hands. Performances are Thurs-Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun at 4 p.m. Admission is free; no tickets or reservations required. Bring a picnic and a blanket or low lawn chair as only lawn and bleacher seating is available. Free parking at the Coconut Grove Convention Center.



Peacock Park
McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove
City of Miami Events Hotline at 311






Steven & Dorothea Green Critics' Lecture Series
Friday
January 18 at 8 p.m.

Lance Fung, known for organizing cutting-edge exhibitions, lectures about "The Life of a Globe-trotting Curator," as part of the Frost Art Museum's popular lecture series. Fung will be the curator of the first international large-scale exhibition of public installations in Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and was also chosen as curator for the 2008-09 SITE Santa Fe Biennial exhibit which opens this summer. When asked about his professional life in the arts, Fung humorously describes it as "total dedication, chastity and poverty." The lecture is free and open to the public.



Frost Art Museum at FIU University Park Campus
PC110, S.W. 107th Avenue and 8th Street, Miami
305-348-2890




Lawrence Murray Dixon: Art Deco Master
Opening Friday
January 18

During the 1930s, architect Lawrence Murray Dixon (1901-1949) was a crucial figure in the development of the "Tropical Art Deco" style on Miami Beach. Working for clients who hoped to appeal to New Yorkers, he reinterpreted urban Art Deco to suit a seaside resort. Within only a few years, he designed the buildings and interior decor of 42 hotels in what is now known as the Historic Art Deco District. Dixon was one of the first architects to build large-scale hotels in the Art Deco style in Miami Beach, bringing in the jazz-age style of machine-age optimism and prosperity. The drawings and marvelous duotone photographs in this Bass Museum exhibition will show these landmark buildings in their original, pristine state. Pictured: Lobby of the Atlantis Hotel, 1936 (Demolished 1973).



Bass Museum of Art
2121 Park Avenue, Miami Beach
305-673-7530




"Miracle Tomato"
Friday & Saturday
January 18 & 19 at 8 p.m.

Actress/playwright Jessica Cerullo has created a hilarious one-woman show, a traveling story of love, bioengineering and the search for a home. Angelina is traveling the world and, together with her two identical triplet sisters and her ancestor Cristoforo Columbo, she takes the audience on an incredible journey. In the Miracle Tomato, the dialogue is not fully scripted, and how Cerullo gets her message across depends entirely on the audience's reaction. You'll find it a heart-warming experience and gain a newfound respect for tomatoes! Tickets for the FIU Theatre production are $9 on Friday, and $10 for general admission and $9 for seniors, FIU students and alumni on Saturday.



FIU Wertheim Performing Arts Center
10910 S.W. 17th Street, Miami
305-348-3789




DanceNow! Sneak Peek at Art Deco Weekend
Saturday
January 19 at 2 and 4 p.m.

Dance Now! Ensemble unveils an excerpt from its newest production, "Secondary Colors" that will be premiered at the Colony Theater in February. Artistic directors Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salternini blend the dance forms of ballet, modern and jazz as painters mix pigments to create their own colors. Secondary Colors creates a work of art that paints the stage with bold strokes countered by nuanced hues.



7th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
305-672-2014




William Tuck: From Jupiter to Venus
Saturday
January 19 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Galerie Bertin Toublanc invites you to the opening of an exhibition of paintings by William Tuck, "From Jupiter to Venus." Tuck, a graduate from Wimbledon School of Art and Royal Academy of Arts, uses airbrush and varnish to create a photographic effect on his paintings. He's inspired by the grandeur of Greek mythology, basing the composition on an existing painting and setting up a tableaux with cheap toys and other accessories. Pictured: Tuck's "Venus Envy," 84.2" x 62.2", acrylic and varnish on canvas.



Galerie Bertin Toublanc
2534 N. Miami Avenue, Miami
305-573-3554




Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk
Saturday
January 19 at 7 p.m.

Join fellow art lovers this Saturday evening and every 3rd Saturday of the month for ArtWalk in Historic Downtown Hollywood. Visit galleries & shops while enjoying art, music, hors d'oeuvres & wine as you stroll through downtown. Begin at Comfort Zone Studio and pick up a map that will guide you to participating galleries & shops. On-street parking is available on Harrison Street, Hollywood Boulevard and 21st Avenue, or you can find garage parking at Van Buren & 20th Avenue.



Begin at Comfort Zone Studio
2028 Harrison Street, Downtown Hollywood
954-921-3016




Sing-Along and Screening of "Grease"
Saturday
January 19 at 7 p.m.

See John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in one of the most popular movies ever - "Grease," hosted by Arts at St. Johns. It's a night for the whole family to enjoy. Prize awarded to the best costume so get out your poodle skirts and saddle shoes and have a ball singing along to this classic. Popcorn, candy and cold drinks available for a small fee. Donations accepted.



St. John's on the Lake
4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach
305-613-2325




St. Martha-Yamaha Concert Series
Saturday
January 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The St. Martha-Yamaha Concert Series welcomes Miami-born soprano Sandra Lopez and special guest David Malis who will perform their favorite selections from opera, canciones, zarzuelas and Broadway show tunes. Lopez won the International Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and Malis is the first American winner of the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. They will be accompanied by Artistic Director Paul Posnak. Tickets are $10 general admission and $20 Blue Circle preferred seating. All ticket holders are invited to meet the artists at a post-concert reception in the St. Martha Atrium. The series is sponsored by TotalBank; this concert by AkermanSenterfitt.



St. Martha Church
9301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores
1-800-595-4849




Opening Night for 2008 Miami Jewish Film Festival
Saturday
January 19 at 8 p.m.

The 2008 Miami Jewish Film Festival opens with the Miami Premiere of "The Year My Parents Went on Vacation," a subtle and superbly crafted Brazilian film, directed by Cao Hamburger. It's the story of 12 year-old Mauro whose life drastically changes when his left-wing parents are forced into hiding and he is sent into an alien environment of a Jewish community. "This Brazilian film has the power to reach out to audiences all over the world," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Portuguese/Yiddish with English Subtitles.



Colony Theater
1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
1-888-585-3456




The Ricordi Opera Gala
Saturday
January 19 at 8 p.m.

Metropolitan Opera Stars Aprile Millo, Eduardo Villa, Mark Rucker and special guests Eglise Gutierrez and Gregory Schmidt, together with the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami, conducted by Music Director Elaine Rinaldi, will perform at Orchestra Miami's Ricordi Opera Gala. The concert and a special pre-concert cocktail reception, a benefit for Orchestra Miami and the Frost School of Music, pay tribute to Casa Ricordi. Patron tickets for the Casa Ricordi Bicentennial Celebration begin at $150 and include VIP concert seating, private reception, commemorative medallion and the Ricordi Bicentennial publication with replicas of historical Ricordi family documents. General admission tickets are available from Ticketmaster beginning at $18 or in person at the Auditorium Box Office.

Casa Ricordi is revered by opera and music lovers worldwide for its role in printing, disseminating and preserving some of the most magnificent music produced in the last two centuries. This benefit has been spearheaded by Dr. Camillo Ricordi, seventh generation descendant of founder Giovanni Ricordi. Honorary Chairs are Patricia and Phillip Frost and opera legend and international star Renata Scotto and her husband, Lorenzo Anselmi.



Miami Dade County Auditorium
2901 West Flagler Street, Miami
305-804-9705




Symphony with a Splash
Saturday
January 19 at 8 p.m.

Begin with a complimentary happy hour, then enjoy a fun, short concert with action-packed music. "Made in America" is the perfect introduction to orchestral music if you're a novice. Gershwin's "An American in Paris," a popular hybrid of jazz and classical music, will get you humming and ready to pack your bags for the City of Light. Barber's "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" defines quiet American splendor. Take advantage of New World Symphony's leisurely happy hour as an opportunity to network with other professionals, or just bring some friends, relax and enjoy the show. Tickets are $25.



Lincoln Theatre
541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-673-3331




57th Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art
Saturday & Sunday
January 19 & 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Beaux Arts Festival, started in 1950 as a clothesline sale in front of the Lowe Art Museum, is now a prestigious juried show that is recognized as one of the leading art festivals in the country. Over 300 of the finest artists and craftsmen assemble for the 2-day event, which also features fine cuisine, live entertainment and the Art Park for kids ages 5 - 12. This hands-on workshop is held at the Lowe where children can create their own art during festival hours. The cost is $10 per hour per child with proceeds going to Beaux Arts to support art education for underprivileged children.



Lowe Art Museum grounds at UM
Stanford Drive, Coral Gables
305-725-0041




2008 Miami Jewish Film Festival
January 19 – 27

Throughout the nine days of the 2008 Miami Jewish Film Festival, themes of alienation, intolerance, friendship, and religious identity are explored through a unique collection of films and engaging discussions. Following many screenings, guest actors, directors and educators present views that will enhance the film-goers experience. The award-winning lineup of national and international films includes: "My Father My Lord", a powerful and heartbreaking contemporary version of the biblical story, the binding of Isaac; "Steel Toes" a provocative exploration of the inescapable and insidious presence of racial and religious intolerance in our society; and "Unsettled", a thought-provoking look at the senseless human toll in executing a political policy. Festival films are screened at various venues, including the Colony Theater and Regal Cinema South Beach 18 on Miami Beach; Bill Cosford at UM in South Miami; and Sunrise Cinema at Intracoastal Mall in North Miami Beach. Fast Passes available that include entry to all films. Individual tickets are $7 for MJFF members, $11 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Call or visit the website for complete information and schedules.



Venues through Miami-Dade County
1-888-585-3456




A City Sings for Martin Luther King
Sunday
January 20 at 3 p.m.

Temple Israel's Director of Music, Dr. Alan Mason, has assembled an impressive roster of choral and dance ensembles to perform at this concert to honor Dr. Martin Luther King and Miami's diversity of cultures. Music will be performed in a variety of languages, including English, Creole, Hebrew, Spanish, French and American Sign Language. The concert is free and open to the public.



Temple Israel
137 N.E. 19th Street, Miami
305-573-5900




Sunday Tea
Sunday
January 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.

"Faces of Change," a documentary that tells the story of 5 activists from 5 different continents who relay unique video dispatches from their respective corners of the world - Brazil, India, Mauitania, Bulgaria and the United States. They walk us through their lives, experiences and societies as we see the world through their eyes. This is the first "Sunday Tea" hosted by the Women's International Film & Arts Festival. Enjoy exotic teas, delicious hors d'oeuvres and engaging discussion. $15 for members; $20 for non-members.



WIFF CineArt Lounge
3606 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove
305-653-9700




Sunday Afternoon in Zu's Garden
Sunday
January 20 from 3 to 7 p.m.

"Natures Findings," sculptures and ceramics in the garden of Zu Galeria features artists Elena Cuenca and Ana Mae Hernandez (known as Artists at Work), Rosalia Riera, and Mari Sanchez will exhibit their latest works. Also on exhibit are "Perpetuidad de la Imagen," Salvador Lorenzo's acrylics on canvas and all original works by Mayra Abo, Julsan, Jose Ramon Morales, Ana Maria Sarlat, Carlos Sutil, Yosvany Teijeiro, and Yordis.



Zu Galeria Fine Arts
2248 S.W. 8th Street, Miami
786-443-5872




"Meet the Dancers"
Sunday
January 20 at 7 p.m.

Experience the world of dance from the inside out with Momentum Dance Company. The dancers warm up in a short onstage class conducted by Josée Garant, Momentum's new Associate Artistic Director, as they prepare to perform excerpts from the company's 2008 repertory. See "The Exiles," the 1951 masterwork by Jose Limon; "Grow!," created by Artistic Director Delma Iles in 2006; "Brecht Suite," a piece by Iles set to cabaret songs by Berthold Brecht/Kurt Weill; and a sneak preview of "Voices," a new work by Garant. Meet Momentum's international group of artists and choreographers and learn about their backgrounds and personal interests. Tickets are $15 general admission and $8 for students and seniors.



Colony Theater
1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-858-7002




Screening of "My Mexican Shiva"
Monday
January 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join The Tribe at the Miami Jewish Film Festival for the screening of "My Mexican Shiva." Revolving around the seven day shivah of patriarch Moishe Tartakovsky, this black comedy centers around the actions of a colorful (if not a bit dysfunctional) Jewish-Mexican family. Terrific score by the Klezmatics; directed by Alejandro Springall. Advance purchase necessary - call to RSVP. Tickets are $7 for Tribe members; general admission $10.



Regal South Beach
1120 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-538-7231, Ext. 224 (Sharon Hoffman)




Nicola Benedetti
Monday
January 21 at 8 p.m.

Nicola Benedetti, Europe's violin sensation, will perform a program of Bach, Brahms, Ravel and Saint-Saens presented by Concert Association of Florida. Benedetti was named BBC's Young Musician of the Year in 2004, and in 2007 was nominated for Classical BRIT Awards for Young British Classical Performer of the Year. Playing an Earl Spencer Stradivarius, circa 1712, and accompanied by Julien Quentin at piano, the Scottish violinist will captivate the audience with Bach's Chaconne from the Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor; Brahms' Sonata for violin & piano No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108; Ravel's Sonata for violin & piano in G Major as well as Tzigane; and Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor. Tickets are $63, $54, $45, $27 and $18.



Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
1-877-311-7469 (Box Office)




Don Quixote Sculpture Exhibition
Thursday
January 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The "Don Quixote" sculpture series by Spanish painter/sculptor Cristóbal Gabarrón opens with a reception at Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Each of the 11 sculptures represents a primary character of the classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes. In keeping with the theme, students of the FIU Theatre Arts Department will perform excerpts from "Don Quixote" and songs from the musical "The Man of La Mancha." The exhibition, on view through February 7, and reception are free and open to the public.



Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
305-673-7256, Ext. 203