Opening Reception for Alberto Baraya and FIU Faculty Exhibitions at the Frost Art Museum
Wednesday, September 18, 2013, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum,
10975 SW 17th Street
Miami, FL 33199

Admission: Free

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU opens its fall 2013 season with renowned Colombian artist Alberto Baraya’s Naturalism/Artificiality: Expeditions, and Research of the Herbarium of Artificial Plants, and exhibitions of the works of two FIU faculty members, Michael Namkung and Pip Brant. An opening reception for all of these exhibits will be held at the Museum on Wednesday, September 18, from 6 to 9 pm. Refreshments will be served and the reception is open to the public and free of charge.

Alberto Baraya:
For more than a decade, Colombian artist Alberto Baraya has produced works of art which question and parody the agendas and empirical objectivity of seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth-century European expeditions that purported to scientifically collect and quantify the indigenous flora, fauna and peoples of the Americas. His exhibition presents his findings and projects based on travels to Acre, Bogotá, Gainesville, Indianapolis, Long Beach and Machu Picchu, and includes selected works from the series Herbarium of Artificial Plants, The Fable of the Birds, and Anthropometries.
In his Herbarium of Artificial Plants, Baraya uses found objects such as silk, plastic or glass flowers and leaves, to create beautiful taxonomies. Science and art are combined with drawings and annotations related to his research, as well as to the social and political implications of his findings. Perhaps the most ambitious project of the Herbarium series is the Latex Tree, originally produced for the 27th São Paulo Biennial. The outer layer of the latex tree was peeled off from the man-produced tree and exhibited during the Biennial. In addition to presenting a visually striking piece, the project provided a commentary on the exploitation of rubber in nineteenth-century Brazil. The Fable of the Birds features photographs of stuffed birds, typical of the Americas, leading the viewer to different ways of contemplating controlled landscapes: the landscape of dissected and stuffed birds as a scientific instrument and their relationship to the landscape of their natural habitat. Anthropometries focuses on anthropometry, a tool for early physical anthropology that was used to identify and understand the human and physical variations and to correlate these characteristics to ethnic and racial factors. In these works, Baraya revises not only the archaeological exploration of Machu Picchu, but proposes a reflection on the idea of "discovery" of a culture by the hands of another, having his measurements taken with an anthropometric caliper by natives and tourists from all over the world. Baraya’s exhibition, curated by Francine Birbragher, will run through January 5, 2014. It is part of the Frost Art Museum’s 2013 series of exhibitions: Commemorating 500 Years: Spain-Florida-Caribbean.

Faculty Show
Recording people or events, personal or historic, has typically been done through photography and/or sketching or painting, where the aim is to capture an instant in time that can be looked back on over the passing years so that future generations can see exactly what certain things, events and people looked like at a given point in time. Two Florida International University faculty members have, however, come up with their own unique, individual approaches to depicting and commemorating different stages of life: infancy (the beginning of life) and war (often the last stage of life). Their art will be on display at the Frost Art Museum through October 13.

Michael Namkung, 2013, 2. Results suggest that the umbilical cord cutting experience benefits the father’s emotional involvement with the neonate, 10/18/12, 11 weeks, 12 minutes, Courtesy of the Artist
Michael Namkung is an Assistant Professor, in FIU’s Department of Art + Art History, and describes himself as "an interdisciplinary artist who works in physical exercise, drawing, performance, video, installation and social practice." Namkung’s Baby Pictures and the People’s Lullaby Collective is an art exhibition about babyhood and parenting that involves a series of 26 baby pictures, a multilingual lullaby collection, the world’s largest foam alphabet floor, and a program of unique drawing activities for babies, toddlers and their caregivers. Baby Pictures is a display of images created from a drawing system that recorded the physical movements of Namkung’s newborn son on the floor. Resembling inkblots more than photographs, these Baby Pictures represent a father’s effort to capture an image of a human condition that is constantly disappearing.

The People’s Lullaby Collective part of the exhibition is a social art project and a unique opportunity for the public to become a vital part of creating an artwork. Participation is easy; simply use the voice recorder on your smart phone to capture the lullabies sung to your infant or toddler when the child is put to sleep at night. Then, text or email the recording to michaelnamkung@gmail.com (by no later than Friday, September 13). The idea is not to make a perfect recording, but to collect the sounds of the lullaby-singing process as it naturally occurs. According to Namkung, "By sharing this ritual, you document the intimacy shared with your child, give voice to the complex emotions that come with the job of raising children, and honor the work that caregivers do. This is a call to mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers of any kind, in a ny language." The final part of the exhibition, This is Where Meaning is Made, is another opportunity for interactive parent/caregiver-infant/toddler experiences. Namkung will install a 900-square-foot interlocking foam alphabet tile mat that will cover the entire gallery floor. "This will activate the ground plane, and allow parents to easily put their children down to play on, and with, the floor," he said. "Finally, I am inviting parents to bring their baby or toddler to the gallery on three Saturdays during the exhibition (September 21 and 28, and October 12), from 10:00 am-noon, for a special drawing activity that is a combination of drawing and physical exercise called Drawing Gym. Toddlers can make drawings while doing wall sits, inchworms, and vertical jumps; for pre-crawlers, I will help your newborn or infant make his or her own tummy-time drawings."

Pip Brant, Little Big Horn, 2013, Oil and acrylic, 32 x 61 inches, Courtesy of the Artist
Pip Brant is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art & Art History, and her exhibition, Re-enactments, presents a collection of her paintings and embroidery which offers an alternative to recreations of historical events through re-enactments of famous battles or war in general, or their depiction through conventional photography, paintings and embroidery. While conceding that re-enactments and more conventional art are important and popular means of capturing and replicating history, Brant notes that, "Even though there are attempts at authenticity, this is an impossible task. A degrading of the actual battles happens. Political correctness can further pollute the forgotten truths. With my works, I am trying to decompose these events even more, with the removal and color conversions of visual information. The question I want to play with has to do with color switches and abstractions that sweeten the gory truths usually romanticized by traditional panor amic historical painting and embroidery. I want to see color convey the content."
Also opening on September 18 at the Frost Art Museum, in its Wolfsonian Teaching Gallery, is Crisis and Commerce: World’s Fairs of the 1930s.

Image shown: Alberto Baraya, Latex Tree Project, Branch B (Proyecto Árbol Látex, Rama B), 2006, Latex cast, 78 3/4 x 197 x 4 inches, Courtesy of the Artist

Art and Wine Miami Event
Saturday, 09/28/2013 – 08:00 pm – 01:00 am
Cuba Ocho Research Center
1465 SW 8 Street,
Miami, Florida 33135
Webpage Link
Cost: $30.00

Join us for a night of fun, open art studio, body painting, wine and live music! For more information visit the Art and Wine Miami facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArtandWineMiami

Give it a Spin – Introduction to the Potters Wheel
Saturday, 08/31/2013 – 08/31/2013 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Anhinga Clay Studios
4600 SW 75 Avenue,
Miami, Florida 33155
Webpage Link
Cost: $25 registration fee

Give it a spin….For those who would like to give the wheel a try, whether it is for the first time, a refresher, or just to cross it off your bucket list, Anhinga Clay Studios, Inc. has designed a special one-day class to give you a feel for the potters wheel.

Participation in the workshop is $25 per person and includes includes clay, glaze and firing. Completed work takes at least two weeks to process before pick up.

The workshop takes place on Saturday, August 31, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. at Anhinga Clay Studios, in the Bird Road Art District located at 4600 SW 75 Ave, Miami 33155. For more info please contact 786.333.5634.

HARRISArt presents Circles & Shapes
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
HARRISArt
4432 SW 74 Ave ,
Miami, Florida 33155
Facebook Link
Cost: Free

In HARRISART’s new exhibit “Circles & Spaces” the lyrical movement of circular shapes are juxtaposed with angular ones, both positive and negative to create an interplay that provides the viewer with multiple ways to experience the work.

Meet the artists Jane Harris and Joan Futscher Saturday, August 17th during the Bird Road Art Walk. For more info please contact HARRISART at 786.390.5447.

MANO Fine Art presents Papel: Works on Paper
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 08/17/2013 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
MANO Fine Art Project Space
4225 SW 75 Ave (2nd Flr),
Miami, Florida 33155
Facebook Link
Cost: Free

Join MANO Fine Art on Saturday, August 17th for the opening of “Papel:Works on Paper”, featuring eccentric epherma, observations and notions on paper and from paper.

MANO creates drawings based on memory and observations of the human condition and in his immediate environment; employing media and color specifically to evoke, physicality and time. His drawings not only extend his painting concepts but also exist as separate bodies of work.

MANO Fine Art Project Space is the working studio of Miami-based artist MANO and an exhibition and project space for art related events. MANO Fine Art participates in the Bird Road Art Walk, held on the third Saturday of each month.

For more information contact 305.467.6819 or visit http://www.manofineart.com/

Cuban Soul Foundation presents Hipnosis Rock Concert
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 09:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cuban Soul Foundation
7416 SW 42 Street,
Miami, Florida 33155
Facebook Link
Cost: Free – however donations will be accepted

The Cuban Soul Foundation and La Madriguera de Miami are stoked to present a FREE concert featuring Cuban Rock sensation Hipnosis live, Saturday, August 17th at the Bird Road Art Walk.

Hipnosis, recently made headlines when the band en route to a Castro-approved concert in California, declared political asylum in Miami on July 26, 2013. Now the band is ready to rock in the USA, the August 17th concert will be one of their first appearances. Curiously enough Hipnosis’ which describe their music as “Metal Cubano” have an all English repertoire of music. For more info please contact 786.402.1064.

About the Cuban Soul Foundation:
Since 2011, La Madriguera de Miami, a project of the Cuban Soul Foundation (CSF), has provided a platform for alternative Cuban music and the visual arts by inviting contemporary Cuban artists to the United States and presenting their generations reggae beats, Hip Hop and rock music at concerts throughout American colleges and universities and most recently in the Bird Road Art District.

Cuban Soul Foundation | 7420 SW 42 St | Miami 33155 | Bird Road Art District | 786.402.1064

Remembering Leonard King
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Leonard King Studio
4283 SW 75 Ave,
Miami, Florida 33155
Webpage Link
Cost: Free

Before moving his studio to the Bird Road Art District in 2012, Leonard King was a fixture in the Grove and an icon in Miami’s art community. For decades the award-winning artist best know for his kinetic (motion) art was part of every major art happening. Shortly before King was to open his new studio in the Bird Road Art District he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Friends of King dedicated to his legacy will open his studio on Saturday, August 17th during the Bird Road Art Walk to make Kings work available to the public. For more information please contact Mary at 786.553.8348.

Leonard King Studio | 4283 SW 75 Ave | Bird Road Art District | Miami 33155 | 786.553.8348

Luis Fuentes’ Radical Art
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 08/17/2013 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Radical Van
4732 SW 75 Ave ,
Miami , Florida 33155
Webpage Link
Cost: Free

Blend Pop Art, Graffiti and Cuban Cubism and you get “RADICAL ART” by Luis Fuentes. Nothing is off limits to Fuentes who uses just about any medium, new or recycled, to develop his vibrant body of work insisting on just one thing, that his work be fun.

Fuentes brings his radical art and Miami’s first “Rollin Gallery”, the “Radical Van” to the Bird Road Art Walk on Saturday, August 17th, 7-10 pm, look for him on SW 47th St & SW 75 Ave (next to Stained Glass of Miami 4732 SW 75 Ave ) For more info visit him on line at: www.artbyluis.com.

Stained Glass of Miami Open House
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Stained Glass of Miami
4732 SW 75 Ave ,
Miami, Florida 33155
Facebook Link
Cost: Free

Join, third generation glass artist, Federico Scipioni for a behind-the-scenes look
in a stained glass studio, during the Bird Road Art Walk..

Sandy Levy
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sandy Levy Open Studio
4406 SW 74 Ave ,
Miami, Florida 33155
Facebook Link
Cost: Free

In addition to his own fine art and advertising photography, Award-winning photographer Sandy Levy has been photographing artwork for the most discriminating artists and galleries in the world since 1971. Clients include Christy’s, Lehman Maupin Gallery, Phillips De Pury, and hundreds of fine artists. Stop by during the Bird Road Art Walk and to view Sandy’s amazing work and learn a few tips on how to best photograph your own work. For more info please contact 305.262.9229

Female Creations
Saturday, 08/17/2013 – 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Arte Venezolano en Miami
7432 SW 42 St,
Miami, Florida 33155
Facebook Link
Cost: Free

Arte Venezolano en Miami presents their newest exhibit “Female Creations” featuring the work of talented artists Eumelia Castro and Silvina Castillo, Saturday, August 17th, 7-10 pm during the popular Bird Road Art Walk. For more info please contact 786.338.3857

Photo credit: New Life by Silvina Castillo..

Words & Wine Featuring Symbiotic Simians
Wednesday, 08/07/2013 – 08/08/2013 09:30 pm – 02:00 am
MoonChine
7100 Biscayne Blvd,
Miami, Florida 33138
Facebook Link
Cost: 0.00

Ladies, Gentlemen, honey badgers and the like:

Words & Wine is BACK! Now at Moonchine Bistro Garden & Lounge ♥ !! Perfect balance between the jam house and a venue. No more expensive drinks or issues with noise or parking!

Location:
Moonchine Bistro Garden & Lounge 7100 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

This Week Featuring Symbiotic Simians !!

Let’s once again get together, drink some wine, share some thoughts and be happy.

***9:30pm NO COVER 21 + GREAT Drink Specials***

That’s right boys and girls, now there’s no more excuses on why you can’t come or why you came with outside drinks ; )

Please respect the venue and help local local art and music thrive

We got plenty of space for Musicians, Poets, and yes DRUMMERS!

It is very cozy, well lit atmosphere where everyone can be themselves.

Let’s get together and continue to share good vibes and creativity. Miami is redefining it’s Art scene and our movement has created a pavement for poets, musicians, dancers, thinkers, lovers, and people who just need to get away and express themselves freely.

Any questions please call Nikki 786 728 4748

MANO Fine Art – Summer Open House
Saturday, 08/03/2013 – 01:00 pm – 04:00 pm
MANO Fine Art Project Space
4225 SW 75 Ave (2nd Flr),
Miami, Florida 33155
Webpage Link
Cost: Free

Join us for another look at “Summer Crush”, fresh and nostalgic and as much a part of summer as baseball and watermelon. MANO’s new exhibit “Summer Crush”, pokes at the inner child in all of us reminding us that it’s not just that extra hour of daylight that makes summer so great.

The exhibit integrates many of the elements and mediums that the artist has engaged with over the last several years. In “Summer Crush” , MANO’s beach-goers evoke a sense of nostalgia and memories of more innocent times when White Castle burgers, hot mustangs, and cruising the board walk were the essentials for a perfect summer or was it a summer crush that made everything seem perfect.

MANO Fine Art Project Space:
MANO Fine Art Project Space is the working studio of Miami-based artist MANO and an exhibition and project space for art related events. MANO Fine Art participates in the Bird Road Art Walk, held on the third Saturday of each month.

For more info contact 305.467.6819