Feb162013

Spotted: Miami.com Shares Top 5 Things to Do at Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Miami.com provided a straightforward and useful guide to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival which starts today and runs through Monday. Cloudy skies are giving way to breezy temperatures and sunshine so please make time to enjoy this quintessential South Florida event. (Have I mentioned it’s among my favorites?)

Here’s miami.com’s quick summary written by Amy Reyes of the Miami Herald:

Courtesy: hellomiami.com

1. Take an art walk

In order to accommodate more than 380 internationally recognized artists – 15 of whom are from Miami – you need some serious real estate hence the fair itself boasts nearly a mile of booths with artwork, crafts, novelties and more. Bring your walking shoes.

2. Musical moments

When you run out of arms to carry your artwork, take a break and enjoy the live musical entertainment. Jazz, rock and Latin fusion bands kick off the entertainment at noon each day in Peacock Park and the shows culiminate with headliners like the Chirino Sisters, who perform Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Elsten Torres at 5 p.m. on Sunday and South Florida pop sensation Cris Cab on Monday at 3:30 p.m.

3. Go Barefoot

Wine lovers can rub elbows and clink glasses with Barefoot Wines winemaker Jennifer Wall at the Culinary Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. as she hosts the Barefoot Wine & Bubbly 101 seminar. Jennifer and Barefoot mixmaster Joe Gonzalez will also be mixing up some Barefoot Moji-TOES, Sangrias, and Margari-TOES on Saturday at 1 p.m. Also at the Culinary Pavilion, check out a food demo by chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, founder of the pop-up restaurant Eating House, and winner of The Food Network’s “Chopped” on Saturday at 4 p.m. plus a host of other local star chefs throughout the weekend.

4. Jump around

The kids will likely bore quickly of the arts and crafts so make a pit stop at the children’s area in Peacock Park where the they can go wild in the giant hamster balls, jump like frogs on the bungee trampolines and bounce houses or burn off the excess wiggles in the tower slides, obstacle courses and other activities just for them.

5. Chow down

When the stomachs start growling, head over to the Global Food Village in Myers Park along South Bayshore Drive where a world of culinary delights awaits along with your favorite pushcart vendors selling buttery arepas, soft pretzels, ice cream and other treats that you can eat while walking.

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

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Feb012013

Coconut Grove Arts Festival Celebrates 50 Years!

As a long-time Coconut Grove resident, I’m always surprised that I feel a building sense of euphoria as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival begins to ramp up. This year marks the festival’s 50th Anniversary. Given that South Florida is so relatively young, 50 years is an admirable milestone.

Last year around this time I posted my favorite Coconut Grove Arts Festival posters. You can view them here. On this special year, world renowned artist, Romero Britto, was selected. His piece is an explosion of color.

Romero Britto Festival Poster

Romero Britto Festival Poster

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

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Feb172012

49th Coconut Grove Art Festival’s Winning Artist: Marilyn Liedman

Last week I shared my favorite Coconut Grove Arts Festival posters with you. Today, I’m delighted to highlight this year’s winning poster and some insights that the award-winning artist, Marilyn Liedman shared with me a few days ago.

2012 Coconut Grove Arts Festival Poster by Marilyn Liedman

I asked Marilyn what it felt like to be selected for this prestigious honor and what impact she felt in had on our community. Here’s what she had to say in her own words:

Award winning watercolor artist, Marilyn Liedman, unveiling 2012 Poster.

“I was thrilled when I received the call inviting me to be the poster artist for the 2012 Coconut Grove Arts Festival.  I have lived in the Miami area since 1962 and remember what the Festival used to be  – a small town art show of enthusiastic, local artists.  It has grown into one of the most important art festivals in the country and each year contributes so much to our community…educationally, providing scholarships for our students; economically, attracting many thousands of visitors and artists to the Miami area; culturally, by providing a national venue for contemporary art appreciation. Although I have been a participating artist in the CGAF a number of years, I am so honored to be able to contribute as the poster artist this year.  I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the Coconut Grove highlight of the season.” 

It was lovely for Marilyn to take the time to chat with me. I know she’s hectic preparing for the the festival as is all of Coconut Grove – its quite electric in our little corner of the world right now! I hope to see some of you at this great event over the weekend!

If you want to see Marilyn Liedman’s work in person, she’ll be at Booth #1 or view her work online here.

 

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

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Feb122012

Award-Winning: Coconut Grove Arts Festival Posters

Throngs of people will meander the joyful streets of Coconut Grove and be reminded (or introduced for the first time) of its unique artsy vibe during the 49th Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, held February 18 – 20, 2012. As the former owner of Gallery One of Coconut Grove,  this art festival holds a special place in my heart as do the many posters and objets d’art I’ve collected over the years there.  When I glance at them I’m instantly transported to that place in time when I purchased the piece and what drew me to each one. Here’s a list of my favorite Coconut Grove Art Festival posters.

1993 “Coconuts” by Sue Archer    This iconic poster of Coconuts just felt like Coconut Grove and nowhere else.

1996 “Buds Window” by Lynn Fecteau    This dreamy poster looking out at the water with the palm tree in the background and the orchid and shell in the forefront spoke of Biscayne Bay on a balmy day.

1997 “Reflections” by Elaine Hahn   Sea shells floating in water and reflected on a mirrored table.  Just charming.

1998 “Birds of Tropics” by Carmen A. Lagos   Every year I search out Carmen’s work at the Festival.  Her use of color is fearless and this poster was absolutely joyful.

2000 “Cocos y Azul” by Gustavo Castillo   Coconuts once again.  Simply but masterfully displayed.

2002  “Date Palm”  by Maria Reyes Jones    I bought this poster because the colors were so striking and I have not tired of it yet.

2003  “le Paon Royal”   Who does not love a peacock?

2009  “Grove Fresh”  by Jacqueline Roch   Even if you don’t like mangos, the lushness of this fruit is captured by Jaqueline’s incredible talent.  I have since gone on to buy other original works of Jacqueline’s and I always look forward to seeing what she has at her booth.

All of these images were sourced from the Coconut Grove Art Festival store where you can purchase every poster from years past!

Stay tuned for the next week when I share an interview with this year’s award winning artist, Marilyn Liedman, and share her poster.

Do you have a favorite? Would love to hear about it!

If you are considering buying or selling in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, please feel free to contact me and benefit from the Strength of My Experience.

305.710.1010 | csmith@veryspecialhomes.com | facebook.com/CaroleSmithRealtor

Affiliated with EWM REALTY International | Christies International of Coral Gables

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