David and Lee Ann Lester (the original founders of Art Miami) sold many of their art fairs a couple of years ago. Then back in 2010 they decided to get back in the Miami art fair market and founded the MIA International Art Fair. The first few of the art fairs were held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Then the Lester’s brainstormed the concept of creating a floating art fair and the 228 foot megayacht the SeaFair was born. Last year they moored the SeaFair across from the Fountainbleau Miami Beach Hotel. This year the vessel will be docked at downtown Miami’s Intercontinental Hotel adjacent to Bayfront Park. Great strategic move on their part as this addresses last year’s parking challenges. An additional bonus is the use of the park for a waterside installation and Sculpture Miami Exhibition. Over thirty large scale sculptures by major international sculptors will be on public display at Bayfront Park beginning December 5, 2011 through March 12, 2012.
Each year the MIA International Art Fair attendance and sales numbers have been steadily increasing. This year there will be 30 participating international dealers presenting both established contemporary and emerging artists. The Lester’s edict is to showcase the most talented and visionary artists of the 21st century on the SeaFair. Ten of the exhibitors are from Miami (including Cernuda) and the rest of the exhibitors are from all corners of the globe.
The fair will commence with a private Vernisage on January 12, 2012 from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm to honor the MOCA Shakers. The preview evening will continue with a Collectors’ Invitational from 8:30 pm until 10:00 pm for additional distinguished collectors and VIP guests.
The schedule of events is pretty slammed and there is something cool going on almost every hour on the hour. On Friday and Saturday the fair opens from noon until 10:00 pm. Sunday and Monday the fair opens from noon until 7:00 pm. There are a multitude of “Meet the Artists” sessions staged at the different art booths. And from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm, you can check out the “Art on the Rock’s” party on the top deck where you will be able to try artists inspired drinks like a Jackson Pollock Martini, Dali’s Day of the Dead, Matta Mojito and the Frida Kahlo Tequila Sunrise.
The fair opens to the public on January 13 and runs through January 16, 2012. This is going to be a fun filled five day extravaganza of art and culture.
I wonder if Pollock liked his Martini shaken, not stirred?
By Tina Cornely
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