So, Miami Again This Year

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Updated 12.2.14

I'm either an art junkie or a glutton for punishment (or maybe both). This is the ninth year I'm going to Miami to view and report on the art fairs. 

Part of me loves it. I mean, where else can you see a world's worth of art in such concentrated time and space? The other part, however, hates the ostentation, overindulgence, and overpriced--to say nothing of the late shuttles and unavailable taxis--that come with the territory. Can't have one without the other, alas.

There are 28 fairs or events taking place this week! I've highlighted the ones I plan to see. There are eight listed, but actually nine fairs in all, since Art Miami's satellite, Context, is a separate fair next door.

This is the best guide to the Miami fairs, designed by Boyd Level and available from Xipsy. There are two sides (the other provides shuttle and taxi information). Print them out as a double-sided page, for a pocket guide to a week's worth of events

You'd think by looking at the floor plans that the fairs are easy to navigate, but you'd be wrong. ABMB is offering a free downloadable GPS map for iPhones (info here and here) so that you'll know exactly where you are--a big help if you're going for the first time, because even with the map it's easy to feel like you'll never make it out alive.

ABMB: Not as easy to navigate as it looks. But there is help

I'll have work with Projects Gallery at Aqua Art. This is my second year showing with the gallery. Stop in to Room 115, at the far end of the courtyard on the first floor. I'll be in attendance at the Wednesday night opening, later in the evening. and periodically throughout the run of the show. Tell Helen and Frank I sent you.  I know I've said this before, but I love Aqua. It's the anti-ABMB--small, light filled, easily navigable, with interesting art that won't require a second mortgage to acquire.

My painting, Silk Road 224, 2014, encaustic on panel, 12 x 12 inches
Find me at Projects Gallery, Room 115, at Aqua Art

Aqua: Human-scaled and easy to navigate, plus all the rooms open onto the courtyard

As for the rest of the fairs, on the beach side I'm looking forward to Pulse and Untitled. Untitled returns for the third year in a fabulous tent just feet away from the water. Pulse, making the move back across the Causeway, will have a tent a couple of miles up Collins Avenue. And NADA will be in its regular location, the chandeliered Deauville Resort. If ever there was an incongrous pairing, this is it. Ignore the over-the-top light fixtures and garish carpeting and focus on the art. (And if the day is nice, walk out onto the beach.)

Across the bay in Miami proper, I'll be hitting Art Miami and Context, and my favorite there, Miami Project. There are some great private collections, but the fairs are all about art triage; pick what's most important, because you can't do it all. I will also be stopping into the Square Foot Show, a democratic event at Project Gallery's space in the Wynwood Lofts.

If you're in Midtown, stop in

Free entry
. NADA
. Ink
. Square Foot

Comp entry (additional info here)
I don't know that these will work, but it's worth a try
. For Miami Project, complimentary VIP passes; or try this

. For Art Miami, Context and Aqua, a one-day complimentary pass ; or try this; or this 
. For Aqua and Red Dot contact info@projectsgallery.com or call 267-303-9652 to request free tickets

. ABMB is more difficult to get into on a comp entry, so since you'll be paying a whopping $45 for the day, enter early and stay late to get your money's worth. A few strategies: Get a group of 10 or more and pay $30 each, or be a student or over 65 for the $30 entry. Info here

Here's one thing I won't be doing: Partying. After a day of  walking my feet off, I'll meet friends for dinner and then retire to my hotel room to ice my knees (even the good one), and review the photographs I took.

If you have links to comp passes, or you're showing at one of the fairs and would like to let everyone know, please post the info in the Comments section.