1. POLITICS, PEACE & PASSION
This art collection boasts some of the most iconic artists —including Robert Indiana, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol — and puts the values of personal beliefs and cultural moments in full display. It’s a conversation-starting show for sure, and the curated works of the most influential moments will give you plenty of conceptual dialogue to start your week off with. Multimedia artist Constance Edwards Scopelitis will be also be showing her first ever digital works, and don’t miss Robert Indiana’s extremely rare limited edition of his "love banner:" a 5’ x 5’ piece produced in 1966.
The same venue hosts the VH1 Outdoor Lounge, where Metric (the music network's latest You Outta Know artist) will perform during the opening gala on December 6, though the lounge will be open throughout Art Basel.
WHERE: Long-Sharp Gallery at SCOPE Art Show
WHEN: December 6 – 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and December 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: $20
2. MIAMI SAYS 'ART'
Ushering in Art Basel week, the retrospective "Miami Says ART" and the updated "Miami Says ART-2" is a throwback to the 1976 cultural moment when artist Martin Kreloff captured cultural leaders—think designer Gloria Vanderbilt and Brooklyn Museum director Arnold Lehman — all shouting the word "ART." With photos, portraits and a multimedia documentary, this tribute showcases the spark that ignited Miami's now-bustling art scene and reinforces the passion of the community's rich art history. Bringing back the original celebration, students from The New World School of the Arts take their place alongside the original 'cast' in the new web-installation of "Miami Says ART-2." See the timeless pieces at the JW Marriott, and go ahead and say "ART" for yourself.
Another highlight in the same space is the Exhibition of the Art of the Surreal & Impressionist & Modern Art, presented by Christie's of London. Featured artists include Amedeo Modigliani and Jeanne Hébuterne, some of the greatest name in the genre.
WHERE: JW Marriott Hotel Miami
WHEN: December 3 – 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free
3. ART BAR
A larger-than-life musical instrument that serves as a bar sounds crazy enough, but that’s just another creation at Art Basel. Güiro, an egg-shaped wooden bar modeled after the Caribbean gourd percussion instrument (the guiro), will be the place to be for performances and activities throughout the week. This art bar on the beach is sponsored by Absolut vodka — grab a signature drink or two and check it out.
WHERE: 1825 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
WHEN: December 5-8, 5:00 p.m. -midnight
ADMISSION: Free
4. LOCAL COLOR
One of Miami’s top contemporary artists, Jen Stark transforms colorful paper into one-of-a-kind sculptures that are dizzyingly bold and fresh with rainbow hues. Her hypnotic designs echo concepts of patterns, spirals and inverts. Go see them for yourself at Miami Project Art Fair.
WHERE: Miami Project Art Fair
WHEN: December 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; December 6, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; December 7, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m; December 8, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. & December 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ADMISSION: $20
5. FOREVERGLADES
Where else can you find bright plastic alligators, sea turtles, frogs and bunnies? Only at Art Basel. As an homage to native South Florida creatures, FOREVERGLADES aims to create a conscious perspective of the local landscape and the history behind it. Not only are all the colorful art pieces recyclable, the show also promotes environmental protection, sustainability and advocacy of South Florida’s National Parks and Preserves.
WHERE: Freedom Tower at MDC
WHEN: December 4-8, noon to 5:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free
Insider tip: Don’t miss a single Art Basel event! Get the event guide app from iTunes and follow #howtobasel on Twitter.
