Ready for a big weekend of art, music and food?

Murf

This weekend, February 15-17 is the big one; the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and St. Stephen's Art Show take over the village for what is probably our biggest weekend of the year. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is celebrating it's 51st year and St. Stephen's it's 25th.

Twenty-five years ago, the St. Stephen's Art Show in Coconut Grove was established as an international fine art show and flourished to date to brag of not only national artists but international artists now in attendance showing at the festival. There was one of the thousands of artist applicants who has consistently won the jury and attended all 25 years and they call him Murf. Across the shady tree lined campus of St. Stephens over 150 fine artists, 30 vendors and a food and beverage court featuring Copa Vineyard wines and Eagle Brand Craft and classic beers. A not to miss silver anniversary event the Festival is 9:30 am to 6 pm, daily.

Marvin (Murf) Murfy was a participant right from the beginning. As he began, St. Stephens began. Since that time, Murf's contemporary, abstract paintings have earned him worldwide attention.  Many of Murf's designs have been added to the collections of famous jazz musicians and other public figures which include Dave Sanborn, Richard Elliot, Kenny Rankin, Dave Koz and President Clinton. Murf's "Earth Island" piece is featured on the PBS "Jim Brickman Beautiful World" special. His new age style and distinctive art form has let to his great success. 

"I participate in many events and exhibitions across the country but I especially look forward to exhibiting at the St.Stephen's Art Festival in Coconut Grove.  It's a great show with top artists and always a lot of fun!" 

Eric Clay

The commemorative poster “Sunset on the Past” by award winner, Eric Clay, chronicles this year’s landmark year visually. It represents two themes: a sense of time and a sense of change.

"In a way this jetty represents a choice that we all have to make in our lives, said winning artist Eric Clay. We can stand rigid against the tides of change or we can go with the flow...adapt. You can't stop change, but you can make sure that change is for the better."

This year's St. Stephen's poster.

Attend, experience and enjoy the national and international artists, festival favorite cuisines and live music. It's really a great Grove weekend.

This year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster
by Alex Mijares called "La Brisa."