2015 Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster unveiled

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival has selected internationally recognized French American painter Duaív as the official poster artist for this year’s 52nd annual event. Thursday night, atop the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel, in Coconut Grove, the colorful, nautical-themed art was unveiled to a crowd of friends and sponsors of the festival. Above, Duaív  greets the press and party guests right after the unveiling.


Duaív joins the Festival’s selective group of official poster artists that includes such notables as Guy Harvey, Maria Reyes Jones, Jacqueline Roch, Xavier Cortada, Clyde Butcher, Rick Garcia, Lisa Remeny, Alexander Mijares and Romero Britto. 

This year’s poster image encompasses Duaív’s signature uplifting and bright style with one of Coconut Grove’s most emblematic icons. Titled "Voiliers" – meaning “sailboat” in French – Duaív blends his own fascination of marine imagery with scenes from that of Miami’s own famous harbor in Biscayne Bay. The work was done with a palate knife, so it's very textured. 

This full spectrum of hues and colors is created with only six to eight primary colors. Duaív has spent his lifetime nurturing, fostering and sharing the arts with the world. Born off the coast of France near Bordeaux to a classical pianist mother and a sculptor father, it was hard to deny the artistic talents that ran through his veins. He picked up his first paintbrush by age three, completed his first oil painting by age nine and was a talented cellist throughout his childhood and adolescence.  Above, from left, Tiffany Field, Grove Ambassador Louis Del Borrello, Sonesta GM Curtis Crider and artist Lisa Remeny.

Throughout the years, here and abroad, Duaív has received a multitude of awards 
and accolades. One of those most special to him was when HRH Prince Henrik of 
Denmark awarded him with the Commander of the Order of the Star of Europe, European Foundation Prize, for his efforts to promote and assist contemporary artists and his home country. He continues to exhibit all over the world in favorite locations such as France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Tunisia, Australia and across the United States. The Sonesta did an amazing job of catering and hosting the event, as usual.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival will be held February 14-16 on and around South Bayshore Drive in the Center Grove. Admission is $15 per person. There is no charge for children 12 and under, Metrorail Golden Passport and Patriot Passport holders. Admission is $5 for residents in the 33133 zip code.

Above, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff listens in as Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado addresses the crowd, right before the unveiling, which was live on the NBC6, 6:00 pm evening news.

For more information on the Arts Festival, visit cgaf.com. 

Magella, Duaív's wife listens as Duaív addresses the guests. Monty Trainer, president of the Arts Festival and Sylvano Bignon, owner of Greenstreet Cafe and LuLu, listen in, too. Sylvano is friend with Duaív and Magella, he joked that every time he sees them, their hair is a different color. Last time, they matched, both with pink hair. 

Margaret Nee, of the PointeGroup with William Rivas, manager of CocoWalk; Ken Drodvillo with Capt. Mike Dudik of Celebration Yachts.

Lilia Garcia, of the Arts Festival board with Peter Laird, president of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce; Duaív and Magella.

John O'Sullivan with Monty Trainer; Yvonne Rosemeier with Eric Lopez, of the Loft Salon and Boutique.

Katrina Delgado Artist & Special Event Director of the Arts Festival with Susan and Roger Chai-onn and  Gregory Frye of Fast-Signs, one of the Arts Festival sponsors.

While I said that the Beaux Arts Festival is the most civilized of the festivals around town, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has to be my favorite, maybe I'm partial, but the art, the surroundings, the food, the people the craziness is what makes it special. I can spend all three days a the Grove Festival and never get bored.