FAM season opening energizes Center Grove

High energy and fun family-friendly atmosphere filled the air in Center Grove Saturday evening.  More than a few people expressed what a positive experience they were having visiting restaurants, shops and galleries, especially the several pop-up galleries in stores, restaurants and salons.  Restaurants were filled, families crowded the sidewalks, the Arts took center stage. Many merchants reclaimed FAM Night making it just like previous gallery walks, they really stepped up and made it special. We don't have many galleries left in Coconut Grove and these guys compensated for it, in a big way.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Coconut Grove showed its support for FAM Night, and with artist Peter Johann Studl opened its doors to art loving visitors.

Filling the vacant corner at Main and McFarlane presently under renovation, artist Lauren Corona sketches subject Carolina Acosta. 

Several stores and shops joined in the effort to being excitement to the Center Grove experience.  Hair by Hisham on Main Highway went the full route by showcasing new art throughout the already creative salon. Hair By Hisham showcased live painting by artist Lynn Garcia “Lyne” outside the salon on Main Highway  Inside the lobby area were works by artist Peter Johann Studl with various artists upstairs.

Vinos in the Grove, in their usual classy eclectic way, provided minstrels in front of the wine bar and restaurant as well as an art gallery experience upstairs. 

Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery brought back venerable artists  painter Mai Yap (left) and  sculptor Freda Tschumy, who stand by their works.  

 Via Cocowalk Gallery always hosts a top-notch reception for FAM Night in the Grove, featuring several artists.  New additions to their collection include the very fun and interesting mixed-media works of Gianna DiBartolomeo. Gianna likes to show the effects of small objects and forms, mixed colors and interesting patterns.   

Artists Sol Luna (left) and Natasha Noriega enjoy showing their works as much as visitors enjoyed watching them in Cocowalk.  

One of the smiling faces pieces.

Melissa Martinez shows off her whimsical character painting skill in front of two highly engage young admirers. 

By Peter Johann Studl