Fantastical Vizcaya - performance-based works

Photo courtesy Vizcaya

For its 2015 Contemporary Arts Program (CAP), Vizcaya Museum and Gardens will present Fantastical Vizcaya – a project featuring eleven Miami-based artists who were commissioned to create site-specific, performance-based works from November 30 through December 4, 2015. The image is a digital rendition is from artist Sebastian Duncan Portuondo.

The artists chosen to exhibit during Fantastical Vizcaya include Dona Altemus, Pip Brant, Amalia Caputo, Cara Despain, Sebastian Duncan Portuondo, Alan Gutierrez, Daniel Milewski, Maritza Molina, Misael Soto and Homo-Sapiens Collab: David Rohn and Danilo de la Torre. 

Fantastical Vizcaya is scheduled, subject to change:
• Monday, November 30: Amalia Caputo and Sebastian Duncan Portuondo (throughout the day); Dona Altemus (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.); Homo-Sapiens David Rohn and Danilo de la Torre (4:00 p.m.).
• Tuesday, December 1, Vizcaya members only: Daniel Milewski.
• Wednesday, December 2: Amalia Caputo and Sebastian Duncan Portuondo (throughout the day); Dona Altemus (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.).
• Thursday, December 3: Amalia Caputo and Sebastian Duncan Portuondo (throughout the day); Dona Altemus (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.); Pip Brant (time TBD).
• Friday, December 4; Amalia Caputo and Sebastian Duncan Portuondo (throughout the day); Dona Altemus (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.); Homo-Sapiens David Rohn and Danilo de la Torre (4:00 p.m.); Misael Soto (afternoon).

Fantastical Vizcaya is included with your admission to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Tuesday, December 1st is members only, as Vizcaya is closed to the public on Tuesdays.

Vizcaya is located at 3251 S. Miami Avenue.

ArtPlay - a live visual art creation

Watch art come alive during Artplay, as Life Is Art’s specially chosen group of artists create their next masterpiece right in front of the crowds at Spectrum Miami. Inspired by Spectrum’s [EMERGENCE] theme, the artists will offer a glimpse into how each piece of art uniquely emerges, giving light to the artist’s creativity and medium.

The artists reception party is Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 pm. Music by DJ Hank Justice 

RSVP Now for Artist Reception Party, but space is limited, admittance and cocktail tasting will be first come, first served, with preference given to those who have RSVPed.

RSVP does not include admission to Spectrum. To purchase Spectrum Tickets, Click Here.

Spectrum Miami Tent Courtyard is in a new location this year - 1700 NE 2nd Avenue at NE 17th Street, Miami.

Spectrum Miami will once again host ArtSpot International — a show within a show — curated by director Aldo Castillo, one of the most respected authorities on modern and contemporary art. ArtSpot will present carefully selected modern, contemporary, and cutting-edge galleries with a strong Latin-American slant that specialize in painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and ceramics. “For ArtSpot International,” Castillo emphasized, “this is an exciting development and a wonderful new location. This is truly a must-see destination for collectors and art aficionados during Miami Art Week.”

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
LAUNCHPAD ARTIST – Renuka Adhav
Amauri Torezan, Chytea, Irena Gapkovska
Nate Dee, Andres Martinez, Cory Hunter
Emerson Calderon, Kirk Jenkins, Smileymade

LIVE ART CREATION
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 3-8 pm
Friday, Dec. 4 | 3-8 pm

EXHIBITION ON VIEW
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 3-8 pm
Friday, Dec. 4 | noon-8 pm
Saturday, Dec. 5 | noon-8 pm
Sunday, Dec. 6 | noon-5 pm

Grove Christmas tree lighting and more on Saturday

The 3rd Annual Christmas Tree-Lighting day is on Saturday, December 5 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. The tree will be lit at 6:30 pm by District 2 Commissioner Ken Russell. The tree is out in front of CocoWalk.  It's a lot of fun, this is a photo from last year's event, there are more here.

This holiday themed event will include activities such as a bounce house, Mom & Pop’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa Claus, and live performances by the Miami Conservatory of Music, Bridgeprep Arts & Minds Academy and Coconut Grove Ballet Studio.

Coconut Grove BID and CocoWalk, the day's sponsors, encourage you to bring unwrapped toys to the ceremony, which will be donated to the St. Alban’s Child Enrollment Center as part of the annualtoy drive. Toys will be collected until December 14 and can be dropped off at the BID, CocoWalk or Sunset Place offices in South Miami from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm., Monday thru Friday. The toys will be delivered to the school on December 15.

In addition to CocoWalk’s holiday festivities, being FAM Night (Fashion, Art & Music) local restaurants and shops will also feature special offers, live music, raffles and holiday gifts during this monthly event from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, the same evening.

Further Coconut Grove events include a KROMA and Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery
collaboration for Art Basel/Art Miami Week starting on Thursday, December 3 with KROMA’s 12x12
(12 artist / 12 installations) art exhibit.

KROMA has arranged for a City of Miami trolley to transport art patrons and artists from Art Basel and Art Miami-Wynwood to Coconut Grove during that week.

Bring your family and friends to Coconut Grove this holiday season and enjoy one of Miami’s favorite holiday celebrations and world-famous art week.

Visit the HIVE Pop up Village and Lounge

Miami Art Week enthusiasts will make a beeline to HIVE, a free, five-day experience
located in the center hub of Wynwood, offering five unique art forms that will
simultaneously tantalize the senses.

Behind the Bar, presented by Miami Club Rum, will serve as the central colony at HIVE.
Guests can order a one-of-a-kind cocktail and take part in a series of mixology demos by
popular bartenders. Matt Malone from Miami Club Rum will bring a unique perspective to
the art of craft drinks. His award-winning distilled spirits will complement the lineup of
mixologists charged with creating over-the-top cocktails, which could see the birth of
Miami’s newest drink. 

From here, other HIVE elements will add to the swarm, including Music featuring daily acoustic acts from a wide range of musicians and eventually DJ performances at night; Art en Vivo, featuring the largest outdoor art installations with live art programming, Arts & Craft Village, with over 40 artisans showcasing original, highend, works of art; and a Pop Up Restaurant featuring a state-of-the-art mobile kitchen unit and the ultimate culinary creations from Chef Ralph Pagano of Naked Taco / Naked Lunch.

In addition, the Heineken® Mobile Art Experience will make a stop with their Heineken®
and Montana Cans branded truck featuring a rotating canvas on the outside and a fully
stocked art store and gallery on the inside.

“HIVE is the place to fuse your love of art with cocktails, says Javi Zayas, event organizer
and president of SWARM Inc. “With notable musicians, master mixologists, distinguished
artisans, respected artists and gourmet bites, there will be no short of entertainment.
#GetBZZD at HIVE!”

Schedule:
Wednesday, Dec 2, 2015, 4 pm – midnight
Thursday, Dec 3, 2015, 4 pm – 2 am
Friday, Dec 4, 2015, noon – 2 am
Saturday, Dec 5, 2015, noon –2 am
Sunday, Dec 6, 2015, noon – 9 pm

WHERE: MANA Wynwood
2250 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

The event is FREE.

SOCIAL: #GetBZZD at HIVE. For latest news, go to www.HIVEwynwood.com. Follow them at
@HIVEwynwood. HIVE is brought to you by the crew at SWARM, creators of high-profile
events such as Basel House, Grovetoberfest, Sprung!, Wynwood Art Walk, St. Patrick’s
Day Brickell Block Party, Coconut Grove Seafood Festival and Cinco de Mayo at Mary
Brickell Village. For more information, go to www.SWARMinc.com.

SantaCon is back for its 8th year

SantaCon is back for its eighth year on Saturday, December 19. That’s when Coconut Grove turns into a sea of red.

SantaCon is a mass gathering of people dressed as Santa or any other Christmas characters (elves, reindeer, Mrs. Claus, etc.) for the purpose of spreading Christmas cheer and pounding a few drinks while you're at it.

It’s a bar crawl throughout the Grove. All you have to do is show up. It’s free for everyone. 

Here's the Schedule:

7 pm - Mr. Moe's

8 pm - Barracudas & Tavern

9 pm - Duffy's

10 pm - Fat Tuesday

11 pm - Sandbar

While SantaCon is free, some bars may not honor a drink special unless you are in costume.

So get decked out in some red and have a good time.

Santa put's drunk drivers on the naughty list.

And don’t worry about parking or drinking and driving. Use my invite code, UberSaveToday, for Uber and get a free ride up to $15. Redeem it here.

King Mango Strut raffle prize party

The King Mango Strut is having their "Chance For Some Stuff" party where they are announcing the winners of their raffle tickets. It's at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2880 S. Bayshore Drive) on Tuesday, December 15 at 7 pm. If you purchased raffle tickets, you do not need to be present to win.

If you would like to purchase tickets, they are $5 each and you will receive a Milam's $5 coupon where if you spend $50 at Milam's you will receive $5 off, which is good through January 31, 2016.

To purchase raffle tickets, please email Deborah Crisp at kingmangostrut@gmail.com

There are a lot of prizes, the grand prize is a 7-day cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise line; other prizes include restaurant gift certificates, hair and nail services, a Panama Jack bicycle, and more.

Ken Russell sworn in as new Dist. 2 Commissioner

Our new District 2 Commissioner, Ken Russell was sworn in at City Hall on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. His whole family was in attendance. Here City Clerk Todd Hannon swears Ken into office. There was an introduction by Evan Fancher, Aide to County Commissioner Xavier Suarez. Presentation of the Colors was presented by the City of Miami Police Color Guard and the National Anthem was played by saxophonist Pablo Landi. People seem genuinely pleased with Ken, Ken promised lots of changes. He said there are lots of unbalances, lots of traffic, and that people are unable to afford living in Miami; he discussed the homeless situation in Village West. He said we no longer need  to feel intimidated and unable to share ideas, THIS ENDS TODAY; this was a very powerful statement.

Ken addressed the hall after an Invocation by Apostle John H. Chambers, President of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance, and a Keynote Speech by Honorable Mayor Maurice Ferre.As Chairman of the Coconut Grove BID, he will work with small business owners, and also downtown redevelopment.

Jose Keichi Fuentes, Senior Government Relations Consultant; Ken; Japan General Consul in Miami Honorary Ken Okaniwa. 

Song Haru no Umi (“Sea in Spring”) was performed by Koto (Japanese harp) player Yoshiko Carlton, and accompanied by shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) player Yukako Beatty.Blogger Al Crespo, supporter of Ken, with Ken.

By Rafael Gutierrez

Happy Thanksgiving!

Miami Boat Show bullying its exhibitors

Why is it that big business are such bullies? It appears that the organizers of the Miami International Boat Show are concerned about losing their bid to destroy Virginia Key with insistence on holding the Boat Show on the fragile island. It sort of reminds me of Wal-Mart downtown and Home Depot in the Grove - bully your way in. Even the tennis center bullied their way in two years ago.

The National Marine Manufacturers Assn. lead by Thom Dammrich  is asking boat show exhibitors to support the event by telling lawmakers in the area that the show is "crucial" to the industry. He is fear mongering, lying and acting very Trump-like in order to get his way.

As you know, Key Biscayne residents are against the project for two reasons - harm to the environment and mass traffic on the causeway during that weekend, which is planned for February.

Last week, the county commission delayed the approval of permits for the boat show on Virginia Key. The "in water" portion is supposed to move forward but is on hold. Just the sound of that "in water portion," is scary. Does it involve killing more mangroves and paving over more land? 

I think with the recent District 2 election results, it might behoove the lawmakers to side with the residents and ecologists if they want to stay in office. Residents are not going to allow big money to dictate our way of life anymore. And all local "lawmakers" should keep that in mind.

Palmeiras Beach Club opening on Grove Isle

Grove Isle is welcoming a new restaurant called Palmeiras Beach Club at Grove Isle, which is more than just a restaurant, it is also a boutique hotel and spa. Opening day is Wednesday, December 2. Palmeiras was conceptualized by hospitality gurus Sami Kohen and Jacques Wulffaert, who have partnered with Grove Isle's developers Eddy Avila, Hector Fernandez and Jorge Pinto, and will offer a myriad of dining experiences from celebrated chef Alfredo Alvarez.

Palmeiras Beach Club has incorporated the established Grove Isle experience and created an updated, contemporary vision.  The star of the food and beverage show will most certainly be the main dining room, run by Alfredo Alvarez, the renowned Venezuelan chef who last year opened the smash hit Seasalt & Pepper on the Miami River. The breathtaking eatery, which features indoor and outdoor seating as well as a 20-seat private dining room, will present a Mediterranean menu with dishes evocative of the Spanish, French, Italian and Greek coasts.

“When dining alongside the beautiful open water, one clearly yearns for seaside cuisine,” explains Alfredo.  “At Palmeiras, I have incorporated my favorite dishes from my travels and training across Europe and brought them to the stunning Miami coastline.” 

Standout dishes from Alfredo and his Chef de Cuisine Abraham Silva, will include starters like Seared Sepia with caramelized baby artichokes, feta cheese, mint tabbouleh, and tomato confit. Lobster and Tuna Cornets, Key lime, mache, frisee, tarragon, snow peas, lychees and soy dressing; and a selection of Fruit de Mer, featuring seasonal oysters, poached wild African shrimp, steamed half Maine lobster, Alaska king crab legs and stone crabs priced individually or presented in the traditional seafood towers à la the South of France. An array of homemade pastas are included.

Entree stand outs include Mediterranean Turbot with tomatillo sauce, fennel, snow peas, pearl onion, tomato confit, carrots and sturgeon caviar; Branzino with its golden crisped skin, along with garlic broccolini, baby zucchini, grape tomatoes, baby carrots, and herbs d’Provence;  and the 14 oz. “Duroc” Pork Chop with compressed green apples, glazed fennel, celery, shallot purée, passion fruit au jus.

Desserts include Palmeiras’ Chocolate Feast with Valrhona crust, black and white ganache, chocolate soil, Grand Marnier ice cream, candied pecans, and blood orange coulis will be one to remember.

Located just off the main dining room, an exceptional Perrier-Jouët Chef’s Table offers a private dining room that seats up to 20 guests. The reserved enclave will evoke the design and atmosphere of the Belle Époque or French golden age, when joie de vivre (joy of living) was the reigning mood. Also, uniquely cozy will be the Patron Tequila Lounge, a place to gather anytime of day to unwind.

In addition to the refined main and private dining rooms, Palmeiras Beach Club will feature a large awning-covered outdoor area known as the Taittinger Lounge and Beach Club. Here, guests can sip champagne and cocktails by day or night as they enjoy music, a magnificent ambiance and delicious bites from either the main dining room or pool menu.   

The pool and beach areas – featuring cabanas, lounge chairs, and Hamptons-style day beds, are perfect for a day of relaxation.  Offering a separate menu, sunbathers can look forward to cultivated yet casual bites such as Crispy Moroccan Artichokes with cilantro dressing, piquillo peppers, and shallot confit; Quinoa salad with tomato, black olive, piquillo peppers, shallot confit, mache, and haricot vert; the Rock Shrimp Roll with fresh rock shrimp, pickled onion, lettuce, tomato, sriracha aioli, and cilantro; and a Wagyu Burger - 10 oz. of American wagyu beef, pickled onions, arugula, brie cheese, and house made ketchup. 

The Mediterranean-by-way-of-Miami ambience of Palmeiras Beach Club doesn’t stop at the food; the décor from outside in is decidedly an ode to the European beachside. Inside the all-white dining room, hand painted ceilings by resident artists James and Kate Hahn highlight soft ocean waters, while the al fresco patio will evoke the Greek Isles with its white and blue wood tables and chairs, intimate romantic dining nooks, and an unparalleled view of breezy Biscayne Bay.

The restored property offers mainland guests and Grove Isle members alike vast amenities including a 6,000 sq. ft. two-level spa, a marina, tennis courts, a Taittinger Lounge and Beach Club, a Perrier-Jouët Chef’s Table for up to 20 guests (private dining), a Patron Tequila Lounge and a bay front restaurant with breathtaking waterfront indoor and patio seating serving Mediterranean specialties.

Palmeiras Beach Club also offers a boutique hotel with 20 rooms, with beautiful water views, and hosts waterfront weddings and private events customized to the guests' unique needs. Yachts can easily dock on the island. 

Palmeiras Beach Club will be open seven days a week. The main dining room will serve breakfast from 7 am to 10:30 am, lunch from 11:30 am to 5 pm, and dinner from 5 pm to 11 pm. The Taittinger Lounge and Beach Club and poolside dining will be open for lunch from 11:30 am to 5 pm and dinner from 5 pm to 11 pm. The Patron Tequila Lounge will be open from 4 pm until closing. 

We had lunch at 33, the newest restaurant

A few of us were invited to try the new 33 restaurant, so we stopped by for lunch before they were actually open. It was a nice afternoon, we tried a little bit of everything. Sebastian Fernandez, shown here, is the owner/chef, along with his wife Leslie Ames, of Goldie Boutique and Design Bar on Fuller Street. 33 is located at 3195 Commodore Plaza.

The place is very homey and comfortable. Sebastian tells me it is exactly as he visioned it from the first day he looked in the window. There are orange chairs, butcher block-style tables, a brick wall at the back, a metal shingle wall on one side and a bar along the back wall, with a big "SED" on the bricks; Spanish for thirst.

We started with the Tuna Tiradito -  yellow fin, yuzu, ginger, tobiko, jalapeno, shown here. "I want you to taste what you are eating," said Sebastian. So therefore there are only a few ingredients used in each dish. This was followed by a delicious quinoa salad called Solterito de quinoa, along with the quinoa it consists of  Edamame beans, queso fresco, Tomato, Peruvian Corn.

The Ceviche was served like this, Corvina fish with lime, ginger, aji Amarillo, red onions, cilantro 

The last three items we tried were my favorites. The brussel sprouts were perfect. The whole table raved. They were prepared in a wok, Sebastian said they were Americanized-Peruvian, whatever they were we enjoyed them. Pancetta, lobster sauce and Greek yogurt were all part of the mix. These are not part of their regular menu, but they need to be.

The dishes here are not all on the menu all the time. The menu will change often depending on what food items they can get that are fresh and in season.

This Seared Scallop was better than the brussel sprouts. The flower was edible and we did eat that, too. The dish consisted of the scallop, corn puree, purple cabbage and miso brown butter.

For dessert we received this variation of Key Lime Pie with blueberries called Yuma Lime Pie. The blueberries were warmed up and the creamy, key lime part was cold. Perfection. It also consisted of Japanese citrus and graham crackers

33 will open nightly, except for Tuesday, starting December 5. Keep an eye out for a soft opening that won't be announced. They are open daily for lunch, too.
Wine and craft beer are a big part of the menu.

Their Sneak Peak nights sold out fast. This is something new and unique to the Grove, I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Donate to the Toy Drive

CocoWalk, The Shops of Sunset Place, the Grove Chamber and the BID are having a Toy Drive to provide toys to St. Alban's Child Enrichment Center in Coconut Grove. Over 200 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old will receive toys at the gift presentation ceremony to be held December 15.

Drop off unwanted toys at the BID (3390 Mary Street, suite 130) CocoWalk or The Shops of Sunset Place.

Holistic Holiday at Sea cruises in February

Sandy Pukel, well-known Grovite who you all may known is host and founder of Holistic Holiday at Sea, many of you know Sandy from his old Oak Feed days. Now he has extended all that holistic goodness to a yearly cruise.

Sandy Pukel

Holistic Holiday at Sea just announced the guest speakers and presenters to be featured on their February 27 - March 5, 2016 cruise. Renowned doctors, athletes, chefs and fitness experts have been invited to join guests onboard to offer expertise and unique insight on healthy living. The 2016 lineup includes the following featured guest speakers and presenters:

●    Dr. T. Colin Campbell - A Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University, is an author of The China Study. Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long Term Health (Campbell TC and Campbell, TM II, 2005).

●    Neal D. Barnard, MD - A leader in nutrition and research. As an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University and a researcher funded by the National Institutes of Health, he has led key research studies to improve the health of people with diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, and other serious health problems. He is the editor-in-chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians and the author of more than 15 books on nutrition and health for lay readers including Power Foods for the Brain. His research has been cited by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association in official policy statements on healthful diets. In 1985, he founded the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

●    Dr. Michael Greger - A founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, author, and internationally-recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. He has lectured at the Conference on World Affairs, testified before Congress, appeared on The Dr. Oz Show and The Colbert Report, and was invited as an expert witness in the defense of Oprah Winfrey in the infamous “meat defamation” trial. He is a graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Currently he serves as the Director of Public Health and Animal Agriculture at The Humane Society of the United States.

●    Chef AJ - Devoted to a plant-based diet for over 36 years, Chef AJ is a chef, culinary instructor, professional speaker and author. With her comedy background, she has made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and more. Based in L.A., Chef AJ teaches a popular class featuring cooking instruction, nutritional science and song parodies all delivered with comedic panache. Never content to leave her audience with mere “just do it” advice, she teaches how to create meals to transform your health, how to deal with cravings and food addiction and addresses the emotional side of eating.

Cruise prices start at $1499.00 and go up according to the type of room.

●      A full list of speakers and presenters as well as pricing is available at: holisticholidayatsea.com

“We are excited to welcome these prestigious healthy living experts aboard,” said Sandy. “Our guests will be able to choose from over 140 classes, lectures and workshops, all designed to support a healthy lifestyle.”

Additionally, to complement the guest speakers, vegan meals will be expertly prepared with care and attention to detail under the strict supervision of Mark Hanna, an internationally known natural food chef who has cooked at yoga retreats, meditation centers and macrobiotic and vegan conferences around the world. The cruise menu will also include gluten-free and oil-free options.

The seven day cruise,which departs from Miami, Florida will stop at several ports in the Caribbean, including Charlotte Amalie/St. Thomas, USVI; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Nassau, Bahamas.

“Enriching, educating, and entertaining our guests is our primary focus on the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise. The goal is for our guest to come away inspired and motivated to share their new knowledge with their family and friends. With 50% or more of our guests signing up for the following cruise before they disembark, we work hard to continuously improve the experience for our growing number of repeat guests.” added Sandy.

About Holistic Holiday at Sea

Holistic Holiday at Sea offers vacations that are relaxing, educational, and inspirational. Founded by Sandy Pukel, Holistic Holiday at Sea’s mission is to help create public awareness about the important role diet, nutrition, and lifestyle play in the maintenance of health and onset of disease.

Many of the Holistic programs offer continuing education credits (CEU) and continuing medical education (CME) for participating health and education professionals. Also, many of the teachers and speakers offer personalized one-on-one counseling on request.

KROMA presents 12 x 12 art exhibit

KROMA Studio is presenting 12 x 12, an art exhibit that will coincide with Miami Art Week in December. 

12 x 12 is a project that encapsulates numerous visual art mediums. It allows participating artist to create a 6' x 6' installation beginning with any of the traditional or new mediums. Each artist will incorporate a written testimony and video into "progress confessionals,"
that they will post in social network environments. 

This will allow process leading up to opening night. So in this respect, the 12 x 12 project will also occupy virtual spaces as a performance.  

It's 12 artists; 12 installations; 36 pieces in 36 days. 

The opening reception ins Thursday, December 3 from 6 to 10 pm. 

KROMA is located at 3670 Grand Avenue, their normal hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. For more info: 305-576-6278.

Tibetan painter Karma Phuntsok returns

Raised in the refugee schools of Dharamsala, apprenticed to a Master Thanka painter, living in the Bush of Australia, internationally respected Tibetan artist Karma Phuntsok, right, is returning to Coconut Grove. With the violence that rocks our modern world, people are longing to reconnect to love, hope and humanity. Karma's recent works are an offshoot of traditional Tibetan Buddhist Paintings, aimed at the audience who appreciates contemporary art.  For the first two weeks of December, Dharma Yoga Studio will happily revert to its origins as a contemporary art gallery, so that Karma can bring the neighborhood to life with his ethereal artwork. 

Please join in for three events to celebrate his return to Miami:

Opening Reception:  Wednesday December 2, 7-10 pm

Loving Kindness for a Modern World:
Recent Works by Tibetan Artist Karma Phuntsok

Meet the artist, enjoy refreshments and see the candid spin he puts on the Thangka tradition with his pop-culture commentary, tinged with nostalgia for his homeland, with Buddhist devotion, and tributes to Australia, where he's lived for decades.

Saturday December 12, 7-10 pm   
Art in Exile: Comparing Tibet & Cuba
An Open Discussion with Karma Phuntsok and Dr. Juan Martínez
moderated by Natalie Morales 


When people are displaced by politics, the art that emerges from splintered cultures can communicate the nuances of exile, at a glance. Since the late 1950's, artists from Tibet and Cuba have lived similar realities as refugees and immigrants, despite the distance separating them. Celebrated art historian Dr. Martínez (of FIU) will compare (and contrast) the most salient themes of this disparate art, and Karma will describe his motives in using Tibetan Buddhist imagery to translate his experience onto canvas. 

Sunday December 13, 1-5 pm  

Intro to The Sacred Geometry of Drawing the Buddha
An Art Workshop with Karma Phuntsok 

When you look at the ethereal deities in Karma's drawings, you'll note a calming sense of balance and proportion in each composition. This deliberate symmetry is an application of the principles of the sacred geometry of traditional Thangka Art. In this workshop, you'll practice the foundations of this revered style, as Karma guides you in creating your own drawings of the Buddha.  No art experience necessary.  
All supplies will be provided.  $50 in advance / $60 at door. 

RSVP / register for these events at
dharmastudio.com/upcoming.workshops.and.events/

All events held at DHARMA STUDIO, 3170 Commodore Plaza; for info:  305.724.9646

It's easy to participate in Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is back on November 28 this year. I am usually up north during that time for Thanksgiving week and I try to shop in local mom and pop stores up in New York, but Coconut Grove is perfectly made for Small Business Saturday. From Fuller Street to Commodore Plaza, up Main Highway and Grand Avenue, the place is just crawling with small, private businesses.

If you would like to promote it, American Express, the sponsor, has set up a website where you can get the Small Shop Kit.

There are free marketing materials and free online ads and listings at ShopSmall.com. 

He picked up a camera five years ago

The Mad Hatter Festival is Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22 at The Barnacle. We'll be profiling some of the artists who are participating this year.

Armando Colls is an award winning fine art photographer. Many of the Florida native's work reflects South Florida nature. 

What's interesting about Armando's work is that he only started taking pictures five years ago, when he borrowed a camera from a friend and starting shooting. He says the camera became like a brush to a painter.

"I was naturally able to capture still life and landscapes," he says. 

"Taking a photo is not just having a camera and pressing the shutter. There is much more behind every photograph; thre is a moment, a story," says Armando.

Armando also has a vast collection of photos taken around the country. Check him out this weekend at the Mad Hatter Arts & Crafts Festival running 1o am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday in and around The Barnacle 3485 Main Highway. And enjoy Alice in Wonderland, the movie, Saturday night on the great lawn out back, behind The Barnacle. More here.

New Coconut Grove 'shop locally' t-shirts available

To help promote "Shop Locally," which is what Noel Garcia does any time he can, Noel designed a t-shirt for the holidays. As you can see, it's got a Coconut Grove logo on the front with the incorporation year, 1873 and on the back are logos of local businesses that donated to Noel to have the shirts made. 

It's Noel's Christmas present to the Grove.

The t-shirts are free and there is a limited quantity - about 250 - so if you would like to wear a bunch of us on your back, literally, stop by one of Noel's stores and ask for one starting Sunday, November 22 at 1 pm.  Stop by Grove Ink, Lucky 14 or New Age Piercing. You know where they are.

They are available until they are gone. Sizes run from S to XXL. Colors: burgundy, white, teal and gray.

Boys & Girls Clubs Christmas tree lot opens Monday

The pumpkins are out and now the Christmas trees are moving in. I'm talking about under the big tent at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, right across the highway. They have been selling Christmas trees for over 35 years.

The organization continues this festive tradition starting Monday, Nov. 23 at 2805 SW 32nd Avenue. Miami,The tree lot will be open seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm until the trees sell out.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the tree and wreath sales will benefit the local branch of the Boys& Girls Clubs which serves thousands of  kids in Miami-Dade County with positive programs year-round. 

The trees, gorgeous Fraser firs hand-selected in North Carolina by club president Alex Rodriguez-Roig, stand 5 to 14 feet tall with prices starting at $55. Plain and hand-decorated wreaths are also available starting at $35.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving thousands of boys and girls year round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org.

Erika's work is new to Coconut Grove

The Mad Hatter Festival is November 21 and 22 at The Barnacle. We'll be profiling some of the artists who are participating this year.

Erika Taguchi-Newton works mostly in acrylic, sometimes oil and watercolor. She is down from Delray Beach, where she lives. Erika is excited to be showing her work for the first time at the Mad Hatter.

"I like the whimsical theme of it. I love storybooks and fairy tale worlds," says Erika about the festival. This is her first show ever in Miami. She won 3rd place in the Dragoncon Art Show this year. 

Erika

I asked which of her pieces was her favorite, she said, "My favorite piece is one of my first pieces called 'Armadillo Dreams' created in 2010. I experimented with many styles previously. Then I found my technique and theme with this piece."

You can see the image above, is screams "Alice in Wonderland," and the detail is incredible.

Erika is originally from Japan, "I’m a military brat and lived in various places. All of my adult life has been in South Florida. I have always been illustrating, but I started to take it seriously in 2009," she says.

I asked her what she liked about Coconut Grove, she said, "I’m not very familiar with the area but I love the name. It sounds like it belongs in Alice in Wonderland. Like a village made up of giant coconut houses." Erika's art reflects this sort of image; it's all detailed beautiful fantasy images.

Currently Erika is a bit obsessed with painting woodland creatures in Fair Isle sweaters. Which is perfect for the Mad Hatter and Grove Isle, a few blocks away from The Barnacle, used to be Fair Isle, so it all fits in so perfectly.

"Forest Masks"

"Selkie"

Taekwondo classes at Peacock Park

There is a new Taekwondo program at Peacock Park presented by Tiger Fist Martial Arts Academy. The lessons are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and 7:00 to 8:0pm.

"We are very honored to be part of the community and offer the residents of the area a chance to practice Taekwondo and self-defense. Master Ampie is our head instructor who holds a IV Degree Black Belt from the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain. His love for Marital Arts started at age 4, since then he has practiced and made Taekwondo his passion, says Ingrid Castillo, co-owner.

Master Ampie has the patience and interpersonal skills to train children and adults on self-defense techniques and Taekwondo Forms. Students are taught in a safe and controlled manner to prevent accidents and reduce risk for injuries. Master Ampie communicates in a clear manner in both English and Spanish.

The 1st class is free and they are currently charging $80 month for 8 one hour classes. 

For more info: TigerFistAcademy@gmail.com

Park Grove was the setting for Chamber event

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce had their latest mixer atop Park Grove, overlooking beautiful Sailboat Bay. About 100 people attended. Above from left: Curtis Crider, GM of the Sonesta Hotel; Alice Bravo, Director of Miami-Dade Transit, Lilliana Dones, Chamber president and Monty Trainer, Grovefather.

Senen Garcia, Esq., SG Law Group; Davina Smith-Melgarejo, PA, EcoBroker; Ronnie Brooks, Grove musician.

Deborah Crisp, King Mango Strut; Cecilia Gill, Yvonne Rosemeier, The Loft Boutique.

Recognition was given to local business for their contribution to the Grove: David Martin, Park-Grove; Mercy Hospital, Regions Bank, PointeGroup, Timo Kipp. Mayfair; the new owners of Cocowalk, Arquitectonica and the Sonesta Hotel. Alice Bravo from Miami-Dade Transit spoke about outreach plans to promote use and access to public transportation. 

The Chamber's next event is their December luncheon, where District 2 Commissioner Ken Russell is guest speaker.

Photos by Rafael Gutierrez

Today is Give Miami Day

Today is Give Miami Day, a day to donate to non-profit organizations in our community. If you're like me, you have received lots of emails from charities asking you to donate to them. How do you choose? 

Give Miami Day is all day today, November 19 and ends at midnight. Gifts can be made by using a credit or debit card. $25 is the minimum accepted gift. You may give to as many organizations as you like.

This is the biggest annual giving event in South Florida. Last year, $5.2 million was raised for local charities, more than 19,000 people donated to 520 organizations.

The Miami Foundation, Knight Foundation and other partners will make a bonus gift for every donation between $25 and $10,000.

You can get more info and donate here: givemiamiday.org

Call for nominations for Golden Coconut Awards

The Chamber's Golden Coconut Award is up for grabs again this year. It's the 46th annual. 

If you wish to vote for someone or businesses that has done excellent things for the community, you can download the form here.

Residents and employees in Coconut Grove can vote for anyone they wish. Voting closes December 4 at 5 pm. You can vote once in all seven categories.

The Golden Coconut Awards Cocktail, Reception will be held at The Kampong on January 14, 2016.

The top 3 finalists in each category will be announced at the December Chamber Networking event, which is their yearly Christmas party, too, and will be recognized at the Golden Coconut Awards Cocktail Reception when the winner in each category will be announced. 

These prestigious awards will recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals that demonstrate excellence in business and a passion for the community in seven different categories, including:
 Small Business of the Year
 Business of the Year
 Business Leader of the Year
 Non-Profit Organization of the Year
 Up and Comer of the Year
 Community Service – Business or Group
 Outstanding Service – Individual

This is free and anyone who works and lives in Coconut Grove may participate, you don't have to be a Chamber member.