She's pulling up stakes after 50 years
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| Erika King |
One year short of celebrating my 50th anniversary of living a charmed artists life in Coconut Grove, and enjoying every moment of it, I have decided to move on to greener pastures, as my charmed Village has lost its charm to become an extension of Brickell Avenue glass and steel.
The brand new building across from the Barnacle where I opened my first gallery is now an overbearing glass monster that has no right to be there, our grand Old Lady, the Coconut Grove Playhouse, where I was once the resident artist, has been left to rot.
I have been privileged to live in some of the most unique and magical places in the Grove including the former Tennessee Williams home at the end of Bayhomes Drive, demolished years ago; to Villa Woodbine; a penthouse on Commodore Plaza; and one of the only homes built in 1928 still standing in Center Grove. The zero lot line boring town houses and tasteless white boxes are offensive to me. I have chosen to move to the neighborhood of Buena Vista, between the Design District and the burgeoning new Arts District further north, where many of the best galleries have also chosen to open, along with an exciting new contemporary Art Museum and many of the finest art collections.
The Universe opened its doors for me there, and I am already thoroughly enjoying it! Of course I will be coming back to visit and support my wonderful Woman’s Club, the Barnacle and the Chamber, as my heart will always be in Coconut Grove!!
Now my task is to downsize and sell the rest of the contents of my warehouse storage unit, filled with art, collectibles, an African mask collection, jewelry, clothing, dishes glasses,etc.
I hope that you will stop by Saturday, August 3 or Saturday, August 10 from 11 am to 4 pm at 2450 SW. 28th Lane, diagonally across from Shell lumber, called Life Storage.
There is on street parking and limited parking in the building. Who knows, you may just find that little unusual treasure, and I would love to see you there!
Best, as always,
Erika King
posted by Tom Falco at 4:00 AM
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4 Comments:
I am strucked how things change: Downtown Miami, the Brickell area, The City of South Miami, and yes even Coconut Grove. Some of the changes to my liking. Some not. But it is important to note that if one does not like the change it is because of personal taste and NOT because something intrinsically wrong. Shit happens and things change. Two facts of life. Sid Kaskey
Erika, you're an incredible artist and a very well-loved part of this community. God bless.
One of my favorite possessions is the Erika King poster done by her on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the City of Miami. Please keep the inspired work coming even though you no longer will be a Groveite!
Lynn M. Summers
May your first stop be at the Planning and zoning office of your new neighborhood of Buena Vista to see if there are any protections for the scale and character of that neighborhood. Otherwise don’t get too comfortable....
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