Best Visual Artist-in-Residence Program

 

Best Lincoln Road Gallery

Carel Gallery

Established in 1963, Carel Gallery is the oldest gallery in Lincoln Road and probably the most unique. Instead of focusing on the ubiquitous, run-of-the-mill contemporary and abstract art that seems to pervade the city, Carel features European 19th- and 20th-century postimpressionists, from oil and watercolor paintings to drawings and sculptures. The owner, Michel Carel, has always maintained the vision of displaying what he likes, not what others expect, ensuring his gallery remains a refreshing haven for sought-after art. Location: 922 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-534-4384

 

Best Anticipated Cultural Marathon

Sleepless Night

It’s the only day of the year that will be 25 hours long, and the city of Miami Beach wants to make sure its residents and visitors squeeze every extra second of fun they can out of it. To that end, the inaugural Sleepless Night extravaganza, billed as the first of its kind anywhere in the United States, was conceived. The citywide event, timed to coincide with the newly established end of daylight savings time, will be an all-night cultural affair from 6 p.m. Nov. 3 to 6 a.m. Nov. 4. A diverse program of indoor and outdoor art exhibitions and installations, performances, fashion shows, music, dance, film and other cultural offerings is planned. Admission is free, and the city will provide complimentary transportation on South Beach to the different venues along Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive, and in North Beach. Phone: 305-604-2489.

 

Best Egalitarian Music School

SoBe Music Institute

Created by the nonprofit Mystery Park Arts Company as a first step in its goal of creating a “World-Class Institute of the Arts,” SoBe Music Institute provides quality instruction to hundreds of students of all ages, class levels and socioeconomic backgrounds in musical instrument, composition, voice, musicianship, music appreciation and music-theater instruction. The 35-member faculty teaches everything from flute to harp to percussion to electric guitar. Location: 751 Euclid Ave., Suite 2, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-9220. Web site: www.sobemusic.org

 

Best Art and Framing

Galeria del Sol

Featuring an extensive collection of mostly Latin American art, Galeria del Sol has been discovering and exposing both promising and well-established artists for more than 15 years. Some of these rising newcomers include Carlos Oviedo, Ahmed Gomez and Carlos Rios. However, you’ll also find American artists like Mary Larson, and even a few pieces by Andy Warhol. Galeria del Sol’s collection is comprehensive, varied and a South Florida collectors’ dream come true. In addition, Galeria del Sol offers framing services, with more than 2,000 samples to choose from, ranging from imported European moldings to hand-finished masterpieces to decorate your artwork. Location: 1628 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-7076.

 

Best Visual Artist-in-Residence Program

Art Center/South Florida

For more than 23 years, the Art Center/South Florida has promoted the advancement of local art and artists through its expansive studios on Lincoln Road and its array of opportunities for both the public and artists. The nearly 60,000-square-foot campus houses 52 studios in which anyone can view the resident artists at work with a variety of media, from sculptures to paint to jewelry, photography and more. See art in the making as you see some of the most talented young Miami artists at work. The critically acclaimed Art Center/South Florida is dedicated to the exposure of art, and it even offers workshops and classes so you can discover the artist within you. Location: 800, 810, 924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-8278.

 

Best Full-Service Movie Rentals

New Concept Video

New Concept is pretty much the only place on the Beach where you can get a great selection of foreign films, hard-to-find film festival fare and gay and lesbian releases from smaller film companies, not to mention new releases, cult classics, classic classics and a bit of adult fare as well, all in one spot that also has a good variety of hip magazines to browse and buy. Residents of the walkable West Avenue neighborhood love the addition, while others find New Concept a good reason to visit. A knowledgeable and friendly staff rounds out the many benefits at this Beach classic. Location: 959 West Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-1113.

 

Best Self-Service Movie Rentals

Movie Bank

The nation’s first automated movie rental store, at MovieBankUSA customers can take the time to scroll through original movies covers, read movies summaries and even view trailers of the movie they are considering renting or purchasing on the trademark MovieBankUSA screen. MovieBankUSA has an extensive inventory that is at least equal to that of a traditional video club with a wide selection of DVDs, VHS and video games to choose from. The Miami Beach store is open 24/7, giving its customers flexibility in renting and returning their rentals. All operations can be performed using a credit card or a free MovieBankUSA Membership Card. Rates start at 99 cents per rental. Location: 1110 15th St., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-674-8193. Web site: www.moviebankusa.com

 

Best Underrated Venue

James L. Knight Center

With the Carnival Center and American Airlines Arena in the picture, no one pays attention to the little guy anymore. A shame, too, because at this venue, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. And with the scarce parking downtown, it’s nice to have an adjacent lot. You won’t have to shell out $30 for walking-distance spaces, like at AAA, when top acts like comedian Eddie Griffin or musicians Erasure perform. Check out what’s coming to town online. Location: 400 SE Second Ave., Miami. Phone: 305-372-4633. Web site: www.jlkc.com

 

Best Fine Art Gallery Service

The Americas Collection

For the last 15 years, The Americas Collection has been presenting the work of some of the most creative and dedicated artists from Latin America, Europe and the United States. Maintaining its top reputation is The Americas Collection’s main goal and driving force are the services the gallery offers to private collectors and corporate clients, like museum quality framing, installation and art transportation. Location: 2440 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Phone: 305-446-5578. Web site: www.americascollection.com

 

Best Mobile Murder Mystery

Seminole Gulf’s Murder Mystery Show

Along with a five-course meal, patrons of the Murder Mystery Show are treated to a theatrical homicide. Along with food and wine during the three-and-a-half-hour trip, the dining detectives are also given clue sheets so they can work out the mystery. Location: 4110 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 207, Fort Myers. Phone: 239-275-8487. Web site: www.semgulf.com

 

Best International Connection

The Rhythm Foundation

If Miami is the crossroads of the Americas, then Rhythm Foundation is what keeps the traffic flowing at this dynamic intersection. The Rhythm Foundation is a nonprofit organization that, since its inception almost 20 years ago, has plugged Miami and the U.S. into an international circuit of music, concerts and festivals. The organization works specifically to bring superb music acts from all over the world to Miami’s inventive marketplace. The Foundation arranges almost 15 concerts per year in Miami’s concert halls, theaters and nightclubs. The Rhythm Foundation has contributed to the Heineken TransAtlantic Festival in 2004, as well as the annual Fête de la Musique French music festival. The organization is responsible for the Florida debuts such musical wonders as Artutro Sandoval and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This season alone, Rhythm Foundation brought Gilberto Gil, The Pinker Tones, Os Mutantes, Chambao and many others to Miami. We can’t wait to hear who they’ve got in store for fall 2007. Phone: 305-672-5202. Web site: www.rhythmfoundation.com

 

Best Ticket in Town

Culture Shock Miami

Are you between the ages of 13 and 22 and attending junior high, senior high or college? Then you can capitalize on a Miami-Dade County program known as “Culture Shock Miami.” These young residents can watch theater, dance, music and art shows and festivals for just $5 admission all year long. Either buy the tickets online or go to the nearest Ticketmaster outlet with proof of age. A little older or younger? Hey, don’t feel left out, Culture Shock Miami also has tips on how you can find budget and even free tickets too. Just log on to find out. Phone: 305-375-1949. Web site: www.cultureshockmiami.com

 

Best Grown-Up Productions for Children

The PlayGround Theatre

It’s never too early to introduce young minds to the wonders of theater. Studies show…actually, we don’t really know if early exposure to the drama will do anything for your youngsters except show them how to appreciate the performing arts at an early age. Who knows you might have spawned the next Broadway wonder. Since 2005, The Playground Theatre has been producing top-quality plays for children from greats such as Hans Christian Andersen and most recently Gabriel Garcia Marquez (A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings). They offer summer theater camps as well. Location: 9806 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores. Phone: 305-751-9550. Web site: www.theplaygroundtheatre.com

 

Best Family Entertainment

Kevin and Caruso’s Magic & Comedy Show

Can’t afford Vegas again this year? You can have all the flashiness of a Vegas-style magic show, complete with showgirls (but minus the gambling, of course) right here in South Florida. With a touch of comedy and dazzling magic tricks, Kevin and Caruso will deliver a great set of illusions. Plus, it’s not cheesy like magic shows can be. Adults and children will be equally amazed at the sleight-of-hand and the witty jokes. Tickets are $19.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. Location: Deauville Beach Resort, 6701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 1-800-600-6244.

 

Best Display of Jewish Pride

Jewish Museum of Florida

Preserving Florida’s Jewish history has been the mission of this institution since its inception in 1995. Chronicling the Jewish experience from 1763 to the present, JMOF also offers a variety of comprehensive resources to the public. There are lesson plans for educators interested in celebrating Florida Jewish Month in January. Jewish Museum now permanently houses MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, the exhibit that traveled to 13 cities in the early ’90s. In a statewide grassroots effort, MOSAIC collected Jewish-related photographs, documents and artifacts to create the exhibit. The museum is currently looking for items to display in an upcoming exhibition pertaining to the following categories: Floridians of Jewish descent in the food industry, military, sports or activism. Location: 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-672-5044. Web site: www.jewishmuseum.com

 

Best Monthly Gallery Walk

Art + Design Night in the Miami Design District

On the Second Saturday of every month, the Design District hosts a gallery walk where visitors can stroll in and out of the neighborhood’s showrooms while enjoying original and inspiring art, music, live performances, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, not to mention the company of their fellow art lovers. In conclusion: The evening is full of art, food and fun! Location: NE Second Avenue, between 39th and 40th streets, Miami. Phone: 305-573-8116. Web site: www.miamidesigndistrict.net

 

Best Originality in Fine Art

Fine Art, Tadeo Lazaro

Tadeo Lazaro, the “Plastic Painter,” is a unique type of artist who, after completing his studies, had the opportunity for two years to work and study with famed Chilean artist Fernando Daza. Lazaro’s work is contemporary, kind of a mix of Surrealism with a little Pop Art with Impressionism tossed in. The end result is highly unusual but utterly captivating. Location: 291 Shore Drive East, Miami. Phone: 786-556-9655.

 

Best Local Americana Portraits

Patrick Gabriel Gallery and Studio 

This artist, who pairs gallery with studio, offers something not always easy to find in the world of visual artists. While many artists have made names for themselves with distinctive styles, mediums, etc., Gabriel’s paintings are individualistic. That is, each and every painting is as different as the next, whether it’s a deserted beach, a phalanx of surfers, a wheat field or a man reclining in an easy chair. The result is variety within excellence, and that is something to applaud. Location: 1460 Cleveland Road, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-861-5090.

 

Best Original Art Museum

World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM)

People might wrongly shy away from this museum, perhaps because of the name, the location or the small entry-way, but the emphasis is on wrongly. WEAM is a huge art museum, stylish and absolutely fascinating. No porn palace, WEAM is one of the largest private collections of erotic art in the world, featuring more than 4,000 objects, some of which date back thousands of years. Man has always been fascinated with the mystic and aesthetic nature of the erotic, and this utterly unique museum showcases items from many eras and epochs, cultures and countries. WEAM is a must-see museum and an experience sure to offer all who enter a one-of-a-kind adventure through erotic art history. Location: 1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Phone: 305-532-9336.

 

Best Miami Beach Arts Group

Arts at St. John’s

Arts have long been considered an integral thread in the fabric of communities. With that in mind, the nonprofit organization Arts at St. John’s, which delivers year-around culture and arts programming in the mid-Miami Beach area, has taken art directly into the community. Supported by the city of Miami Beach, the Florida Humanities Council, Dade Community Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts just to name a few, Arts at St. John’s focuses on nurturing young and local artists to blend the diverse populations of race, culture and beliefs in this metropolitan region. Programming includes performances, sing-a-longs, lessons in music, lectures, exhibitions and much more. With Carol Hoffman-Guzman, executive director, at the helm, Arts at St. John’s celebrates not only the arts but the many populations and ages they can impact. Location: 4760 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach. Phone: 305-613-2325. Web site: www.artsatstjohns.com

 

Best New Design District Art Space

Miami Art Group Gallery

Even though it’s been in business for about nine months, this newcomer to the Miami art scene is no baby. Miami Art Group opened with a bang of a gala last October and dove straight into Art Basel Miami Beach in December. Since then, it has hosted four major events, a fashion show and is currently home to 16 internationally renowned contemporary artists — including Fuentes Ferrin, Simon Marinberg, Ari Hirschman and Hessam Abrishami. Not bad for a new kid on the block. Gallery owner Dustin Benge has long been involved nationally in the heavy-hitting art business and is committed to showcasing the best contemporary art from around the world. Plus, he is always on the lookout for new talent and dedicates a portion of his 1,800-square-foot gallery to local up-and-coming artists. Catering to everyone from private collectors to hotels and corporations, Miami Art Group Gallery is quickly making its mark in Miami. Location: 126 NE 40th St., Miami. Phone: 305-576-2633. Web site: www.miamiartgroup.com.

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