Art Basel (Miami)

Dave Thomas

Art Basel Miami is one of the largest Art Shows in the world.  I think it is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.  It is an event that draws the richest of the rich and the most elite of artists; yet there is something for everyone who likes art.  It takes place in early December of each year.  I think the first weekend of the month, but you can certainly find the exact dates on an internet search.


David Burton

Now I need to back up and say that I have not yet been to the actual Art Basel venue during the event.  There is a good reason for this.  The actual event is just the center stage for a lot of other events going on at the same time.  Most of the events are happening on Miami Beach, but some stretch across the bridge into the city.  Since I haven't been, I couldn't say for sure, but I am guessing I couldn't afford to breathe the air in the actual venue at the convention center.    I only had one night to spend, so I had to limit myself to what I could see well, not the most art I could possible walk by without appreciating it. 

Derek Gores

This year, I went to the Aqua Art show.  It took place in the Aqua Hotel in Miami Beach.  It is one of the bigger shows (by my understanding).  I chose that one because there was a specific artist I wanted to see there (Shameless plug, the artist is my son, Dave Thomas, pictured above).  I didn't know what to expect and couldn't really figure out how a hotel hosted an art show, so it was an adventure for me. 


How they do it is this:  They clear out every room in the hotel.  Every piece of furniture is removed.  Then the artists or galleries use the rooms as mini-galleries to display their work in every possible nook and cranny.  Closets?  yep.  Bathrooms?  yep.  The lobby area includes a bar with outrageous drink prices and some places to sit. 


The art itself was fantastic.  Prices ranges from $500 to $50,000 where I was looking. In some galleries the artist was there to talk to (my favorite) in others the gallery representative was there.  The only piece I was interested in, the artist wasn't there, and that was why I didn't buy it.  Maybe if he had been there to discuss the work with me, I would have. 


The other area that I enjoyed was the Wynwood area of street art.  The Wynwood Walls is an attraction with nothing but walls and walls of art.  The Wynwood area surrounding it is full of art.  This art is graffiti that has so far surpassed being graffiti as to need a name of its own.  Wall murals?  Sure.  But it seems there should be a better name.  Anyway, it is absolutely worth walking around and taking a look see.  It is completely free, of course.  We went in the morning and there was nobody yet around, but the coffee shops were open. 

Tips:  The closer you get to the venues, the more parking costs.  The further south you get on Miami Beach, the more parking costs.  Some of the lots have a three hour limit.  You can by pass this limit by adding more time in three hour increments (all at once when you park).  Have a plan for where you want to eat unless you have an unlimited budget.