Photo Eroticism

 Friday August 1

Our voyeuristic society loves a good peep show, despite the dirty feelings left over from Puritan guilt. But primp up the peep as an art show and apply appropriate pseudo-intellectualism -- then guilty pleasure whittles down to just pleasure. And that's the only thing that'll whittle at Ellen Jong's "Peep Show" exhibition at Mynt Ultra Lounge (1921 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). Featuring her edgy, provocative depictions of everyday sexuality, the lascivious images might not be arousing enough, so the event also includes a fashion show/striptease. By the end of the night attendees should be sufficiently hot and bothered. All the while, the New York fashion photographer, whose work has appeared in the pages of Cosmo, Vogue, and Fader magazines, plans on an impromptu photo shoot, looking through the crowd for a subtle wink or familiar smile that oozes South Beach seduction. Admission is $20. Call 786-276-6132. -- By Humberto Guida

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Local Legends

Natives know: Miami is a town impossible to fully explain to outsiders. Scarface, hurricanes, and former dictators occasionally overshadow the tropical beauty, exotic flavors, and colorful citizens in people's minds but they're just small details in a tapestry that defies categorization. In a valiant attempt to describe our pleasantly kooky city, if only to ourselves, the Miami Art Museum (101 W. Flagler St.) presents "Miami Stories: A Portrait of our Community." Museum visitors are asked to contribute photocopies of objects or tales for display in an exhibit that complements "American Tableaux: Many Voices, Many Stories," featuring pieces by Warhol, O'Keeffe, Johns, and other luminaries in social commentary. Collected documents will be archived at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Admission is free if you bring your own Miami story to add; $5 otherwise. Call 305-375-3000. -- By Margaret Griffis

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Museums

Moist Sure

During a sweltering Miami summer, the heat and humidity may be too much for you outdoors, but don't think you'll escape indoors at the Bass Museum (2121 Park Ave., Miami Beach). For 3 years the institution underwent a difficult 20,000-square-foot expansion and renovation, reopening last year after much anticipation. If you haven't gotten around to visiting yet, don't rush. The museum shut its doors again on Monday, July 21. The problem: humidity. Too much of it, we're guessing. Is there anything worse than a moldy Flemish tapestry? Anticipated reopening date is November 2003 -- just in time for Art Basel. -- By Nina Korman