Although Locust Projects is billed as a small alternative space, the gallery's annual fundraiser held this past Saturday at its eponymously named Wynwood spot was anything but. The event attracted not only some of Miami's biggest names in the business, but also their cash. For three hours the Kevin Bruks of the art world hobnobbed with the Deborah and Dennis Scholls and about 250 other similarly notable enthusiasts, collectors, gallerists, and artistes to generate an estimated $37,000.
"We were extremely impressed with the turnout," says South African-born director Claire Breukel. And though the lively crowd seemed to appreciate the ubiquitous free flowing booze and phyllo-wrapped asparagus spears, it was undoubtedly the promise of making off with an original artwork that pried their fingers from around plastic cups and into pockets. Indeed, Locust collected 116 works, all of which were donated by an impressive array of local artists, including Cristina Lei Rodriguez, Julian Navarro, Natalia Benedetti, Carlos Betancourt, COOPER, Frances Trombly, and Beatriz Monteavaro. Guests were then invited to select their favorites and, during a raffle-style drawing, claim one as their own.
Alas, because pieces were given away on a completely random basis, that meant some poor sucker paid almost four hundred bills for an old greying sock, thanks to the alleged creative genius that is Bert Rodriguez. Yes, just a sock. Granted, I may be not be qualified to criticize and may have completely missed the hidden meaning of said dirty laundry, but I'd be curious to find who, if anyone, purposefully went home with it.
Aside from the sock incident, the event was undoubtedly a success. Many present were excited to see what shows and artists their dosh might help bring to Wynwood in the months to come. Let's just hope no one else jumps on the dirty laundry bandwagon and decides to display their undies as art.-Joanne Green
