Last night, a whole bunch of fun, creative types got together at the Coral Gables Museum despite the rain to honor our nine Mastermind 2014 finalists and see who might walk away from Miami New Times' Artopia celebration with a giant check for $1,000.
Well, the votes are in and the checks were handed out. We'd like to say big congratulations to this year's winners: young filmmaker Julian Yuri Rodriguez, artist Kevin Arrow, and music man Otto Von Schirach.
See Also: Mastermind 2014 Finalist: Kevin Arrow Catalogues Miami's Strange History Through Strange Things
Sure, it rained, but that didn't stop our party at the Coral Gables Museum. It just pushed everyone inside, but that meant we all got a better view of the nine Mastermind displays inside the gallery. Everyone showed up and out, but it's our winners who must have gone home with the biggest smiles.
Kevin Arrow has been a bright star in the local art scene for years, and his win was really an about-time kind of moment. His assorted collection of slideshow finds projected on the wall gave a small glimpse into the world of Miami artifacts he's found over decades. For his contributions as a cultural collector, documentarian and imaginative artist, we salute him.
See also: Mastermind 2014 Finalist: Otto Von Schirach is a Weirdo, But He's Miami's Weirdo
Otto Von Schirach as well has deserved his accolades for some time. His music may take him around the world, but his projects continue to keep it all in the Miami family. In this tonw, it can be hard to find good artists that don't run away from their roots, so when someone stays loyal to the city, it's only right the city keeps giving, too. We can only imagine the strange things this guy's got planned for his $1,000.
Julian Yuri Rodriguez, on the other hand, is one of the newer faces in the Miami art scene, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a hotter rising star. The 25 year old turned a lot of heads with his short film C#ckfight, and he's been busy making bizarre music videos for some of the city's most colorful musical acts. No doubt he's destined for really big things, and Miami New Times is more than pleased for the chance to help him on his way.
Many thanks to all of our talented finalists and to everyone who made the trip out to celebrate with us. Is it too early to start planning for next year?
Follow Cultist on Facebook and Twitter @CultistMiami.
