Art Deco Weekend is almost upon us, and while it will have its usual array of architectural tributes, classic cars and chances to dance, this year it'll have more: an entire section devoted to local art, via Life Is Art.
The Life Is Art block will feature more than two dozen local artists including Eleazar Delgado, Monique Lassooij, David Gary Lloyd, and JanRafael. The artists are all part of MiamiMixer and their work will be curated by Joshua Kingston.
See also: Miami Arts Brigade Looks to Foster Collaboration Between Local Arts Organizations
James Echols, co-founder of Life Is Art and Soul of Miami, is trying to foster relationships between local artists and their communities, especially since Echols believes artists to be "the spokespeople of a community's soul."
"The relationship between art deco architecture and local arts is that both speak to and speak from our residents," Echols explained. "They are both representative of our community. This is the reason it is key to be very careful with how we treat our architecture as more developers move into the area."
The lineup will feature art for nearly every taste.
"Mirroring Miami's diversity, we will have a very diverse collection of art and artists," Echols said. "Over two dozen artists will be represented at the Life Is Art Block, and many of them will be there for the attendees to meet. We have a wide variety of styles, photography, representational painting, abstract works and sculpture, some of it lighthearted, some of it more dark, by artists from heritages all over the world, who have decided to call Miami their home.
In addition to art, the weekend will include over 140 vendors, street entertainment, classic cars, live jazz and swing music, a dance-a-thon with a $5,000 grand prize, an early 20th century fashion show, guided tours, lectures and other activities.
Art Deco Weekend takes place January 16 -18 on Ocean Drive, from Fifth to 13th Street, and the Life Is Art Block will take over 11th to 12th Street. For more information, visit artdecoweekend.com.
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