Already brimming with world-class art museums and captivating, transient street art, Miami becomes the undisputed center of the art world each December with the arrival of Art Basel. The focal point of Miami Art Week, Art Basel brings together the masterful works of contemporary artists – from paintings and sculptures to substantial outdoor installations and performances – for four days at the Miami Beach Convention Center (December 7 – 10).
But while Art Basel is a must-see event for any art lover or collector visiting South Florida, there is more to experience during the eclectic Miami Art Week – including stylish gala openings, exclusive after-parties, musical performances from the likes of Phil Collins to 50 Cent, and more than 20 curated art fairs happening around the city.
Here are seven standout art fairs not to miss, all within a short drive of Acqualina Resort & Spa:
Aqua Art Miami
Drawing more than 10,000 attendees in 2016, Aqua Art Miami has become one of the most coveted events of the week for its classic South Beach atmosphere and handpicked selections (this year chosen by Director Grela Orihuela). From Madrid to Buenos Aires, 51 international galleries highlighting both emerging and mid-career artists will be showcased in the expansive exhibition rooms, and nearby, like-minded art enthusiasts can connect in the breezy courtyard.
Aqua Hotel, 1530 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
$25 one-day ticket; $95 multi-day pass (includes admission to Art Miami and CONTEXT)
Photo: The Line Up (2016) by Christine Weller from LoveArt Gallery
Design Miami
Located just steps from Art Basel, Design Miami/ celebrates the best in design with premier exhibitions from the world’s leading galleries, collaborations with designers and design institutions, fascinating panels and lectures, and one-of-a-kind commissions from renowned designers and architects. Discover unique 20th and 21st century furniture, lighting, and objets d’art while among influential collectors, gallerists, curators, and critics.
Meridian Avenue and 19th Street
$25 one-day ticket; $80 multi-day pass
Photo: Cantilever Table by Brian Thoreen, 2017, courtesy of Clemens Kois for Patrick Parrish Gallery
Red Dot Miami
Art not only reflects society but influences it – a theme that is reflected throughout the works of 500 plus contemporary artists at this year’s Red Dot Miami. Since 2006, the gallery-style fair in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District has drawn art lovers for its incredible showing of modern art, Art Labs, and opportunities to meet the artists and watch live demonstrations. Check out Mary Granger Welt, who will show how the melodic composure of music transcends into her painting style.
1700 NE 2nd Avenue, Arts and Entertainment District
$25 one-day ticket; $75 multi-day pass (including Opening Night on December 6)
Photo: Redwood Media Group
Untitled, Art
Held on the beach, Untitled, Art takes visitors into an architecturally designed space divided into galleries and artist-run exhibition spaces put together by a curatorial team including Artistic Director Omar López-Chahoud. Structure, shelter, national identity, and transcending geographic boundaries are a few of the important themes and elements portrayed in the special artist projects and collaborations.
Ocean Drive and 12th Street, Miami Beach
$30
Photo: Untitled, Art, Miami Beach, 2015
Art Miami
The original and longest-running contemporary art fair in the city, Art Miami is recognized as a leading destination for the acquisition of the most important artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. This year takes the 28th edition of the fair to a new location downtown, where it will showcase work from more than 125 international art galleries including the Amy Li Gallery (Beijing), Eduardo Secci Contemporary (Florence), and Vallarino Fine Art (New York City).
One Herald Plaza at NE 14th Street, Downtown
$50 one-day ticket (includes admission to CONTEXT); $95 multi-day pass (includes admission to Aqua Art Miami and CONTEXT)
Photo: Art Miami
Fridge Art Fair
One of the more eccentric fairs happening during Art Week is Fridge Art Fair Miami: The Art Bagel Edition. With an array of bagel-themed events and a focus on pet rescue, this year’s fair highlights individual artists with great variation in style and form that together create a uniform work of art. Like all of Fridge’s events, there will be engaging activities like the magnet display (in which visitors can create a magnet to be showcased) and a video lounge in the courtyard.
Blue Moon Hotel, 944 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
$15 multi-day pass
Photo: Fridge Art Fair Miami
SATELLITE ART SHOW
Expect the unexpected at SATELLITE, an alternative art fair with a focus on experiential installations. Held this year at the abandoned Ocean Terrace Hotel, the artist-run, concept-driven show spans art, music, performance, installation, new media, and tech. Throughout the hotel’s 40 rooms, which provide no restrictions by regulations of space, you will find immersive and often participatory exhibitions.
The Ocean Terrace Hotel, 7410 Ocean Terrace, Miami Beach
$20 one-day ticket; $40 multi-day pass
Featured Photo: Untitled, Art, Miami Beach, 2015