8 Art-World Insiders on What to See, Do, Eat, and Drink During Miami Art Week

The affordable artists’ studio building in Little Haiti, founded in 2008, will be demolished to make way for new developments in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.

By Salome Gomez-Upegui for Vogue

Excerpt:

While the first week of December is definitely an exhilarating time to be in Miami, keeping track of the many fairs, exhibitions, cocktails, panels, and parties on the Miami Art Week calendar can feel a bit like an extreme sport. There’s only so much you can do in seven days—but who better than a group of art-world insiders to guide you through it all?

Below, an eclectic bunch—including artists, collectors, curators, gallerists, advisors, and institutional founders—gives us their insights into must-see shows, favorite eateries, essential soirees, and other unmissable to-dos for out-of-towners… plus a few thoughts on how to unwind in the midst of all the Basel madness.

Kathryn Mikesell, co-founder and executive director of Fountainhead Arts

What are your must-see museum/gallery shows this year?

We have many Fountainhead alumni exhibiting around town. Basil Kincaid, Kennedy Yanko, Patricia Ayers, and Tschabalala Self at the Rubell Museum; Marcela Cantuária and Studio Lenca at PAMM; Melissa Joseph at ICA; Karlo Ibarra and Maria de los Angeles Jimenez Rodriguez at MOCA; and Mark Thomas Gibson at the Boca Raton Museum. I’m also excited for “Gimme Shelter” at the Historic Hampton House, including alumni Derrick Adams, Lauren Haley, Bony Ramirez, and Naama Tsabar.

What parties are you looking forward to the most?

We host a party for alumni each year called Pizza, Beer, and a Campfire. It’s always my favorite party because I get to see artists from around the world and help them make new connections.

What’s a must-do in Miami for out-of-towners?

I hope everyone takes a breath to appreciate the incredible nature that surrounds us. I would take a kayak out on Biscayne Bay, snorkel along the South Point jetty, and/or walk through Everglades National Park.