Artistically Social

No summer slow down for Amy Rosenberg

Amy Rosenberg is an attorney and arts advocate who founded the Overtown Music Project and the Arsht Center’s young patrons group. She is the co-founder of the environmental non-profit Dream in Green. Amy is a member of Art Basel’s Junior Host Committee and sits on the Board of the Funding Arts Network. She also serves on the New World Symphony’s Friends Committee as well as The Wolfsonian-FIU’s Visionaries Committee.

Erin Newberg and Edward Nieto at Friends of South Beach Wine + Food

The month of July was all about the heat index and the debt ceiling, two topics that leave me clammy. What alleviates debt ceiling stress? Yummy food, good reads and sensational film.

Zen and Memoirs

It’s not often I stumble upon literary talent while downward dogging. I had the good fortune of setting up my mat next to Doncha Freeman in Paula Walker’s sublime Yoga Flow class at Green Monkey. Doncha was kind enough to hand me an autographed copy of Heads: A Neurosurgeon’s Memoir that she wrote for Dr. Bernard Lerner after his death. The book has been called ” ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ with a neurosurgeon in the driver’s seat.” It’s a tremendous read written with heart, soul and love.

Feta Makes it Betta

If you had told me that I would’ve left the opening of Egg & Dart with a grateful belly, an appreciation for the work of Jackie Eisen of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and several new friends, I would’ve thought you were pushing it. In fact, that’s exactly what happened while I was exploring the culinary scene with the fabulous foodies who make up the Friends of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Their latest members-only gathering at the newly opened Egg & Dart, a modern Greek restaurant, had me slinging back “Greek Salad” cocktails and chatting up new and old friends. I had the pleasure of sharing a table with lovely ladies Lauren Busch Singer and Erin Newberg, architect Edward Nieto, Mary Jo Shore and her stunning Mum and attorney Mark Alhadeff. There is nothing better than sharing family-style platters of succulent lamb and hummus with new and old friends in the name of charity (the Friends group is the charitable arm of the Festival).

A Sad Goodbye

It was with a heavy heart that I attended the memorial for Sherwood “Woody” Weiser, known to many in this community for his largesse in the arts. Mr. Weiser was instrumental in making our performing arts center a reality and it was for that reason it was so fitting to have his service at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. For those of you who aren’t aware, there are now more than 500 performances per year at the Center. Bravo Mr. Weiser.

A Gem of an Author

Miami Dade College hosted writer Sapphire at the Wolfson Campus. Sapphire was invited to talk about her new book (her last was made into a little movie you may have heard of called Precious). The Kid tells the story of “body and spirit, rooted in the hungers of the flesh and of the soul.” No word yet on whether this one will be turned into a film.

Kids from Lewis Art Studio in Little Haiti, Arts 4 Learning collaborate on an exhibition of artwork from twenty five school children. Photos by Laura Luna

Fancy Feast

Adjustable couture pants were recommended at the Farewell Brunch at Acqua at the Four Seasons Hotel. During that final brunch, the groaning buffet included a gigantic raw bar, divine duck, a roast piggy as well as sightings of small children wearing Burberry outfits. For those of you wiping away a tear, cry not, the venue will reopen with a new concept at the end of 2011.

And now, something for the kids

Non-profit Arts 4 Learning showcased a wonderful exhibition made up of the work of 25 middle school kids enrolled in the Lewis Art Studio Program in Little Haiti. The exhibition included still life drawings as well as life-sized mixed media sculptures and took place at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. The Lewis Art Studio is one of Arts 4 Learning’s signature programs that provides a platform for children with raw artistic talent.

15 years goes by quickly

Rug by Augustina Woodgate Courtesy of Spinello Gallery

The American Black Film Festival celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Black Gold, one of the standout films, competed for the Grand Jury prize. Director Jeta Amata showcased a powerful story of greed, murder and corruption in the volatile oil-rich Niger Delta region. The cast includes Billy Zane and Vivica A. Fox. The film follows in the footsteps of Hotel Rwanda for its social and environmental statement on corruption.

A big congratulations to artist Augustina Woodgate for being mentioned in New York Magazine’s The Approval Matrix.

Until next time…

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