Is Art Basel/River Arts Miami Worth The Trip?

The answer is, in my humble opinion, not only is it worth it, if you have any interest in art it is an absolute must. If you are an artist, it is a life changer. If you are a collector it is an opportunity to hone up on what’s happening in the contemporary art world. If you are a regular person, it is an opportunity to change your perspective and think out of “the box”.
From the minute we hit the ground it was obvious that something was happening. The energy, possibility, opportunity, and joy were all in the air. Breathe in and feel that everything is alive. Just like in a rainforest the Art Miami week is pulsating with possibilities. It felt like an adrenaline rush.
Being invited by Nina Torres, the largest gallery owner in downtown Miami to her, “Kick off to the Miami River Arts Fair 2013” VIP opening night was a greater honor than we could imagine. It showcased an Asian Art Exhibition with its next stop, Beijing China.
Every night of The Miami Art Fair included a VIP opening event. The Perez Gallery opened. Spectrum in Art Miami VIP was a party like no other. The quality of the art was as expected and promised by Rick Barnnet the director of the Redwood media Group. Extraordinary artists connected with each other and guests viewing their work. It felt like the 75,000 people converging on this grand city were all there. The fact that it was practically elbow to elbow didn’t matter. Being in a crowd is ok if it is an abundance of positive happy people.
The VIP opening Vernissage, Black Tie, at Miami River Arts downtown Brickell was amazing as well. The one thing I noticed and again honored to be invited by the dynamic Nina Torres was that the artists were all positive people. Are they busy people, yes, with a big Y? With that said, as things happened, the solutions were already present and they were on to the next thing, no time to ponder or dwell. This is a select family of artists that I am truly grateful for. The entire week was filled with movie star like beautiful people. It definitely is quite refreshing in that respect. Did they try to look like these people? I doubt it. They were/are truly just beautiful people inside and out; Jonny Depp, Bono, and the list goes on.
Art Basel on South Beach as well as Spectrum had authentic Picassos, Boteros, Miros right alongside midcareer and blue chip artist’s work. Yes of course the caliber of collectors was high where a foil looking egg  that sold for $5M can resell for $9M at Art Basel. Fun to be there, you ask, yes most enjoyable for sure.
We could not miss the Miami Project, Wynwood local artist gallery event. When visiting any event it is important to us to get involved with the locals.  Luck shined upon us again and our dear friend Vanessa took us to see the emerging artists. We boarded the people movers, taxis, then on to Wynwood in the grassy knoll where walls were covered by a cross between graffiti and Peter Max like pop art. There was no shortage of creativity with brightly colored knitted covers over massive rocks adorned the yard in front of the Reggie band. Peter was lucky to find and chat up the other Brit dining at the restaurant. He turned out not to be British but like me, a lover of everything British.
I cannot name all the places and people that we attended and met. The list would be too long. Here are just a few Perez Museum, Spectrum, Scope, Pulse, Aqua13, Ink, Art Spot, Art Miami, Miami River arts, Nina Torres Gallery.
We love metros so; yes we are the ones in full black tie on the metros. They plan to add at least two more trolleys next year so that it is easier to move from location to location. I did however; make the mistake of wearing the five inch heals without a change of shoes. It is true the high heels are a mainstay at the VIP openings for sure but carry extra shoes is common sense. I need not say more.
I will post where you can come next year to visit Peter and me and  of course my art as I will be exhibiting here next December for sure.
Miami, the city that pulses art.