61st Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival: Celebrating The Talent And Dedication Of Artists Nationwide February 13, 2025 Share The highly anticipated 61st Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF), presented by First Horizon Bank, returns this year, showcasing a stellar lineup of 285 internationally acclaimed talented artists from across the United States. This premier outdoor art festival, set in the heart of Coconut Grove, has become a haven for art lovers and collectors eager to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of professional artists who dedicate their lives to their craft. Unlike hobbyists, the artists featured at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival are full-time professionals who rely on their art to support themselves and their families. Their participation in this event is about sharing their talent and sustaining their livelihood. This year’s festival brings together painters, sculptors, photographers, mixed-media artists, and more, all with compelling stories to share and extraordinary works to offer. Why Buying Art at a Festival Matters Purchasing art at a festival like Coconut Grove offers a uniquely personal experience. Festival goers have the rare opportunity to meet the artists behind the work, hear their stories, and gain insight into the inspiration and process behind the pieces. This level of connection adds depth and meaning to each purchase, creating a personal bond between the buyer and the artwork. “For many, buying art at a festival is a more approachable and enjoyable experience than stepping into a traditional gallery setting. The vibrant, open-air atmosphere fosters a sense of community and creativity, making it easier for attendees to explore, connect, and invest in original works of art,” says Camille Marchese, Executive Director of the festival. Recognizing the immense effort and passion that goes into each piece is essential. Asking for a discount undermines the value of their work and the financial stability of the artists. Every sale supports not just the creation of art but also the livelihoods of these dedicated professionals. By paying the full price, buyers ensure that the artists can continue their craft and bring more beauty into the world. Spotlight on This Year’s Artists The 61st Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival is proud to feature an incredible roster of artists with unique styles and stories. Here's a small sample: • Eric Gonzalez (Painting) - Booth 930: A painter from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who does miniature paintings with a fine-tipped brush and without magnification. • Janina Ellis (Painting) – Booth 637: An award-winning oil painter living in Greenville, South Carolina, who has painted thousands of individual people. She studied classical painting and drawing in Germany. • Nicholas Barnes (Wood) — Booth 917: He begins by collecting wood from his Appalachian home and creating woodturning that undergoes Wood Cloisonné. • Jeff Schaller (Painting) - Booth 834: Using acrylic paints, Schaller weaves lost and found images and words to paint with precision and intricacy. • Thomas Wargin (Sculpture) - Booth 701, 702E: Known for animated carved wood sculptures, Wargin has a rich background and diverse client base. • Kiersten Heitmann (Fiber) - Booth 410, 411: A Naples-based artist creating mosaic-like fiber art. • Lydia Randolph (Painting) - Booth 601E: Inspired by masters like Gauguin and Cassatt, her works are reminiscent of stained glass. • Kenneth Kudulis (Digital Art) - Booth 228: A digital artist blending layers and textures to create depth. • Ruben Medina (Sculpture) – Booth 809: A Cuban sculptor specializing in marble and bronze. • Jay McDougall (Wood) – Booth 318C: A Minnesota-based artist working with sustainable materials. • Marlene Rose (Glass Sculpture) – Booth 505, 506: Known for her sand-cast glass art sought by collectors and celebrities. • Melanie Schlossberg (Jewelry)—Booth 936: Traditional techniques are used to fabricate one-of-a-kind, small-batch silver jewelry using hand-cut, wisely collected natural and artificial materials. Whether discovering a new favorite artist or finding that perfect piece, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is the place to embrace the beauty and meaning of art. It promises an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. With a curated selection of artists, each offering exceptional talent and unique perspectives, the festival celebrates creativity and human connection. Bookmark your calendar for February 15th through February 17th to explore the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, meet the artists, and take home a piece of art that resonates with you. Dates and Hours: • Saturday, February 15th, 2025: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Sunday, February 16th, 2025: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Monday, February 17th, 2025: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets: Available online: www.cgaf.com - Starting at $30++ and at the door for $35++ Parking: Street and garage parking options are available. People are encouraged to use the Metro and Ryde Share options. Socials: Follow for updates and highlights at Instagram: @coconutgroveartsfestival - And: @cgartsfestival on X. About The Coconut Grove Arts Festival For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, has been dedicated to cultivating future generations of artists. As a NonProfit 501(c)(3) with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, the organization champions South Florida’s arts community through educational programs – and by hosting one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held annually over Presidents’ Day weekend and produced by Miami-based Loud & Live, this three-day event features 285 juried artists across multiple visual categories, live performances, and interactive art experiences along Coconut Grove’s scenic bayfront streets. Proceeds fund impactful year-round programs, including scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students, the Visiting Artists Program, and the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program. Learn more at: www.cgaf.com . < Previous News Next News >

Celebrating The Newest Sporting Oasis: Aventura's First Public Pickleball Courts & New Tennis Courts At Founders Park South Thu Jun 20 2024 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Doo Wop & Magic At The Cultural Center: Aventura Has A Great Line Up In Store The Month Thu Mar 14 2024 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New Year, New Mindset: Life Coach Challenges People To Flip Their Perspectives On 36 Negative Notions January 26, 2024 Share People have about 60,000 thoughts a day, and 70% of those are negative, said Author, Coach and Speaker Rob Cross. “No wonder we feel somewhat stuck, lost, aimless … in our business, in our marriage, with love, with friendships and with parenting,” Cross said in a recent interview. “There’s so much that we want that we’re pushing away, just by how we think.” In his transformational book Flip Your Thinking: To Ignite Your World, Cross shares the refreshingly simple yet radical approach to life he calls “flipology” to challenge readers to question their perspectives on 36 widely held assumptions that prevent people from having the lives they deserve. “Your mind is so powerful that it not only shapes your perception of things, but it also convinces you that it’s the truth,” Cross said. “That becomes your reality. You alone determine what you make things mean.” Cross’ quirky and relatable “flips” — My choice to forgive you sets ME free, not you; Love stays when I let it leave and leaves when I make it stay; To be heard I need to talk less — will have readers wondering if they’ve been viewing life backward and upside-down all along. “I’m going to invite you to FLIP IT!” Cross quipped. “On the other side, you’ll have more love, more peace, and more business than you can shake a stick at!” From how people define professional success to how they approach personal relationships, readers will discover that their circumstances today are outward displays of their inward thoughts and beliefs. So if life isn’t going according to plan, a crash course in flipology might be in order. “It’s time to assign new meanings,” Cross said. “Garner the power of your thoughts. Real and lasting change starts by flipping your thinking before engaging your feet! If not, you’ll simply keep running in circles.” A powerful “how to do life” read, Flip Your Thinking is packed with everyday fresh perspectives divided into four key categories: Flip What You Make Things Mean; Flip Your Approach to Life; Flip Your Choices; and Flip Your Destiny. “I challenge you to approach this book as if you really don’t know everything you think you know,” Cross added. “Be open and curious. Be willing to question how you’ve been looking at things and how you’ve defined things. If you don’t like what you see in life, stand up and change your view. Gaining a new perspective can literally save your life. Happy flipping!” About The Author Rob Cross considers himself a regular guy who sees things outside the boundaries of conventional teaching. In college, he fought and scratched like a cat in a bathtub during those monologues, distancing himself from what he believed were confining definitions and structures. Cross uses his knack for taking life’s everyday challenges and whittling them down to simple, achievable solutions to make a positive and transformative impact on each and every one of his readers. He is also the Author of Flip Your Mornings: Kick-start Each Day on Purpose! For more information, please visit: www.RobFlips.com Connect with him on the following Social Media Sites: www.facebook.com/robflipss • www.Instagram.com/robflipss & www.youtube.com/channel/UCHjJjYxUG_2iLXTFGUgMgLQ Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/FLIP-YOUR-THINKING-IGNITE-World-ebook/dp/B096DRXVHC/ < Previous News Next News >

Fifteen Ways: Aventura Residents Can Celebrate Earth & Arbor Day, Everyday Thu Apr 25 2024 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Aventura Summer Concert Series: Featuring Three Rockin’ Tributes To Yacht Rock, R&B And Rock Royalty Thu Apr 25 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Sterling Aventura: Named The Best Assisted Living & Best Memory Care By U.S. News & World Reports Thu Jun 06 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Where Have All Of The Beach Chairs Gone In Hallandale? By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper August 15, 2024 Share I know it has been a while since this issue arose about storing and presetting beach chairs on our beach. As promised, I worked hard over the past months to make sure this was resolved. I have been in contact with multiple boards and their members to discuss how a fair and equitable plan could be put in place. The goal was to provide the ability for condominiums to provide courtesy chair service to their owners as they have without being forced to use a set contractor. Many beachfront condominiums have been providing this service for years. The issue is the beach is Public and Services outside of City Services are only permitted through a licensing agreement. This allows everyone, residents, and visitors alike, the use of our beach. From day one, I was opposed to an exclusive vendor contract. Before summer break, I worked with our commission and passed a 3-2 vote to prevent an exclusive contract. This was a step forward that would allow the building to provide a service just like they have been. We could not, however, reach an agreement about what an ordinance or program would look like. I presented at that initial meeting a list of suggested recommendations which I compiled information from other cities. After that meeting the city worked with the Beach Club and their attorney to produce an agreed upon pilot. A pilot program was set up with a sample agreement to allow storage and presets. First, the proposal suggested a $1,000 Filing Fee and $30 Per Unit Charge. This was not acceptable to me and other commissioners. Before summer break, I wanted to make sure the service which was stopped during beach renourishment was made available. Before the break, I asked that we address the Fee Structure at our Budget hearing in June. I suggested a Flat Registration Fee but that did not pass. I then suggested a Flat Fee and a Per Chair Fee. That still did not pass. There was a stalemate. So, before summer break the City Manager provided the ability for buildings to apply for use with no fee attached. The goal was to take a few weeks until we could resolve the issue and establish an ordinance. The commission discussed the Beach Chair Agreement at our June 3rd Regular Meeting. At that meeting there was once again a debate. One motion was to do an Application Fee for $1,000 and a $30 Per Unit Fee. That failed. Then there was a debate to reduce it to $25 Per Unit. That went nowhere. I made a motion for the Flat Fee with a $5 Per Chair Fee. Vice Mayor Lima Taub raised the issue about condominiums that do not want to store but simply place chairs on demand. I amended my motion to be a $1,000 Application Fee and a $5 Per Chair for those buildings that want to store and present a $500 Fee for condominiums that want to simply do on demand courtesy chairs. That motion did pass 3-2. So, we finally have a path forward. While many asked why we are not simply letting everyone do it free of charge, that would create a huge issue. Our ordinance simply does not allow this service without an agreement. Executing these agreements and monitoring them will utilize staff time which equates to Taxpayer Costs. The beach is a Public and a City Asset. We need to adopt laws and regulations fairly and equitably. This resolution is just that. It allows our beachfront condominiums to be able to utilize the Public Beach Park in their backyard and not be burdened by excessive fees. The next step will include updating the licensing agreement and our ordinance. The ordinance will take two readings after it is ready. Hopefully, the ordinance and final lease documents will be finalized and in place in early September. In the meantime, condominiums abutting the beach can utilize the beach for chair services. It also does not prevent a beach chair concession. In other good news, staff have informed us they have been out to bid and have received three proposers interested in offering services to run our South Beach Concessions. The vendors will also be able to provide chair services. Look for further updates. I encourage you to reach out and share your questions, concerns, and ideas to help make our city an even better place. As always, it is an honor to be your Mayor of Hallandale Beach. I am always available 24/7/365. I can be reached via Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or email me at: joy@mayorjoycooper.com . You can also subscribe to HB 360 News at: www.mayorjoycooper.com where each week I give you the full perspective and share important information. Working for you! Always have! Always will! < Previous News Next News >

Hey Boomers: The 1980's is Calling: The Newest Addition to the 2024 Summer Olympics Thu May 04 2023 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

First Responders Medical Care: A Beacon of Support for Florida's Heroes Fri Nov 10 2023 17:17:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Aventura Branch Library Happenings - Furry Tales, Your Vision Board For 2025, Tai Chi And Much More Aventura Digest January 22, 2025 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Furry Tales, Parkinson's Support Group, e-Device Advice and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura - Or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512. Overcoming Stress & Anxiety With Meditation: Wednesday, January 22nd, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join experienced Meditation Instructor Steve Pollack to learn simple Meditation techniques and apply them during a brief guided session. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Teen Library Advisory Committee: Wednesday, January 22nd, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Earn volunteer hours while helping make any other event type that describes your event our library an even better place for teens. Make new friends while helping choose books, planning and leading programs and learning new skills. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 13 - 18 years old. Tai Chi: Thursday, January 23rd, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Enjoy the benefits of this ancient Chinese practice that includes breathing techniques, posture correction and gentle, fluid movements. Led by Certified Instructor Laura Flagel. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 12 years old and up. LEGO® At The Library: Thursday, January 23rd, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Bring your creativity and have fun building with LEGO® blocks! Adult supervision recommended for younger children. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 6 - 12 years old. e-Device Advice: Thursday, January 23rd, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Need help with your electronic device? Instructors from Generation Technology will be available to assist you. Please bring your device for hands-on learning. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Friday, January 24th, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. This one-hour support group is designed for those suffering with Parkinson's Disease and their loved ones. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Homework Help And Tutoring: Saturday, January 25th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide Homework Help and Tutoring in Reading, Math, and Science. Students are encouraged to bring Homework Material or School Assignments for assistance in specific subject areas. This free service is available to all students in grades K-12. For more information, contact: tutoring@mdpls.org . Call: (305) 375-1413. Or visit: www.mdpls.org/tutor - Funded in part by The Children's Trust. Furry Tales: Saturday, January 25th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Read your favorite stories alongside a friendly dog! Help your child improve their literacy skills and boost confidence by reading to a therapy dog. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Presented by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 0 - 12 years old. Manifest Your Vision Board For 2025!: Saturday, January 25th, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join us for an extraordinary journey to manifest your dreams! Discover the power of visualization and join this hands-on immersive class to unlock the secrets of crafting your Vision Board with Romie Bo, Spiritual Guide. Includes two Transformative Meditations: One to envision your dreams, the other to activate them. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 12 years old and up. O Cinema Presents: OCVR: Saturday, January 25th, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Virtual Reality has the potential to challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding of the world. O Cinema has harnessed this technology for an immersive storytelling experience on cave paintings, inspired by the art styles of Paul Gauguin and Caravaggio. Made possible by the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation through the Pérez CreARTE Grant Program. For more information please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 12 years old and up. Introduction To Computers: Saturday, January 25th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of computers, including how to use a mouse and keyboard, write in a Word document, browse the internet, use email and more! Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Monthly Book Club: Saturday, January 25th, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join your peers for a lively book discussion. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Kids Learn Tech - Presented By Tech 4 Now: Saturday, January 25th, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Be prepared for success in today's digital world! Learn essential skills in coding, computer navigation, internet safety and how to conduct research. Please bring your own laptop or tablet. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 8-12 years old. Parenting Class - Learn the Emotional Needs of Your Children Monday, January 27th, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Weekly advice sessions for parents of children ages 0-6 offered by Cayuga Centers in conjunction with The Children's Trust. Topics covered include positive discipline, attachment, communication, setting limits, and more led by Maria Soledad Lizarraga, B.A. Psychology and Developmental Specialist, PACE Program. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Talking Is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing For Toddlers: Monday, January 27th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join us for stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 18 months - 3 years old. Chess Club: Monday, January 27th, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sharpen your Chess skills by playing with others! Fun for beginners and more advanced players alike. Meets in the auditorium. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 8 years old and up. Lunar Meditation With Romie: Tuesday, January 28th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Meditation brings greater happiness, focus and sleep quality. Help support your emotional and spiritual wellbeing with these lunar meditation sessions. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Read Along, Sing A Song - Presented By The Grand Florida Opera: Tuesday, January 28th, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dive into the enchanting world of opera with our Bite-Size Opera Experience! Enjoy interactive story time, live aria singing, and a fun craft to take home. It's the perfect introduction to opera for our youngest fans, sparking imagination and joy in a compact, engaging package. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 8 years old and under. Falun Gong Meditation & Exercise: Wednesday, January 29th, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Northeast-Dade Aventura Virtual Programs Room Falun Gong is an ancient, high level Chinese practice that uses gentle movements and meditation to cultivate the body, mind and spirit. Join us online or in person. Registration is required for online participants. Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Overcoming Stress & Anxiety With Meditation: Wednesday, January 29th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join experienced Meditation Instructor Steve Pollack to learn simple Meditation techniques and apply them during a brief guided session. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Tai Chi: Thursday, January 30th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Enjoy the benefits of this ancient Chinese practice that includes breathing techniques, posture correction and gentle, fluid movements. Led by Certified Instructor Laura Flagel. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 12 years old and up. Furry Tales: Saturday, February 1st, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Read your favorite stories alongside a friendly dog! Help your child improve their literacy skills and boost confidence by reading to a therapy dog. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Presented by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 0 - 12 years old. Introduction to Computers Saturday, February 1st, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of computers, including how to use a mouse and keyboard, write in a Word document, browse the internet, use email and more! Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Painting Fun with Sandi!: Tuesday, February 4th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Auditorium Join Artist Sandi Levy for a series of hands-on sessions where you'll learn about various mixed media, including acrylics, watercolor and collage. Students will go home with their finished work of art! For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years old and up. Some of the above events are On-line. To register, go to: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch At: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch Library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

Family Fun With A Pop: Kid-Friendly Snacks And Treats Perfect For Sharing Thu Jul 13 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)