MIAMI INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR OPENS TO LARGE CROWDS
MIA Continues Through Sunday
Strong crowds poured in to mark the opening of the inaugural Miami International Art Fair (MIA). Fair organizers David and Lee Ann Lester, founders of International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE), estimate 3,400 people attended the Wednesday preview evening’s events at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The fair is open to the public from January 7-10.
The robust turnout pleased prominent gallery owners. “During the opening evening, we saw many of our most important clients and assisted them with new additions to their collections,” said Ramón Cernuda, owner of Cernuda Arte (Coral Gables). “We are especially pleased that the Lesters have returned to Miami Beach as organizers and we’re happy to be part of this first MIA fair.”
The Lesters founded the first international January art fair in Miami in 1991, and announced MIA last year. David Lester says the fair stands out from the crowded December art scene in the city, “We are a much smaller, more intimate fair designed to allow collectors to easily interact with the artist and dealers.”
Fairgoers can experience the remarkable atmosphere of the special exhibition “Risk” by Miami-based conceptual artist Federico Uribe, as well as interact with emerging international artists in the exciting Next Generation Pavilion.
MIA’s country of honor is Argentina, which celebrates its bicentennial in 2010. Eighteen prominent dealers representing classic and contemporary Argentinean artists are located at the Focus Argentina Pavilion.
In all, upwards of 80 galleries exhibiting contemporary art, photography, works on paper, sculpture, installations, video and new electronic media are on display at MIA. Also featured are an innovative lecture program and special musical performances featuring award-winning musicians.
The preview night began with a benefit hosted by the SaludArte Foundation for the International Kids Fund’s annual art auction, which featured a performance by the Miami City Ballet, followed by a collector’s invitational. To continue in the spirit of cultural philanthropy, the “MIA Shares” program will donate all admission proceeds from the fair to local cultural and charitable organizations. Among the participating organizations are the SaludArte Foundation, the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s International Kids Fund (IKF), the Bakehouse Art Complex and Lotus House.
“Fairgoers streamed in to find an exciting, interactive art fair experience, which blends international flavor with local galleries and artists,” said Lee Ann Lester. “We’re confident the success of opening night will continue throughout MIA.”
The fair is open to the public from noon to nine Friday and Saturday, and noon to eight Sunday. Regular admission is $15 for a single day, and $20 for a multi-day pass. MIA offers discounted admission as part of its “Art Alive After Five” program. Fairgoers will pay just $5 per single day pass when they arrive after 5 pm.