The Macallan House of Stone and STK Miami
Join STK Miami and “The Macallan House of Stone” for a Scotch tasting and a live performance by acclaimed sculpture artist Moses Nayanhongo on Thursday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. Nayanhongo – who has showcased his works at the Louvre, amongst other art world staples – will carve his latest piece inside the chic South Beach steakhouse as guests sip Macallan 21-year-old whiskey. The event is open to the public. RSVP to stkmiami@taraink.com.
Maison Martin Margiela Presents Love, etc.
Maison Martin Margiela will present Love, etc., an off-site installation situated near its Miami retail location, in the Miami Design District. A cocktail reception celebrating the Maison’s first ever Line 13 exhibition during Art Basel will be held on Thursday, December 1. In conjunction with this cocktail reception for Love, etc. invited guests will also be welcomed at the Maison Martin Margiela boutique where they may preview the brands’ Spring Summer 2012 collections of apparel and accessories for men and women. Additionally, these guests will have the opportunity to preview an array of Line 13 objects, including an exclusive, limited-edition Line 13 object created solely for Art Basel 2011. The on-going exhibition will be open on Tuesday, November 29 through Saturday, December 3, each day between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Trey Speegle at Hotel Breakwater
Popular contemporary artist Trey Speegle will kick off Art Basel 2011 with a private rooftop party held Thursday, December 1, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Hotel Breakwater’s “Intimissi Lounge” rooftop penthouse overlooking Ocean Drive. The exclusive event, which launches his four-day “You/Me” exhibit at the hotel, will feature live body paint-by-numbers by Trey Speegle, signature “You/Me” cocktails and sounds by DJ Valdemar. Speegle’s diverse career has been characterized by a unique mix of commercial and fine art. His work combines high- and lowbrow with a nod toward Pop Art, overlaying his meticulous vintage paint-by-number images with messages. Last year, Speegle created a backdrop for Stella McCartney’s Paris runway show, as well a collection for Anthroplogie Home. His iconic YOU ARE HERE painting was recently acquired by Microsoft for the lobby of its San Francisco headquarters. Speegle is represented by Benrimon Contemporary and his work can also be seen at the gallery’s PULSE Miami art fair exhibition during Art Basel 2011, which is located at The Ice Palace in the Miami Design District. For more information on Trey Speegle, visit www.bcontemporary.com/treyspeegle or www.treyspeegle.com.
Dine with Russell Simmons and Creed lead singer Scott Stapp for a Worthy Cause
On Friday, December 2 from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Miami residence of Chip Brady of LSN Partners, LLC, and his wife Allison Weiss Brady, please join music mogul Russell Simmons and her brother Danny Simmons, along with Creed lead singer/songwriter Scott Stapp and his wife Jaclyn Stapp, Jill Viner, Diane N. Weiss, Roe and Penny Stamps, Cheryl and Jaime Peisach, and Faquiry Diaz Cala and Amelia Balonek for an intimate fundraising dinner party to raise funds for Penn Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania. At the event Loro Piana will be presenting exclusive items from their 2011 men’s and ladies lines, with mannequins staged atop of the Brady’s gorgeous stone fountain and discretely throughout their property. At the event, ten percent of all Loro Piana sales will benefit Penn Medicine. Boca Raton-based jeweler Rosenberg Diamonds & Co. will also be having a Diamond Dig raffle with a chance to win a $4,900 diamond pendant. Special performance by singer/songwriter Brendan O’Hara. Tickets start at $500 per person. Address will be given upon RSVP. Contact weisspr@aol.com for further information.
PooL Art Fair Miami Beach
Join Frère Independent for an opening reception on Friday, December 2 from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. for the presentation of the seventh edition of PooL Art Fair Miami Beach, slated for December 2, 3, and 4, as well as its new location at Sadigo Court, making it the closest exposition to the Miami Beach Convention Center – the epicenter of Art Basel Miami Beach. PooL is the only exhibition to present independent artists who are otherwise unrepresented during Art Basel Miami Beach. The simple, modest approach of the PooL Art Fair offers an exciting alternative to the typical art fair experience for dealers, collectors and the general public. By creating a meeting ground for outstanding artists, primarily those who do not yet have gallery representation, the fair serves as an invaluable resource for the artistic community and the general public. Contemporary art dealers, artist agents, emerging galleries, artists’ collectives and non-profit organizations are also invited to apply to participate as exhibitors. The fair selects artists whose works are original and challenging. Exhibiting artists use hotel guest rooms to display their work, creating a unique and personal setting.
Food Truck Fridays at the Adrienne Arsht Center
On Friday, December 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host an art-inspired version of its popular “Food Truck Fridays” lunchtime event in honor of Art Basel Week and the Center’s upcoming programming. Throughout the event, guests will enjoy lunch from a variety of “Burger Beast Approved” gourmet food trucks including gastroPod and Ms. Cheezious as well as a FREE performance on one of Steinway’s Pop-Up Piano Miami’s pianos by ELEW, a dynamic “Rockjazz” pianist who recently toured with Josh Groban, at 1 p.m. In addition, all “Food Truck Fridays” attendees will have the opportunity to pose for Sketchy Miami artists and receive instant, complimentary portraits. Professional street chalk artist Betty Dominguez will also be on-site to create a large, 3D mural depicting everyone’s favorite green ogre, Shrek, in preparation for the Arsht Center’s debut of SHREK THE MUSICAL on December 6 through 11. Dominguez’s “Shrek” will be on view at the Center’s Lot C parking lot through December 11. SHREK THE MUSICAL and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET giveaways and prizes will be available in celebration of the Arsht Center’s Broadway in Miami 2011-2012 season. Admission to “Food Truck Fridays” and entertainment is free. Food is available for purchase. Special event parking is $3.00.
La Maison franco PIANEGONDA at Aventura Mall
The La Maison franco PIANEGONDA boutique at Aventura Mall will be hosting a cocktail reception and holiday sale in celebration of its one-year anniversary on Wednesday, December 7, from 6:30 to 8:30p.m. Jewelry designer Franco Pianegonda will be making a rare personal appearance from Italy, joined by stylish hosts Kirstie Bolitho, Rosalie Borg, Alex Fields, Stuart Geller, Cynthia Graham, Erin Newberg, Carole Pumpian, Sonia Tita Puopolo, Patty Soffer and Tracey Stein. Guests will receive 20 percent off all items storewide, with a portion of sales from the event through Sunday benefiting Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc. Guests will enjoy cocktails and antipasti by Bella Luna. La Maison franco PIANEGONDA by Franco Pianegonda is a luxury Italian jewelry brand renowned for innovative designs. It features rodiated .925 sterling silver combined with natural elements, including 18-karat gold, buffalo tusk, diamonds, gemstones and natural river pearls. Franco PIANEGONDA creations start at $450 and can be purchased at fine retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as the flagship boutique in the Aventura Mall. For more information, visit www.francopianegonda.net or to rsvp to the event go to pianegonda@taraink.com.
Pearl Restaurant & Champagne Lounge Makes a Comeback
On Saturday, December 10, International restaurateur and lifestyle entrepreneurs Jack and Lucia Penrod are re-opening the doors to hotspot Pearl Restaurant & Champagne Lounge! The iconic venue originally opened in 1999 and later closed in 2005 and was a favorite among A-List celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Paris Hilton, Janet Jackson and Sting, to name a few. Pearl returns better than ever at the same address (One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach) and will offer guests a new exquisite menu of world cuisine served with an aesthetic flair by renowned Chef Sylvain Noel complemented by an extensive cocktail, wine and champagne menu.