The Neith Nevelson exhibit at Wines, Etc., on Commodore Plaza, was probably the most well attended exhibit at last night's Gallery Walk. Hundreds ended up passing through the doors to see Neith's latest work. There doesn't look like a very large crowd in the photo above, but at times, it was quite impossible to move around the gallery, er, the Wine shop. Most stood outside to mix and mingle after seeing the art.
To visit with Neith, you didn't actually have to go inside, as she held court all night at a bench, right outside the entrance. The crowd was quite large and excited to see Neith as they all awaited her fashionably late arrival. But when she did arrive, it was as if a rock start had just alighted from the car.
Old friends, new friends, art lovers and the curious came out from all sections of the Grove.
People came from galleries at the other end of the Grove just to enjoy the exhibit. Many Grovites who I don't usually see at the Gallery Walks were at Neith's showing last night.
The art was a perfect fit at the wine store. Maybe it was the rustic art, along the rustic wine and casks, but it all just work. I overheard so many people say that it was perfect. To add a modern touch, all of the tv monitors around the shop showed Neith's work as a slideshow. The room was surrounded by Neith!
The largest piece was still wet when it arrived just about an hour before opening time. Neith had literally worked on the art until the last minute! Pieces went from a $50 sketch to $1500 for the largest piece (the one that was the last to arrive and still smelling from wet paint). People made offers and art was sold last night. A lot of it. Wines, Etc. (3197 Commodore Plaza) will have the art on display for the next few weeks and then there is talk of Neith ending up in Wynwood next, either in a gallery or at one of the Art Walks.
The Planning and Zoning Board meeting to discuss the Montessori school issue, set for Wednesday, June 6, has been postponed. The Planning and Zoning Board is still meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 pm at City Hall, but the school issue is off the agenda for now.
The professional planning staff requested the extra time to explore the issue before it goes before the board.
According to a Miami Herald story, the owner of the school, Joan Rodriguez, is requesting a variance so she can open the school. She plans to add 1100 square fee to the 1900 square foot home which is already on the property, which is just 3/4 of an acre.
Ms. Rodriguez states that "there is a great need [for schools in the area]," so she is asking to rezone a residential property to accommodate this. We could use a few nice upscale restaurants, too, should we put some in next to La Hermitage or Vizcaya and get the properties rezoned for this, also? Maybe a Dunkin' Donuts at Blanche Park, so the dog walkers can get coffee and doughnuts.
While she feels that many people agree with her, we have received many emails here, and not one was in favor of the project.
As for the "anonymous" comments we received in favor of the project, we take "anonymous" comments with a grain of salt. If people were really in favor of the school, they would sign their names. "Anonymous" commenters usually just say blue when you say red and vice versa. We don't take much stock in the anonymous comments.
Blog commenting was removed from these stories as it was getting ugly for no reason. We are not against more schools, more power to them! But put them in commercial and business areas where schools are permitted. Don't ask for variances and zoning changes to accommodate selfish whims. This reminds me so much of the Home Depot issue. If you're not wanted, go away, why be spiteful to prove a point?
Ms. Rodriquez sent me an email stating that if she didn't take over the property and make it a school for 100 children or more, that someone else would buy the land, divide it, and put three houses in. So what? That's sure a hell of a lot less people than a school, plus it's zoned for the single family houses.
We'll let you know when the issue is back on the agenda for a Planning Board meeting.
Are you a spinner? I mean a gym/bike spinner. Well there's good news for you. The 24 Hour Fitness on Grand Avenue has brand new bicycles upstairs in the spinning room. Above, left, are Avn and Kurt Sturm trying out the new bikes.
Most gym classes, including the Spinning, are free with club membership, so unlike many places, you don't have to pay per class. Once you join the gym, you can take as many classes as you like, there's no limit and no additional fee. There are all sorts of group classes along with personal training available.
For more info, check out their website here.
It's Gallery Walk tonight, June 2, in Coconut Grove. Come out and enjoy what all the galleries have to offer. From the Mayfair Atrium, to CocoWalk, up Main Highway and onto McFarlane and Commodore Plaza, there's art, music, food and fun.
The Drum Circle will be out as usual. Grab a drum, tambourine, hula hoop or just dance with them! And Neith Nevelson is the featured artist on Commodore Plaza.
It all starts at 7 pm and goes until 10 pm. Stop in a bar or restaurant for dinner and/or drinks and enjoy Gallery Walk in Coconut Grove. It's always a lot of fun.
But earlier in the day, from 2 to 6 pm, it's "Disney Day" at CocoWalk.
Hang out with Radio Disney host and roadcrew to play fun games, win cool prizes and dance to your favorite Radio Disney music.
Meet the award winning Therapy Dog, "Sweetpea," and the Humane Society pets to adopt.
Find out how you can win two tickets to see One Direction in concert on July 1.
The Coconut Grove Rotary Club is having their yearly Treasure Hunt on Saturday, June 16.
The hunt starts at the Sandbar Sports Grill (3064 Grand Avenue), anyone can register between 11:30 am and 1 pm. Those who register will receive $10 bottomless Bloody Marys or Mimosas and two fabulous breakfasts for the price of one.
There will be a treasure map provided, leading you to the bounty, plus there are dozens of treasure tickets for lots of great prizes.
From 5 to 8 pm, join the "Grab Some More Booty Party," where they'll replay the day and explain all the secret hints and clues, you'll get Grub 'n Grog specials, there will be live music and the big drawing for all the loot.
The cost is just $25 at the door or $20 in advance at http://www.CoconutGrove.Rotary-Clubs.org(see: Club Links on left side click on Grove Treasure Hunt) with all proceedsgoing to The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove Foundation to help our Coconut Groveneighbors.
For more information call Kelly Smith @ 305-302-9342.
It's hard to believe that it's been a year since last year's Father's Day Cars & Cigars, but it's that time of year again! The 2nd annual Cars & Cigars on Father's Day is back at The Barnacle on Sunday, June 17 from 11 am to 4 pm.
Classic cars will grace the grounds at The Barnacle. Freshly-rolled cigars are free to event attendees who present a $20 proof of purchase from any Coconut Grove retailer or eatery.
Bring your own picnic or purchase hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, chips, and soft drinks from The Barnacle Society at Micco Pavilion on the great lawn out back. Kids can craft a gift for Dad beneath the shade of the nearby seagrape tree.
Cars & Cigars attendees may also weigh in on the hot wheels on display by voting for their favorite classic car. Pick up a ballot at the front gate, vote, and turn it in at the Micco Pavilion by 3:45 pm.
The Swing from the Hip band will provide the soundtrack, with live music beginning at noon.
The celebration is free with regular park admission of $2; children under 6 are free.
The Barnacle is located at 3485 Main Highway. For additional information call 305-442-6866.
