The spotlight is officially shining brightly on Miami. For weeks, the city has been buzzing in anticipation of the 10th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach, running through Sunday. Crowds of editors, collectors, gallery owners, socialites, celebrities, designers, artists and other creative types have poured into what is currently the most talked about destination on the planet. Though Art Basel is known for its ultra exclusive, invitation-only soirees, there are hundreds (literally) of cheap, college-friendly happenings all across town. Here’s a list of affordable art-filled affairs you won’t want to miss.
The Main Fair
Art Basel’s headquarters are stationed at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where thousands of art works by contemporary artists, old and new, will be showcased in a maze of exhibits.
The fair runs Friday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $23 for students. For more information, visit artbaselmiamibeach.com.
Art Public
Head to Collins Park in Miami Beach, where the Bass Museum of Art has helped transform the oceanfront park into an outdoor gallery with 24 public sculptures and performances that will adorn the area around the clock. Then walk a few steps over to the Bass for its latest exhibition, Erwin Wurm: Beauty Business, which will encourage you to explore balance and space.
The event is located at Art Public at Collins Park. It’s free and open 24 hours, Friday through Sunday. The Bass Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $6 for students. For more information, visit bassmuseum.org.
MOCA/SPIN Galactic Party
Party, ping-pong, a pool and rum. Enough said. The Museum of Contemporary Art, SPIN Galactic and The Standard Hotel are hosting what is promised to be a fun, game-centered night of sultry drinks and good vibrations. A ping-pong competition will be take place at Miami Beach’s Standard Hotel on Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight.
It’s free for all. However, it’s $20 to enter the tournament. Attendees must be at least 21. RSVP at mocanomi.org.
Miami Modern (MiMo) Chalk-In Festival
Don’t miss the largest chalk mural at Legion Park in the MiMo Historic District near Midtown. The colorful mural, created by all visitors, will be accompanied by live music, street theatre, jugglers, stilt walkers, food and art.
Check it out on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The event is free. For more information, visit mimoartinthepark.com.
SCOPE
Check out 80 international galleries all under one roof at the SCOPE Pavilion in Wynwood.
Tickets are $15 for students. It runs Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit scope-art.com.
Foodstock
Wynwood will be home to the best Art Walk of the year. In addition to the open galleries and outdoor murals, The Miami New Times’ food blog, “Short Order,” will bring out 30 food trucks. The streets will also be filled with vintage clothes and live music.
It will be located at 2200 NW 2nd Ave. on Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight. For more information, visit miaminewtimes.com.
Mr. Brainwash
Last year, art patrons sat next to Homer Simpson and walked among “Star Wars” Stormtroopers. This year, the Mr. Brainwash exhibit is back for one of the most visually entertaining pop-art installations across town. The free event will run from Thursday to Sunday at Boulan South Beach.