The following TravelHost article features the Coconut Grove Arts Festival on its website, social media platforms, and in-room TravelHost Magazine – showing travelers where to stay, where to go, what to see, and what to do while visiting Miami and The Beaches.
NOVEMBER 25, 2023 – This February in the heart of Miami, the vibrant and artistic community of Coconut Grove celebrates a significant milestone – the 60th anniversary of the renowned Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF). A six-decade journey of creativity, innovation, and cultural celebration has transformed this annual event into a veritable cornerstone of the local arts scene and a must-visit for art enthusiasts from around the world.
The Festival’s Origins
Coconut Grove has long been considered Miami’s original art district. In 1963, local theatre maven Charlie Cinnamon asked a handful of locals to recreate an outdoor Parisian exhibition as a publicity stunt for the Coconut Grove Playhouse’s production of Irma la Douce. The rest is history. Now, 60 years later, the little clothesline arts fair is now known internationally as Coconut Grove Arts Festival and is recognized as one of the top 10 outdoor art festivals in the country.
The 60th Edition
This is no ordinary local arts and crafts show. This year, more than 1,000 artists from around the world competed for the opportunity to showcase their work in this major festival. After an exhaustive jury selection process based solely on artistic merit, 285 applicants were ultimately selected, including professional artists from France and Canada. In fact, we are honored to have up-and-coming painter Corinne Migraine joining us from France, who also happens to be the president of the French Sailing Federation and a winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
From the Inner Artist Area to Live-Mural Painting, there is something for everyone! The Inner Artist attraction offers hands-on art experiences for all. Easel painting, crafts, and even a chance for your child to purchase their first-ever piece of art can be found within this exciting zone. In our Young Collector’s Club, children ages 6 to 12 will find original artwork priced at just $5 – all donated by our festival artists. We believe that art patronage starts early!
Additionally, In our Peacock Park area, you will find live mural painting and other interactive art experiences. The festival has evolved into a much-anticipated family-friendly event.
Arts Education
The festival has a rich history in fostering arts education. This year, more than $75,000 in scholarships were awarded to 16 graduating high school students and 10 Florida International University students.
Culinary & Musical Delights
Beyond the visual arts, the festival has consistently embraced other forms of creativity, including culinary arts and music. The 60th-anniversary edition will feature a diverse lineup of food vendors offering a gastronomic journey, complemented by live musical performances that add a rhythmic soundtrack to the artistic atmosphere. The world has gotten to know Miami as a focal point for some of the finest and well-known chefs in the country. Visitors can sample the results of their daily culinary creations cooked up during competitions taking place daily in Peacock Park.
Honoring Legacy & Looking Ahead
As the Coconut Grove Arts Festival celebrates its 60th year, it also takes pause to reflect on its legacy and the artists who have contributed to the festival’s storied success. Festival organizers, in collaboration with the artistic community, took deliberate steps to ensure that the event remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Social Event of the Year
The 60th anniversary of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is not just about art; it’s also the social event of the year. Tens of thousands of attendees from across the region pass through the gates of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival to experience one of the nation’s most renowned outdoor fine-arts festivals.
Original pieces created by 285 internationally recognized artists will be displayed in the following categories: mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing, watercolor, ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry & metalwork, sculpture, and wood. The festival has also been honored to have some of the world’s premier artists officially create the commemorative poster, including Romero Britto, Guy Harvey, Clyde Butcher, and Rick Garcia, to name just a few.
The festival is operated by the 501(c)(3) Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association and produced by EngageLive, LLC. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cgaf.com.
WHEN:
Saturday, February 17: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, February 18: 10 am – 6 pm
Monday, February 19: 10 am – 5 pm
WHERE:
2700 S. Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133
TICKETS:
Tickets online start at $20 per person per day. Go to www.cgaf.com.”