The Setai, Miami Beach
Photo Courtesy of The Setai
Art Basel may be long over, but Miami’s art fair season is just beginning. There’s still plenty to behold for the inner creative in all of us.
Over in the Brickell area, JW Marriott Miami recently launched its quarterly Artist Appreciation Program showcasing specially selected pieces by burgeoning artists. The first installation is by famed Costa Rican sculptor Jorge Jiménez Martínez (Deredia), which was unveiled in time for Art Basel. The Miami International Art Fair – MIA showcases an eclectic collection of 20th- and 21st-century artwork from around the world. You won’t want to miss the sixth edition of SeaFair, which will take to the ocean — literally — from January 16 to 20, 2015, at the Bayfront Dock in downtown Miami. Stick around after the unique floating yacht exhibit ends for the 18th annual ArtPalmBeach (January 21 is invitation only; January 22-25 for the public), where you’ll find exceptional contemporary paintings, sculptures and innovative art installations chosen from more than 85 international galleries.
Even if you can’t catch these upcoming happenings, various hotels around town consistently spotlight art that rivals any museum. Here, we give you the scoop on where to see some striking work.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
You can’t go wrong at this extravagant Morris Lapidus-designed Four-Star gem. Besides its expansive ocean views, 16,000-square-foot spa and premier locale at the foot of South Beach’s Lincoln Road Mall, the lavish hotel is also known for its $10 million, internationally acclaimed collection of Latin American and European artists’ works. You’ll be wowed by the more than 40 Art Moderne-era pieces installed throughout the posh resort’s public areas, Club Lounge and Presidential Suite. Among the selections, watch out for an original Juan Lecuona mixed-media piece behind the front desk and 26 original painted photographs by Spanish artist Dario Basso that forms a mural on the wall of the Lapidus Lounge. There’s also a Joan Miró etching hanging in the lower lobby. The swanky hotel is also just steps away from the historic Art Deco district, where you’ll find an architect buff’s playground as well as must-see museums such as the Bass Museum of Art and the Wolfsonian-FIU. Sister hotel The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, located just outside of downtown, is another Four-Star hotel with a superb sculpture collection chosen from the Baker Sponder Gallery and installed throughout the resort’s well-manicured grounds.
The Setai, Miami Beach
A serene retreat from the usual bustling beach scene, the Four-Star hotel also carries an impressive art collection that’ll transport you across the pond. You’ll be taken aback by the breathtaking Asian art that includes cast-metal statues from Thailand, antique pottery and original paintings by Shanghai-based Christian de Laubadère. Exotic accents (stingray leather door handles) complement the streamlined, minimalist décor (rich, hand-woven rugs; bronze wall hangings; white jade). Book an Art Deco Suite, which features Asian-inspired artwork and authentic artifacts. The Setai’s signature eatery, Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Restaurant, is a sophisticated showing in simplicity. Modern artwork, towering wine cabinets, plush pillowed chairs and gray stone walls with teak and bronze accents are a magnificent backdrop for your meal. The masterfully maintained gardens nearly rival the interiors. With pod-like seats set along the peaceful reflection pond by trellised pergolas, it’s arguably one of the most Zen places to dine in the city.
Sagamore’s Game Room, Photo Courtesy of Sagamore Hotel
Sagamore Hotel
Another glitzy go-to for gallery enthusiasts is the upscale Sagamore Hotel on South Beach. Art is so integral to the heart of the property that it’s been dubbed “The Art Hotel.” Essentially doubling as a modern art display room for owners Cricket and Marty Taplin’s extensive personal collection, the boutique Art Deco-style hotel makes sure that everywhere you turn, you’ll see museum-worthy art, videos or photography from the Taplins and other prominent private entities (the Martin Z. Margulies Collection, the Rubell Family Collection and the Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz Collection). Spy murals in the stairwell, videos in the garden and artists’ quotes lining the hallways. The Gallery Dining Room and Art Video Bar Lounge — sleek, picture-sprinkled sights to behold themselves — provide nice settings to wine and dine. Inspired to see more installations? Ask the concierge to book you a VIP tour at one of the major museums around the city.
