West Kendall’s first “Community Art Fair,” designed to showcase the cultural talents of its 200,000-plus residents, is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Apr. 18-19.
“The fair seeks to showcase the works and achievements of cultural, educational and community institutions, and to cultivate a cultural footprint in the West End,” said Miami-Dade District 11 Commissioner Juan C. Zapata.
Throughout the weekend, exhibits from local art studios and nearby schools will be displayed while live entertainment, a kidzone play area and a food truck court create a colorful and lively backdrop.
The outdoor fair will take place on the “Town Center” property, off Kendall Drive between 158th and 162nd avenues, that has become a commercial and community hub for the “West End” in recent years. Free parking will be available in designated areas.
“We’re hoping to attract volunteers, both to help with staging the fair and as participants,” said Stephanie Cornejo, Zapata aide who has met with a new Arts and Culture Committee in past weeks to develop programming.
“We’re especially interested in attracting some of the outstanding musical groups from our Kendall schools who could schedule a special performance,” she added.
The fair also will highlight the first appearance and naming contest for a cute pooch to become a family symbol for the fair and future West End cultural events.
The West End logo and metallic dog sculpture were fashioned by artist Steve Gammon.
Sponsorships by corporations and companies are now available in five levels that provide display of logo and a pre-opening party (Apr. 17) for $1,000 or $2,500, with options of tenting, social media identity, and visibility on print and onsite materials in the $5,000 to $20,000 range.
Those wishing to contribute funds can do so through Miami-Dade’s Parks Foundation in behalf of “District 11 Art Fair” and addressed to Commissioner Juan C. Zapata, 8785 SW 165 Ave., Suite 203, Miami, FL 33193 (Attn: Stephanie Cornejo).
Residents serving on the steering committee for the inaugural event include Ximena Alzate, Amneryss Bird, James Karnib, Curtis Lanoue, Myrna Reyes, Phillip Rincon, and Barbara Yager.
The Town Center area, once slated to become a regional shopping complex, has seen its east side developed with The Residences senior assisted living, opening in April, and West Kendall Baptist Hospital on the west side. Miami-Dade Transit also operates a park-and-ride station off SW 162nd Avenue.
Hey, I'm a fan of the artist who created the fair logo, poster, and the dog sculpture. I know for a fact that his name is spelled Stephen Gamson, not Steve Gammon. Please correct it.