Participants to the Chamber South Art Festival were treated to a bustling Sunset Drive in downtown South Miami. Alive with art, music and a variety of food, the two-day event drew thousands of art lovers and those happy to share in a positive experience of family, friends and for some, their beloved canine companions. Designed to showcase the City’s charming downtown and promote art in the community while exhibiting the work of top-notch artists the popular gathering marked its 41st year on November 3rd and 4th
Prize-winners proudly displayed their ribbons at their tents for the “Best in Show,” and first, second and third prize awardees for artistic endeavors such as painting, sculpture, jewelry and photography.
The family-oriented show also includes activities for children and performances by local youth organizations such as the Miami Children’s Theater who gave a rousing rendition of music and dance from “Grease” to an appreciative audience. The musical group, “Van Gogh Listens” entertained festival-goers, as well.
Fabric artist, Nadiya Shulhan, a native of Ukraine, won the Best in Show and First Place for Textiles honors for her unusual work with silk and felted wool. Ms. Shulhan lived in Asia for four years where she learned and perfected the art of batik on silk and the technique of sewing felted wool on silk shawls. All of the work is done by the artist, attaching the wool, dying the fabric and painting on the designs.
Every year, art is chosen to represent the Festival and made into a poster. The 2012 winner is Ana Ivis “Annie” Maxwell, a Cuban-born artist who captures the colors of the Caribbean in her work. Her winning painting, “Just a Day in Paradise” explodes with curling leaves and ocean waves, a sailboat and the essential demitasse of cafecito ready to be sipped.
Mary Scott Russell, President of Chamber South declared that the event was going “great” and Arelis Ferro, Director of the Art Festival and Events Manager for the Chamber said, “We couldn’t have done this without the volunteer efforts of our members and high school students.”
The Art Festival is funded by the Chamber and received sponsorship from the First National Bank of South Miami, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Baptist Health of South Florida, the City of South Miami and many others.
For more information, go to www.chambersouth.Com
