When the influencers, dealers, patrons, peacocks and, yes, artists invade Miami during Art Week, where do the locals go? Alexa asked four Miami insiders — from a street artist to a playwright — to share their favorite haunts beyond the pavilions.
Tarell Alvin McCraney // Actor and playwright
Third-generation Miami native Tarell Alvin McCraney is the actor and playwright best known for writing the play that inspired the film “Moonlight” — whose tale of race, class and sexuality is currently generating serious Oscar buzz. A MacArthur Fellow and member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, McCraney was raised in Liberty City, the rough Miami neighborhood where much of “Moonlight” was shot and takes place. Liberty City may feel far removed from the glitz of Art Basel and South Beach, but McCraney is a Magic City cultural omnivore and a rapidly rising example of the best of Miami’s homegrown creative class.
Cacique’s Corner — “There is no better way to begin your day than with a strong cortadito, which is Cuban for a short café con leche. I get mine at this tiny spot in the heart of downtown Miami.”
Miami Light Project — “I like to ride my bike over to this under-the-radar cultural spot, which specializes in a wide range of experimental and avant-garde dance and theater in the heart of Wynwood.”
PAMM — “No matter how you might feel about art, every Miamian is proud of PAMM. I don’t drive, so I always seem to take the Metromover over there to catch their latest exhibition.”
African Heritage Cultural Arts Center — “I love to visit to see what new projects its director Marshall Davis has in store. This spot in Liberty City is where ‘Moonlight’ director Barry Jenkins shot many of his best scenes.”
Crash // Street artist
Raised in The Bronx, John “Crash” Matos began his career the old-fashioned way: tagging subway cars and rotted-out buildings. He’s now hailed as a pioneer of graffiti art, and his work can be found in museums, galleries, and on Fender guitars and Ferraris. On Dec. 3, the artist will paint a mural by the pool at the W South Beach during an exclusive cocktail party hosted by the Starwood Preferred Guests Credit Card by American Express.
Wynwood Walls — “I love Wynwood because as you walk around you’ll see artists actually doing installations all the time — including mine. At the Wynwood Walls space, you’ll see a massive Shepard Fairey mural, and then you will see my wall. It’s an image of a little girl with blond hair and a funny look in her eyes.”
Martini Bar at the Raleigh — “Check out the Raleigh hotel’s lobby bar — it has been around for years and is a great place for a late-night drink!”
News Cafe — “I love it here and go all the time. There are always a lot of artists, actors and musicians eating at this spot. You never know who you will see from the art world. I highly recommend the French toast and fresh fruit.”
Faith Haslem // Fashion influencer
A former NCAA track star, Faith Haslem is also known as the stylish wife of veteran Miami Heat captain Udonis Haslem. When she’s not working out or running around with her two sons, she’s busy planning the launch of her new sneaker boutique for women. Follow her Art Week escapades on Instagram at @xoxofaithhaslem.
First Watch — “This Pembroke Pines breakfast joint is the best healthy brunch and lunch spot in my neck of the woods. They have the best organic-blend juices, and their avocado toast is to die for.”
Jugofresh — “Either in Miami Beach or Wynwood, Jugofresh is the only spot I’ll go to for protein shakes. My favorite is the Raw Power Smoothie with extra goji berries. They also sell their own juice cleanses and an amazing acai bowl.”
Vista View Park — “Vista View Park is a beautiful park in Davie, Fla., that’s a runner’s and workout person’s dream destination. Vista has multiple running trails and various-size hills, and plenty of open grass space. I love working out there with my trainers, the Workout Kings (@workoutkings).”
Marlins Park — “We love going to games at Marlins Park, which is brand-new and beautiful. It has a retractable roof, so on the hotter days you can still be cool and sweat-free.”
Rene Gonzalez // Principal, Rene Gonzalez Architect
Revered Miami architect Rene Gonzalez will be launching a new pop-up platform/gallery called RGA Rocket, where he will be showing the work of mostly emerging European furniture designers. Gonzalez also commissioned performance artist Joseph Keckler to create a piece for Rocket’s opening.
Biscayne Bay — “For experiencing the city in its most poetic state, I always recommend visitors tour Biscayne Bay, which separates Miami Beach from the mainland and where one finds the elevated houses [that compose] historic Stiltsville.”
Miami River boat tours — “This presents the city beyond the scope of the typical South Beach tourist. The historic Miami River will reveal a working river with a community of fisherman, lobster traps, and seafood restaurants like Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, and Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill — where they will set a table on your boat and serve you fresh seafood while you are docked on their restaurant.”
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden — “To experience the natural environment of South Florida within close proximity to Miami’s urban center, head to these gardens. They are notable for their collection of varied and special palm trees.”
The National YoungArts Foundation building — “Miami’s former Bacardi USA headquarters is the ultimate expression of mid- to late-20th-century tropical architecture. The 1963 tower by architect Enrique Gutierrez has floral mural facades of blue and white tiles designed by Brazilian artist Francisco Brennand.”