Lincoln Road Magazine....

LINCOLN ROAD'S

CULTURAL & ARTS SCENE

SHINES BRIGHT SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH BEACH

The cultural and arts scene on Miami Beach's Lincoln Road continues to make the legendary pedestrian street as vibrant as ever. A long tradition of art galleries, theatres, and performances, as well as the influx of many new options, are shining yet another spotlight on Lincoln Road's $18 million renovation and ongoing renaissance as one of the nation's finest streets.

There's no better introduction to Lincoln Road's cultural offerings than the increasingly popular Gallery Walk. Typically taking place the second Saturday of each month from 6 to 10 p.m., the Gallery Walk showcases a series of coordinated openings, ongoing exhibits, and new offerings. More than 20 galleries and spaces present a noteworthy group of artists of regional, national, and international reputation.

'The Road' provides an intimate pedestrian setting that's ideal for casually strolling among the concentration of galleries. Strategically placed between 16th Street and 17th Street and stretching east-to-west from the Atlantic Ocean to Biscayne Bay (at the northern end of the historic Art Deco District), Lincoln Road offers the best of South Beach on one street. There's now new landscaping, enhanced lighting, and calmingly clear blue pools to make the walk even more enjoyable. A new free tram service transports visitors the entire length and the ElectroWave, Florida's first free electric transportation, makes several stops during its Miami Beach meandering.

The Gallery Walk presents the cornucopia of art offerings along Lincoln Road in one night. The possibilities include paintings, sculpture, drawings, photography, prints, glass, jewelry, ceramics, and many other objects of art. From antique to ultra-modern, there's something for everyone and in every price range.

For a perfect Gallery Walk introduction, the ArtCenter/South Florida is in many ways a microcosm of Lincoln Road's arts renaissance. Founded way back in 1984, ArtCenter originally rented out 21 storefronts along then-dilapidated Lincoln Road. In the late-1980s, they purchased three properties on three blocks to provide a permanent base (they now own just two). The 800, 900, and 1000 blocks were later designated as the Lincoln Road Arts District, but the reach of ArtCenter can be felt on every block of Lincoln Road.

ArtCenter grants affordable work space on Lincoln Road to outstanding visual artists in all stages of career development. The not-for-profit organization provides artists with access to resources and support, creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation, and encourages the exchange of ideas across cultures and artistic disciplines.

The facilities house 70 juried artist studios, exhibition spaces, cooperative work facilities, classrooms, and arts-related businesses and non-profits. The Gallery Walk and ongoing open studios, exhibitions, educational programs make ArtCenter/South Florida a Lincoln Road cultural hub. "Our successful studios and exhibition spaces, combined with the burgeoning gallery scene, have made Lincoln Road a very special place for artists and those who love art," says executive director Jane Gilbert.

Surroundings the facilities of Art Center/South Florida, many more galleries await. Visitors are sure to meet gallery owners, artists, and fellow Lincoln Road lovers. There are also artists at work, occasional workshops, and many special events associated with Gallery Walk.

The lively scene is enhanced by Lincoln Road's other shopping options, creative dining possibilities, and a host of other cultural draws. Of course, the galleries and studios are open at other times and there are many more events to nurture body and soul. Gallery Walk is just the beginning of Lincoln Road life for lots of locals and international visitors.

Aside from the eclectic collection of galleries, Lincoln Road also features an amazing number of entertainment entities and venues. The dance scene is enhanced by the popular pointed toes of the Miami City Ballet, while the music melange is broadened by the acclaimed New World Symphony at Lincoln Theater. The Area Stage, Colony Theater, and Sherry Faith--Acting Workshop are all Lincoln Road favorites, with schedules of premiers, other plays, and many music, dance, and cultural events.

Lincoln Road is also attracting interest from the entertainment industry. Sony Music International's Latin American division and Sony Discos make their home in the sharp Sony Music Building, along with MTV Latino, the Discovery Channel Latin America, and Post Edge Productions. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammys) is also based on Lincoln Road. A modern multiplex movie theatre, several entertainment industry entities, and additional gallery complexes will follow soon.