If you and your friends want an artistic experience but don’t want to travel all the way to Wynwood, look no farther than F.A.T. – Flagler Arts and Technology, Village Arts District. Located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, only four minutes from the NSU Art Museum, FATVillage houses a myriad of galleries, studios, restaurants and retail shops that are sure to provide a fun day.
Galleries, studios and more
FATVillage provides a hub for a variety of different galleries and studios. Many artists have found their home in the Village, evident by the large number of filled studios, some of which even feature galleries. Many of these galleries are open to the public throughout the year, and some offer workshops.
Among these galleries is Art Trax Studios & Galleries, which houses seven different studios for ceramics, painting and photography. These studios offer multiple workshops that are available to the public. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/studio535FAC/.
Folk art has also found its home in FATVillage, specifically at Samsara Art Gallery. Inspired by the emotion behind folk art, the curators of this gallery showcase classic pieces from their collections, as well as pieces from up-and-coming artists.
If you want to steer away from the usual mediums of art, then IS Projects is the way to go. This printmaking studio is community-interactive, offering a variety of workshops, including typography. Dabbling in printmaking and bookbinding, this studio focuses on more print-based mediums and is sure to inspire. For more information on workshops, visit isprojectsfl.com/workshops/.
Francisco Sheuat’s studio presents an interesting variation of pop art. Using recycled products, mainly aluminum cans, Sheuat explains on his website that he creates to inspire a greener lifestyle while exploring the parameters of pop art.
The World & Eye Arts Center is multi-disciplinary location that houses a variety of engaging workshops. This center offers multiple theatre workshops, yoga classes, Native American drum circles and art exhibits, just to name a few. For more information about their workshops and events, visit worldandeye.com/.
The FATVillage Center for the Arts is one of the best ways to get involved. Offering classes for all ages, this group’s mission is to engage the community through full classes and workshops, as well as showcasing art for the community.
Restaurants
Spending your day experiencing the interesting features of FATVillage might leave you hungry, so why not try some local cuisine?
Within the district itself lies Brew Urban Coffee, a hole-in-the-wall café that is sure to be a pick-me-up if tiredness sets in. Doubling as a studio, patrons are able to view photoshoots as they sit back and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee.
Top Hat Deli, just a few blocks out of the district, is a Jewish deli that serves the usual items but in a delicious manner. With menu options ranging from the Fat Village Burger to Pizza Bagel to classic deli-style sandwiches, as well as Jewish dishes like matzo brei, knish and potato latkes, this restaurant is a great stop halfway through or after a long day at FATVillage.
If pizza cravings hit, look no further than Mellow Mushroom. This pizza shop and in-house bar is a popular stop, and for good reason. Carrying vegan and gluten-free options, this parlor has something for everyone.
Mexican might be the way to go, and if so, then no need to fear because Tacocraft is here. A semi-authentic boutique that uses tortillas hand-crafted by women who learned from their mothers and grandmothers, Tacocraft houses a variety of classic Mexican food like empanadas and taquitos, as well as a wide variety of alcoholic beverages.
Art Walk
The best way to experience all that FATVillage has to offer is to participate in their monthly Art Walk. Occurring on the last Saturday of every month, except December, starting at 6 p.m., the event usually includes almost every artist housed in the district, allowing the general public to experience their studios and art. On top of the resident artists, outside artists usually come to participate. The streets are usually buzzing with art sales and thousands of other art appreciators, making it an event with things to do around every corner.
With all the interesting art right here in Fort Lauderdale, make sure your weekend adventures are local and fun.
