Art festivals are a chance for creatives to design and develop their skills for the whole world to see. The South Miami Rotary Festival has art from all walks of life and possesses unique culture and individuality.
South Miami is known for its creative and diverse flare of anything and everything, but especially artwork. The South Miami Rotary Art Festival held a special place for Miami natives to come and witness greatness. This year was the thirty-seventh annual festival that showcases an array of art and different dynamics of what artists have created.
The festival rose to stardom in 1984, when a selection of Red Sunset Merchant Association members decided to bring in more people by holding an arts and crafts festival. The show started with a small number of booths, with just 25 groups showcasing their work.
The event took place Feb. 26 through Feb. 27 in the downtown area of South Miami on Sunset Drive. The respected area is home to many special shops, historically known buildings and restaurants galore. The festival now housed 129 artists, an enormous array of food courts, a beer garden and entertainment including live jazz. Also, something special the festival did was having the funds from the event go towards college scholarships for South Miami scholars, in addition to local and national projects which allows for exponential opportunities for many aspiring students. Admission for the event was free, and parking was provided nearby.
Zolani Henry, freshman music major, explained how there are a wide range of opportunities for artists when it comes to art festivals.
“I feel like the festival is a great way of marketing yourself, getting your name out there and getting to meet new people, especially new artists [who are] like-minded people. You are able to showcase your art as well and tell a story,” Henry said.
Artists came from all over the U.S. and even Canada to display their talents and unique pieces. The festival was solely produced by committed individuals who are part of the Rotary Club. The creation of the festival not only allows artists to join in and submit their work, but musicians to step out and display their pieces as well.
Henry elaborates on the first-hand experience she has had with festivals.
“I specialize in music, but my aunt is an artist and she used to make clothing. She used to design clothes and she creates these really great portraits; she did one of Bob Marley. She had like a really nice business, she would go to festivals and I would go with her, and I would get to see all these people see her art and buy her art,” said Henry.
The South Miami Rotary Art Festival provided a unique experience for everyone to enjoy. There are many things to witness when exploring different forms of art, such as jewelry designs, glass showings, photography showcases, dynamic paintings, complex sculptures and mixed media. The diverse choices in different ways of art helped further the festival’s growth.
