Wynwood Walls: A Gift from Art Basel

To me, the Wynwood Walls are one of the most interesting projects resulting from Art Basel last December. This once dull, cast-aside space has transformed into a beacon of vibrant life, expression and hope.



When we question the importance of art in public places during tough economic times all you have to do is watch the people when they first walk thought the gates of this now transformed space. People need to be visually nourished, especially in a recession. I believe creativity is what will pull us upward and out of this recession.



I hope all of Miami goes out to see the walls and has a chance to experience the space. It is a grand gift to us from visiting artist during Art Basel. Here is an opportunity to see the impact of art in public places and to witness a fabulous expression of possibilities. One that should be shared, discussed and repeated.

Nancy Martini

Upcycled Paper Into Elegant Forms...

Anja Marais - "Thoughts are like Cauliflower"

I was immediately drawn to the stunningly beautiful, upcycled work of Anja Marais who is showing at Artformz until March 6th. Marais was inspired by the Japanese practice of tying a fortune written on a piece of paper to a tree branch. Over time, the paper will weather away along with your bad fortune or make good fortune realized.

Nancy Martini

Art Selling Faster Than a Sale at Macy's!

Greg Martini and Bill Hodges

NWSA ArtSceen Gallery last night was a hugh success. For the first time in my life, I saw people pulling art off the walls and standing in line to purchase art in a gallery. Their goal was to raise $50,000 to benefit New World School of the Arts and Design and Architecture High. Each piece of art was a fixed price of $50. Most of the pieces were small unframed abstract works piled high on tables. Great idea!

Beautiful Shades of Green

Tracy Magellon

Last week, I got a private tour of the The Montgomery Botanical Garden led by Tracy Magellon, Funding and Communications Director. The secluded garden is an incredibly beautiful property with 120 acres of mostly cycads and palms nestled quietly next door to Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Once you pass through the tall iron gates on Old Cutler Road, you will step into old Florida at its finest. The property has a guest cottage and a meeting space that looks over a tree lined lagoon. You won't see lots of bright color and flowers, but you will see beauty in tranquil shades of green like nowhere else.


Judy Kay, Seed Bank Coordinator

They are very busy on the property doing research, specimen collecting, propagating and finally seed collecting. Once they collect the seeds, they sell the seeds online to nurseries as a way of conservation. They believe that if the seeds are available to purchase from a local nursery people are less likely to poach the plants from the wild.


South African Cycad - Encephalarotos Ferox

I alway thought Montgomery was a private research facility that was closed to visitors, but no, they love visitors! All you have to do is call for an appointment and you can have a private tour too. With only 20 staff members, they are not set up to handle large crowds of people. However, they will schedule time if you call and ask. If you love nature, like me, this is an opportunity not to miss.

Nancy Martini