1. Artformz Alternative
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 572-0040
Address: 171 NW 23rd St.
Description: Founded in 2004, this experimental gallery exhibits innovative and diverse art. The art space views itself as an alternative to the more traditional Miami gallery and aims to foster and support the work of forward-thinking artists and curators. Both artist and curator submissions are constantly being reviewed by a panel of collaborating artists. Exhibits tend to feature works that raise new ideas and encourage dialogue. Open Tues through Fri noon to 7 p.m.; Sat from noon to 5 p.m.
2. Artseen At New World School Of The Arts
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 237-7007
Address: 2215 NW 2nd Ave.
Description: ARTSEEN is a fairly new addition to the Wynwood scene and opened only in 2009 after receiving a grant from the Knight Foundation. The gallery, which serves as exhibition space for student work from the New World School of the Arts, aims to encourage students to continue to pursue their artistic endeavors by creating a sense of community as well as offering a place for them to display and even sell their works. The space also regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and performances. Open Mon through Fri from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Bakehouse Art Complex
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 576-2828
Address: 561 NW 32 St.
Insider Pick:
Description: The 33,000-square-foot space is home to 70 studio spaces, 2 exhibition galleries, and features the work of various emerging contemporary artists throughout the year. The mission of Bakehouse is to create a work environment where emerging and mid-career artists can interact and flourish. The arts facility is also active in the neighborhood and was recognized by former President Bill Clinton’s Committee on the Arts and Humanity for their children’s outreach programs. Education resources include a figure drawing classes for the public ($10 for non-members) and free opening receptions held the second Friday of every month for new exhibitions. Open daily from noon to 5 p.m.
4. Barbara Gillman Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 538-5895
Address: 2320 North Miami Ave.
Description: Opened in the 1970s, this gallery has featured a variety of pieces. Recent collections include “Jazz Memories” by Herman Leonard, who photographed Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and many of the great jazz legends. Other collections include local, contemporary American, and Latin American art of all mediums. Open Mon through Thurs from noon to 7 p.m.; Fri and Sat from noon to 9 p.m.
5. Bottero Studio
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 573-6303
Address: 17 NW 36th St.
Description: An international artist, Daniel Bottero began his art training in Italy and worked in Paris and currently New York. His art has been exhibited throughout the world and is collected by celebrities, various corporations, local collectors in Miami, and international appreciators. His colorful pieces reflect city landscapes and portray poetry. Call for hours.
6. Calix Gustav Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 576-8116
Address: 98 NW 29th St.
Description: A relative newcomer to the Wynwood district, this visual arts studio has rotating exhibits of new and emerging artists. Whether it’s Swedish artist Johan Björkegren’s dark, fairy tale–eqsue charcoal drawings or a multimedia exhibit detailing the seedy side of their own neighborhood, Calix Gustav aims to make contemporary art more accessible to the general public. The gallery also has a smaller spin-off called CG Boutique, which is marketed toward young art buyers and features exhibits by up-and-coming artists.
7. D & G Art Design Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 438-9798
Address: 540 NW 28th St.
Description: The two gallery founders opened their doors in 2008 and have since been exhibiting works of European, American, and Latin American contemporary artists as well as the “Great Masters.” Appraisal services are also available. Open Mon through Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
8. De La Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 576-6112
Address: 23 NE 41st St.
Description: Dozens of artists are shown at this free contemporary art space that’s been open since December 2009. What was first opened to exhibit personal work has expanded into a 30,000-foot structure that houses public events, performances, and exhibits throughout the year. There are permanent artworks as well as rotating pieces, many of which come from local artists who participate in the residency program. Collaborating with local public schools, this art space has also developed programming to engage all ages of art lovers. Check the website for events and schedules. Open Wed through Sat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tues by appointment.
9. Diaspora Vibe Art Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 573-4046
Address: 3938 North Miami Ave. in the Madonna Bui
Description: This aptly named gallery seeks to nurture emerging artist from the Latin and Caribbean diasporas through the residence program and various community events and exchanges. Community events are a particularly important component of the gallery’s mission of fostering art exchange. Various events are held in the space, notably an exhibition feature on the last Friday of the month from May through Sept. Check the website for schedules and exhibitions. Open Tues through Fri from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat from noon to 4 p.m. by appointment.
10. Dina Mitrani Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (786) 486-7248
Address: 2620 NW 2nd Ave.
Description: Dina Mitrani opened her photography-focused gallery in 2008 with decades of experience in the New York and Miami art worlds. Nurturing the works of “emerging and established photographers,” this gallery collaborates with a variety of institutions and individuals to work on its exhibitions throughout the year. Open Tues through Fri from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
11. Dot Fiftyone Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 573-9994
Address: 51 NW 36 St.
Description: Founders Alfredo Guzman and Isaac Perelman liken their gallery to a production lab for contemporary and conceptual art. Guzman and Perelman seek out artists whose works will have longevity and a lasting impact. A main gallery, rooftop terrace, and second floor devoted to emerging artists fill the 7,000-square-foot Wynwood space. The gallery is also involved in a wide range of outside projects including lectures, workshops, and screenings of foreign films and television programs. Open Mon through Fri from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sat from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
12. Godon America
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (786) 362-5546
Address: 1 NE 40th St., Suite 5
Description: French painter Alain Godon’s work has been exhibited internationally and is also at this Miami showroom. Since the gallery opened in 2009, it has hosted a number of events and exhibition openings. Open Mon through Sat from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
13. Harold Golen Gallery
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 989-3359
Address: 2294 NW 2nd Ave.
Description: Despite losing $100,000 worth of artwork to a fire several years ago, this Wynwood gallery is still at the top of its game. Pop-surrealist art is the emphasis of the gallery. The dark and unusual pieces of art are in stark juxtaposition to the gallery’s more traditional neighbors. Those unfamiliar with the pop-surrealist movement should be sure to check out the works of lowbrow leaders like Ron English, Mark Ryden, and SHAG. Open Mon through Fri from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat from noon to 5:30 p.m.
14. Ideobox Art Space
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 576-9878
Address: 2417 North Miami Ave.
Description: Gallery founder Tanya Brillenbourg represents contemporary artists that are largely from Latin America. Her vision of the gallery as an “art space” rather than a “gallery” reflects the down to earth vibe and community-based message she’s hoping to get across. Events are frequently held in the space, which Brillenbourg hopes will help promote the arts, and she encourages the exchange between all participants in the art process. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment.
15. Kabe Contemporary
City: Downtown Miami, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 573-8142
Address: 123 NW 23rd St.
Description: You can guess the theme of this gallery, which focuses on a variety of mediums from emerging artists. The space, which only opened in 2009, is also a strong supporter of international talent. Notable Venezuelan artists Jose Antonio Hernandez-Diez and Yucef Merhi have both had solo shows here. The gallery held an exhibit early in 2010 featuring the works of several up-and-coming Italian artists.