Mary Damiano Photo by David Vance

Mary Damiano’s Arts Scene

Sabrina Cohen with the photograph of herself at the Raw Beauty opening reception at the Dorsch Gallery   Photo: Mary Damiano

The Power of Art
I was thrilled to attend two gallery receptions in the past two weeks that testify to the power of art.  First there was the reception for the 9Muses art show, on Wednesday, May 17 at Gallery Six in the downtown Fort Lauderdale library.  A program of the Mental Health Association of Broward County, 9Muses uses art to raise awareness about mental illness and to help people express themselves through art.  The work was varied, and included ceramics, painting and multi-media presentations.  The show runs through the weekend, so be sure to check it out.  A few days later I was at the Dorsch Gallery in Wynwood for the opening reception of Uncensored Lives: Raw Beauty, a photography exhibition in which all the models are women with disabilities.  Hundreds of people turned out for the reception, which benefited the Center for Independent Living.  In the gorgeous photos, the models were in many cases given the glam treatment, allowing the public—and perhaps the models themselves—view the women in a different light.  Adding depth to the photographs are plaques telling the women’s stories and allowing them to state their personal beliefs.  Another fascinating aspect of the show was a video detailing the stories behind each photo. Raw Beauty is a powerful and empowering experience, so don’t miss it.  To check out photos from each of these events, check out the Photo Gallery page. 

Pride and Painting
June is Gay Pride Month, and one of my favorite events is the annual ArtsUnited art show, United and Proud, which opens Wednesday, June 7 at Gallery Six at the downtown branch of the Broward County Library in Fort Lauderdale.  This is always a terrific show, filled with provocative artwork.  I’m also pleased to say that for the second year, I’ve been asked to serve as a judge, so be sure to come by from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 7 and enjoy the art and the opening night reception.

Louis Tyrell and Ricky J Martinez at the Caldwell Theatre Photo: Harvey J. Burstein

Ricky Takes the Reins
Congratulations to Ricky J. Martinez, who officially takes the reins this week as artistic director of New Theatre in Coral Gables.  Ricky recently attended The Impressionists, which just closed at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton, where he was congratulated on his new position by Florida Stage’s artistic director, Louis Tyrell.  New Theatre is gearing up for its annual summer Shakespeare Project, which opens this August, while Florida Stage’s current show, Splitting Infinity runs through June 11.

Down to Eartha
Also seen around town, PR whiz and arts supporter Sharon Kersten and Miami artist Noel attended the recent Eartha Kitt concert at the Jackie Gleason Theatre and were lucky enough to have their picture snapped with the great lady herself.  I had the privilege of interviewing Eartha a few years ago, and then seeing her perform an intimate show on Miami Beach, so I know they had a great time.

An Appetite for the Arts
The Arts and Business Council of Miami recognized those who work to make Miami a cultural Mecca at the Serving the Arts Lunch 2006, which was held at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Miami.  About 600 people attended the event, which was hosted by WSVN anchor Craig Stevens and George Neary, the associate vice president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Awards were presented in 22 categories, but all the winners had at least one thing in common:  the many hours they put in making the Miami arts scene a better and more creative place.  Be sure to check out photos from Serving the Arts on the Photo Gallery page.

Falling Up
And now for something completely different—check out Falling Up, a dance project featuring the choreography of New Yorker Heather Maloney, and performed by Maloney and John Beauregard as well as visual artist Vivian Marthell.  The performance is a series of autobiographical vignettes, and employ slide shows and video projection.  Falling Up is presented at Florida International University campus’s Black Box Theatre (FIU-VH-100) at 11120 SW 8^th Street, Miami on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4.  For more information, visit inkub8.org.

Brazilian Film Takes Center Stage
The 10^th annual Brazilian Film Festival of Miami gets underway June 2 and runs through June 10.  Considered the largest exclusively Brazilian film festival outside of Brazil, the festival will present dozens of screenings and events at several venues, including the Colony Theatre, the Albion Hotel and the Jackie Gleason Theatre.  The fest kicks off with a free outdoor screening at the North Beach bandshell.  For more information, visit BrazilianFilmFestival.com

Oscar Cheda, Janet Dacal and Christopher A. Kent in Five Course Love

Theatre Goodies
There are a couple of shows playing now that should not be missed.  Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf?  playing through June 11 at Palm Beach Dramaworks is well worth the drive.  This production of the rollicking, knock down drag out play by Edward Albee is among PBD’s best productions to date.  Gordon McConnell and Lisa Morgan play George and Martha, a boozy academic couple who invite a young professor and his wife home for a nightcap after a late night party.  What ensues is a night of booze, lust, violence and painful truths, all performed to perfection.  Don’t miss it.