Arts representative Carol Jazzar generously lent her ample garden/ arts space to celebrate the passing of well-known and vastly appreciated artist and teacher Robert “Bob” Huff (1945-2014) recently.
The tribute was attended by over one hundred of Bob’s friends and colleagues who came from far and near to celebrate his life and his dedication to the Arts in South Florida.
Huff, who died in August at the age of 69 after a long battle with cancer, was a beacon on Miami’s art scene for decades for his work and his role as a former professor and chairman of the art department at Miami Dade College.
My family arrived from Paris, France in 1981 and happily encountered a budding arts community that was petulant and instrumental in creating what is now known as the South Florida Arts movement.
The young ones today are convinced that they are responsible for everything that has happened in this part of the country as far as Wynwood, Art Basel, Gallery nights, etc. However "the old-guard-arts-gladiators" such as Bob Huff and many of the artists who attended his memorial, fought and laid the ground work for Miami's present excellent reputation as an arts Mecca and for that I think we are all grateful.
Artists, writers, arts enthusiasts, hugged, shook hands and shared a few long gone memories of the late Dr. Robert Huff. It was like an unplanned high school reunion.
Most of us are graying, but still wearing jeans, sporting long hair and idealistic thoughts. Bob would have been delighted at the turn out.
"Hey Bob, if you’re listening, can you prepare some paints, canvases, clay and a couple of nude models for us? We’ll be along in a few years."
