It's a cool 70 degrees and Miami Beach is burning with Art Basel fever. This year marks the 10th edition of the America's largest art exhibition. For the mightiest fan, it's six days and sleepless nights of communal art gazing, drinking and fashion revelry, with the occasional purchase.

While the Convention Center draws tens of thousands with its highbrow exhibitors, the concurrent satellite fairs in Wynwood and Midtown (areas in mainland Miami, north of downtown) are increasingly stealing the show. Labeled "funky" or "outrageous", these aren't your grandmother's days of art galleries strolling through deafening silent corridors moving at a snail's pace to admire oil on canvas or a sculpture or two.

 "Modern art" has evolutionized into moving art, or art that is constructed temporarily for the moment and dismantled, never to be created again. Art Miami, Pulse (in Overtown's Ice Palace Studio), Red Dot, Scope Miami & Volta are leading names and have an established tradition of cultivating art buyers and curators.

At Scope Miami’s 100,000-square-foot tent in Midtown, about 100 galleries focus on emerging talent set up shop with works that ran the gamut from idyllic landscapes to blow-up sex dolls to portraits that served as satiric odes to George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Miley Cyrus and Michael Jackson.

At Pulse, South Korean artist Hong Sean Jung, with Denver’s David Smith Gallery, had spent a whole day constructing Blank Mirage, a towering, ethereal waterfall of spider web thin black threads — made with a hot glue gun — cascading over another transparent, ladder-like web of fishing line stapled to the wall. At the end of the fair, it will come down, too delicate to move.

"An idea doesn’t exist. Then you make it tangible form, then you take it down and it doesn’t exist any more,” Jang said. “Like magic."

Which ones to attend? Here are a few I'm considering:



Meet the Artists at Gallery 212 Wednesday, November 30 8-11pm

It's not often the artists are gathered at the same time. This first annual event is an opportunity to meet Pop Artist Michael Perez, John Pate, Sean Murdock, Jose Yossi, Matt Stock, Francis Mesaros, Raull,
Resident Artists Charlotte Oedekoven, Frank Pizzurro, Jonathan Dvoretz, and Sculptor Henry Souto.

This event shares 10% of proceeds with Miami Arts Charter School. Tickets $50 in advance $75 at the door. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/208478. Presented by Catch Grill & Bar Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay

Gallery212

2407 NW 2nd Ave
in Wynwood
Miami, FL 33127
786-431-1957


Complimentary Breakfast, Guided Studio Tours, Exhibition Tours and Live Music at the Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC)



Every good day starts out with a delicious and nutritious morning meal!

Before you head off to the fairs, stop by the Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC) for a complimentary breakfast spread and breakfast cocktails compliments of Domaine de Canton. Take a guided tour of BAC's 33,000 square foot facility, over 65 artist studios, our two exhibition spaces and enjoy live musical performances each day.

INSIDE THE COMPLEX
Audrey Love Gallery: Woman to Woman Exhibit
An exciting exhibition of collaborative explorations within a group of Miami's most well known female artists.

Swensen Gallery: Small Works Exhibition
Take a piece of Art Basel Miami 2011 home! View the small works created by BAC resident artists. Each piece is under 200 square inches and priced under $1,000. Their creations are hung salon style and span a wide range of content and media.

Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC)

561 NW 32nd Street
Miami, FL 33127
305.576.2828
http://www.bacfl.org/

SEVEN is the pioneering collective project organized by the galleries BravinLee programs, Hales Gallery, Pierogi Gallery, Postmasters, P.P.O.W., Ronald Feldman Fine Arts and Winkleman Gallery. They are returning to Miami for the second year, at a new location, from November 29th through December 4th, 2011. With a focus on a collaborative, exhibition-like presentation commingling galleries and artists, SEVEN looks beyond the art fair model to create a new platform for viewing and acquiring works of art.

Inspired by the prevailing need for a more intimate, personal way to engage visitors during the Miami fair week, the members of SEVEN come together to create an environment where artworks may be experienced in a curated context and interested parties can have a substantial, quality interaction with the dealers. The emphasis on cooperation rather than competition relates to the founding days of these established, long-running galleries, which despite over 120 years of combined experience, remain true to the non-conformist, adventurous nature of their beginnings in the New York and London art worlds.

SEVEN's new location, a 15,000 square foot warehouse at 2637 North Miami Ave at NE 27th Street in the Wynwood district, situates the project in the heart of other major art fairs as well as walking distance to the Rubell Collection.

Entry to SEVEN is free, and the opening reception will be on Tuesday, November 29, 1-8pm.  The fair will be open from 11am to 7pm, November 30 through December 4. Updates and other information can be found at http://www.seven-miami... and http://www.twitter.com

With plenty of free parking, and elements to satisfy all of your senses, the BAC Breakfast events are a great way to begin your Art-filled Basel afternoons!



If crowds and finding parking is your biggest phobia, consider the new backyard of Art Basel. The art fair expands its boundaries and this year downtown Miami offers art exhibits without the stress and hype but still high end art.



For this animal lover, a must is Art Zoo. Along the tranquil Miami River, enjoy animal themed art installations including sculptures, paintings, and performance artists while learning about animal rescue and adoptions. With over 20 artists, treats and libations, attendees are encouraged to come dressed in animal print. Pets welcome to compete for "Best Artsy Costume".  Tickets: $50 donation benefitting Paws4You Rescue. RSVP required. Purchase tickets at http://www.paws4you.org/






Most events require ticket purchases ranging from $25 to $100. So be sure to take your time studying the events and choose one or two. Remember parking is almost mission impossible so unless you go early, expect to pay big bucks for valet parking.

Enjoy Art Basel!

Friday: December 2


7th ANNUAL ST JOHNS COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES
The St. Johns County Convention Center and Renaissance World Golf Village Resort will showcase trees and wreaths decorated and donated by local businesses, organizations, families and friends from the community. The display will be open daily through December 11 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day. Admission is free. The trees and wreathes will be part of a silent auction and visitors will also be encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorites. Proceeds will benefit the St. Augustine Record's Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County. The World Golf Village is located at Exit 323 off I-95 in St. Augustine. For more information, visit the events calendar at http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/.


BRITISH NIGHT WATCH OPENING CEREMONIES
Publicly declare your support for King George III in an authentic St. Augustine celebration from 1776. At 4 p.m., gather in the Plaza de la Constitucion and receive the news of the heinous Declaration of Independence. Join the loyal St. Augustine Garrison and townsfolk as they hang the traitors John Hancock and Sam Adams in effigy and march them to and fro. Meet beneath the balcony of Government House to learn of the rebellious acts of the "patriots" in northern colonies. Redcoats will be on alert to quell any dissention from the crowd. Experience a colonial mob firsthand! For the latest information, go to www.britishnightwatch.org

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Park for free at the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, where sightseeing trains and trolleys offer free round-trips to the heart of the art district - or go on your own self-guided art walk. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.


FANTASTIC FLORIDA ART EXHIBIT
Stop in to the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery to view artistic impressions at one of the Association's most popular shows that exhibits celebrates the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna that make Florida fantastic. The show runs through December 30. The gallery is located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit http://www.staaa.org/.


PARENTS' NIGHT OUT AT THE ALLIGATOR FARM
Leave the kids at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm for the evening while you enjoy a night out. The Alligator Farm will offer a safe and educational environment with pizza, drinks, hands-on animal presentations, a twilight zoo tour, crafts and lots of fun and games. Parents Night out is from 6 to 10 p.m. for kids 5 -12 years old. The cost is $30 per child ($25 per child for members). Reservations are required. For more information, call 904.824-3337 or visit, www.alligatorFarm.us/zoo_nights.html


ANASTASIA STATE PARK CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS
Sit around the campfire and enjoy a natural/cultural program relative to the environment found at Anastasia State Park. The program which takes place the First Friday evening each month, begins at 7 p.m. Anastasia State Park is located on A1A on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle up to 8 people, and $2 per additional passengers. Pedestrians and bicyclist admission is $2. For more information, call 904.461.2033 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.


IMMACULATA STRINGS HOLIDAY CONCERTS
Enjoy a performance of holiday music performed on violin, cello, and bass by 20 students from the Strings Program at the School of the Immaculata, St. Petersburg, Florida. These talented students will be sharing a holiday gift of music during two performances in St. Augustine: Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of Casa Monica Hotel located at 95 Cordova Street; Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Flagler College Gamache-Koger Theatre located at 44 Sevilla Street. The concerts are free. For more information, visit http://www.romanzafl.org/.


THE WAILERS PERFORM AT PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL
Come enjoy a night of Reggae at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall with the Wailers. With their Jamaican reggae sound, the Wailers grew in popularity as they rose to the top of the charts alongside Bob Marley. In more recent times they have collaborated with artists such as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Kenny Chesney, Eve, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 in advance and $35 day of the show. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located 1050 A1A N in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Box Office or http://www.pvconcerthall.com/.


LIMELIGHT THEATRE: DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL
Enjoy this family-friendly performance about two bumbling duck hunters in the Alabama swamp manage to shoot an angel and are then pursued by the tabloid media. This hilarious tale interweaves a love story, race relations, and cultural stereotypes as the chase to find the angel builds to a crescendo. Performance times through December 30 are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All performances take place at the Limelight Theatre, located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and military. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit http://www.limelight-theatre.org/.


Friday and Saturday: December 2 & 3

CANDLE LIGHT TOURS OF VILLA ZORAYDA
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda, decorated for the Holiday season, featuring a Christmas tree in the "Court of Lions", decorated in the Villa's traditional red and gold and a beautiful crèche nativity scene that that has been a Villa tradition since the 1930s. On Friday at 6 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. Candles are aglow throughout the museum as the docent led candlelight tour begins at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy refreshments at 5:30 and tour at 6 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free (not recommended for children under 3). Villa Zorayda is located at 83 King Street in St. Augustine. Reservations are suggested. For more information, visit www.villaZoryada.com or call 904.829.9887.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: December 2-4

WINTER WONDERLAND AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Bring the whole family to enjoy St. Augustine's Winter Wonderland which features a real ice skating rink, ice slide, Elf Express train rides, The Elf Village, sleigh rides and SNOW! There are even scheduled visits from Santa. Adults are welcome to relax and enjoy refreshments in the Igloo Lounge (21 and up only). St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A St. Augustine. Hours are November 26 through December 16, Monday through Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m..; and December 17 through January 1 from 2 to 10 p.m. daily except Christmas Day (5 - 10 p.m.) and New Year's Eve (noon to 5 p.m.) Admission is free with activity participation fees. For more information, call 904.209.0367 or visit www.WinterWonderlandFlorida.com.


Saturday and Sunday: December 3 & 4

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BOAT TRIP/ECO EDUCATION SAIL
On Saturday, join St. Augustine Eco Tours for a one-of-a-kind view of historic St. Augustine in all of its holiday splendor! Six-person crew is from 6-7p.m. and is priced at $30 per person or a private trip for $125 total. Sunday's cruise is a two-hour journey into the Matanzas River and features the natural history of the creatures that live there. The cruise departs at 1:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults; $35 for children. For reservations and details on both trips, call 904.377.7245

Saturday: December 3

57TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE
The 57th Annual Christmas Parade has grown to be one of the largest parades in north Florida and includes floats, marching bands cars, horses, and the arrival of Santa. The parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. by the Mission of Nombre de Dios; continue through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and end behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Dr. Pictures with Santa will follow in the Plaza de la Constitucion. For more information, call 904.824.4997.


BRITISH CAMP OPENS
At 9 a.m., enter St. Augustine's Francis Field and experience Colonial Market Days featuring 18th century musicians and itinerant travelling performers that will delight all ages. Marvel at the skill of a Colonial Conjurer, watch a Punch and Judy Puppet Show, and enjoy the balancing act of Signora Bella. At 1 p.m., learn about Colonial Clothing of the era, when the Parade of Fashion is presented at 1 p.m. Then witness British Redcoats drill, meet a British Army Surgeon, interact with Townsfolk concerned about their liberty, immerse yourself in 18th lifestyles & politics of St. Augustine. For more details, go to www.britishnightwatch.org .


GUANA AND TOLOMATO CRUISE
Go on a spectacular boating experience AND get FREE coffee and bagels courtesy of Everything Bagel on this special 9 a.m. to noon cruise from the Vilano Boat Ramp. USCG-certified captain takes passengers on an interesting tour of the pristine Guana and the historic Tolomato. Book individually at $30 per person, reservations required. Call Captain Mike at 352.246.3836. For more information, go to www.Yachtoffun.net.


BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME
Bring your camera for a special appearance of Santa during breakfast! Breakfast will include an assortment of items such as fruit, breakfast sandwiches, donuts, juice, coffee and more. For $12, you can register for the "Monkey Pack" which includes breakfast with Santa and admission to the 9 a.m. showing of "Born to Be Wild." Also available for $16 is the "Penguin Pack" which includes breakfast with Santa and admission to the 10 a.m. showing of "Happy Feet 2." Advanced purchase is required. The World Golf Hall of Fame is at the World Golf Village, located 8 miles north of historic St. Augustine off Interstate-95 at exit 323, International Golf Parkway. For more information, visit http://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/ .


BEACH PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Join Santa in the dunes just north of the St. Augustine Beach Pier for a tremendous holiday photo opportunity. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Lifesaving Association, it's a great way to feature the whole family, including the pets, in a memorable photo with Santa in a beach setting. A 5x7 photo in a holiday folder is only $10 - or you can bring your own camera and get each pose for $5. All proceeds benefit the county's lifeguard service. Photos will be taken from 9 a.m. to noon today and on December 19 and 17. Access via Pope Road. 904.484.4514


PAL DAY
Military service personnel and families enjoy a free day at area attractions on the town, sponsored by the Greater Jacksonville USO. Please bring your military ID. A free lunch will be provided at The St.Augustine Elks Lodge, 1420 A1A S 471-2829 If you have any questions regarding this event, please visit http://www.jaxuso.org/.

HASTINGS ART FESTIVAL
xperience an artful salute to Pulitzer Prize Winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Regional artists display their work throughout the day at this colorful festival on the Stanton Green off Main Street in Hastings. Galleries throughout the town will be open as well. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hastings. For more information, call 904.692.2031.
SURF ILLUMINATION
Light up your evenings when the Surf Illumination complements the seasonal lighting of A1A Beach Boulevard. The event from 4- 7 p.m.includes the ceremonial lighting of the seasonal tree by the Mayor. Food and beverages are offered by local restaurants and many local arts and crafts vendors provide convenient shopping for the holiday season. Santa, musical performers and traditional carolers make it fun for all. This season's lighting will be expanded to illuminate four buildings and most of the trees at Pier Park, creating St. Augustine Beach's winter wonderland. For more information, call Robert Samuels at 904.347.8007.

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE
Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit http://www.oldfloridamuseum.com/ for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

THE GRANDE ILLUMINATION PARADE
March to the fifes and drums down the same St. Augustine streets marched through by British troops over 200 years ago. Then form up for the parade at 7:45 p.m. in front of Government House. The parade proper starts at 8:00 p.m. Non-reenactors and other persons who wish to march along with the parade are invited to fall in behind the Civilians and Distaff. Candles will be made available for a donation from 18th Century Folk in the west garden of the Cathedral Basilica. For further information and updates, go to http://www.britishnightwatch.org/


Sunday: December 4


BRUNCH WITH SANTA AT TPC SAWGRASS
Bring the children as Kris Kringle visits TPC Sawgrass all the way from the North Pole. Brunch is served buffet style. It all takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse, located on PGA Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach. Adults at $39 and children (6 -12) are $9.99. For more information, visit http://www.tpc.com/sawgrassholiday.


BURRITO EATING CONTEST
Take your burrito eating skills to the professional level from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Fishing Pier. Featuring a thrilling burrito-eating contest, great burritos, arts, crafts, vendors and more, admission is free. Also, the event will include a Cornhole Tournament. For more details, including information on entering both competitions, call 904.824.5852.


LINCOLNVILLE FARMER'S MARKET
Get fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewelry, delicious lunch selections and family fun at downtown St. Augustine's new Lincolnville Farmer's Market. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- turn south on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and follow it to the market behind the Galimore Center.


HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MARK TWAIN AND RAINTREE RESTAURANT
Spend an entertaining evening with American writer and humorist Mark Twain. This acclaimed portrayal of one of the nation's most enduring writers is performed by Robert Gill. This production promises to be a hit of the holiday season in a beautiful dinner theatre setting! Tickets are $39.95 per person all inclusive. (Adult beverages available separately.) Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with a suggested arrival time of 5:30 p.m. - the show will follow at 7 p.m. The Raintree is located at 102 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. This dinner show performance will also be offered on December 11 and 18. For more information, call 904.824.7211




HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR
Explore St. Augustine's famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive glittering lights throughout St. Augustine's historic area while enjoying caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Each guest will receive complimentary magical viewing glasses that will enhance the twinkle and glimmer of the lights. And, children and adults alike will get the chance to meet Santa during the tour. Tours are nightly through December 31 and take place between 6 and 8 p.m., departing from the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, located at 11 W. Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call 904.829.3800.

SANTA'S BIG RED CHRISTMAS TRAIN
Come ride Santa's Big Red Christmas Train this Ho-Ho-Holiday Season! Get into the holiday spirit as our Big Red Trains transport you through our magical city to view the Nights of Lights celebration nightly through January 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 -9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $7 for adults ages 12 and over and $3 for children ages 3-1. Ticket includes complimentary magical glasses that make the light displays extra amazing. December 2nd through 24th tours include stops at Santa's Village and Prancer's Putt-Putt for only $1 each! 904.824.1606 http://www.redtrains.com/


ST. AUGUSTINE GOLD TOURS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Tour the dazzling display of lights in comfort and style with just 7 passengers on all electric silent shuttle bus with individual seat restraints. All tours are $7 (inclusive of 3D glasses) starting and finishing at the Old Drug Store car park on Orange Street where the kids can meet Santa.

Tours take place each night, except Tuesday from 5 till 10 p.m. For more information, call 904.325.0547, or visit http://www.staugustinegoldtours.com/.


NIGHTS OF LIGHTS SUNSET SAIL
See the glittering Nights of Lights from the deck of a authentic 19th century schooner! Every night now through January will feature a memorable and beautiful sunset Nights of Lights cruise aboard the Schooner Freedom. The two-hour cruise departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 per adults, kids 2-12 are $35, under 2 sail free, complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water provided. For reservations, call 904.810.1010.


PRIVATE NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR CHARTERS
Plan a private tour of the Nights of Lights for your large group. Old Town Trolley Tours offers a special 40 minute tour for groups of 20 or more. Tours are available in advance every night except Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Private tour rates are $9 for adults and $4 for children. Tours depart from the Visitor Information Center, located at 11 W Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.3800.


PRANCER'S PUTT-PUTT
Stop by Ripley's Bayfront Golf at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina for a round of golf with Prancer and his friend. Bayfront Golf will be transformed into a mini-North Pole through the holidays. Bayfront Golf's Prancer's Putt-Putt golf is open through January 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Regular prices are $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children, or just $1 per person when purchased with tickets for Santa's Big Red Christmas Train tours. Bayfront Golf is located at 11 Avenida Menendez ion St. Augustine's Bayfront. For more information, call 904-824-1606.