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These businesses, innovators and movements helped turn Wynwood into one of America’s most bustling arts hubs
It’s tough to imagine that just a decade ago Wynwood was one of Miami’s most dangerous neighborhoods, devoid of art and culture to say the least. Today it’s a vital creative hub for the city and a meeting place for locals and tourists and alike. Here’s a look at the artists, galleries and businesses that have spurred the evolution of Wynwood.
Since opening in the summer of 2013, Wyn 317 (167 NW 25th St; 305-761-1116) has been dedicated to helping emerging artists break into the art scene. It became the first gallery in Wynwood to showcase strictly street art and its artists. Owner Danelle Pino, a born-and-bred Miamian, focuses on fostering the relationship between artists and their communities by giving them their first shot at an exhibition.
Not even Wynwood’s restaurants are safe from the art movement. Eateries such as R House (2727 NW 2nd Ave, 305-576-0201) and GK Bistronomie (218 NW 25th St) have introduced gallery-restaurant combos, where a curated collection of paintings can double as decor and pop-up exhibition. For its part, R House works with White Porch Gallery to source work from international and local artists to display.
The Wynwood pioneer may have relocated to the Little Haiti neighborhood in the fall of 2015, but its spirit is still very much in line with the area where it launched eight years ago, when Wynwood was still nascent. Gallery Diet (6315 NW 2nd Ave; 305-571-2288) owner Nina Johnson-Milewski focuses on highlighting works by emerging and mid-career artists in various mediums, including installations by local student-artists.
Photograph: Chi Lam/Gallery Diet
As one of Wynwood’s most well known street artists, AholSniffsGlue (David Anasagasti) became notorious when he successfully sued American Eagle Outfitters for unlawfully using his eyeballs motif. It not only positioned him as a promising artist but also helped put Wynwood on America’s radar. His work can be seen—legally—plastered throughout various Miami neighborhoods.
Free gallery nights flew under the radar until Wynwood’s Second Saturdays came along. Not since Art Basel, which happens but once a year, did the community show up in suck droves to witness the opening of new exhibits, learn about local artists and socialize with artsy locals. The all-night party has expanded to include street markets, featuring local vendors, food trucks and a variety of impromptu street performances.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Sherwin Sucaldito
Like chicken soup for the pedestrian soul, Wynwood sidewalks are brimming with inspirational quotes and sentimental one-liners. You may have seen them filling up your Instagram feed and wondered who’s responsible for your friends’ sudden bout of sympathy. While a few writers remain anonymous, local author Michelle Morgan has taken to Instagram to share her contributions.
The late Tony Goldman sought to breathe new life into the Wynwood area in 2009, when he created the outdoor gallery known as the Wynwood Walls. Six separate buildings along NW 25th and 26th streets serve as giant canvases for a series of murals painted by more than 50 artists across 16 countries. Several murals are permanent, such as the one painted in memory of Goldman, though new works premiere each year during Art Basel.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Phillip Pessar
Inside this two-decade old gallery (95 NW 29th St; 305-573-6090), a former 45,000-square-foot repurposed Drug Enforcement Agency confiscated goods warehouse, is one of the world’s largest, privately owned contemporary art collections. The Rubells, Wynwood pioneers by any standard, continue to expand their collection, which today includes works by Keith Haring, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol, to name a few.