Arts

Galleries were flooded, artwork destroyed and the New York art word left reeling when Hurricane Sandy hit at the end of October.

A month later, several of those galleries damaged in the historic storm are now in Miami for Art Basel.

Often “Art Basel” is used as shorthand for the many arts events that coincide with the Art Basel fair itself, which takes place inside the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

But throughout Miami, galleries and artists are exhibiting their work so there really is something for everyone this week.  Below is a small sampling for various persuasions. 

You hate contemporary art: Endless Renaissance at the Bass Museum.  

While trying to navigate the colorful, crowded labyrinth that is Art Basel Miami, we reached a tiny oasis of calm smack dab in the middle of the "Art Positions" sector (whatever THAT is.)

It was a patch of soft, green artificial turf, about 40 by 60 feet, resembling a tiny putting green.  It had diminutive peaks and valleys and even shade trees.

Aaaahh.

Along with the ever-expanding constellation of art fairs and gallery events during Art Basel, pop-ups are mushrooming at this time of year, including bars, shops and restaurants.

Pop-up restaurants have been trending in Miami and around the country for years now. The term "pop-up" restaurant has typically meant that the eating location is temporary, whether it's open one night or multiple nights.

Art Basel is a large universe with vague boundaries, but the places you seek within Art Basel have absurdly specific locations.

So, you'll need maps. Here are two of them. One is an interactive map prepared by the Miami Herald, which is good for planning before you even leave the house.

Artists won’t be the only ones getting international exposure at Art Basel Miami Beach this year. Some Florida breweries might share the spotlight as well at the first annual Basel Biergarten.

Alongside “The Factory” art show, Wynwood Cigar Factory (101 NW 24th St.) is hosting a pop-up beer garden which will serve Florida brews exclusively.  It’s an example of the many things that have grown up around Art Basel over the past ten years.