The Armory Art Center is West Palm Beach’s only community-based art center. Founded in 1986, the Armory offers arts education, exhibition, lectures and other programs. It also brings together a diverse group of people to share in their love of artistic expression.

This Thursday, June 12th from 6-8 pm free-lance photographer, Jacek Gancarz will present his exhibit La Milagrosa: The Face of Hope in the Colaciello Gallery. In doing this project, Gancarz visited Cuba several times over a 5-year span to capture images of ordinary Cubans with Ordinary Faith. Through these black and white portraits and the first-person quotes, the observer will form a connection with these Cubans living in Cuba who hold such high hope and intimate devotion.

La Milagrosa: The Face of Hope will be on display until July 3rd. For more information on the exhibit, call 561-832-1776 x821.

Photo [Palm Beach Post]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Miami Ink, the reality show aired on TLC, began in July 2005. In August 2007, LA Ink premiered and in September of 2007, London Ink began. On April 24, 2008 Miami Ink entered their 4th season, but it has abruptly come to an end. According to the Miami Herald, “Ami James said he and co-star Chris Nunez declined to extend Discovery Communicaitons’ option to order more episodes of the TLC show after the network delayed signing them on for another season. He said no talks are under way to shoot more episodes of their lives as south Beach tattoo artists.”

Discovery owns the rights to the “Miami Ink” brand, but luckily James and Nunez opened another tattoo studio just down the block called – Love Hate Tattoos. The Miami Ink location is actually just a gift shop now.

Time will tell as to what will happen to the Miami Ink name, but there is a huge amount of tension that exists as James states that he was unhappy with the way he was treated. Wait and see if Discovery finds a new tattoo studio to work with in Miami or if you’ll have to stick to reruns.

Photo Credit: [miami-inked.com]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Photo Credit [Visit Florida]

The Norton Museum of Art, located in West Palm Beach, is home to over 5,000 works of art consisting of European, American, Chinese, Contemporary Art and Photography. It was founded by Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife Elizabeth Calhoun Norton in 1941. Norton, who before moving to West Palm Beach, was the head of the ACME Steel Company wanted to preserve and share his large collection. The Norton has grown over the years and strives to share the permanent collection with the public while educating and promoting arts education throughout the community.

Currently, they are running some special exhibitions that you should not miss including:

In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey (April 19 – July 20)

This exhibition offers a look into the journey experienced by the Kinseys. It includes slave owner’s documents, brilliant paintings and other important works of art by important African American artists.

Alexander Calder Jewelry (February 19 – June 15)

Photo Credit [flickr]

According to Norton Museum of Art Director, Christina Orr-Cahall, “For Alexander Calder, each piece of jewelry was a work of sculptural art. His inventive jewelry techniques echoed those used for his world-famous sculptures.” His jewelry has the same feel as his mobiles and continues to have a 3-D aspect and each piece is hammered and chiseled precisely.

Rubens to Corot (from March 19th)

This new collection at the Norton was a gift from Mrs. George T. Delacorte and is made up of 65 objects including Old Master, 19th and 20th Century paintings and sculptures from artists such as Rembrandt, Adriaen Hanneman and Joaquin Sorolla. This addition of Old Master works has increased the Norton’s collection making it the largest of Old Master paintings in the state of Florida.

In addition, the Norton has a full service cafe called Cafe 1451 and a beautiful gift store.

If you live in West Palm Beach, the Norton offers free admission on Saturdays. Residents of Palm Beach County receive free admission on the first Saturday of every month with proof of residency.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Legos! The ultimate childhood memory. Remember the days when you spent hours creating the most magnificent castle or turned the living room into a city of legos, never to be destroyed. Even now, you can’t resist sneaking through the Lego aisle at the toy store catching a glimpse of latest additions or even wrapping up the newest set for any child you know, so you have a reason to indulge in those childhood memories. Years later you discovered there was an actual Legoland, but it was built in Denmark. Oh please, just let it be a little bit closer. As more Legolands popped up in California, England and Germany, you swore that you would find your way out there. No such luck.

Well, the time has come. Legoland is coming to South Florida. (Well, not quite, but this is as close as it gets.)

Nathan Sawaya has created the first major museum exhibition called The Art of the Brick that focuses exclusively on using the Lego Block as an art medium. This exhibit is breaking records and is attracting fans, both old and young alike. He created over 30 sculptures (from 2002-2007) that will be on display using nearly one million standard Lego pieces. His conceptual vision and outstanding use of space is admirable.

Now, Sawaya has created a second exhibition and his first stop will be at The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood from June 7th through August 10th.

Now, even more exciting – The Art and Culture Center is pleased to announce its first LEGO Creation Challenge. This challenge is open to South Florida residents 6 years and older. Contestants (or groups of contestants) will design and build their very own LEGO creation. Contestants can do this at home and will then bring their creation to the center for display and judging. There will be different categories for judging, but hurry up, as they will only accept the first 50 entries. Good Luck!

Photo Credit [The California Tourist Guide and Resources Directory]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Drive down to Delray Beach for the 11th Annual Delray Beach Craft Festival. This outdoor craft festival is located at the Tennis Center just off Atlantic Avenue and features a collection of handmade jewelry, acrylic paintings, glass votives among other crafts. There is also a green market there with plants, orchids and exotic soaps.

Majestic Saturdays at Nikki Marina

The Majestic Group and The Nikki Marina Family invite you to Majestic Saturdays at Nikki Marina in Hollywood. This newly relocated event brings you a dance floor, a DJ, yachts and free admission before 12:30 with an advance RSVP.

Sunday at the Meyer Amphitheatre

The Atlanta Rhythm Section will be featured this Sunday at the Meyer taking place from 4:30 – 7:30 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach.

Summer Sizzle Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival

Mon, 5/26 1:00 – 9:00 pm at the Meyer Amphitheatre

Featuring the fine cuisines, fashion, art and live performances of reggae artist, Full A Vibes presents the 5th Annual Caribbean Culture Festival . This event only costs $5 and attempts to raise the cultural awareness of the Caribbean culture to the West Palm Beach community. There will also be activities available for children including rock climbing, face painting, and bounce houses.

Summer Music in the Park on Monday

Featuring New Gardens Band playing Patriotic Music located at Mizner Park Amphitheater on Federal Highway in Boca Raton, 561-393-7806

Also, on Monday there will be a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring veterans at 9:00 am in Pembroke Pines. This will include a presentation of colors, speakers and wreath laying.

Abokado Social

This new hotspot in Mary Brickell Village is the perfect place to cool off with drink specials on Mondays between 4 – 7 pm. $3 draft beer, $6 specialty martinis, mojitos and wine by the glass. They also offer 12-14 menu items ranging from $5-$7

Three Martini Lunch at Badrutt’s Place

hmm..what a way to end the weekend. Badrutt’s place is the place to go to end the weekend. Offering a three course Mediterranean meal, Badrutt’s pairs each course with one of their signature martinis including the: saketini, espresso martini and a classic martini. They also offer this all week long. (OK this might not be inexpensive, but its quite unique and i couldn’t resist adding it to the list)

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

A – Discover a new favorite artist at Miami Beach’s top art festival, Art Basel.

B – Spend an afternoon at Bal Harbour, an ultra-luxe shopping center

C – Café Boulud is the place to be on Tuesday and Saturday nights for their popular lounge nights.

D – Dolphins Stadium

E – Rent a kayak and paddle your way through the southern and western coasts of Everglades National Park

F – Discover a collection of rare, tropical plants at Fairchild Garden

G – Gleason Theater

H – Enjoy the energy of Ocean Drive, as you stay at Hotel Victor, a charming 1930’s style luxurious boutique hotel.

I – Watch as the big screen comes to life at the IMAX at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science

J – Sample a selection of ceviche “by the spoon” in the heart of Coconut Grove at Jaguar

K – Featuring the finest cuts of beef, Kobe Club is adorned with a canopy made of 2000 samurai swords covering the dining room

L – Stroll down Lincoln Road while exploring the multitude of chic shops, art galleries and outdoor cafes

M – Miami City Ballet

N- News Café

O – If you want to people watch and enjoy the beautiful people of Miami Beach, Ocean Drive is the place to be.

P – Parrot Jungle Island

Q – Dive into a freshwater pool, attempt to cable water ski or rent a boat at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield.

R – Redland International Orchid Festival

S – The South Florida Boat Show draws over 20,000 attendees each year as it features new power boats and personal watercraft.

T – Throw a plate on the floor or dance on the tables at Taverna Opa.

U – University of Miami

V – Venetian Pool

W – Once home to Chef Michael Bloise, Wish has become a mainstay.

X – X-treme Indoor Rock Climbing

Y – Try some Guava BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Churrasco or some Shredded Yuca Fries at Yuca, an upscale Cuban restaurant located on Lincoln Road.

Z – Experience the adventure of weightlessness at Zero-G.

If you would like to add anything to the list, I would love your input.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler