As Art Wynwood prepares to mount its third edition February 13-17, 2014, the distinctive contemporary art fair produced by Art Miami LLC is strengthening its commitment to the growing underground art movement that has brought internationally renowned street artists to its namesake neighborhood. The fair reflects the dynamic environment of Miami's burgeoning Wynwood Arts District, which over the last decade has become the hub of South Florida's contemporary art scene. Art Wynwood 2014 will feature 70 international galleries showing emerging, cutting-edge, contemporary and modern works alongside street artists, whose art has gained recognition in the mainstream, and are represented by important dealers worldwide. 

The fair's run will once again span the long holiday weekend of Presidents Day and coincide with the 26th edition of the prestigious Miami International Yacht & Brokerage Show (located less than five miles from the Art Wynwood pavilion), which transforms Miami Beach's legendary Collins Avenue into a multi-million dollar promenade of yachts and draws an upscale audience from around the globe. The second edition of Art Wynwood attracted more than 26,500 art collectors, curators and connoisseurs during its five-day run. 

Since the fair's inception in 2012, a central feature has been its highlight of street art, murals, pop surrealism and other urban art genres from the contemporary underground movement. By presenting these cutting-edge forms in a refined atmosphere alongside contemporary artworks in a broad range of mediums and styles, Art Wynwood is perfectly positioned to advance the growing worldwide recognition of this movement.

"We are excited to produce the third edition of Art Wynwood over Presidents Day Weekend. Miami's Wynwood Art District is a vibrant cultural "must see" international destination for collectors, art lovers and  pop culture enthusiasts who visit or call South Florida home, during the busiest holiday weekend in Miami. With the rapid recovery of the Miami real estate market and the continued success of the contemporary art market, we are very confident that our participating Art Wynwood dealers will have the opportunity to meet and service a new group of international collectors that are only present in South Florida during the month of February," said Art Wynwood Director Nick Korniloff.

Jessica Goldman, CEO of Goldman Properties, is again aligning with Art Wynwood and will sponsor various art installations at the Art Wynwood pavilion, and is commissioning three murals for the VIP Lounge which will be created by top street artists (to be named at a later date) in the days leading up to the fair.  The partnership with Art Miami LLC was forged in 2012 with the late Tony Goldman, an avid collector of street art and pioneer of historical preservation through real estate development, who recognized the potential of Wynwood's edgy urban streetscape and was a driving force in its evolution into an arts district. The area's warehouses were already attracting graffiti artists, and the provocative murals by the world's most important international street artists that Goldman Properties commissioned for its buildings and in its popular park Wynwood Walls, and set an energetic tone for the increasingly diverse galleries, restaurants and shops lining the sidewalks.  

Art Wynwood is further expanding its international influence with a collaboration with Cash, Cans & Candy, an international festival of street art from Vienna, Austria. Curator Katrin-Sophie Dworczak of Cash, Cans & Candy has lined up a global who's who of street artists to create original works onsite.  Artists include Douglas Hoekzeman and Brandon Opalka, both Miami locals; Stinkfish of Colombia / Mexico; The Stencil Network and Alexis Diaz of Puerto Rico; Stephen Tompkins of Cleveland. "The underground art movement has evolved into an internationally recognized art phenomenon," continues Korniloff.  "I am very thankful to my friend Ernst Hilger for our collaboration with Vienna-based Cash, Cans & Candy which underscores this worldwide cultural movement and gives graffiti artists their own platform among other contemporary artists.  Additionally I am grateful to Jessica Goldman of Goldman Properties for her continuing commitment to the thriving Wynwood Arts District."

JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami, also a sponsor of CC & C, will host a pop-up installation of select artwork in the hotel lobby during the fair. db Bistro located in the hotel will host an exclusive cocktail reception for the participating galleries, artists and their guests.  

Art Wynwood Street Artist Award: The collaborative commissions by Art Wynwood and Cash, Cans & Candy will also draw attention to works displayed by exhibitors throughout the fair. Artists represented by participating galleries will be eligible for the inaugural Art Wynwood Street Artist Award, which will recognize those who stand out from their peers due to their unique style, fine craftsmanship and incisive social commentary. By honoring those talents who represent the best in their field, this award will underscore how the qualities that render street art so accessible and relevant to the public at large also make it essential viewing for the art world cognoscenti.

A jury of accomplished and widely respected experts on street art will select a small group of finalists before the fair and ultimately a winner to be announced onsite. The prize package is valued at $15,000 and will include a cash award for the artist, complimentary booth space for the gallery at Art Wynwood 2015, and additional exposure through media and exhibition opportunities. Galleries confirmed or interested in showing at Art Wynwood are encouraged to nominate up to three artists whom they represent. Applications must be received by Jan. 30. 

Reflecting this openness to new ideas and imagery, Art Wynwood offers the enthusiast and seasoned art world traveler alike a unique opportunity to explore, learn and collect what is fast becoming one of the most significant art movements of our time.  While Art Wynwood has its own distinct identity and design, it shares the commitment to presenting the highest level of contemporary art in a luxurious yet accessible environment that is a hallmark of all the fairs in the expanding Art Miami family.