MIAMI, FL – (October 2010)  - On Tuesday, November 30th, Art Miami (www.art-miami.com), Miami’s longest running contemporary art fair and anchor fair to the city of Miami, will host its Opening Night VIP Preview to unveil an incredible showcase of works from internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists. The Opening Night VIP Preview will benefit The Lotus House Women’s Shelter, a local and vitally important Miami charity. This high-profile evening is a must for museum curators, collectors, artists, connoisseurs, and interior designers the world over. Distinguished for its depth, diversity and quality, Art Miami maintains a preeminent position in America’s contemporary art fair market.

Art Miami is world-famous for its stylish gallery-like décor, its extraordinary variety and outstanding quality. The VIP Preview provides the first opportunity for collectors to purchase before Art Miami opens to the public the following day.  The VIP Preview is also the first night of Art Week in Miami, the first week in December when the City captures the attention of the international contemporary art market.

This year, guests will enjoy an exclusive first view of sensational modern and contemporary works, featuring numerous renowned and cutting-edge artists. Situated in a newly designed pavilion, one-third larger than last year, Art Miami has grown to include over 100 galleries from 16 countries, and will showcase 700 artists from 70 countries around the world. From the United States, 300 artists will be shown from nearly 30 cities. On Opening Night, Art Miami will reveal art projects curated by Julia Draganovic—an indoor and outdoor sculpture exhibition that features carefully selected works, including HC Berg’s Light Space Linear Momentum, Greely Myatt’s U R Beautiful, and Lynn Chadwick’s Sitting Couple on a Bench. In addition, a specially curated Art Video and New Media exhibit of works on loan from prominent institutions and private collections will be on show.

Art Miami’s VIP Preview has become a “can’t miss” for serious collectors and artists. Last year, over 6,000 guests attended the prestigious evening including Steve Wynn, Naomi Campbell, Frank Stella, Wendell Castle, James Rosenquist, and leaders from Miami society.  This year, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres created by Spuntino Catering and delicious martini’s flowing from the Bootlegger Martini Bar, making its debut in Florida during Art Miami. Segafredo Zanetti Espresso will be serving complimentary espresso and cappuccino in the exclusive VIP Lounge presented by the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The VIP Preview is presented by Bootlegger 21 NY Vodka, Mandarin Oriental, Miami, Florida International Magazine, Grolsch, and Segafredo Zanetti Espresso.

“Art Miami’s VIP Preview is always an exciting evening as the first showcase of works to be unveiled during Art Week.  This year’s line-up is impressive and our exhibitors are anticipating marquee name artists to be in attendance as in past years,” said Nick Korniloff, Director of Art Miami.  “We are proud to once again partner with the Lotus House Women’s Shelter.  On this incredible evening the art and philanthropy worlds converge to support their important mission and truly make a difference in the Miami community,” he added.

Proceeds from the VIP Preview benefit The Lotus House Women’s Shelter, a quiet enclave in downtown Miami that offers a sanctuary for homeless women and infants in need.  As a unique resource center and residential facility, The Lotus House seeks to empower women to improve the quality of their lives, achieve greater self-sufficiency and to transition them to permanent homes off the streets.  This year marks the third consecutive year of the partnership between The Lotus House and Art Miami, which has already raised more than $50,000. Art Miami will also employ a number of women from The Lotus House to work at the fair.  The important partnership with The Lotus House is an integral part of Art Miami’s larger commitment to the city of Miami.

“We are thrilled to be partnering again with Art Miami and are grateful for the Fair’s continued support of The Lotus House,” said Constance Collins Margulies, President of The Lotus House Women’s Shelter. “The funds raised from the Opening Night help us to carry out the vital work we do for the women of Miami,” she added.

Now in its 21st year, Art Miami will run from December 1 – December 5, 2010, in a state-of-the-art 100,000 square foot pavilion in Midtown Miami’s burgeoning Wynwood Arts District.  As the anchor art fair to the city of Miami, the fair offers a compelling array of artwork from over 100 prestigious international galleries and prominent art institutions. Exhibitions at the fair will include modern and contemporary paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and prints from Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, the Middle East and the United States. Participating galleries include Bernice Steinbaum, Galerie Forsblom, Galerie Terminus, Hackelbury Fine Art, Mark Borghi Fine Art Inc., Galerie Piece Unique, Aldo De Sousa Gallery, Scott White Contemporary Art, Bolsa De Arte, Richard Levy Gallery, Greg Kucera, Laurence Miller Gallery, William Shearburn, Galerie Patrice Trigano, McCormick Gallery / Vincent Vallarino Fine Art, Pace Prints, Modernism Inc., and Wetterling Gallery.  For a complete list of exhibitors, visit www.art-miami.com.

Event Details:

What:     Art Miami Opening Night VIP Preview

When:     Tuesday, November 30th

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Lotus House Benefit Cocktail Reception, $25 donation upon entry

7:00 PM - 10:30 PM Preview for Art Miami VIP cardholders and press

Where:   Art Miami Pavilion

The Miami Midtown Arts District

Midtown Blvd (NE 1st Avenue) between NE 32nd & NE 31st Street

Information:   www.art-miami.com

Press Contact:  For more information on Art Miami or for media credentials to attend, please contact Johanna Scott at 212-829-0002 Ext. 110, js@sharpthink.com; or Beryl Crofton-Atkins at 212-829-0002 Ext. 113,  bc@sharpthink.com.

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About Art Miami:

Miami’s longest running contemporary art fair, Art Miami will run from December 1 – December 5, 2010. As the anchor art fair to the city of Miami, the fair will return with a compelling array of modern and contemporary artwork from over 100 international galleries and prominent art institutions. Art Miami will be held in a state-of-the-art 100,000 square foot pavilion in Midtown Miami’s burgeoning Wynwood Arts district. Art Miami’s highly anticipated VIP Preview, on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, will benefit The Lotus House Women’s Shelter.  For more information, visit www.art-miami.com.

Art Miami Sponsors + Partners:

Art Miami is generously supported by Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Florida International Magazine; Bootlegger 21 NY Vodka; Segafredo Zanetti Espresso; Spuntino Catering Group; Gander + White; Universal Travel; The Miami Herald; Grolsch; Cirque du Soleil 'KOOZA'; Miami Convention & Visitor's Bureau; Midtown Miami; SWS.

About The Lotus House:

The Lotus House is a unique resource center and residential facility serving homeless women and infants, whether due to domestic violence, untreated medical or mental illness, disability or economic reasons. For many, it is a shelter of last resort, providing them with the treatment and support to truly break the cycle of homelessness. For more information on the Lotus House visit: www.lotushouseshelter.org.