Jennifer Quintero is a Senior at Florida International University currently majoring in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration with the goal of working in the public sector as an environmental educator and policy maker. Between studying full time and participating in extracurriculars, she works part-time for Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation as an environmental educator. During the semester she also works as a naturalist on campus giving tours and leading volunteers on the university's nature preserve all in the hopes of encouraging a culture of sustainability. When not working she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning all there is to know about the outdoors.
Jennifer Quintero is a Senior at Florida International University currently majoring in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration with the goal of working in the public sector as an environmental educator and policy maker. She works part-time for the Deering Estate as an environmental educator. During the semester she also interns as a naturalist on campus giving tours and leading volunteers on the university’s nature preserve all in the hopes of bridging the gap between people and nature. When not working she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning all there is to know about the outdoors.
I can see why they picked this spot. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Geography
In the town of Palmetto Bay, sitting on the Miami Rock Ridge, overlooking the Biscayne Bay, you can find the Deering Estate. As one of Miami-Dade County’s heritage parks, the Deering Estate acts as a museum, preserve, and historical site for the public. It connects people with the environment through the presence of its various ecosystems such as tropical hardwood hammock, pine rockland, mangroves, sloughs, salt marsh, and all the ecotones that exist between them.
History
While the park itself has only been around since 1983, the Deering Estate’s history extends back a good 10,000 years to when Paleo-Indians inhabited the region alongside long-extinct megafauna. Not much is known about these people and their culture, but the park acts as an archeological site for their remains and the cultures that followed. The later Tequesta resided in the area, leaving behind the Cutler Burial Mound and many of their fossils and artifacts, telling us of their nautical diets and way of life. When the Spanish began to colonize the region, we saw the decline in their numbers due as they were carted off to Cuba as slaves or killed through sickness or violence, leaving no one behind. Prior to the rapid industrialization that overtook S. Florida, credited to Henry Flagler’s railroad, the region was home to the original town of Cutler. Here is where one of the most notable structures of the Deering Estate, the Richmond Cottage, comes to fruition. Richmond and his family established their two-story home and the now last remaining structure of the town of Cutler, due to his work as a railroad surveyor to Flagler, who decides to take his railroad west and inland. As the people of Cutler moved west to follow the railroad and to the town of Perrine, Richmond sought to make extra income by converting his home into a hotel, where one could stay a night for $2 dollars with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. In 1915, Charles Deering, industrialist, conservationist, and art collector bought 400+ acres of land encapsulating the land that was once Cutler and the Richmond Cottage, which became his winter residence. In 1921, he decides to make this residence permanent and called for the construction of the Stone House, a replica of his 14th century castle in Maricel, Spain. Charles lived in the home until he passed away in 1927, and left the property to his youngest daughter, Barbara Deering, until her passing in 1982 at the age of 94. The property was sold to the State of Florida in 1983 for 22.5 million dollars by James Deering Danielson, son of Barbara Deering, grandchild of Charles Deering. He did so to preserve and acknowledge the region’s importance in South Florida’s history and ecology. In 1986 the park officially opened to the public as a museum and nature preserve under the management of Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces department. Since then, the Deering Estate has been pivotal in maintaining the ecology of the land intact, promoting art, and providing the public with a means to connect with South Florida heritage.
Mission
The mission of the Deering Estate is dual natured in order to best represent what Charles valued most: Arts and the Environment. To put it simply the mission of the Deering Estate is to preserve the 1920s era Miami estate of Charles Deering, preserve and protect the natural ecosystems, and promote art and culture to the public.
Access
Screenshot of the Admissions information, taken from the Deering Estate Website.
The Deering Estate, being a public park, is actually quite accessible. While the admission fee is higher than most parks at 15 dollars, it provides a complimentary tour of the houses and the natural areas. There are discounts available for children under 14, foundation members, and a two dollar discount for seniors and military personnel on Tuesdays. Memberships increase accessibility, with a student membership being the same price as a single admission and the other memberships paying themselves off within a few visits. The memberships include free admission, as well as free entry to special events.
Collection
The Deering Estate collection is divided into two categories, the first being pieces from Deering’s original art collection and the second being objects. In the Deering family collection, you can find paintings by the artist Ramon Casas and items such as Mrs. Deering’s wicker furniture. In the objects collection you can see artifacts from the Tequesta and Seminoles as well as china from the 1880’s as well as early 1900’s
Ash Wednesday, Ramon Casas. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.o).
Deering and Cases shared more than an appreciation for art, they were friends. Image taken from the Deering Estate website.
Ramon Casas was an artist from Spain that contributed much to Deering’s personal collection. The art is very indicative of the connection Charles Deering has to Spain, where he once lived. This is reflected in the architecture of the home itself, which utilizes Mediterranean Revival style.
Flight Into Egypt. Image taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The piece above is very fascinating as it was a restoration effort of pre 17th-century stained glass. The process is shown step by step in video, guiding guests through the effort that goes into preserving art. The piece is titled “Flight into Egypt” and its date of origin is unknown. It was kept in the Stone House during Deering’s lifetime and remained in the family until it was gifted to the park. Many similar artworks were destroyed throughout Europe during the Reformation and World War I, making its presence that much more important to preserving history.
We don’t have age-old cathedrals or colosseums; the history of South Florida is right beneath our feet. Image taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The museum displays many of the fossils and artifacts discovered on the property. These are key in showing the history of the people and ecology of the land before Charles Deering and even the town of Cutler. The ones above were collected by the Cutler Fossil Site, which continues to show us more about the history of South Florida
Exhibition
The current exhibition is Spring Contemporary: Homemaking. This exhibition highlights concepts such as home, identity, site and community. The featured artists include: Maya Billig, Amalia Caputo, Don Lambert, Frozen Music, Daina Mattis, Sterling Rook, and Tom Scicluna. The Spring Contemporary utilizes paintings, sculpture, photography, performance and sound installations. It is a representation of Charles’ legacy as a patron of the arts.
Special Programs
The Deering Estate has a myriad of special programs ranging from art to environment to community outreach. Some of the most prominent programs include the annual Holiday Stroll, which highlights the historic holiday decor curated by Designer in Residence Alfredo Brito. Affair En Plein air is an art focused event that invites local artists to make a connection to the area through artistic expression. Approaching the spooky season, the park hosts Ghost Tours. A tribute to the rumors of the houses’ hauntings. In order to diversify the mediums of art showcased to the public, the park has been hsiting Short Film Festivals. In reference to the Artists in Residence, the park hosts an exhibition night for the opening of each of the four yearly exhibitions. In the spring the park has its Spring Contemporary, the main exhibit of this season. The Park also hosts multiple environmental education based programs, inviting students of all ages to visit the park and learn about its environment, history, and culture while learning about what it takes to be a scientist.
VISITOR: Danilo De la Torre, FIU student
Where are you from?
Havana, Cuba.
What brings you to the Deering Estate today?
I came here today to see the mangroves as I am planning a clean-up with an FIU environmental organization.
How did you hear about us?
I heard about the Deering Estate through multiple peers who have all highly recommended I come. Mostly people in the environmental and activism sector.
How often do you visit Deering or parks like it?
I visit Deering at least once every few months, and I tend to visit others in between.
What were your expectations? Were they met?
I did not expect how it would be at all! It was beautiful, I saw some manatees over on the bay, and the mangroves were spectacular to trek through once I went and did a clean-up there. My expectations of the Deering Estate were surpassed.
What would you like to do the next time you visit?
I would like to take another tour through the House and even go on a couple of trails to learn more about native species here in South Florida.
Do you think the Deering Estate offers good representation of South Florida’s culture and history?
I believe that the Deering Estate offers an okay representation of South Florida’s culture. Seeing how rich South Florida’s culture is, one place cannot simply represent everything there is to know about down here, and the Deering Estate is no exception. In terms of history, I learned a great deal about the history of South Florida through the house tour, and learned about the Native American tribe, the Tequesta, and how they lived down here as well.
PORTRAIT: Tamara McDonalds, Associate Registrar and Unofficial Historian
History would be lost without minds like Tamara’s seeking out answers and putting them together. Image taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
How did you find out about the job opportunity at the Deering Estate?
I found out about my job through the county jobs web page.
Did you ever see yourself doing what you do now?
I did not expect to do what I do today. I enjoy history and I’ve always been drawn to finding ways to communicate to a diverse audience using media.
Do you think working here has helped you advance towards your ultimate goals? If so how?
I have made a conscious effort take on new challenges much as possible with my work to build firm understanding of the curatorial, museum education and collections management aspects of museums.
What would you say is the best thing about working at the Deering Estate?
The best thing about working here being able to work with a variety of cultural programs and traditional museum offerings and research.
What would you say is the worst?
Worst is Hurricane prep time, it’s an exhausting time.
What would you change about the Deering Estate if you could?
I would include more guest lectures and workshops on history, museum careers, and art history for high school and college students.
What would you want visitors to know about the Deering Estate?
The site has a much longer history than people realize because it has been in use for thousands of years.
How does the Deering Estate fit into the larger narrative of South Florida’s history and culture?
I believe the Deering Estate can be a strong connection for locals to understand the broader South Florida history and culture in a unique almost storytelling perspective that makes it easier to put the puzzle together of the events and people that ultimately establish the communities, landmarks we know today.
Jennifer Quintero is a Senior at Florida International University currently majoring in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration with the goal of working in the public sector as an environmental educator and policy maker. She works part-time for the Deering Estate as an environmental educator. During the semester she also interns as a naturalist on campus giving tours and leading volunteers on the university’s nature preserve all in the hopes of bridging the gap between people and nature. When not working she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning all there is to know about the outdoors.
Michelle Davis, expert bird bander and wonderful human. Image taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
WHO
I volunteer at the Cape Florida Banding Station (CFBS), located on Key Biscayne within Bill Baggs State Park. The CFBS conducts research through the capture and banding of migratory birds. It is essential for learning about bird species, sex, age and overall health as they traverse the Atlantic Fly-Way during their migration. You can find out more about their awesome work through their website: https://capefloridabandingstation.wordpress.com
WHY
I decided to volunteer at the CFBS in order to learn more about conservation and field research. I’ve recently become an avid birder and want to learn as much as I can, not only for my career, but for my own enjoyment. Volunteering at the banding station allows me to get hands on experience with wildlife and conservation that would otherwise be difficult to get.
HOW
I learned about this opportunity through my mentor, Steffanie Munguia, of the Conservation Leadership Initiative hosted by Florida Audubon (here’s a link to that for those who may be interested: https://fl.audubon.org/CLI). It’s honestly been such a great experience to be taught one-on-one by master birder banders who are really enthusiastic and answer all my raging questions kindly. Often in conservation, I feel very intimidated when asking anything so it was such a relief to be in such a positive environment. It reignited my love for the outdoors and opened up new ideas on what I want to do in the future.
WHERE/WHAT
My internal monologue was “!!!”. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
04/13
On my first day of bird banding, I arrived a lot earlier than I said I would. Typically volunteers are there before the sun rises, but I am not the biggest fan of waking up early, so I resolved to come in at 8-9 AM or so. Still, I was so excited that I barely slept and made it to the station by 7:00 AM. Seeing that sun rise over Biscayne Bay may have changed me into an early bird forever. I was met by Michelle, the founder of the station, Miriam, a local birder and engineer, and Donna, a UM law professor. They were a very welcoming bunch, I’m a bit reluctant to say I was relieved there were no men. Not a few minutes into the day and I was asked if I wanted to hold a bird. This was my first time holding a bird, so they taught me how to do so using the bander’s grip and the photographer’s grip. I knew birds were lightweight, but wow. It was so small and fluffy and I fell in love instantly. I felt so proud when they told me I’m a natural. They showed me the three trails where the nets were set up, twenty-two in total. I resolved that I would memorize the trails and the nets locations by the end of the day (I did!!). As we did the round on the trails every twenty minutes, we found birds in the mist nets: ovenbirds, cat birds, black-throated blue warblers, cape may warblers, etc. It was amazing seeing how they went about extracting the birds from the nets, I paid such close attention that I doubt I blinked the entire time. In between rounds, they showed me the banding process and how they gathered data from the birds. My favorite part was when they put them into a little tube to get their weight (ahhh so cute!). By the end of the day, we had broken the record for bird banding in this year’s Spring so far (what a lucky first day!). No doubt that the number will increase now with the incoming spring migration. Can’t say that I’m not thrumming with excitement at the thought of it!
Bander’s grip. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Photographer’s grip. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
04/20
My excitement did not wear off, like I had anticipated. I made it to the station early, a bit apprehensive of the gloomy weather, but it ended up being great for alleviating us of the unrelenting heat of the hardwood hammock. There were two new people at the station I hadn’t met, two local birding boys. I took turns making rounds with everyone to try to learn the differences in how they extracted birds from the nets. Its always good to learn from different people. It was busier in the earlier hour in terms of birds and it dwindled down towards the early afternoon. Still, I got the chance to perform my first extraction on my own; I don’t think I stopped smiling for six hours after that. It was an American Redstart, super beautiful feisty bird. I don’t think I’ll ever get over this feeling.
WHEN
Screenshot of accepted hours, taken off of MyHonors.
SUMMARY
In my experience thus far, I think what worked best was really taking the risk and trying to do something new instead of letting my fear and nervousness of messing up get in my way. It also helped that the atmosphere they created at the CFBS was really conducive to asking lots of questions and learning as much as possible. In terms of what didn’t work, I should’ve packed more water. I am looking forward to continuing to volunteer at the CFBS and am so grateful to have gotten the chance
Jennifer Quintero kayaking in Silver Spring State Park in Ocala, FL. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Jennifer Quintero is a Junior at Florida International University currently majoring in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration with the goal of working in the public sector as an environmental educator and policy maker. She works part-time for the Deering Estate as an environmental educator. During the semester she also interns as a naturalist on campus giving tours and leading volunteers on the university’s nature preserve all in the hopes of bridging the gap between people and nature. When not working she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning all there is to know about the outdoors.
GEOGRAPHY
The Deering Estate is located in South Florida in the town of Old Cutler. It sits on the coast of the Biscayne Bay. As a public park, museum, and nature preserve, it has a role in serving its immediate community in providing recreation as well as connecting visitors to the art and nature within it. It is home to a myriad of ecosystems including: pine rockland, tropical hardwood hammock, mangroves, sloughs, salt marsh, and all the ecotones that exist between them.
HISTORY
The Deering Estate sits on the beautiful Biscayne Bay. Images taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The Deering Estates’ history extends far beyond its designation as a park and museum. The area the estate was founded on was home to Paleo-Indiginous life 10,000+ years ago and the later Tequesta Native Americans. The region was subsequently conquered by the Spanish, who either annihilated or took the Tequesta to Cuba to be used as slaves. By the 1790’s the area began to see its first squatter settlers in what became known as the town of Cutler. Dr. Samuel Richmond was contracted by Flagler in the late 1880’s to survey the area as a geologist for the East Railroad project. By 1895, he had built himself and his family a home (the later Richmond Cottage). As the railroad project was receiving much pushback from the townspeople, Richmond sought to find another source of income and so he turned his home into The Richmond Hotel. He renovated the home and added an extra floor and about ten extra rooms; it acted as a bed and breakfast where people could stay for $2 dollars a night. It was the first hotel between Coconut Grove and Key West, making it very popular; it also had the latest technology in the form of a phone. Meanwhile, the town of Cutler moved west with the railroad becoming the town of Perrine. In 1915, Chicago industrialist, environmentalist, art collector Charles Deering bought the 300+ acres of townsworth property, including the Richmond Cottage. He did this in order to build a winter home and enjoy the region’s natural splendor. The Richmond Cottage would act as his winter residence from 1916-1920. In 1921, he decided to make his permanent home right next to the Richmond Cottage, a replica of his 14th century castle in Marycel, Spain. It was built in a single year, and has hints of mediterranian revival from the red terracotta roof tiles to the greek mediterannian pillars that were custom made to fit the history of wildlife and human existence that exist in the area. He also inlaid a tropical mosaic on the south veranda which has various species of shells, corals, and sea fans among other things collected from the Biscayne Bay. His house windows and doors on the outside were made of brass to stop stop salt spray induced rust and as a status symbol. The windows had iron grill work fastened on the exterior from his original home in Marycel. Within the home, the doors had copper plating to suppress potential fires, in order to protect his extensive art collection. In 1927, Charles Deering passed as an elderly man at the age of 75 years old. The property stayed in the possession of Deering’s youngest daughter, Barbara Deering, until her passing in 1982 at the age of 94. The property was sold to the State of Florida in 1983 for 22.5 million dollars by James Deering Danielson, son of Barbara Deering, grandchild of Charles Deering. This was not before he put it up for auction and almost sold it to the first bidder, a car dealership. Having learned the history and importance of the area, he sold it for significantly less than he would’ve at auction, wanting to keep his family’s legacy alive and South Florida’s history acknowledged. In 1985, the property got the rights to be sanctioned as a nationally registered historic site. In 1986, the park finally opened as a Miami Dade County entity and James Deering Daniels sought out the rumored Deering treasures that remain within one of the two houses. In the meantime, nothing was found and in 1991 James Deering Danielson passes away. The next year, Hurricane Andrew decimates half of the Richmond Cottage. The Stone House also suffered some damage in the east pillars of the veranda. There, however, was significant flooding in the basement of the Stone House. With a cleanup crew hired to dredge out the water and clear out the rotten wood from the basement, they noticed that the rotten wood against the wall unit was not a part of the wall but actually a door! This door had a huge latch which when pushed aside revealed a bank-like vault door. Once that was discovered, the crew switched from a cleaning crew to locksmiths as they tried to open it and see if they discovered the hidden treasure mentioned by James. After hiring an international safecracker by the name of Rocky McGiboney, they found that within the vault was a flooded mess of broken bottles of booze of all kinds. Charles Deering, having lived through prohibition, felt the need to keep this locked away for fear of indictment. Since then, the Deering Estate has acted as a museum, nature preserve, and park for the public continuing to tell the history of South Florida, its inhabitants, and its environment.
MISSION
The mission of the Deering Estate has two parts in order to uphold the two things that Charles Deering most valued: the arts and the environment. To put it simply the mission of the Deering Estate is to preserve the 1920s era Miami estate of Charles Deering, preserve and protect the natural ecosystems, and promote art and culture to the public.
ACCESS
Screenshot of the Admissions information, taken from the Deering Estate Website.
I believe the Deering Estate is quite accessible. Though the admission fee is 15 dollars, this comes with a tour of the houses and the natural areas. There are also discounts for children under 14, foundation members, and a two dollar discount for seniors and military personnel on Tuesdays. By becoming a member, it becomes more accessible with a student membership being the same price as a single admission and the other memberships paying themselves off with multiple visits. The memberships also include free admission as well as free entry to special events.
COLLECTION
The Deering Estate collection is divided into two categories, the first being pieces from Deering’s original art collection and the second being objects. In the Deering family collection you can find paintings by the artist Ramon Casas and items such as Mrs. Deering’s wicker furniture. In the objects collection you can see artifacts from the Tequesta and Seminoles as well as china from the 1880’s as well as early 1900’s
Retreato de Maria Tubao, en el papel de Pepita Tudo, 1901. Picture taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The piece above was created by artist Ramon Casas, an artist from Spain that contributed much to Deering’s personal collection. The art reflects the connection Charles Deering has to Spain, where he once lived. The painting itself is oil on canvas. It was never properly completed, as you can note the figures in the paintings are missing their hand and feet. It was only displayed briefly to the public before becoming part of Charles Deering’s collection.
Christ and the 12 Apostles. Unknown, Spain. Picture taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The pieces above are a set of natural wood carved Spanish Colonial Biltos figures, which were painted to resemble marble statues. The artist is unknown, but the Spanish origin is clear. It came directly from Charles’ home in Marycel, Spain. You can see the Latin names for the Apostles clearly on the base of the figures.
John Kunkel Small’s embossed metal tag maker. Photo taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The piece above is considered part of the objects collection, though is technically not an artwork itself. It belonged to Charles’ friend and botanical explorer John Kunkel Small. He used it to create botanical tags for the local flora. Deering, being an environmental steward, hired him to learn about the local ecosystems. His work led to an increase knowledge on South Florida plants that assisted in the recovery of many species.
EXHIBITIONS
STILL NOW , by Rosemarie Chiarlone. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Carrying on Deering’s legacy of art patronage, the Deering Estate is very big on encouraging different art forms through its establishment of its Artist in Residence Program. The Estate’s temporary collection changes four times a year, representing the art of those Artists in Residence. Recently the park has also had pop-up exhibitions, typically of the work of past Artists in Residence.
The current exhibition STILL NOW, from the artist Rosemarie Chiarlone. STILL NOW tackles the issue of urgent environmental issues, a nod to the work of Charles Deering conservation efforts in the area. The exhibition includes large works created from paper, large paper flags with the message “I require assistance”, and photographs displayed within light boxes. Each of these pieces makes the statement that these issues need to be tackled. Its STILL NOW, these issues aren’t going to just go away.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Even the smell is festive! Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The Deering Estate hosts a myriad of events year round to showcase the art and environment that the park has to offer. During the holiday season, the museum houses undergo a wide change by the Designer in Residence Alfredo Brito, this season’s keynote event is the Holiday Stroll. The Deering Estate also hosts an Affair En Plein air, where artists are invited to the park in order to support local artists to make a connection to the area. In October, the park hosts Ghost Tours. A tribute to the rumors of the houses’ hauntings. Recently, the park has seen more Short Film Festivals, showing diversity in the mediums of art it showcases to the public. In reference to the Artists in Residence, the park hosts an exhibition night for the opening of each of the four yearly exhibitions. In the spring the park has its Spring Contemporary, an outdoor art event where sculptures are placed around the park for visitors to enjoy, and sometimes even interact with. The Park also hosts Discover Deering on a bi-monthly basis, which invites students to visit the park and learn about its environment, history, and culture while learning about what it takes to be a scientist.
VISITOR: Lorena Cuenca, FIU student
Where are you from?
I was born in Cuba but have been living in Miami for about 16 years.
What brings you to the Deering Estate today?
Today I am here with my ASC class and professor to discuss the historical significance of the estate and those who were here before us. We are also going on a hike to explore the grounds a bit more.
How did you hear about us?
I heard about Deering through Professor Bailly. He teaches this seminar and decided to bring us out here for our first class trip and one of our final classes as well.
How often do you visit Deering or parks like it?
I have been to Deering twice now but I usually like to visit a park a couple times a month just to stay in touch with nature when I can.
What were your expectations? Were they met?
I was expecting to enjoy myself today and my expectations were certainly met. I had a lot of fun on the hike while learning about the estate’s history.
What would you like to do the next time you visit?
I would honestly love to learn more about the different species of plants and animals that make Deering what it is and how those who work here have been working toward protecting and preserving them.
Do you think the Deering Estate offers good representation of South Florida’s culture and history?
Definitely. I think Deering Estate has such a rich history, one that I would have never learned about had I not visited. I think all Miami residents should visit at least once in their life.
PORTRAIT: Jared Guerra, Deering EstateInterpretive Program Leader
Jared Guerra, Deering Estate’s interpretive program leader. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
How did you find out about the job opportunity at the Deering Estate?
How I came to find out about the opportunity to work at Deering was really a chance of luck as I was already working in a similar department in Miami Dade College’s Environmental Center as a naturalist and received a call from a friend who asked if I was interested in working for MDPROS. I felt it was a much better opportunity to rise in my field and educational experience of environmental and scientific education.
Did you ever see yourself doing what you do now?
I honestly always wanted to work for county parks and have volunteered in many different parks over a span of 9 years meanwhile working for different trades and scientific disciplines; so in a sense I did kind of see myself going up this route.
Do you think working here has helped you advance towards your ultimate goals? If so how?
Working at Deering Estate has given me many other acquired skills that I needed to further develop in areas where I was not gaining the sufficient experience, knowledge, or time for. In Deering Estate I have been able to implement more ideas and open up and relate more about my vision of the work I wish to do. It is an amazing experience working with a team of like minded and like heart intellect sharing a grand passion.
What would you say is the best thing about working at the Deering Estate?
There isn’t really a best part about working at Deering because when you think you have top off a high point something new and exciting either discovered or realized and it’s back to feeling like when you first arrived.
What would you say is the worst?
MOSQUITOES! Even then mosquitoes are actually pretty neat because they also ironically contribute to the moving wildlife whether its bats, birds, and other bugs eating them or the fact that much of the other wildlife is trying to scurry along to avoid them.
What would you change about the Deering Estate if you could?
Changes are tough to pinpoint in a park of this fashion because of the many different departments that exist in them. I see things that others may not because of the changes to their vision its may carry. For instance, many of the weddings and birthday parties I have seen that have not been the most well kept from environmental impacts and even when expressing the recommended rules and laws of the park are still broken and go unpunished. The fishing of many of our areas just outside of endangered protected wildlife habitats are constantly being poached out for more than just legal fish. We would need to enforce and become just that much more strict but I realize that it comes with the consequence of becoming a less desirable park to visit thus the war continues to keep this natural gem of wildlife habitats alive and well as we leave the doors open to our patrons.
What would you want visitors to know about Deering?
Whether it is Charles Deering’s or the park’s initiative, I would like everyone to see that no matter what culture or idea, our languages can all be appreciated under a single roof.
How does the Deering Estate fit into the larger narrative of South Florida’s history and culture?
Deering Estate’s overall history of human existence is testament to the larger narrative of evolutionary adaptation. In the almost 11,000 years that passed we have found humans to nomadically transcend with the paleo-indigenous, migrate in and out with Tequesta, and eventually squatter and settle in the era of the Town of Cutler, to finally become the privately enshrined estate of Charles Deering.
SUMMARY
The Deering Estate is the hidden gem of South Florida. This works both for and against its favor. While the park provides the public with accessible programming and events, not many people know about it. Even then, the Deering Estate tells the story of South Florida in more than one way. Through its museums you can learn about the history of the Deering legacy, but on a tour you can learn so much about the Native Americans and the natural history and the greater narrative of the area. On a natural areas tour you can walk through all of its ecosystems and see South Florida’s natural landscapes how you would’ve seen them when the Spanish first arrives. The Deering Estate is somewhere that those who live in South Florida can connect back with their land and their ancestors. Its definitely a place I would recommend any resident and visitor alike.
Florida International University: Office of University Sustainability; Naturalist Volunteer Intern
STUDENT BIO
Jennifer Quintero is a Junior at Florida International University currently majoring in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration with the goal of working in the public sector as an environmental educator and policy maker. She works part-time for the Deering Estate as an environmental educator. During the semester she also interns as a naturalist on campus giving tours and leading volunteers on the university’s nature preserve all in the hopes of bridging the gap between people and nature. When not working she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning all there is to know about the outdoors.
WHO
The FIU Office of University Sustainability, also known as GoGreen. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
I volunteered as an unpaid naturalist intern at Florida International University’s Office of University Sustainability. Their goal is to create a culture of sustainability by promoting environmental initiatives on campus and getting students involved. You can find out more about their goals and projects on their website: Sustainability.FIU.edu !
WHY
I chose this opportunity as it aligns with my goals in connecting people with the environment. At FIU, and as South Florida natives, we tend to undervalue the natural resources around us. By being a naturalist, I can do hands on work with the Nature Preserve at FIU’s MMC campus and interact with different projects that relate back to my major.
HOW
I connected with this opportunity by meeting people with vastly different goals. While some sought out to become environmental engineers, others wanted to focus on policy, and some just wanted to be outside. This internship allowed the flexibility to connect with one’s passion in a way that suited them. My internship allowed me to go back into nature and work with others again in a pandemic world. I got to see what months of inactivity and a lack of maintenance can do to a place. In this case it was FIU’s nature preserve.
WHERE & WHAT
08/28:
On the first day of my 2020 internship, I went back to campus to find that everything was completely different to how it was the last time I saw it in March. Not only was it deserted, but everything was overgrowth. The weeds took over; not to mention the invasive species. The trails were overgrown on all sides and in some areas it felt like cutting through a jungle. That first day, our task was to disassemble the compost stall that was our big project in Spring 2020. The stall was overgrown and taken over by ants in our absence. Easy to say that wasn’t a simple task. Still, though it couldn’t all be done, it was a step in the right direction
Ants making their home in our compost stalls. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
09/01:
The second task was a simpler one. As trails were cleared out, mulch needed to be spread across the ground. Though the task was simple, it wasn’t a cake walk. The sun still dredged across the sky and even in the shade of the canopy, it was hot. When it reached its peak, we proceeded to our office where I drafted an email to the Student Government Association, in the hopes of continuing to create a relationship between the two campus entities. There’s more to environmental work than pulling weeds, its about getting people to care and see things for the value that they have.
Gotta mulch with meaning. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
09/25:
Arguably one of my favorite days while interning this semester. On this day I had the opportunity to give tours of the preserve to new interns. I got to take them through the tropical hardwood hammock, pine rocklands, and wetland on campus. Though it’s not the largest area, there’s a lot to say about each of those ecosystems. The tropical hardwood hammock with its abundance of flora and fauna. The endangered pine rockland and its fascinating fire ecology. And the wetland, our consolation prize for the destruction of half of the Nature Preserve in years prior. I always enjoy showing the tour to people who will someday have to give it themselves, they tend to listen like they’re going to have to regurgitate it later, when in reality everyone gives it their own flavor.
The only way to learn is by doing it. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
10/16:
One of the busiest days. On this day, we got to work on the Urban Green Space projects that happen on the campus’ parking lots. They essentially act as pollinator gardens and habitat corridors for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to name a few. There’s no canopy shade here though, but getting my hands dirty is one of my favorite ways to have fun. We dug into these areas, filled up pots with the soil, and plopped them back in. It is a way to ensure that plantings can happen faster when we get plants. We also got to weed the southeast perimeter of the preserve. In a way, its beautification isn’t it? So in one way, we naturalists are artists too.
I was sore and sunburnt after this, but nothing feels better than having dirt on your hands. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
11/18:
On my final day interning this semester, we tuned into a Food Recovery, Diversion, and Donation webinar hosted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in association with FIU’s Chaplin’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. They spoke about ways to end food waste at the restaurant and hospitality level. Not something I myself have any connection with, but I love seeing how sustainability has a place across everything. It’s so interdisciplinary. I also removed some invasive vines from the wetland at the preserve.
Screenshot of Webinar flyer. There’s a lot of ways to learn if you know how to look.
WHEN
Screenshot of accepted hours, taken off of MyHonors.
SUMMARY
In my entire experience, I think what worked best was really going out there and tackling what needed the most work. While its the instant gratification work that feels the best (like pulling weeds), I learned that the tedious stuff, the work that feels futile and unnecessary, is actually the work with the most payoff. Seeing those overgrown trails at the beginning of the internship compared to how they are now is honestly so fulfilling. I also saw that even though I didn’t want to work in the parking lot gardens, it was the work I was most satisfied with. I know from this semester’s experience that I need to put aside what I think I want to do and try doing what I don’t like. I want to continue to challenge myself. I appreciate the Office of University Sustainability for giving me that chance.
Jennifer Quintero where she is happiest, Everglades, 2020
Jennifer Quintero is a Senior at Florida International University currently majoring in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration with the goal of working in the public sector as an environmental educator and policy maker. Between studying full-time and participating in extracurriculars, she works part-time for Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation as an environmental educator. During the semester she also works as a naturalist on campus giving tours and leading volunteers on the university’s Nature Preserve, all in the hopes of encouraging a culture of sustainability. When not working she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning all there is to know about the outdoors.
The Stone House Gallery. Photo taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
My first impression of the Deering Estate was: “Wow, that’s a lot of kids.” Granted I was there for an interview to become an educator while Deering was in the midst of hosting its annual summer camp, so definitely not a typical circumstance. One interview, some bureaucracy, and a phone call later and I found myself as the youngest member in the Learning Department. Now the Deering Estate has a lot of things: a museum, a park, a nature preserve…but its main function is actually that of a classroom. No one goes to the Deering Estate and leaves without learning something, especially me. In the past year of my employment there, I have found myself in each of its ecosystems gawking at the vast biodiversity that hides right along the edge of a mega populated city. I’ve had the privilege of going into its archeological sites and seeing fossilized dire wolf teeth for myself (better perks than any other job I’ve had I’m sure).
Raccoon teeth found on a hike through the Cutler Creek. Photo taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The most wonderful thing I’ve had the pleasure of seeing though, is people leaving with something that they didn’t know before. I’ve taken people of all ages through the houses and the hikes, but I think the kids are my favorite because they see the extraordinary in the smallest things. One of my favorite experiences though is when I lead them into the gallery and tell them all to lay down on the floor and look up: The first thing they do is grumble, then they notice the chandeliers, but finally they really look up at all the golden tiles on the ceiling and inside each one they find plants and animals. Nature influences art and vice versa. Deering is one of the places where this bridge is strongly made. This is also where the nature of Charles Deering really shines, he wasn’t just an art collector after all, he was an early preservationist and a lover of nature. The Deering Estate is a place where people can be surprised at how much they didn’t know, from college students like me, to kindergarteners, to seniors, and learn to see nature (and Miami) from a different perspective.
The ceiling of the Stone House gallery. Images taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Reef forms in clay. Images taken by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Right off the coast of Miami Beach is another city. This one isn’t as flashy and if you look out while you’re on the beach sun tanning, you might never even know it’s there. This city, and those like it, are home to a quarter of all life in the big blue and affect us in more ways than we know. The South Florida Reef Tract is many things, a barrier for oncoming storms, a host to biodiversity, and a provider of food and new medicines. This relationship is not one sided though, we also affect the coral reefs in many ways. From dredging to climate change to nutrient run off, we put corals through a lot. I don’t think we do it on purpose, but we fail to be aware of it and as a result, cause more harm than good. It is because of this that becoming aware is the first important step in making a difference in this issue and many others.
The big picture. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
ARTivism is the bridge between people and social issues. At the Bakehouse Art Complex, artist Lauren Shapiro is creating Future Pacific: a bridge between people and science. The project is more than just an art piece, it’s a way to engage the community. We got the chance to sit with the artist and talk about the importance of coral reefs and ways we could reduce our impact on the environment all while using clay to mold coral reefs textures and forms. When people are given the chance to do something like this, they’re given more than just the opportunity to mold clay. They’re given the chance to mold the future of the environment and the world.
Its in your hands. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
They’re like me! Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Contemporary art is supposed to comment on the world and start a conversation. That’s what we were told as we walked through the galleries of the Rubell Museum. While I was there, not much was said aloud between our small group, but there was certainly a conversation going on within myself. Browsing through the artwork, I had some pretty strong opinions, and not all of them good. This was pretty conflicting. On one hand I wanted to appreciate ALL of the art, but on the other hand…I saw a neon orange square of popcorn ceiling and a guy photographed with a pig.
Painting or advertisement? Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Still, as my blood boiled at these, I realized that this was the point. The art was eliciting a reaction out of me whether I liked it or not. Yes, some of it made me think: “it’s just a bunch of rich people giving social commentary on things they don’t deal with themselves” laced with “you’re missing the point if you just ascribe this to shallow pretentiousness,” but some of it filled me with emotions that were closer to catharsis. Seeing Karon Davis’ sculptures, Kehinde Wileys’ painting, and Keith Haring’s work…I was filled with a certain sadness and awe.
Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
They were like looking through a window at someone else’s reality and seeing the difference in each other’s perspectives. In a way, you knew those differences were always there, but through art they’re made apparent and you are forced to face them. They felt genuine in their expressions about our society and ascribed beauty to them. The Rubell Museum in this way felt like a place that said “art isn’t just for rich white dudes to peruse, its a place where bridges between people are made and conversations can start”.
Deering Hike as Text
“Bulldozed, Filled in, and Washed Away: Miami’s History is Underneath Our Feet”
In our element. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
“In Rome you can touch the Colosseum and know that a millennia ago, another human being carved it,” (John Bailly, 2020). Hiking through the Deering Estate, you don’t find a Colosseum, but you do find an equivalent. In the form of the environment, you can find that there is another museum not contained inside the two historic houses. This one is much buggier, more humid, and just as beautiful. Our hike at Deering gave us a look at the hidden history of Miami, one of the Tequesta and the real Old Cutler Road that they once traveled. While at Deering, we walked on this road and got the opportunity to take a look at what the Tequesta left behind from a myriad of tools to one of their Burial Mounds.
Tequesta tool, so cool! Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
It’s cathartic to think about what lives they led in these ecosystems and how they interacted with them. Learning about how they utilized the plants and animals around, whether its as medicine or tools, makes it more concrete that the environment around us shapes our cultures and connects us. We have severed this connection however. We have cut down the pine rocklands they called home, drained the tropical hardwood hammocks life flourished in, and bulldozed the mangroves that kept the land safe. We have essentially buried our geological heritage underneath our feet. Deering is a time capsule in this sense, its what the Spanish saw when they got here, it’s what we should feel connected to just as much as the Art Deco in Miami Beach. These narratives aren’t separate from one another, they both make up Miami. After all, a plane sits rotting away in the mangroves of the Deering Estate. An old freshwater pipeline runs through it. There’s railroad spikes on the road the Tequesta’s walked. There’s history underneath our feet that connects us, we just need to recognize it.
A plane sits in the mangroves, waiting to be discovered. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Downtown Miami is a city of oxymorons and irony. It is in itself, a story where the words are spelled out but never spoken. Downtown Miami tells us the story of Native Americans that were pushed out of their own homes and subsequently victims of genocide. It tells the story of the black Americans that built the city and were then segregated from it. It shows us how our culture has shifted over time. From the architecture to the cafes, these stories can be seen in all aspects of the city.
Break it open and look at the inside, there’s always more than meets the eye. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Downtown Miami is a city that sparkles and moves and breathes. It’s alive and has a rich history. During our journey, our class met in the quintessential Cuban cafe, right below the looming Government Center. The smell of coffee as much the soul of the city as it is the lifeblood. On the other side, you can find a dynamic piece of public art. Both offer a sense of pride, but stroll a few blocks down and you’re faced with plantation slave quarters, lovingly named for its later history as “Fort Dallas”.
Fort Dallas…plantation slave quarters…what history are you trying to tell? Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Walk back into the heart of the city to the courthouse and you find a statue of Henry Flagler, known for bringing prosperity to Florida with no mention of the less savory aspects of his work. The common thread here is that Miami sugarcoats its past or fails to mention it at all.
What does justice really mean? Who gets to receive it? Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Taking a trip down the Miami river, the heart of South Florida’s early civilization, you can’t help to feel anything short of sorrow. The pollution floating on the surface of its murky depths paired with the boaters who show little regard for the last of the wildlife that may be present…it shows how much we’ve lost with all we’ve gained.
There’s more than manatees in this water. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Still, the city on the edge of the Biscayne Bay with its sparkling buildings and displays of art are hard to hate, keeping with its dedication to contradiction.
Even knowing its bad parts, I can’t make myself hate the whole. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
It always feels like I’m coming home. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The Everglades is my favorite place in the entire world. This is not a new sentiment, I am @LocalEnvironmentalist after all, but it wasn’t always this way. I did once shriek at lizards and cry over mud, the Everglades does wonders to change one’s mind though. My affection towards the River of Grass began during my senior year of high school, when my eccentric AP Environmental teacher slogged us into the center of a cypress dome. With chill, clear water up to my chest, the far away sound of high schoolers yelling over getting stuck in mud, and one of the most beautiful sights in the world, I realized my life’s purpose: to protect the environment for the rest of my life and show everyone what I see.
Is there any other choice but to feel wonder? Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Cut to my senior year at FIU and another eccentric teacher, this one an artist, takes us into Everglades National Park with the same goal. Same chill, clear water, same apprehensive classmates, and same breathtaking ecosystem. This time is different though, this time we stop and reflect the way that high school students don’t. We stand together as Ranger Dylann, our wonderful guide for the day, reads us a poem by Anne McCrary Sullivan. It’s here that I feel a kinship with someone I’ve never met before, I know she sees what I see and it makes me ache. Its always surprising when art captures how you feel so entirely, it reminds me of my goal of trying to show everyone what I see when I stand out there.
I really hope they see it too. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Being out there after learning so much as a naturalist has really changed the experience for me from the first time going out there to now. Where I loved the way the aquatic plants drifted in the water as a teen, I can now appreciate their role and laugh at their name (especially bladderwort, which is actually carnivorous!). Where before I saw birds flitting among the trees, I now hear the song of the northern cardinals and appreciate the drums of the woodpeckers. I see an alligator and know that this harmony is impossible without them. Learning about the environment has filled me with so much love for the world, it’s made the experience rise above just aesthetics. As my classmates and I hiked together, they would laugh at the number of times I called something beautiful or gorgeous or astounding, but wouldn’t you once you knew how lucky we are to even have it at all?
Purple gallinule, you really are beautiful. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Margulies as Text
“Somehow, I Always End up Discussing the Environment.”
I have an appreciation of the arts. I also have an appreciation for the environment. Oftentimes, when these two collide, it’s the most spectacular thing. You get art that reflects the awe people feel when they’re out there breathing in nature. But other times, people see the environment and think that its inherent beauty lends itself to be a tool of art, rather than a muse. It is these cases that leave an acrid feeling in my mouth.
Is anger a source of inspiration too? Image by John Bailly (CC by 4.0).
Before I get to this though, visiting the Margulies Collection was a wonderful change of perspective. I’ve never considered myself a fan of contemporary art. This class has challenged that over and over again. Despite my predisposed opinion, I found myself fascinated with so many of the pieces I saw. From the “Unfired Clay Torso” made of bronze (!!!!!) to Ernesto Neto’s hanging spices (which I was so scared to smell at first). I could’ve stayed there and talked and talked and talked for a good deal longer than our visit.
You should’ve seen my face when they told us it was bronze. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Unfortunately as our visit came to a close, we spoke about one last piece. Richard Long’s “Leuk Stone Circle”. Made entirely of river rocks, it was the single most infuriating piece of art in the entire collection. See, many people assume that rocks, being the “lifeless chunks of Earth”that they are, serve no purpose. What many people don’t know is that rocks, especially river rocks, are extremely vital to an ecosystem. They are breeding grounds for many amphibians and fish. They’re homes. They’re sanctum. When they’re disturbed, there’s a ripple effect that is detrimental to the environment. Art has the potential to change people’s minds (see: myself, above). When art does something harmful, even when coming from a place of ignorance, it threatens to perpetuate a dangerous mindset. Who has the right to go in and alter an entire ecosystem for the sake of art? Even through my anger, I can’t help but wonder, if the artist had known what he was doing, would he have still done it?
Stolen homes. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Staring up at the Cape Florida Lighthouse- stark white against the bright blue of the South Florida sky- it’s easy to understand why Bill Baggs State Park is considered one of the best beaches in the United States. With the relaxing sound of the waves crashing on the sandy beach, it’s hard to imagine that this place didn’t always look like this. Considering the lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami, I couldn’t imagine that its surroundings would have changed much since it was built in 1825. (I should have realized by now that the Magic City is just going to continue to surprise me.) Still, I was in awe with Ranger Shane’s talk. Between the region being the final destination for those navigating the Underground Railroad, the lighthouse’s role in the Second Seminole War, and the complete natural restoration of the whole park I was flabbergasted at how important one small barrier island could be.
The path to freedom. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
To me, it was the last part stuck out the most. Looking around at the natural landscape, one where I’ve hiked and bird watched and swam in, I couldn’t imagine it as the result of human efforts. Ranger Shane elaborated on how we don’t really know what used to live on the island before its time as a coconut plantation, which is a sad thought on its own but paired with the knowledge that all the trees around us were hand planted…well, it filled me with hope. If this land could be naturalized again, what’s to say we can’t save others?
The atala butterfly, once thought to be extinct, on its host plant: coontie. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The Hole in the Donut. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
We stood amidst an expanse of exposed white limestone and stared into a pool reflecting the sky. The land we stood on was once a tomato farm and later a desolate impenetrable field of Brazilian pepper, but you’d never know it from looking out as the white tailed deer roamed. It’s places like this that are so hopeful to me, where we acknowledge the harm we’ve done as people and work to fix it. It’s here we remember that we are not separate from nature, but part of it. In the Everglades, you find evidence of people almost everywhere you look. From the Calusa to the Tequesta and the later settlers, the Everglades is a beacon of life on a latitude of deserts. It is quite simply, like no other place on Earth. It is our life blood and our history as Miami natives.
The oldest structure. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
We looked like a flock of ibis as we waded through the sawgrass marsh. Looking out from the road it seems like there is no end to the gold, greens, and blues of it. The clouds towered above us and the light painted the landscape as we hiked. We slogged until we reached the oldest structure in the national park. You would never even know the old dilapidated farmhouse was there, but being the first class to see it and touch it…it was like we were unlocking a part of our history together. As the roseate spoonbills and ibis and egrets took to the skies before us, I never felt more connected to home.
The elusive roseate spoonbill. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
As we waltzed through the Frost Museum’s minimalistic space, I feared I would spend a day bored out of my mind. Though, considering the nature of our class, I should’ve known better. When we entered the Accumulate, Classify, Preserve, Display exhibit, an archive of Roberto Obregón’s work, I will admit I felt my eyes roll a bit. Something about it came off as pretentious, which may or may not be a consequence of how society tends to paint art as this “high-class” thing. As our guide Amy began to speak of Obregón, a late Venezuelan artist, and how he dissects the rose and its meaning obsessively to represent concepts of life, time, and decay…I found myself growing very fond of the exhibit on both an aesthetic level and an intellectual level.
The Sick Rose. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The next exhibit, Tesoro, felt completely different. In its array of colors and chaos, it was like a wall broke down. This is because John Bailey, of course, took a sledgehammer to it. As an assortment of masks stared down at us and we stared back at it, Bailey made an important assessment: Was this ethical? Was taking these objects, all from different cultures and places, putting them up on a wall with no distinction from one another, right? This launched us into a discussion about neo-colonialism, racism, cancel culture, and art’s role in perpetuating harmful ideals. At this moment, I stood there looking at my classmates, all different from each other, in this room full of art from who knows how many places, and I understood why this class was named Art Society Conflict.
Staring down at us. Images by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The land may have changed, but at least the clouds stay the same. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
Coral Gables is what I always considered a “rich people area”. I gave it no distinction past that. I saw it as a city trying to be something that Miami just wasn’t; Playing off this Spanish look that just wasn’t organic. This was, as I learned in my visit to the Coral Gables Museum, intentional and kind of genius. The architecture of Coral Gables is Mediterranean Revival, you can see Moorish Spanish influence all around the city, especially in the Biltmore Hotel. The origin of this influence is what I found so fascinating though, because it came from the lens of a lens. The city was founded by George E. Merrick, a man who started off as a guava farmer with a knack for novels and a big imagination; I like to imagine that this is because sitting under the hot South Florida sun in the middle of a pine rockland isn’t exactly the most exhilarating thing in the world. Even so, looking at depictions of the ecosystem before the birth of the city still filled me with a deep sense of loss and resentment, no matter how much I admire the thought and planning put into it.
My jaw dropped. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0)
The city is a testament to the importance of building and preserving an identity, rather than tearing things down for the sake of raking in more money. This identity has a tinge of sadness to it though because, as John Bailey mentioned before the city hall, we didn’t look to our own land and its people for it, we looked to Europe. Still, it was refreshing to walk along Coral Gables’ streets, made me long for cities built with people-not cars-in mind. I didn’t think visiting Coral Gables would be so exciting, but it was like being transported into the past. Walking through the Biltmore and through buildings in the city that will soon be 100 years old may not seem like such an incredible experience when places like Rome exist, but to a native Miamian, where everything is torn down and replaced…wow.
Where else in Miami can I feel like a princess? Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
The Patron Saint of Miami: Bacchus. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
For our last meeting as a class, we took a step back in time and visited Villa Vizcaya. Completed in 1916, Vizcaya was created by James Deering, an early industrialist and conservationist, who built it as a Mediterranean Style estate. Besides setting the precedent for the style that would later dominate the city, he also perfectly encapsulated what it means to be Miamian long before Mr. 305. From the statue of Bacchus standing before the mantle, to the spring-like pool underneath the home, to the ship shaped barge with a mermaid statue carved into it: James Deering knew exactly what it meant to flex and have fun in the Miami fashion we now know so well.
I’ve never wanted to take a swim so bad in my life. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CCb y 4.0)
Unfortunately, despite the beauty of Vizcaya, there is that same sour history that needs to be acknowledged. Much like the rest of the city, the hands that constructed the beautiful museum today belonged to the Bahamians who inhabited the area. Those whose hands have been used over and over in Miami’s creation, but whose culture didn’t make a cut into the legacy that was left behind. Instead, at Vizcaya Deering celebrates the Age of Exploration. So much so that at its entrance is the fictional Spanish explorer Bel Vizcaya and Caravels act as a motif throughout the property. He ships in beautiful pieces from Europe to adorn the rooms in styles ranging from Neoclassical to Rococo. Its all very beautiful, but it’s not really Miami. What really felt like Miami at Vizcaya was the limestone carvings, the native flora, the mangroves lining the coast…it was a reminder that without James Deering, the region would likely all be skyline. That’s definitely something to celebrate.
Caravels and Seahorses. Image by Jennifer Quintero (CC by 4.0).
Miami in Miami 