Vox Student Blog

My name is Victoria Fonseca and I am currently a senior at FIU majoring in Digital Broadcasting. I really enjoy writing, reading and traveling. I really look forward to what this class has to offer.

MIAMI ENCOUNTER AS TEXT

Miami has always been a home and a refuge. Throughout my childhood in Venezuela, my father had many family members in Miami that we visited often. Once I turned 6 years old, my mother made the final decision for my father, her and I to leave our family in Venezuela behind to seek a better quality of life. When I first arrived in Miami in 2008, I was one of the only Venezuelans in my school. The neighborhood of Westchester, right in front of FIU’s MMC campus is where I currently live and where I’ve grown up my entire life. Cuban culture always reigned when I was in school and landmarks for the Cuban community were all I knew when it came to Miami’s history. Venezuelan, Colombian and various other Hispanic cultures were large influences in my life while growing up in Miami. However, as I’m getting older, I’m beginning to see how big Miami really is and each neighborhood has drastically different perceptions of the city. I feel like my ignorance growing up held me back from exploring all the communities that have built Miami up over the years like the Bahamian communities in Coconut Grove I learned about recently.

I always assumed because I had lived here for the majority of my life that I knew what this city was about and understood it like a local. But the truth is, if I’m further than 20 minutes away from my neighborhood in any direction, I feel like I’m in a completely different reality. Suddenly the city I think I’ve known is a strange land with places and streets I don’t recognize. Now that I’m in college I think about how much I’d like to branch out and travel to new cities but it feels like the universe (if you believe in those kinds of things) is telling me I must know and feel connected to where I come from before I can plant roots in different places. When I heard about the Miami in Miami class, it not only looked genuinely fun, but it also gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge beyond what I’ve seen and experienced in the city I call home.

Miami is such a unique melting pot of Caribbean culture that seeps into everyday life. Every community carries its own history and generations of people who have come to the United States seeking better opportunities. I find it to be a shame that these communities, especially those in areas of Overtown, are so overlooked when schools teach students local history. There’s so much I’ve only come to learn now at 21 years old. So many groups of people have been able to find a piece of their home in Miami even if they’re far from their actual birthplace. Miami in Miami will be a wonderful opportunity to act like a real local and have an authentic experience of a city I thought I knew well. It’s a different side of Miami I’m excited to learn about. 

HISTORIC MIAMI / OVERTOWN AS TEXT U31

Credits: Victoria Fonseca

 This past Wednesday, I had the opportunity to take a trip to Overtown, a historic black neighborhood in Miami that is bearing the brunt of gentrification efforts in the city. As one walks through the streets of Overtown the rich history and remnants of decades of segregation are seen in between construction sites and new luxury condominiums. As soon as I arrived at the first destination in the Lyric Theater and heard professor Bailey’s lecture on it, I understood we were in a historical place, and as we walked through the block it was an endless historical site one after the other. 

 And yet, with all this history, we were some of the only people actually walking around the neighborhood. Our second destination, the Greater Bethel Church, was my personal favorite. Something about listening to Mrs. Godfrey’s speech about the church and her stories about growing up in Florida during the Jim Crow was incredibly insightful. I personally have never had an in depth conversation with anyone who had lived in the United States during that time since all of my family comes from Latin America. Listening to her speak was powerful, her passion for the church and the way it builds community resilience for people in Overtown was really beautiful. 

 I am currently working on a fellowship with FIU and the Mellon Grant, which focuses on community race, risk and resilience in these specific communities of Miami like Overtown and Coconut Grove. That experience on the fellowship focuses on listening through stories of these neighborhoods through an audio format. However, through the Miami in Miami course I have the on-site experience of visiting these communities and understanding the historical role that they play in Miami’s story. It has been a really awakening experience these past couple of months as I feel like I’ve learned so many new things about a city I always believed I knew. 

 The guidance provided by the professor and all of the great and warm locals felt like a homecoming in many ways. The architecture made me think of how beautiful the neighborhood could be had it been preserved by the city properly. I find it a shame that cities like Miami are becoming victims of gentrification on such a scale that places with so much history can be thoughtlessly bulldozed for profit. Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I have hope that these sites in Overtown will be preserved. But I do believe that raising awareness about these places through classes like this can help preserve the history in all of our memories and encourage us to become more involved in the community. 

 I feel privileged that I had the chance to visit Overtown and get the experience I did because I had passed by in my car countless times on the way to other places in the area without giving it a second thought. Every local and/or tourist in Miami deserves to have the kind of day we did in this magnificent neighborhood.

Deering Estate As Text U31

Credits: Victoria Fonseca

Our second class did NOT disappoint. The Deering Estate, another hidden gem in the city of Miami only 20 minutes away from my childhood home, gave me another unforgettable experience. I always felt like anything that involved nature was a bit intimidating for me, honestly, I never saw myself as the athletic type, and I never really appreciated Miami for its natural landscapes. However, as we hiked through the Estate and through its extensive ecosystems, I felt like I was discovering a new side of myself, a side that not only enjoyed being outdoors, but thrived within it. 

What fascinated me the most was the fact that we got to see Miami’s REAL ecosystems, most of which looked completely different to the touristy beaches and palm trees that line the streets. It was an ecosystem full of mangroves, freshwater and all different kinds of elevations, not just the flat swamps we often think about when we think of Florida. The Deering Estate’s history was so interesting and the architecture was breathtaking (the free parking was nice too). 

As I’ve gotten older and busier, I’ve started to find the beauty in what people call “third places”, this describes the places where people get to just live and spend time in with no obligations. No money or extra people required. Places like parks, coffee shops, libraries, etc. With the evolution of technology and social media, many articles and content creators have commented on the lack of third places for people to socialize and exist outside of a school, work or nightclub/bar setting. 

As a college student who commutes to campus, I’ve often felt lonely, like I was lacking the “real” college experience due to the fact that Miami to me, is just Miami. Not some special city, not a place to party, just little old Miami, my boring hometown. But I realized that much of my perspective was influenced by my lack of involvement in things outside of school, work, or nightlife. The more I began to go out to parks and coffee shops even just to study there, my mood improved drastically. I’vev started to emphasize the importance of going outside simply just to go outside. 

The reason why Miami in Miami feels like such a special class to me is because it’s teaching me to appreciate the beauty and the spaces that were always in front of me. Miami is not lacking in “third places”, I think these places just get overshadowed at times by the ‘glitz and glamor’ of what people THINK Miami is. Our experience at the Deering Estate not only challenged me and took me out of my comfort zone, but taught me the fun of spending a day out just hiking and taking in the serenity of the space. 

Another highlight for me was getting to meet one of the artists in residency, Alexander Zastera, his work was stunning and made me feel so inspired and proud that local creatives are being supported and encouraged to make work that is true to them. Overall, I had a great time and could not shut up about it for days after. I CANNOT wait to see what more we learn with professor Bailey and with all the great classmates Miami in Miami has given me.

Coconut Grove/Vizcaya As Text U31

Credits: Victoria Fonseca

Our third class in Coconut Grove and Vizcaya felt like such an escape from the usual routine that keeps me in the same neighborhoods most of the time.

Vizcaya was this preposterously large mansion with the craziest art pieces and architecture. It was beautiful and kind of ridiculous all at the same time. I recall a trip I took there once when I was on an elementary school field trip, it was still as beautiful as I remembered. But when having more context on James Deering’s escapades, it felt like the beginning of Miami’s raunchy reputation. 

Side note: The amount of teenagers taking Quince’s photos was also the most Miami thing I’ve ever seen and I loved it. 

After our tour through Vizcaya’s maximalist rooms and garden, we moved on to a busier part of Coconut Grove by the Cocowalk open-air mall. Growing up in Miami, this mall and the whole neighborhood represented luxury and wealth, an area of Miami only certain groups in certain tax brackets could reach. What I never learned growing up were the real origins of this neighborhood and the Black communities that built the city up despite being discriminated against and treated as second-class citizens. As we walked through to the area of West Grove, the traces of segregation and the screams of gentrification were loud and clear. 

A common theme within our Overtown class and Coconut Grove right away was the construction and the stark contrasts in architecture. You can tell what’s new and what’s slowly being lost right away. Once we arrived at the more suburban part of the Grove, we saw the Bahamian style houses with a handful of renovated and more generic looking modern homes that ironically stood out. In between these houses, the colorful Christ Episcopal Church carries a sense of serenity similar to how I felt during our visit to Greater Bethel Church. 

The inside was beautiful, the stained glass was so impressive I was surprised Artist collectives in the city don’t highlight and protect the space more. The intersection between faith and community is really fascinating to me even though I’m personally not always sure about what I believe. Where I come from in Venezuela, Catholicism is a uniting factor in our small town where everyone knows everyone. Catholic school is a MUST there. I didn’t really grow up there for long, so my experience with religion is kind of… unclear. But as I’ve gotten older and traveled more (even within Miami), I’ve seen how religion for many people is a tool of resilience within marginalized communities.

As we learned more about the amount of Bahamian influences in Coconut Grove, it was even more interesting seeing how the scenery drastically changed once we walked out of the West Grove area. The European architecture and lush greenery was the side of the neighborhood I had seen before, very upper-class “you’re not allowed here” vibes. 

Overall, the class like all the ones before has been really insightful. As someone who’s been obsessed with leaving Miami for the past couple months, experiences like this make me see what I’ve always known with a new perspective. 

Everglades As Text U31

“Here are no lofty peaks seeking the sky, no mighty glaciers or rushing streams wearing away the uplifted land. Here is land, tranquil in its quiet beauty, serving not as the source of water, but as the last receiver of it. To its natural abundance we owe the spectacular plant and animal life that distinguishes this place from all others in our country.”

-President Harry S Truman, address at the Dedication of Everglades National Park, December 6, 1947

For the sake of honesty, I’ll say I wasn’t excited as the days led up to our Everglades excursion. All I wanted to do was to get through it and get it over with. As we drove to the slough slog I was both curious and ready to be uncomfortable, the whole being fully dressed in the muddy water FREAKED  me out. Regardless, I put on my water shoes and grabbed my walking stick as we parked on the side of the somewhat dangerous street (ironically, not because of the animals but rather clumsy humans who mishandle vehicles). 

As we started to walk through the uneven terrain, I felt safe but alert because I refused to fall into an unexpected hole and swim my way through. We walked for a little until we made our first stop. The ranger and the professor started to speak and then I heard, “ Do you hear that?” we all went quiet, there were sounds from speeding cars passing by the street, but there was something else. A vibration, a deep bellow, and a mating call. This meant an alligator was near.

When preparing for the day, I had only been thinking about the water, but not as much about the animals that lived within it. The chances of actually seeing an alligator up close felt so low that it hardly seemed like a possibility. Subconsciously, I knew we would be just fine but the bellow made me much more alert. Not one step was taken before I could check the terrain levels with the walking stick. It became almost primal, the sounds of the road slowly became few and far in between as my mind was filled with nothing but checking my steps and keeping up with the group. 

We walked deeper into the dome and I was surprised at how deep it went. I started to get used to being in the water and actually started to enjoy the experience at one point. We stood near an alligator hole where we were able to see our big scaly friend sunbathing for energy. Although we were so close to the alligator, the ranger did not hesitate at all, which reassured me. 

After our rare sighting, the most memorable of the slog for me was our silence exercise. In the chaos of trying to keep up and get through the mud, it was a moment of reflection. I had always seen myself as such a city girl, I underestimated myself by assuming nature and athleticism was never my thing. But as I get older, I begin to appreciate natural landscapes so much more because they bring out the most serene and recharged version of myself. I thought about life, death and how they all intertwined within this environment full of living beings just existing in their habitats. The exercise felt significant during this time where being seen living life is more important than actually living it. But here, in this place, no one hears you or sees you, nature is in charge and you’re just along for the ride. It’s a surrender of control. 

I was borderline embarrassed that I had no idea that our drinking water came from here, this place I never thought about was significant not just for the animals, but for our existence and survival. I appreciated the park ranger throughout the slog, she made me feel a sense of comfort, because her passion for the park made me warm up to an animal I had so many misconceptions about. I’ve  lived in South Florida for 16 years and had never actually been to the Everglades. I knew it was there, but it never occurred to me that I should actually visit it. Outside of the infamous Airboat rides I had seen ads for a million times on TV, I didn’t know anything about the animals or how big the park actually is. It was a trek that was stimulating to the senses.  The day I was the least excited for gave me one of the most unique experiences any Everglades visitor has had. It made me feel more connected to Miami and its biodiversity. Each class has pushed me out of my comfort zone for the better, and I’m grateful I chose this challenge. 

South Beach as Text U31

Credits: Olivia Gibson

The luxury of Miami Beach has always overwhelmed me ever since I was a kid. It was this busy, expensive, promiscuous place I didn’t quite understand. The beach in my home country of Venezuela filled me with some of the most beautiful memories, but Miami Beach, despite its beauty, was intimidating to me. While we walked through its streets, it was a mix of things old and new. Art Deco buildings full of souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. Something I really found interesting was the professor’s mention about the amount of protection these buildings receive. 

The way Miami Beach is built feels unsustainable when you look at the actual foundation of these buildings, yet they receive 10x more protection than any historical landmark we saw in Overtown or West Coconut Grove. It’s an interesting city that feels both a part of and completely separate from the Miami I’ve always known growing up. 

The architecture is a sight to behold, especially from South Pointe Pier, one of my favorite places in Miami Beach, the weather was at its perfect point by the time the class started. Walking as a class always ends up creating my best memories in this class, especially walking through busy Ocean Drive with all its different characters that you can encounter at any time. 

It can be upsetting to admit, but it’s always felt like Miami Beach caters to outsiders more than locals. Our walk through with Professor Bailly was a fun experience because his lecture gave us insight into the little easter eggs of history buried all over the city, but it also reminded me that elitist entities will always try to turn experiences that should be a given for locals into money making opportunities. It was especially outrageous as a local to hear the professor mention that the metro being extended to the beach was a possibility before Miami Beach’s city officials denied it. They don’t want us here if we can’t afford it, and they don’t hide it. 

One thing I will give South Beach though, is this certain kind of freedom in the air. One of the only places where it’s acceptable to get a drink at 10 AM if your heart desires, jam-packed with tourists and locals alike that look like Abercrombie models. It’s a tempting place, if I wasn’t from here I think I would be more captivated by Miami Beach’s allure. There’s a dichotomy in Miami in general between wellness and partying that’s really interesting to me. People go on their morning walks and buy $16 Pura Vida salads by day as they get ready to party like degenerates by night. There’s a strange balance to it all that feels particularly obvious at Miami Beach. 

Overall, class was fun and informative as usual, as I understand more about my city, I fall in love with it while also understanding the systemic flaws that should be addressed in order to promote sustainability. Locals deserve to feel welcome in their home and the city should want that for them as well. 

Miami Final Reflection U31

Credits: Victoria Fonseca

Ever since I became a part of the Honors College at FIU, I realized that I had to take every opportunity to challenge myself while I could. I feel grateful not only to the college but to the resources the university has given me to learn and develop as a human being through education. I knew ‘Miami in Miami’ would push me out of my comfort zone, but I wasn’t ready for how much I would really love the experience. ‘Miami in Miami’ is the kind of class that leaves you with the kind of knowledge you can’t help but want to share with everyone you come across. 

From our first class in Overtown, Professor Bailly exposed us to the real Miami, not the ‘flash and trash’ people tend to associate with the city. I’ve grown up in Miami for a majority of my life, and through this class I saw my city for what it really was; in all its glory and its imminent demise. It made me appreciate the beautiful communities that built this city up with no thank yous or credit for their efforts. After feeling so much desperation to leave for such a long time, I started to love Miami again, because now I understand it. 

The knowledge from this class aided me in every aspect of my life, within my fellowship through the Commons For Justice Mellon Grant and as a local. I actually wish everyone, whether at FIU or not, could take a class like this. Learning more about my city made me want to take care of it and the communities within it. Some of my favorite classes ended up being the ones I least expected. I always saw myself as a relatively calm person, not adventurous or outdoorsy at all. But, I connected with nature in an almost magical way in this class. 

U31 was such a special section with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met in a class. We were all eager to learn and get involved because that was the point of signing up for it in the first place. The first day where we all introduced ourselves, many of us said we were eager to push ourselves and make friends, and I found that my section really connected in a special way. We saw alligators up close together, walked through mangroves, went to church (multiple times) and explored like tourists and locals. 

Miami is a special place, and I feel connected to it because of how diverse it is. Caribbean people have come here because we feel like this is our home away from home. For a while, I felt like my home didn’t want me here, with its expensive luxury condos and focus on bringing money, it felt unattainable to stay here. Sometimes it still feels unattainable, but I appreciate the city for the varied communities and ecosystems that make it a household name. 

Dear Miami & “Miami in Miami”, 

Thank you. 

Hey there! my name is Giovanna and I’m a nutrition science major at Florida International University. I love nature, photography, and a great adventure. I am really looking forward to making new friends and exploring what my home has to offer : )

Miami Encounter as Text

Being born and raised in Brazil, one of my biggest dreams was always to live in the United States; therefore, when my mom told me and my sibling we were moving to Miami, I was thrilled with excitement. I was ready to finally live my “High School Musical” dream. Despite the cultural shock when realizing life up here was not like the movies, it shocked me, even more, to find out what Miami really is… a beautiful melting pot of dozens and dozens of different cultures.

Since I had lived in a small town most of my life, cultural immersion was not something I have ever experienced before. It amazed me how depending on where you are in Miami, in most cases English is used as a secondary language. (fun fact: Miami is the U.S. city with the most native citizens speaking a second language, counting for 70% of the city population) (Lingua, 2022) It is so beautiful how proud locals are to show off their customs and traditions, our ethnicity defines who we are and in order to keep it allowed from generation to generation it should be practiced. I never thought I would live in a place where I would be able to hear 4 different languages in a single room, especially when attending an international university like FIU. That is what creates the beauty of Miami, all these different traditions and values coming together to create a new one.  Now I have lived here for almost 8 years and I feel like I never got to learn much about the history of this wonderful city or this cultural utopia from a local’s perspective.

When looking for my next IDH class, I came across Miami and Miami and couldn’t believe such a class was possible. A class where we got to explore and experience our hometown at its full potential? Count me in! When I think of school, the first thing that comes to mind is reading boring books and sitting down through tediously long lectures. Therefore, having an entire city as my classroom is such an amazing concept to me. Out of all of the places we are visiting throughout the semester, I have only been to Vizcaya and South Beach. Although South Beach is a wonderful site, Vizcaya truly has my heart. The combination of the beautiful vibrant garden, the intriguing historical museum, and the view of the ocean in the back truly has my heart since it really reminds me of my birth city, Rio de Janeiro. As a nature lover, I am especially looking forward to outdoor classes such as kayaking in the Chicken Keys, learning about the history of the Key Biscayne lighthouse, and exploring the Everglades (although I am terrified of snakes). 

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this course. I am super super super excited to go out there and experience the beautiful city of Miami to its fullest while having fun and meeting new people. 

-Lingua, & Name. (2022, December 5). Do people speak English in Miami?. Lingua.edu. https://lingua.edu/do-people-speak-english-in-miami/#:~:text=In%20Miami%2C%2070%25%20of%20the,a%20second%20language%2C%20usually%20Spanish. 

Overtown/Historic Miami

Although nowadays Miami is this cultural melting pot, just like the rest of the south, Florida was once under the awful laws of segregation and unfortunately, the neighborhood of Overtown is living proof of those oppressing times. This was one of the most popular “colored” neighborhoods in the 1950s and home of the civil rights movement in Miami. We started our day in the lyric theater, in the heart of Overtown. Dozens of well-known artists performed in this venue, including but not limited to Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, and James Brown. Due to segregation, African and Native American travelers were still not allowed to stay in nice hotels when visiting Miami and in most cases would rely on the iconic Ward Rooming House, located in the heart of Overtown. In our second stop we went inside of the Greater Bethel Church temple, the oldest black church in Miami, and had the privilege to talk to Alberta Godfrey. Ms.Godfrey has been an Overtown local for decades and told us in detail about the history of the church and neighborhood. One of the most remarkable fun facts she enlightened us with was the necessity of African Americans to provide an identification card in case they were employed in a “white” neighborhood such as Miami Beach. It even showed us a real identification card from 1954, which belonged to this young lady called Ellen Sanders. The church is a very important staple in the community and it was where one of the most popular civil rights activists of all time, Martin Luther King, gave one of his iconic speeches. Sadly, she also mentions how a lot of the housing and local businesses were taken over and replaced by tall buildings and highways; the neighborhood will eventually come to an end due to the modernization of the city. After visiting the church, it was lunch time and Professor Bailly took us to a local favorite, Jackson’s Soul Food. He recommended us to try the shrimp and grits and it was very delicious. 

After Overtown, we visited many other historic monuments of Miami. We stopped by Lummus Park, which is home of two of Miami’s historical attractions, Fort Dallas and the Wagner House. Fort Dallas was built in 1836 and made out of original limestone rocks. This was a one story house that was home of dozens of slaves who worked for Richard Fitzpatrick. Built in 1855, Wagner House was the home of William Wagner and his family. The house was purposely built in a remote site at the time due to the fear of discrimination since mr. Wagner was married to a creole woman named Eveline. Due to William’s friendly history with native americans, he eventually became an intermediary between natives and americans, avoiding a potential war. While walking around downtown, we also visited different sites such as the government center, Henry Flager’s monument, and a piece of the berlin wall located here in the heart of downtown.

Fun Fact: Miami is one of the only well known cities that was founded by a woman!

Deering Estate

In this week’s class, our destination was the beautiful historic site of Deering Estate. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a group of adorable manatees going for their morning swim around the boat basin area. For our first adventure of the day, we headed to the Cutler fossil site, which was an exclusive opportunity since as Professor Bailly stated, only about 600 people have ever had access to this enclosure, and half of them were his students. While walking Bailly warned us about some poisonous species we will encounter throughout the day such as poison ivy, which is easily identified by its red stem with 3 leaves and black wood which like the name states, is characterized by its dark-looking stem. I was also first in line when he spotted a snake! As we arrived at the fossil preserve we could look around and touch real-life fossils, some dating back to 9700 BP, proving that humans have been in this land for about 10,000 years. After our lunch break, we had the privilege to hear from the super-talented Alexander Zastera, a very talented environmentalist who shows his love for art while raising awareness of environmental issues in South Florida’s fauna and flora.

How do we visit the Deering Estate without discussing Charles Deering? This agricultural revolutionist (also a millionaire), purchased the once Richmond Inn hotel and turned it into his own home. In the prime years of prohibition, more specifically in 1922, Deering implemented the stone house into his property. This building included a couple of innovative ideas, including an elevator, a fireproof door to protect his art, and a secret room, which was secured by a vault door. The hidden room was a secret wine cellar, with hundreds of bottles of liquor, that were strictly prohibited at that time. Since liquor production and sale were strictly prohibited, Deering had the idea of illegally smuggling alcohol from Cuba, located roughly only 100 miles away from Miami. However to do so secretly he would have to build a lighthouse on his property so boats could localize his home at night time, since the state repeatedly rejected his request to build one, he decided to build a subtle lighthouse-like structure on top of the stone house. 

As a nature-lover, I was very excited for the third part of our adventure, the hike. What is so unique about deering estates is that it homes 8 different habitats, and 89 endangered and protected species. I found it amazing how one second we would be stepping into a pine rockland area, the other in a tropical hardwood hammock, and the other we would be face to face with a beautiful fresh water spring. It was then time for my favorite part of the day, the water hike in the mangroves, where we got to see a real life plane wreckage. This crash happened in the 90s and was never reported to the authorities since it was part of a cocaine smuggling plan.

Vizcaya/Coconut Grove as Text

Out of all of the places in our itinerary this semester, Vizcaya was the location I was the most familiar with. Featuring a very European style of architecture and a beautiful garden, this place truly feels like you are entering a fairytale castle, and learning about the history was very intriguing. Vizcaya Villa was founded in 1916 by James Deering; who’s name might sound familiar. This is because James was Charles Deering’s brother and the vice president of his company. Named after the Province of Vizcaya, in Spain, this italian’s inspired villa was built by local Bahamians and became Deering’s home after his retirement due to anemia. When entering through the west side entrance, guests are greeted by two sculptures. The first sculpture is of Ponce de Leon, who was a pioneer in the foundation of Florida and the second sculpture is of Bel Vizcaya, a fictional explorer who resigned among the native Tequesta community. When we entered the patio area, we were faced with the statue of Bacchus, who in Roman mythology is described as the god of wine and pleasure, which matches very well with the present reputation of Miami by foreigners (as well as the dozens of social gatherings James organized in his villa). Passing the sculpture, we are faced with a stunning indoor garden, although windows and the glass roof was added recently, this portion of the house used to be an open area so the refreshing breeze from the ocean could pass through; the patio also features a variety of typical miami flaura, adding a twist to the eastern style of architecture. In the downstairs area there was a kitchen with very innovative features for that time such as an elevator for food, a refrigerator, and a built-in vacuum. There is also a library (with fake books) and a music room (with instruments that were never played) The mansion also features multiple rooms, very expensive luxurious items, a dock, and an immense outdoor garden. 

After Vizcaya, we were starving so we stopped at a local taco stand called Bodega, enjoyed some delicious Mexican food, and rested in their speakeasy in the back portion of the restaurant. With a full belly, we visited multiple historical sites around Coconut Grove. This was a predominantly Bahamian community older than the city of Miami itself. Our first stop was the Christ Episcopal Church, which is quite a unique temple. All around the ceremony room, there are multiple stained glass windows featuring well-known equal rights activists, including Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. The one all the way in the back has the scenery of the baptism of Christ, with the image of a dark skin Jesus and the founders of the church. After visiting Christ Episcopal Church, we were able to compare it to another local church, The Plymouth Congregational Church, which was the first unsegregated church in Miami. While walking around the neighborhood we stopped at Charlotte Jane Memorial Park Cemetery, where locals speculate that a couple scenes from the music video of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson were recorded. We also stopped by Mariah Brown’s home, a single mom bahamian who bought her own home in 1890. Finally we ended the day at “The Barnacle”, the oldest home in Dade County 

Everglades as Text

For last week’s adventure, we visited the Everglades National Park, one out of 425 national parks present in the United States and the largest mangrove in the Western Hemisphere. Despite all the other beautiful national parks, this is quite a unique one. Many might see the Everglades as a huge swamp, however, this term is absolutely incorrect due to the thousands of species of fauna and flora thriving in this combination of fresh and saltwater environment. The Everglades features eight distinct habitats, each one of them featuring a completely different species. Those ecosystems include hardwood hammock, pineland, freshwater marl prairie, freshwater slough, cypress, coastal lowland, mangrove, and marine and estuarine. These are all completely different habitats, which overall live in harmony with each other. An example is the multiple “tree islands” found in the cypress dome. In some cases certain habitats will eventually outgrow others, this is commonly the case of the Pineland habitat. This ecosystem has to commonly go through a process called prescribed burns, which are controlled burns initiated by specialists, limiting the outgrowth of the pines. While driving throughout the park we actually came across the aftermath of a controlled burn, a land of brownish orange trees. Despite all the differences, there is one thing almost all of these habitats had in common… Bromeliads! The Everglades flower is found in most habitats and can easily hang on to most trees, we saw a lot of them everywhere. Sadly, throughout the day we saw a couple of dead animals, due to visitors’ speed in the area. Roadkill is very common in this area, and where there is a roadkill, there will most likely be a vulture close to it, and vice versa. The two types of vultures found in this land include the turkey vulture and the black vulture and we spotted them surrounding an unrecognizable dead mammal and a snake (which Professor Bailly got a great picture of me with.) On the other hand, when talking about live animals, we can’t talk about the Everglades without mentioning the face of this habitat, the alligators. These “Everglades Puppies”, are found in most freshwater habitats, and during winter, or dry season, they tend to reside in “alligator holes”, which we had the privilege to spot one during our slough slag (my favorite part of the day)

Now let’s talk about history! In the 19th there were multiple unsuccessful attempts to drain the Everglades for agricultural purposes. In the 1950s the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was the head of a major construction program for the pump of the wetland to control seasonal flooding in the marshland. This program and other initiatives drained 50 percent of the Everglades, deeply disrupting this ecosystem. In 1947, the same year the Everglades National Park was established, Marjory Stoneman Douglas also released the book “The Everglades: River of Grass.” This masterpiece draws attention to the threats this ecosystem is continuously facing and how important this slow-flowing river (yes, the mashes are a river), is to the wildlife and local communities.

Chicken Key/ Biscayne Bay as Text

This week we were back at the beautiful Deering Estate, however, this time featuring some shaky waters. In this class, we were supposed to sail across to the bay to perform a coastal cleanup of the waters on a kayak. Sadly, due to high winds of 20 mph, it was too much of a safety hazard to sail in open water. Therefore, we performed a land-based clean up around the nature preserve. When the sea level rises, a lot of the human garbage from the ocean, from beach pollution, ends up in the coastal habitats. We spent most of our time cleaning up around the tropical hardwood hammocks, which I don’t mind since it is one of my favorite habitats. During our clean-up, we came across a variety of human-made objects, including sunglasses, flip-flops, cans, glass bottles, paper-based material, and even an entire surfboard. As a group, we filled up at least 7 full bags worth of trash. After lunch, we then proceeded for a clean up around the mangroves. Although we didn’t find much trash in this portion of the cleanup, we still had lots of fun climbing around the high roots and helping each other out throughout the way. Meanwhile, we were also worried about Bailly and Ibis, who were gone for quite a while. Eventually, they came back with three bags full of trash and a very interesting find. Professor Bailly found an ancient hollow metal ball with three metal pins sticking out of it. Although I still believed it was a cannonball, the discovery has not yet been confirmed. 

While walking around the tropical hardwood hammocks, I found dozens of beautiful large shells, proving the presence of the Tequesta in the reserve centuries ago. This tribe lived in the what is now Miami area from 500 BC to 1763, and commonly used those shells as a variety of tools such as hammers, fish hooks, and even drinking cups. (The Tequesta of Biscayne Bay, 2002) By the 1800s most members of the tribe had passed away due to battling, slavery, and diseases brought by the Europeans, by 1763 the remaining members sailed to Havana after the British bought out Florida from the Spaniards. It was absolutely mindblowing to be I was holding an object that was held by an indigenous person centuries ago. (Tequesta historical marker, 2016)

Seeing how much trash was present in a private reserve shows how much pollution not only affects one habitat, but consequently every other habitat it is connected to. Doing this clean up definitely felt very good on my conscience. Being able to help the environment while having fun with my friends was an experience I would certainly repeat. Therefore I would definitely do it again and highly recommend for everyone to do it at least once in their lifetime. 

South Beach as Text

Jewish“There’s almost nothing natural about Miami Beach—it all had to be created.” This is a famous quote from Frank Luca, the chief librarian of the wolfsonian at FIU. Although this statement might sound harsh, it is completely true. Nothing is  natural about Miami Beach, not even the land. Before this “island”became one of the most famous tourist attractions in Florida, only about 114 years it was a mangrove forest, built from the ground by the hands of thousands of bahamins. From a muddy, mosquito infested “swamp”, Carl Fisher saw the potential to build America’s next getaway paradise. By cutting down trees and adding sand transported from central Florida, the town of Miami Beach was founded in 1915. However, Fisher was not aware of the importance of the mangroves to the mainland, especially in the case of a natural disaster. These rooty forests act as a buffer for the mainland in the case of hurricanes, reducing the speed of the wind and erosion. Therefore in 1926, the Great Miami Hurricane caused catastrophic damage, leading to 373 deaths, 6000 injuries, and $100 million in damage. Fisher also played a large role in segregating the city. The land that was home of multiple bahamians, african americans, and seminole communities, was soon a victim of racial profiling and discrimination, by Fisher’s rules, for example prohibiting the black community from attending public beaches. Another example of racial profiling in Miami Beach was towards the jewish community. In the 1930s multiple establishments such as luxurious oceanfront hotels started adding the quote “Always a view, never a Jew”or “Gentile clientele ”to their marketing campaigns, prohibiting certain clientele, such as jews to entering their premises. This community was als not allowed to live north of 5th street, although they made up a large portion of the community. During class, we visited FIU’s jewish Museum of Florida. This was Miami Beach’s first synagogue established in 1929, and contains over 100,00 items describing 250 years of Florida’s jewish history.

When talking about Miami Beach it is impossible to not mention the city’s architecture.  The city features three very different architectural styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMO).  In fact, Miami has the largest collection of Art Deco in the whole world! This very unique style contains very innovative features for that time, such as the use of pastel and neon colors, ziggurat rooflines, curved edges porthole windows, and horizontal pieces of concrete on top of the windows called “eyebrows”.These buildings are known to be shaped like machines, such as toaster ovens. The theory behind it was that Art Deco was popular in the 1920s and 1930s, during the “machine age. ” It is also noted that most buildings follow the “Rule of Three”, or that they only have three stories. Histories say that this trend is caused by government rule stating that any building containing over three stories is required to contain an elevator, which at that time installation and maintenance was extremely expensive. 

References

Bailly, J. (2023, January 15). South Beach. Bailly Lectures. https://baillylectures.com/miami/south-beach/ 

Bailly, J. (2023, January 20). Everglades. Bailly Lectures. https://baillylectures.com/miami/everglades/

Bailly, J. (2023, September 13). Coconut Grove. Bailly Lectures. https://baillylectures.com/miami/coconut-grove/ 

Bailly, J. (2023, September 5). Deering Estate. Bailly Lectures. https://baillylectures.com/miami/deering-estate/ 

Bailly, John William. “Overtown.” Bailly Lectures, 15 Jan. 2023, baillylectures.com/miami/overtown/. Bailly, John William. “Fort Dallas/William English Plantation Slave Quarters.” Bailly Lectures, 31 Aug. 2022, baillylectures.com/miami/fort-dallas-william-english-plantation-slave-quarters/.

Bailly, J. (2024, February 17). Vizcaya Museum and gardens. Bailly Lectures. https://baillylectures.com/miami/vizcaya/ 

Tequesta historical marker. Historical Marker. (2016, June 16). https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=88322 
The Tequesta of Biscayne Bay. Exploring Florida. (2002). https://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/tequest/tequest1.htm

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.). Marjory Stoneman Douglas. National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/historyculture/msdouglas.htm

Miami Final Reflection

Miami in Miami was truly a one-of-a-kind class. Aside from the traditional classroom setting, this lecture style gave us an opportunity to learn in an innovative modality. In what other class would you be able to slough slog around Everglades National Park, visit a cocaine plane site in Deering estate’s mangroves, and check out dozens and dozens and historical sites while learning the history of your home town. However, my favorite part of this class is the friends I made along the way. These are people I experienced multiple adventures with. These are the people who helped me climb around mangrove trees and I played volleyball in the beautiful Key Biscayne waters. These are the people I ate with, napped with, and sunbathed with. These memories we created along the way are unforgettable and I hope even after class ends we are able to create many others. Professor Bailly, thank you for this amazing opportunity to be part of your amazing class, I truly wish you the best in life!

Photograph by Anik Bobbili / CC by 4.0

About the Author

Anik Bobbili is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting and Business Analytics at Florida International University. He was born and raised in Miami and is proud to call this vibrant city his home. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, hitting the gym, cycling, listening to podcasts, volunteering, and learning something new every day. He looks forward to embark on this adventure and diving deep into the history and culture of Miami.

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Miami Encounter as Text

“Diverse From All Aspects”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, January 23, 2024

Photograph taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0

Before settling in Miami, my father has lived in Wyoming, Texas, and has visited most of the states. He’s told me stories of how risky it was to leave behind all his family and relatives and travel to an entirely new country across the other side of the world. During the 90s, the lack of Internet and smartphones meant that once he left, he virtually had no contact with anyone the moment he left India. Rather than stressing out, he thought, “How can I manage on my own?” With this attitude, he started finding ways to make money and live independently. Now I mention his background because like him (to a lesser degree), I aim to step out of my comfort zone and get in the habit of trying new experiences rather than avoiding or second-guessing them. That’s one of the reasons why I chose this course. The other was to serve as a stress reliever to balance out my other 5 classes.

Once my sister was born, my parents slowly stopped going out and basically stayed at home. The only time we’d really go out and visit downtown Miami, restaurants, and the beaches was if either relatives visited (which was once in a blue moon) or if I convinced them otherwise. When all my friends and classmates brag about the places they have or plan to visit, I could really only experience it through Google Maps or a YouTube video. However in my 20 years of living here, I certainly have experienced aspects of Miami that make me love the city and not take it for granted. For instance, our almost year long tropical climate prevents us from having to deal with brutal winter storms and shoveling loads of snow just to get to work. Every time I’m shivering from 50 degree weather in the winter and don’t feel like going to the gym, just one look in the weather app at the negative temperatures in the Midwest and that’s all the convincing I need. Even on some days where most states are freezing to death, it’s a picture perfect summer for us.

Miami’s diversity of not only people but industries, architecture, and nature is something I’ve always appreciated. It gives everyone the opportunity to try yummy food from all parts of the world thus forming a better appreciation and understanding of other cultures. The immigrant lifestyle that Miami brings makes it sometimes feel that I’m not even living in America. Living in Miami has also helped me learn how to speak some Spanish. In certain places, it’s necessary you know at least basic Spanish or else you can feel left out.

I remember back in elementary school during recess we used to play our hearts out in soccer and I used to love defending the grade’s best striker from scoring. While I lost interest playing, many of my friends still play in tournaments and follow the European and international leagues. Watching athletes at any sport play at such a locked in intensity has always been entertaining for me. I still remember witnessing live Ray Allen’s clutch 3-pointer in the 2013 Championship Finals. The crowd was roaring and I never forgot how excited I was. After all, watching the Miami Heat is what made me fall in love with the sport. Additionally, in my decade of playing both competitively and for leisure, I got to make different friends from pickup games and get to explore different sides of Miami during travel basketball season.

Ever since I’ve joined FIU, I’ve been getting to explore more of Miami, whether it’s commuting to school, visiting on-site and community service events in clubs I’m part of, or even doing UberEATS deliveries. Driving to campus and different club events has been a peaceful part of the day as I can reflect on the day and listen to my favorite podcasts and music. The only times driving can be a hassle is peak rush hour traffic whether it’s literally flooded in I-95 while the Florida turnpike is more bearable. Although most days in Miami are sunny and humid, sometimes we experience heavy rainfalls with brutal thunderstorms.

Doing UberEATS has allowed me to stop at new restaurants that I have not known of and visit different types of homes and communities and appreciate the styles and architecture. From the million dollar estates in Southwest Ranches and Coral Gables to apartments in Hialeah, Miami is also diverse by the homes.

While I am aware of the general pros and cons that Miami offers and have experienced a fair share of the urban, suburb, and rural areas, I am still far from being an expert. It’s one thing from seeing pictures and knowing basic facts about Ocean Drive and the Everglades and another to actually tour the place. One is theoretical knowledge and the other is hands-on. Personally speaking, I’ve always retained concepts better when I’m actually involved rather than visualizing from a textbook. That’s what I am hoping to gain from this course. To explore the deeper layers of Miami, known to a few and share my experiences.

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Historic Miami/Overtown as Text

“Echoes of Miami”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, January 28, 2024

As I looked around the dozens of photos covering the walls of the Historic Lyric Theatre, I imagined the soothing jazz of Cab Calloway and the lively performances of Aretha Franklin and other talented black artists attracting large crowds and creating a similar vibe as the “Life Could Be Dream scene” in the Pixar movie Cars. However, it was interrupted by the new music of the town: construction noises. Everywhere around the block, there was a new construction project underway of modern condominiums that simply doesn’t match the “French Quarter” resemblance that Overtown portrays. The gentrification has forced many black families to move out of Overtown and seek better opportunities elsewhere. Professor Bailly showed us a photo of the churches and homes of Overtown getting destroyed to pave way for the I-95 and I-395 expressways and pointed to the other condos and infrastructure that took over the spots.

In spite of their hardships, I respect how resilient the remaining residents are, especially Miss Godfrey of Greater Bethel Church. From the lively jazz to cruel Jim Crow discrimination, she’s experienced the ups and downs of Overtown. It’s natural for most people dealing with traumatizing events to never want to dwell on those dark moments again. However, Miss Godfrey continues to share her story and is optimistic of the future generation carrying the legacy of Overtown. Miss Godfrey pointed out that regardless of how high your status was, as long as you were of color, you weren’t allowed on Miami Beach without an ID or if you stepped out of line to place a voting ballot, you were no longer allowed to vote. It surprised me a bit how much discrimination was faced in Miami as all the textbooks and history teachers primarily highlight the Deep South States and the 13 colonies as the notorious areas for brutal segregation and often leave Florida out of the picture. If Florida was even mentioned, it was to talk about the various Native Indian tribal groups and the Spanish’s influence. 

After we toured Overtown and historic places of Miami, it allowed me to connect the dots and embrace the history of my city. For instance, I wasn’t aware that Overtown played a key part in the Civil Right movement and even brought notable African American leaders such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Lewis, and Martin Luther King. In fact, the restaurant we went to for lunch, Jackson Soul Food, was where Muhammad Ali ate during his visits to Miami. The Greater Bethel church Miss Godfrey spoke to us was the same place MLK gave a revolutionizing speech on the importance of voting to achieve a triumphant democracy.  That’s what I honestly find unique about this course. The chance to hear from primary sources who faced actual segregation such as Miss Godfrey and visit the very own sites which makes the historical impacts more profound and memorable over bland sentences in a textbook. 

Photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0

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Once we made our way to Downtown Miami, I was able to see how much the city and urbanization have grown from the railroad days of Henry Flagler. Although his railroads played a pivotal role in residential and commercial development, he poorly treated his slaves. He was responsible for the creation of “Colored Town” or now known as Overtown. He also showed no remorse towards the Tequesta Indians, the first indigenous population of Miami and didn’t mind sabotaging a burial mound if it meant advancing his developments. Furthermore, the raw sewage of his Royal Palm Hotel was discharged into the Miami River, which was once a primary source of water for the Tequesta and species of the Everglades. Its effects of overdevelopment and environmental degradation are evident but on the bright side it complements Miami’s tourist identity. 

The Miami we know as today couldn’t have happened without the contribution of its founder, Julia Tuttle. It was disheartening to hear that until recently, a sign was made to commemorate Tuttle and all her accomplishments. As shown in the collage, Julia truly wanted to make Miami prosperous. With her grand visions and entrepreneurial skills, she was able to negotiate with Flagler to further expand the railroad to Biscayne Bay for oranges. This in turn not only made Florida known for oranges but also brought in more businessmen and families leading to rapid growth and urbanization. It was even the portrayal behind the dropped bowl of orange slices and peels in front of the Government Center (as shown in the collage). 

Overall, the story of Overtown was truly inspiring as it shows how the black residents of Overtown changed the narrative of a “colored town” to a thriving entrepreneurial and entertainment hub that brought viable growth and a cultural identity to Miami. It was also interesting to see different pioneers such as Flagler, Tuttle, Wagner, William and Mary Brickell further expand operations and turn Miami into a hub full of employment opportunities for millions of people today. But most importantly, we got to have an open discussion about the truth of our history which allows us to follow the truth and limit inhumane acts of indoctrination.

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Deering Estate as Text

“Home of Eight Ecosystems “

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, February 18, 2024

The moment I entered Deering Estate and saw the boat basin with the assortment of palm trees, vibing manatees, and the vivid skyline, I felt I was living a dream. Turns out, this was once the property of Chicago mogul, Charles Deering. As a passionate environmental advocate and art collector, Deering was not only attracted to the natural beauty, but he also wanted to protect the 8 different ecosystems found in the area. Yes, you read that right. It shouldn’t be a surprise considering that the estate encompasses over 450 acres, or about 340 football fields! But before I explain the nature of the ecosystems, it’s important to know the nature of Charles Deering. He was someone who was business-savvy yet cared about the environment. He also represents the quintessential figure of the Roaring 20s where rich Americans grew richer and wanted to flaunt their lavish lifestyles. Despite the 1920s also being the Prohibition Era that banned alcoholic beverages, it didn’t stop Deering from building one of the largest wine cellars in the southern U.S. at the time. Inside the Stone House, we got to see Deering’s extensive gallery of artwork and his underground wine cellar that was actually disguised as a bank vault. He loved collecting art so much that there’s even an Artist in Residence Studio to honor his legacy of art patronage. The artist we met there showed us his creative paintings with a theme of nature preservation.

Speaking of nature preserves, the rest of our expedition was a 5 mile hike exploring the unique ecosystems. Starting out with the Cutler Fossil Site, Professor Bailly told us only few hundreds of people have been to the site and half of them were with his previous classes. This was my first time hiking in general, so I was eager to encounter the flora and fauna but at the same time nervous. Especially after he mentioned that we could come into contact with poison ivy, snakes, and other wildlife our bodies never experienced before so my mind panicked a bit. When we headed off trail, I felt like a ninja dodging each branch and solution hole that came my way. Forgetting my hiking shoes was a terrible mistake as I was struggling to be nimble with my loose water shoes. Other than a few spider webs, the rest of the forest was peaceful. For a moment, I forgot it was 2024 and I was living instead in prehistoric times long before civilization existed. It was interesting to learn that Paleo-Indians have inhabited the site area 10,000 years ago. At one point, it was even home to camels, mastodons, and saber-tooth tigers. 

Photograph taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0

Due to saltwater intrusion, most of Biscayne Bay’s freshwater aquifers are being contaminated by saltwater which puts all the flora and fauna at risk. Already the tropical hardwood hammock and pine rocklands are considered endangered. Even the fresh water springs we saw had piles of plastic and other garbage. If we don’t manage our water supply properly, pretty soon there will be no clean water even for us. 

As we made our way to the mangrove forests, we noticed the oolite limestone, the terrain that encompasses South Florida. Without it, Miami and this class wouldn’t have existed. We also got to imagine how the Tequesta and Seminoles lived their lives before the Europeans arrived. As we went deeper in the forest, we also saw the Freemason well and their biblical carvings. When we reached the coastal wetlands of the mangroves, we began our wet hike. I felt like Tarzan swinging from branch to branch. Unlike Tarzan, I kept on snapping branches and plunging my foot to knee-deep water. My water shoes felt like a water balloon that could burst any second. But eventually we reached the crashed airplane that had been there since the 1990s. After all, it was smuggling booze and cocaine so it made sense why it’s never been reported. 

For the last part of the trip, we traversed the pine rocklands. It reminded me of a paintball park I used to go to. Honestly, it would make for a great paintball zone given how hundreds of Seminoles used the bushes to ambush British soldiers upon siege. Throughout the hike, the terrain felt similar to a cross country track I did back in high school. With the amount of branches and ankle twisters, I’m surprised I didn’t trip. For a second, I did feel I was exploring the African savannah. But it’s shocking to know that the pine rocklands exist only in Florida and there’s less than 5% left of it. Once we explored the pine rocklands, we decided to check out the oolite cave as well. When going in, I thought I would be attacked by a cave spider only to see Professor Bailly on the other side. In all seriousness, it was truly majestic and one of the many marvels of Mother Nature. 

Overall, visiting the Deering Estate was an amazing experience as I got to walk in the same footsteps as the Paleo-Indians 10,000 years ago, wet-hike in the mangroves, step inside a cave, and explore all the diverse flora in the different ecosystems. Other than the manatees and vultures, I didn’t get to see all the fauna but it’s still a grand adventure in my book.

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Coconut Grove/Vizcaya as Text

“Bringing La Dolce Vita to Miami”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, March 10,2024

Photograph taken by Ivan Mago / CC by 4.0

Similar to his brother Charles Deering, James Deering aspired to showcase his amassed wealth and serve as a testament to the Gilded Age. With his love for tropical weather in Miami and the Italian Renaissance, he decided to combine both worlds forming what is now known as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

When I arrived at the entrance, I was amazed to see how many European elements I was able to recognize and later learn. It’s in these elements that you gain a better glimpse of how grand of a visionary that James Deering was as well as his rationale for these visions. For instance, I wasn’t aware of the moat filled with cacti that encompassed the villa. It served as a thoughtful addition not only as a symbol of royalty but as security from his treasured wealth. As we made our way behind the villa, we saw a Spanish caravel representing the historic vehicle that brought an influx of materials from the Old World into the Americas, causing the triangular trade of goods and slaves. Inside the villa, we were greeted with various Roman sculptures, ancient tapestries, musical instruments, and Italian furnishings that highlighted the key revival elements of the Renaissance.  Additionally, the Neoclassical patterns of the tiles matching the ceiling resembled the symmetrical composition that can be seen with many government buildings in the U.S. and Europe. 

Photographs taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by 4.0

I was also impressed by the advanced technology that set Deering way ahead of his time. For instance, the elevator to deliver food and beverages not only serves as an incentive to flex his wealth but also hints at his forward-thinking visionary mindset. This is the same mentality that enabled him to accomplish whatever he set his mind to, whether it was building his dream villa or as a successful businessman. If he had an elevator for delivering food in the 1920s you best believe he had a refrigerator and vacuum cleaner. Keep in mind, it would be decades later until basic appliances like these become a standard. In modern times, it’s similar to having generative AI access or owning a self-driving car before it’s available to the masses. 

The other element that stood out to me was the various lengths he went to bring the European Renaissance to his villa. Imagine having thousands of people work tirelessly day and night to simply build your home. Majority of these workers happen to be the Bahamians who were unfortunately not treated fairly despite their contributions. As we would later see in Coconut Grove and most developments, Miami wouldn’t be the powerhouse it is today without the sheer efforts of the Bahamians and the Native Indians. 

Photograph by Anik Bobbili /CC by 4.0

Aside from the juxtaposition of the Italian Renaissance with Miami’s diverse flora, the element that struck me the most (and my personal favorite) was the Dionysus statue, the Roman God of wine and pleasures. Standing at the entrance of the villa, Dionysus nobly welcomes new visitors, ultimately reminding them that they are still in Miami, not Europe. With his love for wild parties, sensual pleasures, and himself, Dionysus perfectly symbolizes Miami. As one of the pioneers of Miami, Deering saw no better way than to establish Miami identity early on. 

Dionysus’s effect was even notable when walking in the streets of one of the oldest areas in Miami, Coconut Grove. While important elements of the Grove still remain such as the low-leveled flat homes, the Bahamian churches and a lot of peacocks, the commercial development is also prevalent. Unlike urban Miami however, it offers a fair balance of complexes and spaced out residential homes and churches. I also noticed the Mediterranean revival architecture in the churches we visited, further exemplifying Deering’s influence beyond Vizcaya.

Photograph by Anik Bobbili / CC by 4.0

Overall, my visits to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens allowed me to experience a glimpse of Europe during the Renaissance and recognize a plethora of symbolic elements. For someone who has never visited Europe, Vizcaya has definitely done a wonderful job portraying various architectural styles of it all in one place. The influence of Deering’s vision and the Bahamian and indigenous populations involved in building the villa were also seen as we explored Coconut Grove. After learning more about the history and witnessing the development of both places, I can’t help but embrace my city even more. 

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Everglades as Text

“South Florida’s Backyard”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, March 24,2024

(All Photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0)

Despite being located close enough to be considered  “my backyard”, the Everglades never fails to intrigue me. In fact, the school I went to for K-8, Somerset Academy, is right next to the US-27 highway that spans across the Everglades’ outskirts. Due to its proximity, it’s common to see species of iguanas, frogs, chameleons, reptiles, amphibians, and insects on the walk to class. There have even been occasions where we had to evacuate the premises as couple alligators made their way from a canal and tried to break through the school fence. The Everglades is home to 8 diverse ecosystems, a majority of which I’ve experienced in the Deering Estate and Vizcaya class excursions. Although I have seen the Everglades from an outside angle and encountered a glimpse of its diverse flora and fauna, I can’t say I really visited the inside until this trip.

As its nickname, the “River of Grass” implies, the Everglades is ultimately a network of ecosystems connected by its underground water flow. We were able to see this when we visited the various solution holes scattered across the pine rock lands. Due to the chemical weathering of the oolite limestone over time, the penetration of water leads to lower water table levels in the underground aquifers. In the two solution holes we visited, there were a variety of small fishes as well as dragonflies swarming around the vicinity.

The Everglades also has one of the largest mangrove ecosystems found in the Western Hemisphere. For the next part of our excursion, we explored a type of mangrove called a “cypress dome” where cypress trees of 100 feet formed a shape of a dome with the larger trees in the middle and the smaller trees around. To assess the depth of the submerged terrain, we would be given sticks that facilitate the navigation of the terrain. When we reached the cypress dome, at first with the cluster of trees and grass covering the terrain, I thought the water would be much farther down inside the dome (similar to the Deering Estate wet hike). However, in the opening we went through, the water welcomed us upon sight. As I stepped in and descended down, the water despite its murky appearance felt cool. The air was fresher than ever and I felt calm. Then all of a sudden there was a bellow. At first, I thought it was someone starting their car. Then the bellow sounded more like a growl. We soon realized the sound was coming from an alligator nearby. The park ranger assured us that we shouldn’t worry as we outnumber the gator, stand upright, and are “Miami” loud. One part of me just wanted to turn back and end the exploration there. But the other part thought this would perhaps be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be up close to an alligator in the wild. I’m glad I chose the latter because as we sloughed our way deeper inside, Professor Bailly showed us an alligator resting by an “alligator hole”. These holes serve not only as a storage of water but as a breeding ground to nurture fertile offspring. As gruesome as we tend to portray alligators, their alligator holes serve as an oasis for several fauna that need access to water and shelter. They serve as keystone species, or animals that are the backbone to maintaining balance and sustainability in the Everglades.

A notable moment that stuck to me was when we paused our hike and the park ranger read to us an excerpt from Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ book, The Everglades: River of Grass. We all dispersed in separate ways and contemplated the beauty and serenity of the cypress dome. During the moment of silence after, it suddenly became quiet. No more sounds of cars passing by, no more splashes of water. Everything simply became still and one with Mother Nature. We did another moment of silence as we hiked our way from the cypress dome to the prairie marshes. The transition of tall, cypress trees and calm water versus the wide open marsh with sponge-like fungi and viscous water shows how diverse the Everglades can be.  

Overall, the Everglades is the buffer zone that balances out an ever growing population of residents and tourists flocking South Florida. At times, we take our basic necessities for granted and forget the clean source of drinking water and fresh air the Everglades provides to millions of Floridians each day.  In return, we should be mindful of our actions and ensure we do our best to restore the land that buffers an otherwise polluted environment.

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Deering Estate/ Biscayne Bay as Text

“In Honor of the Tequesta”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, April 7,2024

(Photo taken by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0)

This week, we were expected to kayak to the island of Chicken Key and collect any trash that piled up on the coast. Unfortunately, due to the high winds, the kayak was canceled. So instead, we went deep into the Nature Preserves of the Deering Estate with the goal of picking up any plastic and other trash we found. Once everyone got their gloves and recyclable trash bags, we began our search.

As we went deep into the tropical hardwood hammock forest, I imagined myself as part of the Tequesta tribe where we used survival instincts to navigate across the tropical hardwood hammock and mangrove forests and remove any “invasive trash” that didn’t belong. The Tequesta were known to be skilled hunter gatherers and we could clearly see this as throughout our cleanup, there were several shells and crafted instruments with teeth marks, which they used as tools to hunt prey. What fascinates me about the Tequesta is how they were able to use their sharp intuition to determine whether a species is dangerous or not. While some species could be easily noted based on color and appearance such as fire ants, others such as poison ivy may take more “trial and error” to figure out. I also wonder if they navigated the forests in a single file pattern (like how we did last excursion) or split into smaller groups in hopes of finding more food and resources (like how we did this class). The first time we hiked in Deering, we were small cubs learning the environment from our pack leader, Professor Bailly. Now that we have grown a bit and earned some freedom, it enabled us to use our own instincts to navigate across the forest and better visualize how the Tequesta lived.  I couldn’t imagine how the Tequesta were able to deal with getting tangled in the spider webs as every time I duck a branch I’d be covered with a spider web. But they are used to it and have bigger challenges to worry about. Despite their innovative problem solving approach as hunter gatherers and immense resilience to the wildest of predators, the Tequesta unfortunately weren’t able to decipher the minds of the Europeans who took advantage of their “live and let live” nature. 

After the first part of our cleanup, we collected roughly 20 bags of garbage and decided to take a lunch break. For the second part, we moved over to the mangrove forest. Me and some of my peers decided to have some fun by crossing a creek with an array of mangrove tree roots serving as a “bridge” to cross the other side. I pictured that we were a Tequesta tribe in search of new “tools” (or plastic bottles in our case) and assess whether this new territory would be a safe relocation for the rest of the tribe. Crossing the creek was my favorite part of the trip as it was amazing to see each of us help each other out and communicate which branch to step on and which to avoid. Unlike the wet hike before in Deering and the Everglades where we walked through knee-deep water, this time our challenge was to avoid it at all costs. Sadly, my foot plunged into the water 4 times, the first two being losing my balance and the other two being accidentally snapping a thin branch. It also was more difficult as I was carrying two bags filled with plastic bottles and didn’t have a tight grip with the gloves I was wearing. It’s interesting to think that the Tequesta crossed mangrove roots like this all the time and took the risk of carrying their children on top. I wouldn’t be surprised if they let their children cross the creeks themselves as a way for them to literally think on their feet and become more risk-tolerant. It’s basically a playground for them. 

Overall, while we weren’t able to kayak and clean up Chicken Key, we still got to clean up more than 40 bags of trash in tropical hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests of the estate and explore deeper into the habitat and lifestyle of the Tequesta. Whether it’s crossing the mangrove roots or determining what’s safe to touch or not, it’s small activities like these that shaped the Tequesta into successful hunter gatherers who made the most out of their resources. Their proactive mindset, creativity, and risk tolerant attitude are the qualities I like most about them and it’s something that we can all learn from. 

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South Beach as Text

“All That Glitters is not Gold”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, April 21, 2024

(All Photographs taken and edited by Anik Bobbili / CC by. 4.0)

“There’s almost nothing natural about Miami Beach, it all had to be created.” I couldn’t agree more with this quote by Frank Luca, the Chief Librarian of the FIU Wolfsonian. When I was walking to the South Pointe Pier, I was captivated by the inviting sand, pristine waters, and vibrant atmosphere that I thought was too good to be true. Turns out, a century before Hollywood filmed a million movies here, the island now known as Miami Beach was once a swampy wasteland filled with mangroves. These mangroves serve not only as a habitat for the Seminoles and other land/aquatic species, but also serve as a line of defense when hurricanes invade. Where most people saw it as a typical South Florida ecosystem, Carl Fisher saw dollar signs. He envisioned a vacation paradise where him and his car pals would have the time of their lives. After he purchased the land, he was now the “ruler” and used the Bahamians and Seminoles as cheap labor to advance his development plans. However, by cutting down hundreds of mangroves and replacing them with sand brought from northern Florida, Fisher failed to view the bigger picture. The Hurricane of 1926 severely damaged the land, killed and injured thousands, and cost millions in repairs. He continued his foolishness as the Bahamian and Seminoles who literally constructed his dream city were compensated with a lifetime ban from visiting the beaches.  Without them, Fisher’s dream would never turn into fruition. 

Fisher also had an aversion towards the Jews and prohibited them from living in certain areas of Miami Beach and entering certain hotel properties. What was once “a small town where everybody knew everybody-whites and blacks…became a hell-hole after the railroad arrived and Carl Fisher developed Miami Beach.” as Marvin Dunn puts it in his book “Black Miami in the Twentieth Century.” Just like how Fisher can only see through people’s outside characteristics, the same also applies when constructing his vision for Miami Beach. If he had been more empathetic and considered different people’s viewpoints, he could have easily built a more efficient, smarter city. 

On the bright side of Miami Beach, I was fascinated by the city’s architecture comprising three styles: Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Miami Modern (MiMo). Especially when we were at Ocean Drive, the row of Art Deco buildings and their distinctive features such as the Rule of Three Stories, colorful pastel highlights, ziggurat rooflines, curved edges, and eyebrows are a sight to see. We also got to see the Villa Casa Casuarina or Versace’s Mediterranean revival style mansion. The way he was suddenly gunned down as he was entering his mansion was a historic example of Miami’s notorious reputation for crime in the 90s. One of Miami’s most popular nicknames is “Vice City” which is no surprise as it used to be the capital for drug trafficking, money laundering, and other high-profile crimes. The crime along with its attractive landscape and hedonistic lifestyle was also an inspiration for the popular video game GTA Vice City. Hollywood is also a huge fan of filming scenes in Miami Beach. In fact, we even got to see the staircase set that was used in the 1983 classic movie “Scarface”. South Beach is also famous for its yearly South Beach Wine and Food festival(SOBEWFF) that I got to take part in as a volunteer. It’s an amazing experience getting to interact with guests and celebrities from all around the globe. SOBEWFF provides economic benefits as well. In fact, all the net proceeds go towards FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality. 

After walking around South Beach, I came to realize it’s not as perfect as it may appear. While it exceeds the eye test and brings significant revenue to Miami and FIU students, it’s had a rough past that must be realized so we prevent occurrences like this in the future. Regardless, it was still a fun experience getting to explore the highlights of the beach from its pier, riding on a trolley, walking around Ocean Drive, and spending a good time with friends and unofficial tour guide, Professor Bailly. 

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Miami Final Reflection

“One of a Kind”

By Anik Bobbili of FIU, April 21, 2024

Photo taken by Professor Bailly / CC by 4.0

To this day, Miami never fails to surprise me. From the skyscrapers of downtown to deep inside the Everglades, it’s impressive how diverse Miami truly is. But more than that, I am surprised how many first time adventures I got to experience. For instance, I’ve never gone hiking at all let alone deep into the preserves of Deering and slough slog in the cypress dome of the Everglades. I was literally 20 feet away from an alligator in its natural habitat and even got to stand right next to an asleep one at the park site. As a child, I used to be afraid of snakes, lizards, spiders, and alligators so I am glad I got to face my fears. After this class, I also noticed that I feel more comfortable exploring the outside world whether it’s nature or downtown. I think to myself, “If I was in the same waters as a gator and was in wildlife territory, I would feel confident to go on my own or show my family what I’ve learned.” I became more independent and open-minded to new experiences that my past self would have naturally avoided so I am grateful for that. 

After visiting different parts of Miami such as the Overtown, Coconut Grove, Deering Estate, Vizcaya, South Beach, and the Everglades, I am better able to connect the dots of our history and the development that led Miami to the cosmopolitan powerhouse it is known as today. We got to visit the archaeological site where humans have lived for thousands of years and learn about the Tequesta, the Native Indian group who inhabited Biscayne Bay and other parts of South Florida long before the Seminoles or Spaniards arrived.  We also learned that the city of Miami wouldn’t have been built without the hard work of the Bahamians. They even helped the Deering brothers out with the construction of the Deering Estate and the Vizcaya Villa, two sites our class got to explore. We got to visit and explore where the majority of Bahamians reside in, Coconut Grove. It was interesting to observe the juxtaposition between the historical sites and communities of Miami and the new commercial development. We first saw this with one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami, Overtown where the African American workers who helped Flagler urbanize Miami were relocated to. Even when we are there, the buildings that once attracted famous black artists and iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali are slowly being washed up by the highway expansion and condo construction. A similar occurrence happened with South Beach as Fisher destroyed the natural mangroves and kicked the Bahamians and Seminoles out after they helped build his developments. 

History, although important, has been a relatively boring subject for me. But how it’s done in Miami in Miami, where Professor Bailly lectures each place and we get to observe the history ourselves has made me see for myself the truth. After all, most of the history is written by the victors so we only learn from the past what they wrote and their perspective. In our case, we get to walk through the very own forests the Native Indians inhabited and after gaining knowledge of each place, we can effectively connect the dots and map out a better visual of our past. I mentioned this before, but after learning so much about the Tequesta, Seminoles, Bahamas, African Americans, and interactions with the Spanish and British, I learned so much about our state and city’s history that my previous textbooks never even mentioned. 

Most importantly, I am glad I got to grow out of my shell and embark on this journey with my peers and professor. I am also glad I got to make friends outside a traditional classroom setting and got to know their authentic selves. The countless memories we made is one to cherish.

Art Encounter as a Text

“What art do I like?” by Nathalie Morlote of Florida International University, January 18, 2024

Photograph taken by Nathalie Morlote // CC by 4.0

Both of my parents were born outside of the country, coming here in their early twenties in search of a new life filled with new opportunities. When my brother and I were born, my parents consistently sought to provide us with the best education and resources they could. My mother would drive hours throughout the day, ensuring my brother and I went to school and learned everything we needed to have a better future and more opportunities than they had. I’ve lived my whole life in Miami, and thanks to them, I was able to learn about a lot of different topics surrounding different subject. One thing, however, that I have very limited knowledge on is art.

I have always admired art from afar, but never had much affinity to learning their background, which is something I know will change over the course of this class. I am fond of paintings with textures and color. I want to say that one of my favorite artists has to be Monet, though I don’t know enough about other artists to give any comparisons. I hope that by the end of this course, I will have a new favorite artist, one that I actually know their history and their background.

My favorite type of art is realism. I love staring at art and not knowing whether it is a painting or a photograph. I am always in such awe that people have so much talent and patience to produce such an intricate and detailed art piece. On the same note, I highly admire sculptures. The ones I have in mind are roman statues; they have so much detail and preciseness. Personally, I aspire to be a doctor in the future, so seeing the human body sculpted to such accuracy is simply mind blowing to me. How a rock was molded to such a smooth and precise texture, I will never know. Every vein and muscle, every small minute detail is depicted, and that is something I can greatly admire.

In reality, I am not afraid to admit that I have no real knowledge about the art world and the way it works. I know nothing about artists, nor how to interpret art. I would love to learn more about the why for artists. To be able to look at a painting and know its past and its reason for being painted or drawn or sculpted. I know that every piece must have a history and a story behind it, and I would love to be a part of that. I believe that knowing these stories would give me so much more insight on the art and the artist. I would be able to look at these paintings and sculptures with more than just my eyes, but with my mind and heart. I would love to be able to see these pieces through a different lens, one that is completely subjective and full of passion. I am very excited to see what this class is going to teach me and what I will learn about art.

Norton as Text

“But you didn’t.” by Nathalie Morlote of Florida International University, January 28, 2024

Visiting the Norton Museum contained a lot of firsts for me. It was the first time I drove more than an hour anywhere by myself as well as the first time I had ever seen such renowned art. You always hear of famous artists: Picasso, da Vinci, Van Gogh– but more often than not we are led to believe that seeing such art is only possible by taking a plane, enduring a 14-hour flight, and walking into a museum in Florence, Italy. Yet, I was proven wrong. I had the privilege of seeing, for the first time, a painting made by Picasso, another by Van Gogh, and finally (my favorite) art by Monet.

The thing about hearing the same artistic names throughout the course of your entire life is that you have very high expectations for their art. Standing there, in front of the oh-so-famous Picasso’s art, I was astounded. I was astounded not because his art was revolutionary, but because how something so simplistic could get so much recognition. How could something so ordinary get so much attention from art connoisseurs, other artists, or even the common person? I began to think about how, given enough time in the right painting supplies, I would be able to reproduce the painting with close to no artistic experience. I am almost 100% certain that I am not the only one who thought the same thing. In fact, many of my peers expressed their shock with similar statements. Then professor Bailly said something that I think applies to many things in life. He talked about how many people say ‘I can do that’ or ‘I can do better’ but the thing is, they didn’t.

Picasso is famous not because of his art, but because of the context of his art during his time. People mention nowadays how ordinary and uninteresting his art may seem insisting that they could paint something similar, but they didn’t. Picasso represents the idea of a new style of painting, one of which was unheard of at the time, nobody else did that, Picasso did. Professor Bailly made me think of it this way: things are special because they’re different and because they represent something that hasn’t been seen before, not necessarily because they’re the most visually appealing or the most technically interesting. Of course, this has applications in the art world but also to real life.

Two decade ago technology wasn’t available to the common person in terms of items such as computers. Nowadays computers aren’t almost every home in America. Computers were new and they were special. In today’s day and age, a computer is just another thing—they’re ordinary and everyone has them. Picasso’s art has a similar concept in the sense that it was new, it was different, and it was special. We may think we can paint like Picasso, but in reality, we would’ve never thought to paint like Picasso if he hadn’t done so first.

Margulies/Bakehouse as Text 

“Art can be different.” by Nathalie Morlote of Florida International University, February 11, 2024

The trip to The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse was impactful in changing the way that I view art. I want to say that in general I tend to gravitate toward more traditional art. More realistic pieces with landscapes or renaissance art where there is much detail and thought behind the painting. After this trip, I have a different view about art, and the real meaning behind it. It does not always have to realistic per say, or intricate. Sometimes the lack of detail is what makes it special, leaving more to the viewers’ interpretation.

One such example of this can be seen through the work done by Marcel Duchamp. The submission of a urinal as art was a bold and revolutionary move that defied conventional norms of what art was defined as during this time. Duchamp was able to shift the focus from the artist’s skill and craftsmanship to more abstract and interpretational aspects of art. By challenging the idea that art had to be a unique and requiring excessive skill and talent, Duchamp invited viewers to change their preconceptions about what could be considered art.

Duchamp’s radical and never before heard of approach opened up new possibilities for artistic expression, that emphasizes the viewers ideas, concepts, and intellectual engagement rather than the craftsmanship and skillfulness of the artist. This shift in perspective of art paved the way for mor a new movement that gained traction during the later half of the 20th century.

One of the ways that he changed the world of art is creating the idea that anyone can create art.

Another really impactful aspect of the trip was our visit to the Bakehouse. I was amazed at getting a chance to view the life of an artist from their point of view. Speaking to different artists gave me more insight on how their art is created and the thought behind it. Seeing how different shapes and colors mean more than just their appearance of shapes and colors. One artist described their own use of triangles, for example, as a language, going on to elaborate how the use of different shapes represents different artistic languages. Additionally, getting to see how the differences in an artists’ environment changes their art and the way they see their work was really interesting. Not being an artist myself, I failed to see how working from one’s home might be different than working in a studio, not only because of the difference in the place, but of the people and objects in that place. Their art reflects their environment, which makes it much more impactful to think about.

Overall, I think that this trip has impacted the way that I view art and expanded it into new horizons that I definitely had never seen before. I am able to view art as more than the painting or the sculpture in front of me, but as something that was impacted by several different aspects of any different artist that may have created it. Art is so much more that what we can see with our own two eyes, and this trip helped me realize that.

Art Wynwood as Text

Every experience I have had at an art museum or exhibition has been thanks to this class and to Miami in Miami. Being able to experience art fairs a way that I normally never would have is something I am very grateful for. Seeing art in different shapes and forms, like many of the contemporary piece in Art Wynwood, has made me want to experience art in this manner more often. I have found, however, that attending such events can get quite pricey buying on your own.

I find it very interesting that art is, in a way, a bridge connecting all kinds of people together. Anyone can be an artist, as established mostly by contemporary art. You do not necessarily need expensive canvas, pricey paints, or extremely defined technical skill per say.  You do not have to have money to make art, or to say, make good, meaningful art. People who make this market possible, however, tend to have money and a passion. The people facilitating fairs such as Art Wynwood go there with intentions of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on art made by everybody. Artists’ backgrounds, ethnicities, life stories, and hardships become a part of their art, making it that much more impactful in their work.

I can only speak for myself, but seeing art with a story and a meaning behind it has more appeal to me as a passerby than art that is more conventionally beautiful. However, that is not to say that art with perfect technicality to it is not as appealing. I think that finding the beauty and the intrigue of the artist within their art is something that I have learned through this class, given that before, I would look at art more superficially. Once you start looking at art as a collection of thoughts, emotions, and life it becomes something that is more impactful than a picturesque acrylic landscape on a canvas.

That is all to say, Art Wynwood offered a variety of art that, to me, served leagues more than the typical oil pointing would. There was digital art, motion art, art involving lights and movement, etc. There were so many different types of art forms and mediums that I personally had never been exposed to, which made it all such a delightful experience for me, being able to see everything for the first time with people who knew more about the background of each piece. I love getting to chat with the gallery owners, as they passionately got to explain the works they were displaying, along with some information about the artist and the meaning behind the art. My favorite pieces had to have been those by Vicente Hernandez, who focused on Cuban culture, history, and politics to create his art. Being of Cuban descent it was representative of what I have had the opportunity to hear from family members embodied within a canvas full of wit and symbolism of the Cuban government.

Rubell Museum/ Emmerson Dorsch as Text

This past class we had the opportunity to visit two very beautiful places: the Rubell Mueseum and Emmerson Dorsch. In the Rubell Museum, I was exposed to different kinds of art, my favorites which were the Yayoi Kusama rooms and the America sign. The Yayoi Kusama rooms were both stunning and immersive, allowing you to become part of the art itself. It is something I believe is truly unique within the art world, and something that I have found to be more common in contemporary art. The America sign, however, was a great example of art that is deceptively simple without the story behind it. Once the story is understood, the art becomes something with more depth and significance. The neon sign looked like something you would put in your room or as somewhat of a decorative piece that had a slight flicker. The story behind it added more depth to the flicker as the sign of the wavering of America. It shows intention behind the piece.

Alhtough the art in the Rubell museum was beautiful, I found the trip to Emmerson Dorsch to be extremely insightful into how the art world works and operates. Daniel Clapp and Ibett Yanez provided us with details about the transaction of art that I believe many other art curators or art preparators would otherwise like to keep closer to their chests. We learned about the unregulated market of art, and how people control the output of art from a certain artist to ensure their art remains ‘uncommon’ and valuable. We learned about how people who choose to buy art to sell at auctions ultimately end up winning, rather than the artist themselves. The artists generally end up losing in terms of money, since it is not uncommon for galleries to have the opportunity to sell the pieces at a much larger price point than they bought them. I do understand, however, the risk of not being able to sell the piece at all and losing the money. Though it seems odd to me that the artist does not get a portion of the money when their piece is sold, given that ‘their’ art is no longer theirs in terms of technicality, rather the gallery’s.

What I found to be most interesting though, was the brief mention of the change in an artist’s life after their art becomes popular. One often believes that an artist’s biggest accomplishment is becoming renowned and well-known, selling art at high prices. However, Mr. Clapp and Ms. Yanez talked about several instances of artists disappearing due to their success and high demand for their art. It was impactful to me to see how much passion artists have for what they do, and the money aside is incidental; if there is a choice, many artists will chose to go out of the art scene, beside their success, and continue to do what they love. We don’t talk about artists who leave the scene often enough, nor do we acknowledge the kind of stress it puts on their work when their pieces are in high demand, rather we just expect them to come up with art, each piece better than the last.

PAMM as Text

Our visit to the Perez Art Museum was very unique in many ways. Though we have been visiting different art scenes throughout the course of the semester, I found that this trip was more impactful. The first thing that I would say impacted me the most was the intentionality of everything. The through behind the seating outside of the museum, the architecture of the building, the layout of the shade, etc. Everything, even before entering the museum itself, was artistic in its own way. The way the whole environment around the PAMM was set up was meant to invite everyone in, or at least offer a place for anyone to be. The seating had shade, which is something that is much needed in Miami, and areas to sit and either relax, take in the scenery, or study. Either way, it was very inviting and refreshing to see how thoughtful the placement of all the components was, something I would say is unique. I say this since many of the museums we have been to thus far have offered a plethora of beautiful art inside, but not many (if any) have offered such thought and intentionality to the functionality and beauty of the outside of the building containing said art.

Another thing I considered impactful inside of the museum itself was the exhibition ‘Public Enemy’ by Gary Simmons. His depiction of thought-provoking art concerning the prevalent issue of slavery was very meaningful. Everything in all of the piece had so much meaning behind them, where every detail was part of the art, adding something more. It was the type of art that meant more the longer you stared at and analyzed all its small details and connecting parts. One of the most emphasized pieces in the collection was the work titled ‘Lineup’ where there was a line up chart with golden shoes and no people. Upon further inspection, you can see that the shoes are representative of shoes worn stereotypically by African Americans. The work served as a visualization of African Americans placed in prison, without actually putting any people in the piece. Everything was purely hinted at, and the viewer is the one that puts all the clues together to interpret the piece. His most impactful piece, however, was one where there was the full KKK attire, sized for children. This was such a strong piece that indicated that racism is taught at such a young age, and these children were being indoctrinated with the beliefs that some human beings were “lesser than” because of the color of their skin.

Finally, I loved being able to create a zine, and do something as a whole with my peers. We got to implement and experiment with our own art, after seeing so many different pieces at so many different museums and art exhibitions. Overall, I loved to be able to see a variety of pieces representing a wide array of issues, and be able to express my own art after experiencing such great works.

Wolfsonian/Oolite as Text

I always enjoy being able to meet artists and learn more about their process. Going to the Oolite Arts was an amazing experience that I wish we could’ve experience more of. Getting to meet artists and ask questions about what their art was about, how they created it, and their reasons for their process gave me more insights on how versatile and creative making art can really get. It is typical to think of art as a sculpture or a painting or even an exhibition, but these artists added their own creative process to their art, which to me made it so much more unique and enticing.

One of my favorite artists that we got to speak to was Diana. Her process involved making her own dyes for her tapestries. She used things like plants and insects to make all of the pigments she would need for her art and was very particular about either growing all of the plants herself or sourcing the insects from a small business. I was able to see the bugs she made her pigments from and learn more about how different pH liquids would lead to a different color of dye. Ordinarily, one would see her work, and although her art is beautiful itself, knowing her process and the intention behind it made it so much more meaningful and beautiful in my eyes. Another artist that had such a unique process that stuck with me was Lee. He was particularly interested in stained glass, which he himself made in a crockpot. His resourcefulness and aim to support sustainability through his art was really inspiring and quite impressive.

The second half of the class was spent at the Wolfsonian museum, where I was able to learn a little bit more about Miami before I was born, and how it came to be what it is today. We were shown a series of brochures, which were interesting to see, given that they were advertising living in Miami to people living up north. They would picture women in bathing suits and warm, sunny beaches. They would add areas of tennis, polo, and other amenities typically associated with upper class wealthy individuals. Miami was catering to a certain demographic of people, which quickly changed with the Great Depression. It was fascinating to see first-hand the artifacts of actual post cards, brochures, and posters that were handed out to the people living here around a hundred years ago. We also got to see different strategies that were used to demonize Germans during the second world war, and how that art played a role in moving the American sentiment against the actions of the Germans who were considered devils.

I found this class to be very insightful to learning more about creative ways to express art. These ways could be in the process of creating art, adding more meaning and intention behind the pieces. I learned about the history of the city I live in, and how we convinced people to live here. Overall, I would say that it was a successful trip!

Art Final Reflection as Text

As a class, we spent a whole semester going from museums to art fairs to galleries, seeing what the famed art world had to offer. I came into the class knowing who Vincent Van Gogh was, I came out of it knowing I had seen one of his works. The furthest I had driven from home was Key Biscayne, now it’s the Norton Museum (worth it). Though the changes and milestones hit seem trivial, I feel like I have learned and grown a lot in my development through the course of this class.

In the latest class, we were able to go to the FIU Frost Museum, which I feel is a full circle moment. I was able to go there for the first time before I was admitted into FIU, and explored it, not knowing what I was looking at, really. Now, we were able to go there with a new set of eyes, after an entire semester of seeing different art in a variety of settings. Being back at the Frost Museum, as our last location, felt almost poetic. I was able to see things under a new lens, asking myself questions about the pieces we were asked to examine, taking things in in a way that I know I did not do the first time around. I feel like that is a perfect example of how my view on looking at and appreciating art has changed since starting this class, and really taking the time to understand and interpret the piece in front of me rather than looking at it superficially.

My favorite classes are those where we get to experiment on our own with different art styles (despite my lack of talent in the artistic realm). Prior to this class, I had never known that there was a paper out there that reacted with the sun to pigment the sheet. Being able to gather items around me and experiment with them helped me be more creative than I was when we did, for example, the Zines. Being given a set object and having to work with it, making it express what I want to it to is a lot more difficult and constraining than being able to draw, paint, or sculpt whatever I want. Because of this, I felt like I was forced to think outside of the metaphorical box to come up with what I could make with what I had (in my case I had picked up a plastic fork and knife from Chili’s). This also helped me reflect on other artists. Some artists have limited resources and do what they can with what they have, and this activity served as a great reminder of that. It gave me that much more appreciation and awe to the creativity and innovation they are able to express with such restrictions.

Overall, I would take this class again, and would give it 5 stars if I had the option to. I do recommend it to everyone who has ears though.

Stephanie Reyes is a senior at Florida International University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Her family is Venezuelan and Colombian, and she was born in Ontario, but raised in Miami. While her current ambitions strive toward attending law school in the future, Stephanie has a passion for forming new experiences, performing arts, and travel.

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Art Encounter as Text

Growing up in Miami, I learned to love the city for all its parts. From the shores to the cities to the suburbs, there is so much to see and learn about. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to be emersed in such a culturally diverse city and feel as though I still have so much more to discover. I find myself to be very observant, tending to have my eyes linger longer on the little details around me and in artwork. Analyzing and taking in all aspects of a piece could lead to connections to social issues, time periods, and certain events that one wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

My family loves to visit a particular restaurant, El Rinconcito Paisa, not only for its delicious food but its beautiful interior design. I found myself admiring the details in the mock roofing tiles inside the restaurant, which are authentic to the style used in Colombia, as well as the overall ambiance of the restaurant. There’s a wall of the restaurant that is a mural of what reminded my father of a Colombian town and heightened his sense of nostalgia.

I love to listen to the way people interpret and just think in general about art. Art makes our society so unique and is in so many aspects of our lives without giving it a second thought. I have the utmost respect for those who are able to create works that capture important aspects of society. Art is an amazing form of expression: there are so many different kinds of art that can cater to so many unique perspectives and this is what I believe makes it beautiful.

I have always loved history, and believe art is one of the best ways to capture it. We see pieces from historical archives and immediately connect them with specific periods in time. I am excited to be introduced to more contemporary art through the course and understand how these pieces are capturing our modern events, issues, and emotions overall.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the art culture of Miami, I still have aspects I could be aware of, but it doesn’t come as a shock that Miami is a center for contemporary art. My knowledge of certain types of artistry such as paintings and photography extends to what I have learned from the exhibits displays at the Museums I have visited. I admire contemporary pieces and how someone is able to convey so much in a single piece, and I am eager to branch out to places and understand more pieces from different perspectives.

I look forward to the course and experience as a whole, as I feel there are so many places I have yet to experience. I don’t mainly anticipate one event over the other but am eager to visit each place to see different pieces and experience as much as I can in the city I call home. I love Miami but I would love to know more about the enriching history through the lens of artists.

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Norton as Text

 The Norton Museum was a unique experience in providing views and styles of art that have progressed since the 14th century. As noted during the beginning of the lecture, art has been an important part of society, it was mentioned that artists would be left to work on their pieces while others would be left to do other necessities. This aspect paints a picture of how valuable art is and was, even in the early points of civilization.  

The Renaissance marked an incredible period of innovation within art, and it was wonderful to see it through the displays. One of the biggest points of the tour that stood out to me was the section of art that tied in with religious context. When we compare depictions of the Virgin Mary in The Madonna and Child in Majesty by Florentine, with The Immaculate Conception by Giordano, one can see the progression when it comes to detail, shadowing and highlighting, and overall realism from the 14th century to the mid 17th century. Not only do we see a change in technical aspects of art, but also in the way those connect religion with these images. 

Although many see the latter depiction of the Virgin Mary and Jesus to be a talent to honor the two, it can be considered sacrilegious work and was controversial in its time. In earlier depictions, the proportions of the image, body position of Jesus and Mary, and lack of dimension allow a sort of loophole around the prohibition of creating and worshipping visual images of God. However, as we progress through the centuries, these depictions become more complex, and by placing Jesus and Mary in a more human-like context, a visual image of them is then created. 

From the 18th century, there was a switch to feature more landscape scenes as opposed to religion-based ones. The switch introduced new methods of art, marking a move from Baroque to Neoclassicism. The rise of impressionism also stood out, with artists trying to capture in a sense, living moments. The individual markings with the brush with a more textured finish, as opposed to solid blocks of color, create a detailed visual that changes with perspective. As with the painting pictured above by Alfred Sicily, whose image of trees, grass, and water becomes more whole when focusing on the picture versus its individual parts. The technique of painting does a more in-depth depiction of nature that is more accurate to a real-life feeling. 

It was incredibly interesting to see how different styles have emerged as time goes on, and the heavy contrasts between what we see from the Renaissance period versus more contemporary work. Some modern abstract pieces may look like nothing more than simple brush strokes and random pieces stitched together, but upon closer inspection, tell a much bigger story. Noting how artists have played with multiple viewpoints within one frame such as with cubism, I am curious as to how art will develop to provide more innovative perspectives of our world. We think everything has been discovered before we discover it, although I won’t be around to see how art progresses for the coming centuries, it’s exciting to think about.

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Margulies / Bakehouse as Text

Going through the Margulies collection was a very unique experience. I was originally unaware of the area in which the collection is located, and as such, unfamiliar with the history behind it. The warehouse has provided three decades of art education to thousands of students and other visitors as an important contribution to art in the area. 

A piece in the collection that initially stood out to me was Die Erdzeitalter, by Anselm Kiefer (pictured above). Firstly, for its sheer size, and secondly for its composition. With the stacked layers of unfinished canvases, dried sunflowers, and rubble, the work is made up of materials a typical person would consider to be trash or useless. However, Kiefer takes these materials to speak on a larger topic of the history of evolution and the destructive nature of time. The rubble and the positioning of the canvases create a representational relationship between the Earth, humans, and how cruel time can be. 

Another piece by Kiefer, Geheimnis der Farne, a group of 48 large frames, incorporated dried ferns, sunflowers, and other plants to allude to the beginning of history. Plants have been on our Earth before humankind, and the incorporation of both Earthly materials as well as man-made canvases reflects on humans in relation to the Earth and time. 

The idea of taking something that could be considered as scraps, trash, or any unexpected material, and turning it into a piece stood out to me from the visit. This idea translates similarly to the idea presented in Adler Guerrier’s work when we visited Bakehouse. The artist has stencils of shapes that are reused throughout their work. These seemingly mundane shapes are applied in these different contexts to give them a new meaning in each work. Shapes can be manipulated to represent just about anything you would want them to, and in turn, heavily represent the versatility that comes with art. Similarly, to scraps or unfinished canvases, one wouldn’t typically think to have just a simple stencil of a shape as a symbol within a work. 

Visiting another artist studio, Morel Doucet, we got to experience a different form of art making, as well as a new perspective. The sculptures the class was able to see in his studio were breathtaking, as I can only imagine the amount of time and dedication it takes to create such intricate pieces. Doucet explained how in some of his other works, he will take parts of the environment from which he wants to represent and incorporate it into the work itself. Doucet centers his work around cultural issues and brings about important topics such as migration and displacement of black communities. The inspiration behind most of the work in Doucet’s collection makes the utilization of the flora and fauna from these areas, that much more impactful. It is a series of works that trigger deep thought about community concerns and are reflective of the mistreatment of these communities.  

It was incredible to be able to interact with these artists and collector to gain a bit more insight into the thought process behind creating these works, and how specific pieces stand out and are put together to create collections.

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Art Wynwood as Text

Art Wynwood was an amazing setting where our class got to witness how artists and collectors come together in an environment to not only appreciate but collect. Through this experience, I was able to better understand how each piece is viewed differently, and what makes each artist unique. From surrealism to interactive pieces, to sculptures, and even political commentary, Art Wynwood displayed a variety of pieces, each one just as interesting and unique as the next. The rotation of pieces put on display allows for a fresh experience every time the event takes place. 

Near the beginning of the tour, I found myself fixated on a piece by Humberto Calzada, Space – The Text of Memory. I appreciated the incredibly crisp lines that look like they could have been created through technology. The preciseness of the work was incredibly satisfying to me, and it easily ranked as one of my personal favorites from the day. The surrealism in the piece also made it more interesting the more I looked at it, with the staircase cutting off at the horizon and the doors that seem to lead to more interesting spaces. Scenery pieces will always draw my attention, but the detail in this particular work made it stick differently for me.

At the end of our tour around the venue, we spoke to artist Teresa Diehl about her installation Ojitos Para que Te Tengo. The installation consisted of projector images displaying videos of what looked to be armed forces, quotes such as “an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind” and “ojitos para que te tengo,” and strings of AI generated images of human eyes hanging in the center of the space. The space stood out to me immediately as we approached it, probably being the most memorable from the exhibition. Mixing politics and art can be heavily controversial, however I love this piece and the message it puts out. The piece changes and looks slightly different from every angle as you walk through it, mirroring the complexity of the issues we face in the world. 

As Diehl explained more about the installation, the underlying meaning of the work stood out to me because there is a connection with it, what it strives to do, and what I’ve been studying to do in the future. The piece calls out leaders who have a constant “eye” on their citizens yet seem to neglect their necessities. The title of the piece Ojitos Para que Te Tengo brought me to the idea of, what we have eyes for, if we are to just ignore what is going on around us. As I prepare for a career in law, there is a big emphasis on the importance of service, and helping those who cannot help themselves. The piece correlates with and reminds me of why I wanted to get into the legal field in the first place, and for that it is one I will never forget. I believe art that mixes important social issues is essential in keeping a record of developing times.

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Art in Rubell / Emerson Dorsch as Text

The Rubell Museum contained a collection of works that were very thought-provoking. One of my favorite pieces from the museum, and probably one of my favorites throughout the course, is Family, a sculpture by Karon Davis. The piece consists of a mother, a father, and a child who is wearing a backpack. From just looking first glance, one would just think of a typical family sending their child off to school. However, the more I observed the painting I noticed the antlers on each of them, the way they seemed to be huddled together, and what appeared to be a sort of melancholy expression on the parents’ faces. 

The theme of the piece touches on race and violence in the country. The antlers allude to the family being “hunted” just as inequalities and the system have consistently gone after African Americans. The piece also incorporates the concept of fear being tied to sending children to school in our modern day. The sculpture depicts how we live in a world with so much violence, and how we witness this violence revolving in the school system and our society. Davis using her family members and her son, as the casts for the sculpture make it that much more impactful by adding an incredibly personal touch from the artist. 

Another piece that stood out to me due to a personal factor from the artists was La Rivoluzione Siamo Noi (We Are the Revolution). Cattelan inserted himself directly into the work in a way that I had never seen, making a smaller-scale sculpture of himself as the focal point. The piece is entertaining enough on its own, but when coupled with the idea of Cattelan essentially putting himself on display, it calls for much more reflection. When artists produce their work, most times it’s a representation of themselves. Subsequently, when they share their work and have it displayed, they are putting themselves on display as well. 

From the Emerson Dorsch gallery, our class had the chance to hear a perspective from an artist entity that showcases art for a different purpose from what we had originally seen. It was interesting to see the different types of art that were displayed between Emerson Dorsch and, for example, the Rubell collection. Emerson Dorsch, I would say, displays art that is much more capable of being displayed in a more generalized manner, as opposed to, the more unconventional works of art observed at other locations. This places an emphasis on the different types of collections and the purposes they serve. The first location, Rubell, is more for education, catering more toward the general public, and Emerson Dorsch catering more toward collectors. 

From our classes’ conversation with Ibett Yanez del Castillo and Daniel Clapp, we got to understand how sales and attracting people to a showing keeps private collections afloat, as they do not receive funding in the way a public museum would. The speakers emphasized that making sales goals is what keeps their cycle afloat and were overall transparent on how private galleries focus on attracting these buyers.

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Art in PAMM as Text

The Perez Art Museum was the only semi-familiar location I recognized. I say “semi-familiar” because even though I had visited this location in the past, the rotation of artworks makes the second visit feel like an entirely different experience.

The most prominent part of the tour, in my opinion, was the Gary Simmons “Public Enemy” exhibit. The first piece upon entering the section was Lineup, which displays a row of golden shoes on a platform, with the background of what appears to be a mugshot background. 

This piece is a powerful one to start with, as the more you stare at the piece, the more your mind wants to fill in the shoes. When picturing the people who are filling the shoes, you take a moment to reflect on who you put in the place of the shoes, and why. In this piece, Simmons wanted to draw upon the stereotyping of black youth as “criminal,” a concept that has become deeply rooted as a problem in society.

Just slightly past Lineup, we reached, Disinformation Supremacy Board, which opened up a discussion and internal reflection surrounding the theme of the work. When I looked at the piece and read the corresponding text, to me, the white chalk on the whiteboard symbolizes not only the push of white supremacy in an educational setting but the idea that by dismissing diversity in education, no one is getting educated. There is no substance or information to be gained from white chalk on a white surface, and thus education loses its meaning as the boards blend into the whiteness of the wall they hang on. 

The work reminded me of the controversy in recent years involving certain educational materials being banned from Florida schools. Legislation has been passed that could be seen as placing a target on books that involve themes of race and racism. This corresponds with the idea of essentially omitting important aspects of education that are pivotal for a truly immersive society. 

After being able to walk around the museum, we had the chance to make our own art in the form of a miniature booklet of sorts, called a “cine.” The project was led by a member of the museum staff, and we were instructed to create our work on whatever we wanted. I will admit I struggled for some time at the beginning trying to think of a theme for my project, but when thinking back to walking around the building, I felt it was only right to create something based on what I gathered from the Gary Simmons exhibit. 

On the front cover, I drew an eye to mimic one of my initial reactions when going through the exhibit. “I see.” Continuing on the inside pages of the mini magazine, I drew divided, old-style schoolhouses to represent an educational divide, an empty chair sitting in front of a blank “lesson plan” to mimic the idea of lost education, an open book with empty pages to continue on the idea, and finally a broken lightbulb to present the idea of the enlightenment and illumination in the educational system being broken. 

Although I would not call myself an artist by any means, having this chance to make my own piece threw me into a space where I could better understand the background that goes into creation. It allowed me to shift my perspective to not focus on elements I just think look good visually put together, but on how feelings and social commentary can be translated into physical manifestations of artwork.

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Art in Oolite / Wolfsonian as Text

Visiting artists in their studios will always be a new and exciting experience for me. The creativity in each artist we got to speak with at the Oolite was so interesting and each cultivates a style that is so different from the next. Toward the end of our tour, Diana Eusebio explained how the colors in the work she does, are pulled from forms of nature. We had the chance to directly see how a certain type of bug, when squished, will release a red dye, and how it varies from one bug to the next. I find it interesting how these subjects in our world, we wouldn’t pay much attention to, however they help us create art. What one wouldn’t consider as “beautiful” can turn into something beautiful. 

When starting our tour of the Wolfsonian, we were able to witness how any type of area of focus can be connected with art. Frank Luca took us into the Wolfsonian’s library section, which I was pleased to learn is available to access. Luca began to ask the group about our majors and proceeded to claim that practically any subject can be connected with some form of art. While taking a look at the shelves of books, I could see titles that, to my surprise, connected art to the world of law, where I see myself in the future. Two titles “Art in Politics” and “Art Law” jumped out at me, immediately piquing my interest. Learning about the library and the collection the Wolfsonian holds opened my mind to thinking more creatively about my assignments.  I had never thought of connecting art in history to any of my term papers, however, thinking back at some of the topics combined with this new experience, I absolutely could have. 

Student and academic engagement coordinator, Molly Channon, had us complete an activity where we would break off into groups and write about a painting together. This exercise was unique to me, and I found myself just sitting and staring at other displays to see what narrative I could make for it, to see how I felt about it, or trying to put myself in the place of those in the picture and reflecting on how it feels. As we each had our own narrative that we would all build upon, it was enriching to see how each person from one group viewed the painting in their unique vision. 

The very last piece we viewed as a tour was the Geneva Window created by Harry Clarke. The visuals and color combinations make the piece incredibly enticing, and the more I viewed it, the more I found myself wrapped in the little details. This work was deemed as “provocative” for its time, and “unrepresentative” of the Irish people, even though the references it makes are specifically to Irish authors. The censorship of the work was in part due to the religious connotations, as it included Protestant authors, and the Roman Catholic church had a large role in politics and culture. Works of art and their history paint a picture of what the period was like, not only through visuals but also in the interactions with the work and the way they are criticized. The way we as a society react to certain subjects will very likely be recorded and reflect ideals and customs to our future generations, keeping memories of the era alive.           

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Art Final Reflection as Text

When looking back at my initial Art Encounter as Text reflection, I’m incredibly satisfied with the amount of knowledge I have gained about the art culture in Miami. Through this course, we had the opportunity to visit various locations, each more unique than the next. We even had the chance to visit artists’ studios, which I was surprised to learn are mostly available to the public to visit. In addition to discovering new art centers, I was pleased with the chance to discover more of Miami in general, as some of these areas I had never visited in the past. I was correct in stating that I had so much more to discover, and even now I still do. 

Before my experiences this semester, I had only visited the Perez Art Museum in Miami, but now I have a whole list of places I plan on visiting again. I knew very little about the art in Miami, and even less about contemporary art. I had a preconceived idea that I would not enjoy contemporary art as much as I enjoyed historical pieces, mainly due to the pure look of the pieces. However, the deeper connections and understanding it takes to analyze contemporary art made it much more appealing to me. 

When I think of art now, I have shifted away from more Renaissance-era pieces and much more inclusive of different styles and mediums. When I look at contemporary art, it is much more difficult to understand the underlying themes right off the bat, however this made everything much more enriching. Having to work on my own and with others to understand the concepts rooted in contemporary art opened my mind to different perspectives on certain matters. Moreover, I now reflect on the time each piece was created, and how it connects to particular parts in history. Art is a window to what a period was like. 

I took this course because I believed it would be a fun way to immerse myself in a different aspect of culture, and it proved to be so. From the first location, I learned so much about the history of art in Miami and how the art district was developed into what it is today. Incredible efforts from those dedicated to sharing art with the world. 

What I didn’t expect, however, was for my favorite location visited, to be the only one I had already been to. The Perez Art Museum included a new exhibition, Gary Simmons: Public Enemy, that had the most lasting impression on me. The pieces included reminded me of why I decided to pursue my chosen career path. A career in law would help me address the same concepts addressed in the works, that is, social justice, inclusivity, and equality. 

My respect for artists only increased following the course. Artists have an ability to capture moments in time like no one else, and in such a unique manner that each piece is so different from the next. This course has given me memories and experiences like no other, and I will forever cherish how these moments have changed my thinking.

“The City”

By Brian Velez of FIU, 18 January 2024

When you first hear about Miami, you might think about its nightlife, long beautiful beaches, and exotic foods. People’s first thought when hearing Miami is never the art or amazing museums that you can find while exploring Miami. I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Miami when I was four. I was never the artsy type and never really enjoyed drawing or painting until I got into high school. When I was in the 10th grade, I had a field trip to the Frost Museum located downtown and this was the first time that I was introduced to the art scene in Miami. It was amazing and I remember it like it was yesterday because I was so astonished with what was going on around me.

My next experience with art was the Wynwood Walls. These walls which contain such beautiful artwork really opened my eyes to how much art is shown throughout Miami. Walking through the street and just seeing all the walls painted with such beautiful designs was mesmerizing. This encounter with art was what made me decide to go to more museums and look at more pieces of artwork throughout Miami. It really opened my eyes to how much meaning art can have.

Of course this does not mean that I am an expert in art. It is actually the complete opposite. I enjoy looking at different pieces of artwork because it makes me feel happy but I have never truly understood the meaning of art. I have also never done research into art to understand the background and also see what each piece of artwork truly means. It makes sense that Miami is one of the leading cities in the world for contemporary art but I never knew this. Contemporary art in Miami often reflects the city’s cultural diversity, with influences from Latin American, Caribbean, and other global art movements. 

I have decided to take this class after listening to one of my friends speak about their experience in a similar course. Art has always peaked my interest but I have never given it the time it requires to fully understand. I decided that there is no better way to understand art than to take a course where you view art and speak about it with other people who are interested in the same thing. I am very excited to step foot into the world of art and there is no better way to do it than with those around you.

The place that I am most excited for is the Norton Museum located in West Palm Beach. The Norton Museum of Art is known for its extensive collection, featuring American, European, Chinese, and contemporary art. It also has a focus on Chinese artwork which I find very unique because of the colors used and the designs exemplified in the paintings. This museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions which feature works from renowned artists which allow guests like me to experience new pieces which you wouldn’t be able to see anywhere else in Florida.

Hiii everyone, My name is Benia Morton. I’m a junior majoring biology on the pre-pa track. I currently work as medical assistant. In my free time I enjoy playing volleyball, modeling and spending time with my dog.

Miami Encounter as Text :

I have now lived in Miami for about 6 months, and I honestly don’t know too much about the history and culture of Miami. What I do know is that Miami is a rich and diverse place with many different cultures. Something that has also stood out to me is how big Miami is. I knew Miami was a big city, I never realized how many different parts there were to it. Someone could say I’m from Miami, and you still would know where they’re really from unless you ask what part. Miami is a melting pot, people from all over the world come to Miami and bring with them their cultures including food, languages, religion, music, and art. The main reason I’m in this class is to learn about Miami’s background and history. When moving to a new city or even just visiting, I love to find out what the city is really about that usually includes taking a tour of the main parts. What kind of people live there, what is it known for. Now that I live in Miami, I would love to know more about it. I also really love food so when I saw that the class description mentioned different foods that really sparked my interest. I also enjoy meeting and interacting with new people and this class offers a unique opportunity to do that. When I think of Miami the first things that come to mind as with most people is the warm weather, palm trees, and the beach. The main place that comes to mind specifically is south beach. Miami is such a big city it’s impossible to see all of it with the amount of class time we have. My expectations of this class are to travel around the city of Miami visiting various places, some well-known and some hidden gems. By the end of the class, I expect to be more familiar with the city as whole as well as what it has to offer. By the end of the class, I hope to be knowledgeable enough to tell others about Miami’s rich history and about all the amazing places I’ve visited. While I’m excited to visit all the of the places that are listed. I am mainly looking forward to visiting south beach and the everglades. Mainly because when most people think of Florida they think of the everglades, I’ve also always wanted to visit the everglades, to see what it looks likes up close. I’m also really curious to see what kind of wildlife live there. I am also excited to visit south beach. I’ve only been to one part, so I’m very curious to see what the surrounding areas have to offer. I bet it also has an interesting background, so I look forward to learning about that. The picture I have attached below is a picture of south beach from when I first moved to Miami.  Miami is a beautiful city and I look forward to exploring it. 

Historic Miami/Overtown as Text

“The history of Overtown” by Benia Morton of FIU at Overtown on January 17. 

On Wednesday January 17, our class visited Overtown. From the very beginning of class to the very end I was shocked by all of the different stories I heard. The first being how Miami itself became a city. As someone of African descent I was shocked about the African American history that has taken place in Miami that I never knew about. Without the black vote Miami might have become the great city it is today. It was unfortunate but not surprising that the first things the whites did was segregate Miami by making all the blacks live in one location. This became a very densely populated area. Because they didn’t have access to many things, they had to make it and get it for themselves. Eventually they end up building this great and lively community that became famous of over the US known as “Little Broadway”.  This community of people were able to create a thriving cultural and business center. 

Our first stop was the historic Greater Bethel Church. As soon I was walking in, I could tell that this church was no ordinary church and I soon learned that my assumptions were right. This small but mighty church was essential to the civil rights. On February 12, 1958, Martin Luther King gave a speech to start of the movement to help gets blacks registered to vote. While here hear from an amazing women Ms. Godfrey, who herself is a member of Greater Bethel. From her we hear stories of Overtown before and after they built a highway straight through it. The insertion of the highway brought great separation to the community. I was astonished to see how close the highway was to churches and other buildings. 

Our next stop was the famous Josephine hotel where famous people such as Josephine Baker, Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday stayed after their shows in Miami Beach. They had to stay in Overtown because they weren’t allowed to spend the night in the hotel near where the just performed huge and sold-out shows. 

Our next few stops include the Dorsey house, and the Lyric center. The Dorsey house was home to Miami’s first black millionaire, Dana Albert Dorsey. He was a prominent businessman and landowner He once even at one point owned Fisher Island which is now the wealthiest community in Miami. You could go the lyric theater and hear James Brown Aretha Franklin and many other greats perform. In 1915 the Miami Metropolis newspaper described the Lyric Theater as “possibly the most beautiful and costly playhouse owned by Colored people in all the Southland.” 

While we saw and visited many interesting and historic places. The ones that I decided to focus on in my write up have more to do with black history as that is something I can closely relate to. The final place I’m going to mention is the William F English plantation slave quarter. This slave quarter later many things including a military storehouse, county courthouse and the Miami post office. 

Although there are many other locations, we saw that I could mention the ones I decided to write about had the most memorable effect on me.

Work Cited 

“About the Historic.” Dunns Josephine, http://www.dunns-josephinehotel.com/about-us/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024. 

“Home.” The Black Archives, http://www.bahlt.org/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024. 

Deering Estate as Text

During our next class, we had the honor of vising the Deering estate.” The Deering estate is Miami’s premier landmark that showcase the best of South’s Florida’s historic architecture” (Immerse yourself in Miami’s cultural tapestry: Deering Estate, museums, and historical sites 2024). In 1985 the estate was purchased by the state of Florida and turned into the “park” that we now see.  The Deering estate contains 8 native ecosystems including the endangered pine Rockland habitat, tropical hardwood hammock, mangrove forest, salt marshes, chicken key and submerged seagrass. I found it very interesting that one could find all of these different and unique eco system in just one place. It covers over 450 acres of land including the earliest sign of human habitation in what is known as the city of Miami.  In the digging site they found the remains of 5 people that were buried in a ritualistic way. This part of the estate isn’t accessible to make people. If you’re lucky enough to see this amazing piece of history good luck trying to not get lost. In order to preserve the natural habit, it is asked that you not take the same path twice so that a formal path is not formed. 

Next, we went inside of the house the House that Charles Deering bought, inside was a beautiful room, which he used to house his art. Inside the house included his wine cellar which as hidden way at the time he used it due to the prohibition, showing that if you have money, you can easily ger around the law.  Inside the cellar was full of hundreds of wine bottles, unfortunately the bottles were empty. As professor Bailly told us about the cellar I couldn’t help but think how much those bottles of wine would cost if they weren’t empty. They would be worth probably thousands of dollars. Outside of the home you could see the Spanish influence is the architecture. In the pillars of the house, you could see different carving of different animals and people. 

During our final part of the class, we took about a 6 miles hike through the different ecosystem.  While on the walk we learned about solution holes. As water falls into limestone is becomes acidified and slowly eats at the rock and creates a hole. These provide great habitat for ferns and other moisture loving plants. While hiking we also came across a Tequesta preserved burial ground. Evidence of their existence can be seen and found all over the Deering estate; we were able to find shells that they used as tools.  As we walked through the wet and mushy mangrove, we were all wondering what we were looking for professor Bailly said you’ll know it when we see it, and we indeed did, we came across a crashed plane, referred to as the Cocaine cowboy’s plane.  The plane crashed in the 1990’s and was left there in order to protect the mangroves ecosystem. For me personally, this was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. As the class continue, I am more and more amazed and shocked by the amount of history that is found in the city of Miami. 

Work cited 

Immerse yourself in Miami’s cultural tapestry: Deering Estate, museums, and historical sites. Deering Estate. (2024, January 24). https://deeringestate.org/ 

Coconut grove/Vizcaya as text 

For our next class we visited the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and gardens. James Deering purchased 100 acres with 1000 feet of shoreline for Mary Brickell. In 1912 James Deering started construction on the Vizcaya Villa. He instantly became the richest man in Miami the moment he moved there. During the construction of the villa James Deering employed more than 1000 people. Most of the workers that were Bohemians. This is just another prime example of how the city of Miami was built on the back of Bahamian immigrants. While I believe it is a positive thing that people were given an opportunity to make money, the working conditions were less than favorable, and the pay was next to nothing. I also found it surprising that there isn’t more evidence of them throughout the villa and garden. 

As we walked down the white road, I was astonished by what I was saw. Out of nowhere this beautiful pink mansion appears, all around is beautiful landscaping. As soon as you walk into the villa it immediately gives off that typical Miami vibe. When you walk in from the west entrance the first thing you see Is a statue of Bacchus the roman god of wine and ecstasy. The villa is comprised of numerous gorgeous rooms. Each room has its own unique purpose and style.  My favorite part of the house was definitely the court/patio. I love all the natural light; we were also informed by professor Bailly that the glass we were seeing was later added and that it was not there in its original state. I could imagine the morning breeze that would blow through there. The patio is also full of tropical plant life that bring out the idea of the outdoors indoors.   Once we went outside into the garden it was just more amazing beauty.  In many parts of the garden there were benches that were used for secret meet ups between the wealthy and the help. This type of fraternizing was not allowed inside of the house. It definitely gave me Romeo and Julieta vibes. 

Next, we moved our focus to Coconut grooves. Here one of the places we visited Christ Episcopal Church. The church was stunning, but what stood out the most was the beautiful stained glass. What made the stain glass unique was that the biblical figures that are traditionally portrayed as white were actually people of color. There were also historical figures in the stain glass such as Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and Martin Luther King. While walking we visited the historic coconut grove cemetery. I never knew that in Bahamian culture their dead are buried above ground. The caskets were also very colorful but the most interesting thing we heard was like Michael Jackson may have filmed some of the thriller music video there. I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson, so I thought that it was very cool.  We also visited another church, Plymouth congregational church. Clinton McKenzie was the architect who drew the plans. However, all the stonework done just by one man Felix Rebom. On the church grounds is the first coconut grove schoolhouse. It was so cool to go inside and to see where students learned a long time ago. Our final destination was the barnacle, which is the oldest home in Dade County still standing on its original site. 

Work cited 

Coconut Grove. Bailly Lectures. (2023, September 13). https://baillylectures.com/miami/coconut-grove/ 

Vizcaya Museum and gardens. Bailly Lectures. (2024, February 17). https://baillylectures.com/miami/vizcaya/ 

Everglades as Text

The one and only

For our next class we visited Everglades national park. “Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. “(Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service))This by far my favorite location we have visited so far. We started our class in the Ernest F. Coe Visitor center. There we saw a huge map of the everglades. The everglades cover 1.5 million acres that stretches over the southern part of Florida. This amazed me as I never knew that the everglades covered so much of Florida. 

Our first stop on the tour was the hole in the donut. This was really cool to see because there were fish inside the hole.  The main course of this visit was the slough slog. “Slough slogging gives you a hands-on view of the River of Grass and reveals the hidden world of a cypress dome.” (Everglades National Park Slough Slog (U.S. National Park Service)) The first ecosystem we encountered was the cypress dome. The cypress tree is a deciduous conifer that can survive in standing water. They are impressive because even though they look dead they’re actually still alive. When we first entered the water was kind of cold but quickly warmed up as we continued put journey. The deeper we walked the more dense the population of cypress got. The deeper we went the more beautiful it got. There were pretty pink plants growing from the trees. As we walked, I was just amazed by everything I was seeing. The everglades is truly one of the few places left were you can go and see how animals interact with nature with no human interference.  While in the awe of so much beauty we just had to take a moment of silence to truly take in and appreciate where we were and our surroundings. During this moment of silence, we hear birds chirping and nature untouched by humans. The next ecosystem we saw was the sawgrass prairie. As soon as we were told the name of the grass we were saw, I instantly wondered why it’s called sawgrass. It’s called sawgrass because the plant has tiny ridges along the length of its sides. Surprisingly these ridges can give you a small cut similar to a paper cut. Along with the sawgrass there was a lot squishy looking stuff which is called periphyton. Periphyton is a mixture of tiny organisms, including bacteria, cyanobacteria, and green algae. “Together periphyton uses the sun’s energy to produce food. Since it forms the base of many of the Everglades food chains, that makes it a very important member of the Everglades team.” (Everglades National Park Sawgrass Prairie(U.S. National Park Service))

After lunch, our final stop was the Anhinga trail. Here we were able to see more amazing everglades wildlife including various birds, turtles, crocodile, and the Florida gar. Overall, it was an amazing trip and I left there with a great appreciation of nature. There is honestly no other place like the everglades anywhere in the world. 

Work cited 

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.-a). Ecosystems: Cypress. National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/cypress.htm 

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.-b). Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service). National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm 

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.-c). Sawgrass Prairie. National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/kidsyouth/sawgrass-prairie.htm 

U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.-d). Slough Slog. National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/sloughslog.htm 

Biscayne Bay/Chicken Key as text

For our next class we went back to the beautiful Deering estate. However, our purpose for this trip was different. The waters behind and adjacent to the Deering Estate are home to two state aquatic preserves, part of a system of 41 aquatic reserves around the state, managed by the Florida Department of environmental protection’s office of coastal and aquatic managed area. Our mission for this class was to get to Chicken key. Chicken Key is a natural sand island, located approximately one mile offshore, it is a part of Biscayne Bay. It was formed by the deposition of quartz and limestone sands by ocean currents. It is only accessible by water, using boats such canoes or kayaks. The Biscayne Bay is a shallow subtropical lagoon along the southeastern coast of Florida.  

The first part of class was just getting to the island.  We paired up in teams of two and hoped in our canoe. Towards the beginning of our journey, we entered a tunnel of mangroves. “The word mangrove is used to describe several trees, not closely related to one another, that flourish in salty environments. Some are able to block salt from their roots while others secrete excess salt through their leaves, allowing them to thrive where other trees would die.” Mangroves are so cool in fact because of their complicated root system they help to keep park waters clean and clear. They slow water flow from the land into the bay and allow sediment to settle. 

Although I’ve been canoeing many times, I’ve never experienced just being out in the open water like that before, it was surreal. Many times, I just wanted to stop rowing so that I could take in all my surroundings. Before we could even get out on land to start picking up trash, we found a huge traffic cone caught up in some vines. I was amazed on how something like that could get all the way out there. When we finally got to key chicken key while it was beautiful it but hard to miss all the debris that had washed up on its shore. Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. While many people litter, I doubt they realize that it’ll end up places like here. While this litter is bad for the environment, it’s even more harmful for the animals. Animals eat these microplastic, it then blocks their GI tract and eventually can lead to death. The sad part is the fact that this is debris and litter is completely preventable. Since the island is unhabituated, the only times it ever gets cleaned up, it times when Professor Bailly takes classes out there for a clean-up. I was more than happy to help clean up the trash, it felt nice to give back to the environment even if it doesn’t affect anyone except the animals. It was also amazing to see how grateful the workers at the Deering estate were. 

Work cited. 

Biscayne Bay. Bailly Lectures. (2023, January 15). https://baillylectures.com/miami/biscayne-bay/ 

South Beach as Text

For out next class, we visited the well-known and beautiful South beach. When most people think of Miami or are planning a trip to Miami south beach is the first place on their list. South beach is most well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches and blue water. Something that is also very unique to Miami that most people don’t think of is the architecture. South beach has three main architecture that we regularly see including Mediterranean revival, art deco, and Miami modern also called MiMo. Each one having its own characteristics that make is unique. The prime example of Mediterranean revival is the Vizcaya mansion. One of the main characteristics of Mediterranean revival is the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living space. Miami modern is characterized by buildings that look more like cruise ships than building. This includes taller building, many glass windows to allow sun light to come in and bright colors and many different angles. Last but not least there’s Mediterranean revival. This is probably the most famous architecture that we find on south beach. It was also the most interesting to learn about. There are also many characteristics that one can look for to identify it. First here’s the rule of 3s, the building are typically 3 stories high and are dived into 3 sections. Then there’s the curved edges, we learned during class that machines such as refrigerator and toasters we’re a big influence and the curved edges give it that machine look. I was surprised to learn that some if these art deco building even have eyebrows, crazy right. Many of the building also have porthole windows like the ones we see on cruise ships, and many have neon lights that are beautiful at night. As I have learned in this class women play a huge part in Miami’s history, during this class we learned about Barbara Baer Capitman, it’s thanks to her hard work and dedication that we still have the beautiful art deco architecture that we see today. “In 1977 Capitman and Leonard Horowitz founded the Miami design preservation log.” (Bailly Lectures, 2023 January 15) If it wasn’t from them south beach would look like every other beach city. 

After A nice lunch we made our way over to the FIU Jewish Museum. This was so cool to see, I never knew that FIU had a Jewish Museum. However, this museum is no regular building, its actually two historic building that were “once synagogues for Miami beach first Jewish congregation.” (Bailly Lectures, 2023 January 15) Before visiting I never knew that South beach was home to such a big Jewish population. The museum has a whole room dedicated to antisemitism old and current examples. Some of the things there were hard to read and see but it’s important that when leaning about history we learn about all of it the good and the bad. Overall visiting this museum was a really great experience. We even got a sneak peak of an unfinished exhibit that showed the journey of how Jews in Ethiopia escaped to another country. 

Work cited. 

South Beach. Bailly Lectures. (2023, January 15). https://baillylectures.com/miami/south-beach/ 

Miami final reflection

Wow, where do I even start, this class was totality not what I excepted. It was way more than I could have ever excepted from a class. When I started this class, I didn’t really know much Miami or its history and all it has to offer. Thanks to this class and professor Bailly that has completely changed. In just a couple of weeks my perspective of Miami has completely changed. I’ve learned about the historic Overtown and all of its African American history. On multiple occasions we’ve visited the beautiful Deering estate, walked through 8 native ecosystems, and saw a plane crash in the middle of mangroves.  We got to visit the unique and beautiful Vizcaya mansion. We visited coconut grove and might have even seen where Michael Jackson filmed some of the thriller music video. We went slogging through the everglades, it was truly a surreal an out of body experience, being able to see nature completely untouched by man. Next, we canoed out to an uninhabited island called chicken key to clean up its sandy beaches. It was really nice to give back, even if it didn’t affect anyone except the animals that live there. Next on our list is what Miami is known for the famous south beach. Here we learned about the 3 main types of architecture that we see, including Mediterranean revival, art deco, and Miami modern also called MiMo. We also visited Fiu’s Jewish Museum. Where we learned about the Jewish history in south beach. 

For our final class we ventured out to Key Biscayne at bill bags Florida state park. Key Biscayne is the southernmost barrier island of the United States. This was my first time visiting key Biscayne and it was absolutely beautiful. We saw the light house that is located there; however, we weren’t able to go up in it due to it being renovated. Here we also learned about some amazing history. On September 15, 2004, the park was designated an underground railroad site. Black Seminoles and runaway slaves used to make their way down to cape Florida to escape to the Bahamas. I was shocked that any part of Miami was a part of the underground railroad. As professor Bailly pointed out it’s really unfortunate that information like this isn’t taught in schools. Every kid that went to school especially in Miami should know about places like this. To conclude this amazing semester, we had a potluck with professor Bailly’s other section of Miami in Miami class. We sat down and had a great lunch with a variety of tasty food. Last but not least we went to the beach and took a dip in the beautiful crystal-clear blue water.  As I laid on the beach and reflected on the past few weeks, I am incredibly grateful for this experience that professor Bailly offers. He has so much knowledge and true gift for sharing this knowledge with others. I hope that in the future I can take part in another one of his classes.

CC by-SA 2.0 April 7, 2015 – Little Havana, Miami, Florida.

Before moving to Miami from Brazil my knowledge of the United States was limited to hamburgers, Disney World, and yellow school buses. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived here in the 6th grade, but it definitely wasn’t what I encountered in Miami. When I think of what I know about Miami, it is not a set region that comes to mind but instead how culturally diverse the city is and how I fit into it. It was scary coming into a new country where I did not know the language or customs, however, Miami proved to be a welcoming place where I didn’t have to feel so alone or out of place. One of the first memories of the city I have consists of having my dad drop me off in class on my first day of school, he insisted on taking me all the way to my classroom so I wouldn’t get lost. The teacher only spoke English but she was able to explain to me that all the kids in this class were learning the language and most of them had also arrived in Miami recently. From then on it wasn’t easy but I learned English and survived American public school. Reflecting back, I know how important it was to end up in Miami, a place where so many people from different cultures come to create a new life. This mix of culture is what makes Miami so special for me. I was able to bring a piece of Brazil to this city and could also take with me a beautiful array of cultures that I would’ve never gotten to learn about if I had gone somewhere else in the United States. Seeing how proud Cubans, Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans, and Haitians displayed their culture I felt welcomed and like I belonged here. When thinking about the different areas in Miami I realize that I haven’t explored all that this beautiful city has to offer. I want to learn more about the history of Miami and how immigration played a role in building Miami’s culture. Taking Miami in Miami will allow me to immerse myself in this quest for more knowledge and truly appreciate all that Miami has to offer. I’m especially excited to visit Downtown Miami. I have visited before but am ready to view it through a new lens, hear about how Miami came to be as diverse as it is today, and understand how different cultural groups transformed the city. In my mind, Miami is vibrant with music and colors. It is an explosion of flavors, cultures, and people and is different from any other place I have been to before. As an immigrant, I feel it is important to be able to relate to others especially when new to a country.  Miami has given so many people like me the ability to embrace our home culture while still opening up to a new world of opportunities, culture, and knowledge. 

I am a Senior at FIU completing my BFA. My art practice has been mostly in drawing, but I am expanding that into ceramics and installation art. I am returning to complete my degree after many years out of school. I’ve spent that time mostly on entrepreneurship.

Miami Encounter as Text

“My Miami” by Anai Fonte of FIU, January 14th, 2024

I love Miami. This city feels as much a part of me as my own skin. I am “kind of” a second-generation native. My father was not born here but came from Cuba when he was only three. I started my life in the most iconic part of Miami, South Beach. My mom was temporarily living in a motel while my father was a fugitive from the law. My mom gave birth to me at Mount Sinai Hospital, and my father turned himself in in exchange for being able to see me. After what I assume was a short stint in jail, he acquired The Surfcomber Hotel on South Beach, no doubt through some unscrupulous business dealings. This was probably 1984-85, South Beach was not glitzy or glamorous. It was a tired town, filled with retirees and newly arrived Cubans. These were my first years in the Magic City. 

We later moved to “El Norwess” just outside the airport when I was about six years old. My parents split around that time, and I lived exclusively with my mom. My mother was strict and a bit of an isolationist. I experienced little outside of my neighborhood. For this reason, I believed Miami was 99.9% Latino, and Spanish was the primary language. It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that these perceptions changed.

On my first day of high school, I attended all my classes. On my second day, I cut math. On the third day, I didn’t show up at all. I had my first taste of freedom. I wouldn’t return to a classroom for about three months, only after CPS knocked on my door.  What did I do this entire time? I’d get dressed for school every morning. I’d meet with the same group of friends outside our school at the 711. We’d then hop on the bus or train without a plan and just see where we ended up.

I often wonder what people thought when they saw us, fourteen-year-olds in JNCOs and green hair, on the train during school hours. The streets of Miami had become our classroom. We would take the train to Dadeland and eat all the free samples at the food court since we had spent our lunch money on public transport. We’d go Downtown, wander each dirty street, and enter each electronics store. We once took the Tri-Rail to West Palm Beach only to realize we only had enough time to ride it back home to ensure we’d be home when we were expected. We explored every neighborhood we could and would hang out with whoever would engage with us. It was the Grove that won my heart, though. 

The first time we ventured into the Grove, we ended up at the Hare Krishna temple. They fed us, gave us candies and flower leis. They were beautiful people who shared wisdom with me that I still draw on today. The hippies smoking pot in the street often talked about politics, the ever-changing world, music, love, and art. I loved getting lost in the canopy-lined streets and finding old bungalows and cottages adorned in wacky colors and an assortment of lawn ornaments. It was the Grove that I kept wanting to return to day after day. I vowed that if I stayed in Miami, this is where I wanted to live, and ultimately I did. 

The years passed, and I saw the Grove I fell in love with slowly dying. Tiny bungalows were replaced with cold concrete boxes. Trees destroyed. Hippies were replaced by yuppies. VW Vans replaced by Tesla’s. Hare Krishna replaced my women in Lulelemon and Cartier bracelets. I then pulled back and realized much of Miami had gone this way. I don’t want to say I am disillusioned, but it feels like the Miami I grew up in is just a memory. I want to love this new version, but it’s hard not to reminisce about what was. I hope to cultivate a new relationship with Miami through this course, enjoy some of my favorite places, and learn new things about our beautiful home.

Historic Miami/Overtown as Text

“In The Name of Progress” by Anai Fonte of FIU, January 28th, 2024

There is no artist I enjoy listening to more when I am in the throws of a creative fit than Otis Redding. His vinyl, Lonely & Blue, is spinning as I write this. Indeed, no other genre puts me into flow quite like soul. Knowing my topic today, I wondered if Otis had ever performed in Overtown. A Google search brought me to his performance on October 10th and 11th, 1964, at Clyde Killens Island Club in Overtown’s Little Broadway. This would have been just after I-95 tore through the neighborhood while segregation was still part of everyday life. Although before my time, I knew about the vibrant entertainment hub Overtown once was and that I-95 had played a critical part in the decline of the neighborhood. However, it was a distant, abstract historical event in my mind, that is, until I heard Mrs. Godfrey speak.

We visited with Alberta Godfrey, a long-time Overtown resident, at the Greater Bethel church, founded before the City of Miami in 1896. She shared a moving and personal account of what Overtown used to be, standing just in front of where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech about the importance of not limiting access to polls and his vision of equality in 1958. There is something in being in a physical space with someone when they retell a story that makes it come to life in a way that a YouTube video never will. You feel the energy of their words; you share the emotion with which they deliver their message. It’s moving, and we shared with her, at that moment, the importance of Greater Bethel and Overtown. The city turned its back on Overtown in 1957 when it chose to run I-95 straight through the neighborhood, and it continues to turn its back by allowing the demolition of iconic buildings in the community and the lack of acknowledgment of previous wrong-doings. Some 70 years later, can we say our local politics have improved?

I recall a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the pressing urgencies of the great cause of freedom…..a time like this demands great leaders.” Like Mrs. Godfrey said, she is not opposed to progress, and I agree progress is critical to a city’s prosperity, but so is preservation. Miami sells its history to the highest bidder with secret handshakes and backhand deals. The little history we have is being paved over for yet another “luxury” high-rise only wealthy Miami part-timers can afford. Places like Greater Bethel need to be supported and preserved for our children and our culture as a city. As we all gathered in the church, just across the street where Overtown’s first schoolhouse stood a few months before, another massive development was underway. The only legacy our local government seems interested in preserving is corruption and destruction. Dr. King knew back then that what we need is great leaders. Where are Miami’s great leaders?

(n.d.). October 10-11, 1964 Island Club, Miami, FL. Concert Fandom. https://concerts.fandom.com/wiki/October_10-11,_1964_Island_Club,_Miami,_FL

(n.d.). Clyde Killens’ House. Going Overtown. https://goingovertown.org/listing/clyde-killens-house/

Weaver, J. (2023, September 23). FBI investigates developer’s payments to Miami’s mayor as SEC digs into company’s finances. The Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article276193691.html

Garcia, D. (2023, June 1). Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo found liable in federal civil case, ordered to pay $63M. WSVN. https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/miami-commissioner-joe-carollo-found-liable-in-federal-civil-case-ordered-to-pay-63m/

Beard, E. (2016, Jan 18). On Leadership: Dr. Martin Luther King, Teaching, and Alpha Phi Alpha. Teach for America. https://www.teachforamerica.org/one-day/ideas-and-solutions/on-leadership-dr-martin-luther-king-teaching-and-alpha-phi-alpha#:~:text=“We%20need%20leaders%20not%20in,like%20this%20demands%20great%20leaders.”

Deering Estate as Text

“Time Travel” by Anai Fonte of FIU, February 10th, 2024

We could not have asked for a more perfect South Florida day to embark on a hiking adventure. The mosquitos were nonexistent due to the recent cold nap. The skies were blue and the air crisp. These are the days all the North Easterners moved here for. It is January 31st, the last day of the month, and we are visiting The Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay. Living in Miami my whole life, I have only ever been here a handful of times. In truth, I had little knowledge of the vastness of the property. I believed it to be a historic home on the water and not much else. However, we adventured past a restricted sign and onto a barely marked trail, and I was immediately consumed by the density of forest with which the home shares its land.

When you think of Florida, I do not believe most people would associate the state with the Mesolithic or Neolithic era, yet here I stood at the Cutler Dig Site, which contained traces of human activity from just then. To reach the site, you traverse a dense hardwood hammock forest and many, many spider webs. You then come upon a deep hole in the limestone, which I estimate is no more than 20-25′ in circumference. Excavators have found sabertooth tiger teeth in this ancient hole, an animal believed to have gone extinct 10,000-12,000 years ago. However, there is no proof that the humans of the area interacted with these ancient animals. The proof of human inhabitation of the area came from small game remains that were scorched and cut, evidence of having been cooked and eaten by our prehistoric ancestors. 

I’m a sucker for pretty water; it mesmerizes me. What an incredible delight to find a crystal blue pocket amongst the mangroves. It was the unmistakable indicator of a headspring. Where there is fresh water, there are humans. At this point, I am starting to understand the magic of this place. Just a few feet from the spring, you find evidence of human inhabitation. This area was home to the Tequesta, the indigenous people of South Florida who no longer existed by the 1800’s. Their tools, fashioned out of shells, can be found all along the forest floor. In the absence of iron, a conch shell made for a valuable material to assist with various tasks. 

We now ventured into what I will remember as the “squishy” part of the hike. I wore water shoes, but since the water had receded entirely, I was walking on what felt like a wet sponge, with each step, water, and muck squirting through the holes of my water shoes. It was a sensory experience, for sure. As we continue to walk, we begin to see slivers of what appears to be a sizeable manmade object. It is difficult to discern what it is exactly until you are within steps of it. A plane. A crashed plane in the middle of a mangrove forest. We are told that the passengers and pilot must have survived since no human remains were found with the wreck. It is believed to have been a drug-running plane. I could hear the Scarface theme song as I moved around it, peering in windows to see if the drug runners left anything interesting behind, but the swamp had claimed the plane, or more correctly and less dramatically, the mangrove forest. 

We walked over five miles through 10,000 years of history and nine ecosystems in just over five hours. It was a wild ride from Mesolithic dinner tables to evidence of Miami’s main import of the 80s and so much more I couldn’t share in just five hundred words. A truly epic day I will cherish, and I am incredibly grateful for. 

Austin, Daniel W. (1997). “The Glades Indians and the Plants they Used. Ethnobotany of an Extinct Culture.” The Palmetto, Retrieved February 10, 2024

Saber Tooth Surprise. (n.d.). National Geographic. Retrieved February 10, 2024, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/saber-tooth-cats-surprise-fossils-redraw-picture-of-big-cat#:~:text=Her%20team%27s%20comprehensive%20study%20also,10%2C000%20to%2012%2C000%20years%20ago

Dig This: Public Archaeology in South Florida. (2017, February 21). Retrieved February 10, 2024 Site file: Cutler Fossil site. Dig This! Public Archaeology in South Florida. https://digthispublicarchaeology.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/site-file-cutler-fossil-site/

Vizcaya as Text

“Dona præsentis cape lætus horæ ac linque severe” by Anai Fonte of FIU, February 14th, 2024

It is Valentine’s Day, and although I did not know that morning when I was rushing out the door, it was the perfect day to set the stage for our visit to the Vizcaya Mansion and Gardens. The day is sunny, and the air is crisp, and I am excited to revisit this Miami icon. I had only ever been there once before, residing it to something tourists do, and I was twelve then. I can’t say much stuck in the way of any history about the property from that visit, but I have always wondered why his bed was so short. That definitely preoccupied my twelve-year-old mind. What consumed me this visit was absolutely different. I was not anticipating that I would fall in love with this place or be carried away in intoxicating fantasies, envisioning what life would have been like as a guest of James Deering at one of his lavish parties. 

The Vizcaya Mansion sits on the edge of Biscayne Bay and is perfectly nestled between Coconut Grove and Brickell. It is the transitory space between the lush, spacious landscapes of the Grove and the densely urban Brickell. In many ways, the home itself has always been an institution of transition. When it was built in 1914, it was the vehicle that transitioned South Florida from the harsh tropical and wild place it was to a luxurious, hedonistic party hub, much like it remains today. I fully agree that James Deering, the owner and visionary of Vizcaya, should be named the patron saint of Miami. Long before Versace on South Beach, Deering paved the way for this city’s visitors and residents’ seemingly insatiable appetites for all vices. 

Dona præsentis cape lætus horæ ac linque severe, Take the gifts of this hour joyfully and leave them sternly. This is the inscription of the sundial above the entrance to the mansion. The early 1900s version of what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, except it’s Vizcaya. A reminder to all his guests arriving that this is a place to delight in the present. 

Looking across the way from the sundial is a barge constructed as a breakwater, but in typical Deering fashion, it could not be just a boring breakwater, and just like that, Miami had its first “party boat.” 

This place captures your imagination. I see myself in a long, flowy gown, running into the gardens to escape the crowd. It’s a cool and breezy Miami winter night. The sky is clear – you must have been able to see all the stars, even the Milky Way. You can hear loud laughter and music in the distance and are in pure euphoria. You stumble into one of the secret gardens and find two lovers whose union, for whatever reason, would be considered inappropriate, in full coitus. Scandals of the Gilded Age and still everyday debauchery in Miami.

Today, I saw a side of Vizcaya I never knew. When I visited as a kid, I doubt much of what we learned about secret love meetings and passes that connect bedrooms would’ve been discussed. Time was sadly limited, so we never made it to the bedrooms. Where I am sure we would’ve learned about more steamy rendezvous, but I am left wondering why his bed was so short?

Everglades as Text

“Restore the Flow” by Anai Fonte of FIU, March 17th, 2024

Photograph by Anai Fonte // CC by 4.0

When I was first considering whether or not I should join the honors college, this course, Miami in Miami, and the photo of a student hiking in the Everglades gave me the final push to join. Although I started my honors journey with the Art in Miami course, I eagerly anticipated this class in particular. The Everglades is a place I hold close to my heart. It is the other side of home. On the one hand, we have the tropical, vibrant, busy city, and on the other, the slow-moving, natural wonderland of the Everglades. I grew up fishing in these waters and riding skiffs in the shallows amongst spoonbills, sawfish, and many other unusual creatures you’re unlikely to see anywhere else. 

Even though I spent a great deal of time adventuring in the Everglades, I had never gone Slough slogging. It was something that, for a long time, intimidated me. I’d ask friends to come along, but there were no takers. I knew if I ever wanted to experience this, I would have to go alone, but I am not that daring. Luckily, Clyde Butcher, the photographer best known for his black and white images of the Everglades and ghost orchids, raffled off a guided slough slog on his beautiful property bordering Big Cypress National Preserve, and I won. It was a wonderful hike that made me confident in pushing myself further to explore on my own. 

The guided tour with the Everglades National Park Ranger, Trent, differed. Both were wonderful. Clyde’s tour focused on the local ecology, while the Ranger-led one shared a little of everything, including history. Trent was such an engaging speaker, and I learned so much from him, including that human activity in the area predates the Everglades. I had always thought of the Everglades as an ancient place and had no idea how young it was. When he read the poem as we stood in knee-high water just within the cypress dome, it will be a memory I cherish forever. 

One of the most spectacular things about the Everglades is how quickly it changes and how, with every visit, you see something new. Before our trip there, I had been there just a couple of months before. I had pulled up to the side of the road to sketch a couple of deer I saw in the field. I sat in the back of my truck for an hour, sketching the deer, dragonflies, wildflowers, and plants. I then drove off to another area to see what else would catch my eye and continued my day. We returned to where I was just at and hiked in a few feet. There was a substantial water-filled hole I had missed the last time I was there. Absolutely incredible. 

The Everglades is the lifeline to South Florida, providing water to millions of residents. A few years ago, we started experiencing problems with algae blooms, creating record fish kills and spewing toxic gasses into the air, forcing seaside resorts and restaurants to close. I spend a lot of time on the water, from fishing to diving and paddling. This was something that impacted me deeply. I started looking at what could be causing this and found a non-profit organization, Captains for Clean Water. Before we developed South Florida, water would flow freely from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades; this is something Trent touched on. Once Agriculture spread in this area, primarily big sugar companies diverted water for their use; additionally, the areas were being developed for housing. For this reason, the Okeechobee Lake no longer flows, and when the water gets too high, polluted water is discharged East and West, causing massive problems for the coastal communities. The solution is to restore the natural flow of the Everglades. 

The Everglades’ importance cannot be understated. From its biological diversity and many ecosystems to being the source of drinking water for millions of people, we must protect and conserve this glorious river of grass. 

Chicken Key as Text

“Cruelty-Free” by Anai Fonte of FIU, March 30th, 2024

We’re back at Miami’s magical Deering Estate. Instead of exploring the lush woods on the property and the over ten thousand years of history, we are heading to the water this time. Chicken Key is just a mile off land, a small nature preserve part of the Deering Estate. It was a windy day, and the paddle was a tough one. We followed close to the mangroves to block the wind, and about halfway to our destination, we took a reprieve in a gorgeous mangrove tunnel. The water is crystal clear; we would learn that the water flowing here comes from the Everglades. We stopped for some photos and to take in the glimmers of sunlight filtering through the dense mangrove branches overhead. Unfortunately, a few of us were new to canoes and ran right into Professor Bailly, who was the first to take a swim that day. Everything was recovered except a water bottle that was now impossible to locate because the water was churned up. We set across the bay, leaving the wind barricade provided by the mangroves and braved open water to our final destination, Chicken Key. 

When we arrive at Chicken Key, there is no beach or dock, so we tie our canoes to a few low-hanging branches. It didn’t always look this way. In an 1899 survey, S.H. Richmond recorded a maximum elevation of three feet and that it was characterized by a sand beach and low dunes. The island was formed by ocean currents moving quartz and limestone sand deposits. The dunes were destroyed by dredging in 1940, which elevated the island from three feet to ten feet. Nonetheless, the island is beautiful and uniquely untouched by development. 

We start to venture into the island, and just a few feet from the shore, we walk into a scene of chaos. A mountain of trash surrounds the small firepit where a humble campsite used to be. A deflated raft, sign posts still on their concrete bases, and even an above-ground pool ladder. No doubt, these were items that had already washed ashore and were collected to create a makeshift shelter for a group of partygoers. We pull up our sleeves, grab some bags, and get to cleaning. 

From where we entered, I followed the shoreline to the island’s opposite end. I pick up little items as I walk along: plastic bottles, cups, caps, lots and lots of plastic. There were also several mangroves entangled with buoy ropes, which I cut them free from. Amongst the more interesting finds were these lavender snail shells and a tiny cocaine bag with some still in it—no worries—that got tossed, too. But I think the one thing that I picked up that I found profound was a label from a vegan, cruelty-free product, free from harmful chemicals, organic, etc., the list rattled on. Here it was, this “innocent” and “safe” product label contributing to the pollution in a natural environment; the irony was not lost on me. 

Chicken Key is a special place; it is a sanctuary for endangered butterflies, a rookery, and a natural habitat of which there are less and less of so close to urbanization. It was my absolute pleasure to do my little part in helping keep it pristine. The campsite was revealed after the garbage mound was cleared, and if you can believe it, Professor Bailly found the water bottle. If that wasn’t epic enough, Manatees were waiting to greet us back at Deering Estate. Perfect day. 

South Beach as Text

“The Miami You See in the Movies” by Anai Fonte of FIU, April 10th, 2024

Photograph by Anai Fonte // CC by 4.0

It’s another gorgeous Miami day to explore, and this time, we visit a personal favorite: South Beach. Unusually running late this morning, I made up for missing my morning run by sprinting from the Seventh Street garage to South Pointe Pier, arriving just a touch late and a sweaty mess. The stress from the run and being late was quickly forgotten when I absorbed the view: the expansive beach and endless ocean. In the distance and across the jetty, we can see our next destination, Bill Baggs State Park, better known locally as El Farito. Closer to us is Fisher Island, the wealthiest zip code in the nation. We pulled up Zillow as we set out for our walk on Ocean Drive to pick which homes on Fisher Island we’d be putting offers on; three milly, no biggie. 

South Beach is known worldwide for its neon lights and Art Deco. It’s been featured in countless movies and music videos. While most people can recognize the iconic style of architecture as Art Deco, few know its origins. Even I, as an art major, didn’t fully know the story. For most of history, we have been looking back for architectural inspiration to the Romans or Greeks. However, in 1922, when the tomb of King Tut was discovered, the world was made aware of a whole new aesthetic unlike anything anyone had seen before. This, paired with the Industrial Revolution, gave birth to the Art Deco style, making it unique. Now that I know this, I’ve connected the schematized facades and ziggurat roofs. I cannot unsee it! I also learned that the other dominant architectural style in Miami and South Beach is MiMo, pronounced My-Mo, not Mee-Mo, which I’ve been saying wrong for a long time. 

On the walk, we stopped at a bust of Barbara Baer Capitman. It was my first time hearing of her, but I was fascinated to learn about yet another woman pioneer of Miami. In 1976, Capitman formed the Miami Design Preservation League, ensuring that Miami Beach’s iconic art deco buildings would not be torn down and built over, as so much of Miami has, but preserved. The mainland could use someone like her right now. 

I had the most awesomest lunch at La Boulangerie and then went on to finish our day on South Beach at the Jewish Museum. The building was the first and only synagogue in Miami Beach in 1929. At the time, Jews were not allowed to live beyond Fifth Street. The Jewish community grew so much that the synagogue built another building directly next to the original to keep up with demand. As you walk through the old alleyway that used to separate the buildings but now is enclosed, hung on the walls are vintage anti-Semitic propaganda, images, letters, and items. It is surreal. You look at dates and realize this was not that long ago. In light of all that’s happening today, I applaud the museum for ensuring we do not forget the world many once lived in.

Final Reflection as Text

“I See You Now, Miami” by Anai Fonte of FIU, April 20th, 2024

Photograph by Unknown // CC by 4.0

It’s hard to believe we’ve come to the end of the semester this quickly. It was just a blink, and here I am writing my final reflection. As I type these words, I can’t help but feel some sadness but, at the same time, a tremendous amount of gratitude. When I first started this semester, I approached this class from the perspective of a Miami lifer. Which, of course, I still am. There has been one fundamental change in my perception of Miami, though. One I would not have arrived at had it not been for what I learned about our Magic City through the course of the semester, which was truly unexpected. 

Over the last few years and especially since COVID, I have seen our city change in ways that the Miami I loved seems but a sliver of itself. Miami has become the hottest place to live for people from California and New York, and it has drastically changed the landscape and culture, and not in ways I feel are an improvement more like a death of all that I loved. I will not lie; this has made me salty, and I have struggled to accept this new Miami. 

About a year ago, I was living in a duplex and shared a wall with an incredibly nice older man who, like me, was a Miami native, except he was 70 and had seen even more changes than me. The wall we shared was not very thick, and often, I could overhear his conversations. On one of these occasions, I overheard him talking on the phone, and he was saying how all the Latinos in Miami now know what it feels like to have their city overtaken by outsiders. I didn’t know how to feel about that at the time.  

We started the semester in Overtown, where we met Alberta Godfrey, who has been in Miami longer than my previous neighbor and I. She shared with us how Overtown had transformed from this bustling, growing neighborhood into a shell of what it was once with the construction of I-95 through the heart of it. At Deering Estate, we learned about how the Spaniards pushed out the original natives and Tequesta. James Deering of Vizcaya introduced decadence and debauchery to what was a wild and untamed natural area at the time. In the Everglades, I learned this magnificent landscape was only 10,000 years old, having been birthed at the end of the last ice age. More recently, South Beach has gone through several re-births of its own. 

So, how have I changed? What was the unexpected thing I learned? I’ve spent the last few years holding on to my version of Miami as if it was the one true version, as what I believed it to be is the only thing it was. I was wrong. If one thing is true of Miami, it is ever-changing by new waves of people coming here. This is the truest Miami there is. It’s not my 80s Latin run version of it, not the previous predominantly Anglo-Fisherman Village version of it, or any before that. Miami is in constant flux, and I have grown to respect and appreciate it. 

Thank you infinitely, Professor Bailly, for the ways in which you have transformed the way I see our city, art, and myself in both. 

Hello everyone, my name is Brian Velez and I am currently a Senior pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Analytics. My dream is to become a tax attorney and travel the world. Outside of academics, I love expressing myself through music and enjoy working out. I am very excited to learn more about art since my knowledge right now is slim to none.

Art Encounter As Text

“The City”

By Brian Velez of FIU, 18 January 2024

When you first hear about Miami, you might think about its nightlife, long beautiful beaches, and exotic foods. People’s first thought when hearing Miami is never the art or amazing museums that you can find while exploring Miami. I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Miami when I was four. I was never the artsy type and never really enjoyed drawing or painting until I got into high school. When I was in the 10th grade, I had a field trip to the Frost Museum located downtown and this was the first time that I was introduced to the art scene in Miami. It was amazing and I remember it like it was yesterday because I was so astonished with what was going on around me.

My next experience with art was the Wynwood Walls. These walls which contain such beautiful artwork really opened my eyes to how much art is shown throughout Miami. Walking through the street and just seeing all the walls painted with such beautiful designs was mesmerizing. This encounter with art was what made me decide to go to more museums and look at more pieces of artwork throughout Miami. It really opened my eyes to how much meaning art can have.

Of course, this does not mean that I am an expert in art. It is actually the complete opposite. I enjoy looking at different pieces of artwork because it makes me feel happy but I have never truly understood the meaning of art. I have also never done research into art to understand the background and also see what each piece of artwork truly means. It makes sense that Miami is one of the leading cities in the world for contemporary art but I never knew this. Contemporary art in Miami often reflects the city’s cultural diversity, with influences from Latin American, Caribbean, and other global art movements. 

I have decided to take this class after listening to one of my friends speak about their experience in a similar course. Art has always piqued my interest but I have never given it the time it requires to fully understand. I decided that there is no better way to understand art than to take a course where you view art and speak about it with other people who are interested in the same thing. I am very excited to step foot into the world of art and there is no better way to do it than with those around you.

The place that I am most excited about is the Norton Museum located in West Palm Beach. The Norton Museum of Art is known for its extensive collection, featuring American, European, Chinese, and contemporary art. It also has a focus on Chinese artwork which I find very unique because of the colors used and the designs exemplified in the paintings. This museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions that feature works from renowned artists which allow guests like me to experience new pieces that you wouldn’t be able to see anywhere else in Florida.

Norton as Text

“History through Paintings”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 28 January 2024

After visiting the Norton Museum, my perspective on art has completely shifted. The museum, which consists of thousands of pieces of artwork in its permanent collection, has three floors, which all have different meanings to them. We started off the visit on the second floor of the museum by seeing an item that was more than two thousand years old. It was extremely cool because it was preserved to such an extreme amount, making it look like it was from recent times. We also saw pieces of art from Chinese dynasties, including pottery; the most unique piece was a dragon. This dragon displayed with such detail opened my eyes to the idea that art is a way of expression. 

After reviewing the history of Chinese dynasties, we continued onto the third floor, where we began to see paintings of Western European artists from the 1300s. This is where the topic of sacrilegious paintings was introduced. Paintings that displayed heavenly beings as humans were seen as bad, but artists did not care and continued to paint them as they believed. As time went on, painters continued to paint heavenly beings as human even to the extent that they used real-life women as the models for these paintings. Even though it was against the bible, the artist found that it was their way of expressing themselves through paintings.

As we continued, I heard a quote that resonated with me. Paintings are supposed to be images that are frozen in time. This made so much sense to me after I heard it because it established why portraits were so popular back in the day and why photographs now are so important to some people. When people lose their phones, the first thing they always think about is their pictures and I have never understood why until now. It is because they want to be able to remember the memories of their loved ones for years to come. This is the same reasoning that kings and people of higher class used in the old days with portraits. They would get portraits created of their wives and themselves in order to preserve their memories when they passed.

Finally, we entered what I found to be the most interesting part of the museum, the special exhibits. This is where we saw the Van Gogh painting titled “Tarascon StageCoach.” When I first saw the painting, I knew exactly what it was because of its beautiful use of detail and masterful strokes. Van Gogh had such a unique way of painting which would leave different impressions on the painting that most artists couldn’t do or understand. Another piece that I found extremely interesting was a statue of Theseus and the Minotaur. What interested me about this statute was the story behind it. Theseus was stabbing the Minotaur in the head as if he was also stabbing himself and it was because it is said that there is a darkness inside all of us which we must defeat. These two pieces plus others that were found in the special exhibit, made my experience at the Norton Museum one to remember.

Margulies/Bakehouse as Text

“Through the Lense of a Artist”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 11 February 2024

The culminating session of the Art in Miami course proved to be a captivating exploration of artistic expression as we ventured into the Margulies Collection and the Bakehouse in Wynwood. Owned by the discerning Mr. Margulies, the Margulies Collection functions akin to an art institution, boasting a diverse array of artistic marvels ranging from minimalist to maximalist compositions, including an eclectic mix of sculptures and paintings that left an indelible mark on the observer. Our personalized tour, led by Mr. Margulies himself, provided an enriching glimpse into the ever-evolving collection within the warehouse, where seasonal changes imbued the space with a dynamic quality.

During the tour, Mr. Margulies shared illuminating insights into his personal background and the motivations behind his significant contributions to the art world. His genuine passion for the realm of art became evident as he discussed his life choices and the philosophy guiding his present endeavors. The stack of paintings emerged as a particularly intriguing piece, offering a poignant portrayal of the artistic process. Comprising discarded canvases, the stack served as a visual narrative of the challenges and discarded attempts encountered by artists in their creative journeys, adorned with elements such as dead sunflowers and rocks, adding more to the effect.

The Margulies Collection featured exhibits of profound significance, notably one by a distinguished European artist addressing the historical trauma of World War II. Two imposing structures within the exhibit symbolized the gas chambers in concentration camps, evoking an array of emotions that defy simple explanations. Another striking exhibit, featuring 21 backs, left room for individual interpretation, providing a nuanced viewing experience. Additionally, an exhibit playfully exploring the concept of aging superheroes at the threshold of life added a touch of humor to the emotional resonance of the art on display.

The next portion of our day took us to the Bakehouse, which was an old bread factory turned into a home for artists where they can have their own studios. The tour of the Bakehouse allowed us to engage directly with artists, exploring their studios and gaining insight into the intricacies of their craft. From the start, there was the interactive piece, Scramble, a linguistic game resembling Scrabble, playable in three different languages, showcasing the intersection of creativity and linguistic diversity. Concluding our visit, we were treated to the generosity of the Bakehouse community, as we perused their library and selected a complimentary book, highlighting their commitment to sharing knowledge and resources despite limitations. I decided to choose a book about coding since it will be extremely beneficial for me and my ISM courses that I am completing this semester.

In retrospect, the overall experience in Wynwood proved to be not only immensely enjoyable but also a transformative journey of artistic enlightenment. Witnessing art from the unique perspectives of the artists themselves served as a reminder that the true essence of artistic expression often lies beyond the curated images prevalent on social media. The studios in Wynwood stand as repositories of untold stories and perspectives waiting to be shared and understood. Embracing this reservoir of creativity requires an open mind, allowing the transformative power of art to shape and redefine our understanding of the world.

Art Wynwood as Text

“Artist’s Perspective”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 3 March 2024

Since the beginning of this class, I have learned so much about art that I never would’ve known before. This specific event was one of my favorites so far. This is because of all the variety of art that we saw and also all the interactions I had with different artists. When I first arrived, I didn’t know what I was even looking at, but after finding my classmates and the professor, I finally understood where I was. We were able to meet with Ramón Cernuda, who is a Cuban art collector. This exhibition was incredible and provided tremendous insight into the mind of Cuban artwork and how it evolved over time. Some of the most interesting pieces that I have seen came from the first exhibition we saw. More specifically, the piece that really caught my attention was titled Another American Dream by Vicente Hernandez. This piece displayed a large amount of people on what seemed to be a flying elongated car. It represents how Cubans began to migrate towards the Americas in search of a new life and how it was portrayed through the eyes of a Cuban. As a person who has a lot of Cuban friends, this piece allowed me to see how perspective can change based on which side of the spectrum you are on.

After the lecture had finished, I had the opportunity to walk around the event, speak to even more artists, and see more pieces of artwork that really spoke to me. The piece of art provided in the photograph was the most astonishing one that I have seen thus far. This piece looks so realistic that as I was walking by it instantly caught my attention and I knew I needed to stop and take a picture. To me, this artwork is more than just a painting, it describes how nature and the outside world can bring color to the objects around it. Notice how the room is black and white but how the flowers and the pen do have color. This shows how the sunlight is providing them with life or in other words color. This expression really spoke to me because it shows that sometimes it is important to disconnect from all the technology that surrounds us now and just take a step outside into the light. I have had to do this before because I tend to get overwhelmed very easily when I have a lot of things going on at once and sometimes just taking a step outside helps me catch my breath and refocus on everything that I must complete.

Art has no limits. You can use anything, like cardboard or plastic, to create your unique pieces. There are no rules in art, giving you total freedom. Even a simple piece of paper could be worth a lot in the future, so why not start painting now? Your story might be told by someone else in a few years. Dreams come true through art, and these artists shared their stories using their own language of creativity.

Rubell/Emerson Dorsch as Text

“Currency”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 17 March 2024

During my recent excursion in Miami, I had the opportunity to explore two notable venues renowned for their artistic offerings: the Emerson Dorsch Gallery and the Rubell Museum. At the Rubell Museum, my immersion into the world of contemporary art facilitated a deeper comprehension of its nuanced expressions, consequently elevating my appreciation for the exhibited works. Notably, a particular painting caught my attention, featuring a hooded figure astride a horse, serving as a poignant metaphor for the malleability of perception and the propensity to challenge established norms. Yet, it was the experiential marvel of Yayoi Kusama’s mirror installations at the Rubell Museum that truly captivated me. Stepping into these mesmerizing spaces, I found myself enveloped in a kaleidoscope of endless reflections, compelling a reconsideration of reality and prompting introspection regarding the nature of perception.

Following my visit to the Rubell Museum, I proceeded to the Emerson Dorsch Gallery, where a conversation with Ibett, the gallery’s director, offered invaluable insights into the operational dynamics of the art world. Ibett’s candid discourse illuminated the logistical challenges inherent in gallery management, including the transportation logistics involved in staging exhibitions. Notably, her anecdote regarding the transportation tribulations surrounding a ceramic horse underscored the meticulous attention to detail requisite for ensuring the proper presentation of artworks. Talking with Ibett made me think about the bigger picture in the art world. I started to realize there’s a big problem with how artists get paid. Even though their art might sell for a lot of money, the artists themselves often don’t see much of it when their work gets resold. It got me thinking about how there should be fairer rules in place to make sure artists get what they deserve for their hard work.

We also had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Clapp, who also works for the Emerson Dorsch Gallery. Conversations with him arose more of my curious brain especially when speaking about the black market of art. After asking him a question if such a thing exists, he began to explain how art can sometimes be used as currency. People of high caliber trade art in exchange for houses or even pieces of land. I knew that art can be worth a hefty price but I never expected it to be to the extent of where you can purchase a house with it. It was extremely eye-opening how much art can truly be worth and now I am even thinking of starting my own collection of art because you never know where the money can come from.

To wrap it up, my exploration of Miami’s art scene gave me deep insights into how creativity, business, and cultural value all come together in today’s art world. Whether it was seeing the thought-provoking exhibits at the Rubell Museum or learning about the inner workings of the Emerson Dorsch Gallery, each experience showed me how important art is for making us think, talk, and reflect on society.

PAMM as Text

“Jim Crow Art”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 31 March 2024

Visiting the Perez Art Museum Miami was a journey into a realm of artistry that surpassed my expectations. Initially anticipating a conventional museum experience, I found myself immersed in a surreal exploration of societal issues and human interconnectedness. The exhibit “Public Enemy” by Gary Simmons served as a poignant reminder of the systemic issues ingrained within our education system. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Simmons shed light on the whitewashing of history and the perpetuation of racism. His eraser drawings, meticulously smudged to evoke faded memories, poignantly symbolized the erasure of African American experiences from mainstream narratives. Also, the use of crows within his paintings to display the Jim Crow laws that were used to enforce segregation and racism in the US really stood out and spoke to me in each of his artworks.1

Adjacent to “Public Enemy,” the exhibit “Miseducation” delved deeper into the systemic roots of racism and discrimination in education. White chalkboards symbolizing erasure underscored the marginalization of Black history and experiences, prompting reflection on the inherent biases within our educational institutions. The display of banned books within the museum further highlighted the pervasive influence of white supremacy within the education system. As I navigated through the exhibits, I was particularly drawn to Joaquin Torres Garcia’s “Construccion con dos mascaras,” which celebrated Latin American culture and identity. Garcia’s vibrant use of primary colors and cultural references imbued his work with power and significance, resonating deeply with my appreciation for cultural diversity.

Reflecting on Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit “Love is Calling,” I found myself entranced by her exploration of love, life, and interconnectedness. Kusama’s vibrant colors and signature polka dots symbolized the inherent unity of humanity and the cosmos, evoking profound emotional experiences that lingered long after I left the museum. The accompanying recorded poem, “Residing in a Castle of Shed Tears,” added a poignant layer to the experience, prompting me to contemplate themes of love, loss, and mortality. Participating in the interactive activity of creating zines added a touch of whimsy to the day, capping off the visit on a lighthearted note. 

Despite the profound impact of these masterpieces, one of the most enjoyable parts of my visit was the Zine-making activity. Although the Zines may not compare to the scale of museum artworks, they provided a fun and creative outlet for self-expression. It was refreshing to engage in such a hands-on activity and to see the diverse interpretations and creations of my classmates. Reflecting on my experience, I realize that art is not just about admiring masterpieces in a gallery—it’s also about expressing oneself and engaging with thought-provoking ideas. Whether it’s through contemplating the meaning behind a piece of art or creating something new, art has the power to evoke emotions and stimulate conversation.

To wrap it up, my visit to PAMM was not just another trip to a museum but an immersive experience that deepened my appreciation for art even more and showed me how it has the ability to shape our thoughts and emotions. I am excited to return back here in the future and continue exploring the museum to see more immersive and beautiful art.

Oolite/Wolfsonian as Text

“Stories Behind the Art”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 14 April 2024

As I reflect on my recent experience in a unique art class, I am struck by the profound connection between artists and the materials they work with. Throughout the course, there was a distinctive emphasis on the intricate relationship between creativity and the physical properties of mediums. It was a journey that delved deep into the realms of chemistry, formulation, and the inherent volatility of artistic materials.

The first artist we encountered, Alberto, captivated me with his fascination for plaster. His expertise extended from fixing boats to painting houses, but it was his innovative approach to art that truly intrigued me. He crafted molds and even experimented with creating vinyl records from frozen sweat. This exploration of analog mediums highlighted their organic qualities and the unpredictable interactions that occur within them. The vinyl records, born from sweat, were inherently inconsistent, each degrading uniquely over time—a testament to the artist’s belief in the futility of maintaining constancy in artistic endeavors.

Similarly, our encounter with a third artist, Diana, who worked with dyes on silk, revealed the beauty of embracing experimentation and accidental discoveries. She shared how unintended effects often embody artistry and intentionality, leading to profound advancements in art. Despite the unpredictable nature of her medium, she strove to tame the processes and imbue them with meaning and purpose—a sentiment echoed by artists throughout history.

The Oolite Arts visit was a highlight of the course, offering an immersive experience of the diverse creative processes of local artists. From Diana’s meticulous process of making her own dyes from plants and insects for her tapestries to Lee’s sustainable approach to stained glass, every encounter revealed the depth of ingenuity and passion within Miami’s artistic community.

At the Wolfsonian Museum, we delved into Miami’s rich history, examining the evolution of its demographic landscape and the impact of historical events such as the Great Depression and wartime propaganda. Through vintage brochures and artifacts, we gained insights into how the city’s identity was shaped and marketed to different demographics—a fascinating journey through art expression and urban history. We also did an activity where we were divided into groups of five and presented with the task of choosing a painting from various sections of the room. As a group, we embarked on a journey of interpretation, each member contributing 2-3 sentences to craft a narrative about the chosen artwork. What made this exercise truly fascinating was the element of surprise—each person passed their paper to the next, who continued the narrative without prior knowledge of what had been written. This collaborative endeavor served as a powerful reminder of the richness of diverse perspectives. With each contribution, the narrative evolved, revealing layers of meaning and interpretation that we might not have individually considered. For me, this activity was a transformative experience, opening my eyes to the vast array of viewpoints that can emerge from a single piece of art.

In hindsight, this class was more than just an exploration of art—it was a journey of discovery, uncovering the intricate interplay between creativity, materials, and societal influences. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of art and the endless possibilities that arise when artists push the boundaries of convention. As I continue on my own artistic journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and the inspiration gleaned from the talented individuals I had the privilege to meet along the way.

Final Reflection as Text

“A Fresh Perspective”

By Brian Velez of FIU in Miami, 21 April 2024

As I reflect on my recent semester, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the profound and enjoyable experiences I’ve had in my art class. It was truly an impactful journey that seamlessly blended knowledge with fun, leaving an indelible mark on my understanding of art and its cultural significance. From the outset, I was enriched with newfound knowledge about art and its multifaceted nature. The class introduced me to a diverse array of artworks, each offering a unique perspective on the world. Highlights of the course included immersing myself in the captivating works of artists like Eliason and Kusama, whose exhibits left me mesmerized and deeply inspired.

One particularly eye-opening experience was visiting the Perez Art Museum (PAMM), where an exhibit on Public Enemy’s message about harmful stereotypes challenged my perceptions of art’s role in society. It provided a new perspective on societal issues and the profound impact of harmful stereotypes, prompting me to reconsider the power of artistic expression. Another experience that I truly enjoyed was Art Wynwood. The concepts of contemporary art that were displayed in this art show really allowed me to view art differently. My perception of art evolved significantly. I began to associate art with more than just aesthetic beauty, but also with the power to convey meaningful messages and provoke thought. Kusama’s polka dots and vibrant colors, for example, now symbolize not only artistic expression but also societal commentary and introspection.

Much of my growth and learning were thanks to Professor Bailly’s dedication and expertise. His guidance and encouragement surpassed my expectations for the class, enriching my understanding of art and its significance in unexpected ways. Exploring art in Miami was a truly unique and fulfilling experience. Each visit to museums, collections, and galleries offered a new perspective and left a lasting impression on me. Miami’s art culture, particularly its contemporary scene, showcased the city’s rich diversity and cultural significance, emphasizing the importance of having an open mind when experiencing art.

Participating in workshops and visiting artist residences, such as the Zine-making session at PAMM, were particularly enjoyable and impactful experiences. They allowed me to connect with artists and gain insights into their creative process, influencing my approach to art and creativity. As the semester drew to a close, our final destination at the Frost Art Museum marked a bittersweet conclusion to our journey. Filled with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and learning opportunities provided by Professor Bailly, I left the class with a deeper appreciation for art and a newfound passion for exploring its complexities.

To wrap it up, my semester-long journey through the world of art has left me profoundly enriched and inspired. Despite my initial reservations as an Accounting and Business Analytics major with little prior art experience, Jordan pushed me into taking this course and the course challenged my assumptions and broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for the experiences and memories I’ve gained and hopeful that future students will have similar enriching experiences.