How one woman’s artistic vision has transformed a Miami neighborhood
Ashlee Thomas is an eternal optimist.
As the coronavirus global pandemic evolved, she was challenged to turn an arts conference into a virtual experience.
The president of MUCE, the Miami Urban Contemporary Experience, Thomas began to see what is possible with virtual arts programming while figuring out steps to have people in a physical space.
”Our place is an indoor/outdoor space that allows folks to follow the social-distancing guidelines (wearing masks) while also having an opportunity to socialize in the ‘new normal,’ ” she said.
Thomas and her team made MUCE’s Open-Air Market a reality. This small business features holistic workshops, craft and food vendors, yoga practitioners and live performers. There is a grounding greens plant swap, free yoga with Ashlee, local jam sessions and much more.
The Open-Air Market is located on the MUCE Campus, 246 NW 54th St., Miami. There is free residential parking on Northwest Third Avenue and paid parking at Chef Creole, $20 cash.
Upcoming dates are Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22, Dec. 13 and Dec. 27, 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Rain or shine. A mask is required for entrance.
Local vendors include Bongo Bluez, which makes handcrafted bags and tees, and specializes in all natural essentials from African black soap; Tree Hugging Soap; Carola’s handcrafted earrings; Nomadic chicken with delicious chicken & waffles; and Chef Cocoa delivering vegan fare and more.
“It is more important than ever to provide space for our community to circulate their dollars locally,” Thomas said. “When everything opens up fully and again — we want to ensure that our small business, crafters and vendors have a fighting chance to survive and thrive.”
Who is MUCE’s Ashlee Thomas?
She began performing at 9, and by age 13 volunteered to teach youth dance and theater. Modern jazz, hip-hop and tap were all part of her training, but it is reported that her favorite style of dance is salsa and Afro-Cuban dance.
A native Miamian, she was born at Jackson Memorial Hospital, grew up in Brown Sub (Brownsville) and Liberty City, attended Poinciana Elementary, Charles Drew Middle, the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center for after-school and summer programming and the New World School of the Arts for high school.
Founded Melbourne, Australia, festival
She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in marketing, moved to Los Angeles in 2006, where she was the founder and artistic director at the Enlightened Theater. In 2013, she moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she co-founded and was the founding festival director of the Melbourne WebFest.
After her visa expired, she returned to Miami with the intention of saving money to relocate back to California or New York City.
“In the midst of saving, I had the pleasure of witnessing how my hometown had grown and the blooming art renaissance. I decided to get involved (while I saved) and the opportunities kept coming. That is what kept me here.”
Since returning home, she has been the manager for marketing & community outreach at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City and the manager for education & community engagement at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami.
In 2015, she established MUCE, focusing on bringing a niche heritage experience to the global market, through pop-up exhibitions, fairs and festivals.
“MUCE has created a hub of cultural activity and artistic talent to ensure that arts and culture is accessible to all underserved communities,” said Yvette Harris, CEO of Harris Public Relations. “Their platform cultivates creativity, provides community building and has reinforced South Florida’s role as a global cultural destination.”
Added DeAnne Connolly Graham, chief engagement officer at ROI Media Consultants, “It’s vitally important for our community to support our established as well as emerging artists of color, and MUCE offers that safe space.
“During COVID, I’m impressed with how MUCE has been able to bring their programming online through various social media platforms so they can keep the community engaged and be an excellent showcase for our artists.
“The stories shared by the artists are thought provoking, insightful and enlightening. I‘m hopeful audiences of all ethnicities will see the importance of supporting and staying engaged with MUCE.”
Twice a month, stop by and enjoy some essential oil, a new book, organic juices, yoga and good eats at the MUCE Open Air Market. And don’t forget your mask!
MUCE Information
Interested vendors can inquiry at market@muce305.org. Performers and workshop proposals can be submitted to Melissa@muce305.org. For more information about MUCE visit, https://www.muce305.org/
Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Ph.D., is a historian and founder of the Black Archives, History & Research Foundation of South Florida. Send feedback to djf@bellsouth.net
This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 12:50 PM.