NFTs, live art and where to park: What you need to know about Coconut Grove Arts Festival

If you’re asking, “What’s new with the Coconut Grove Arts Festival this year?” you may be asking the wrong question.

This is not to say there aren’t a few new twists in 2022. But the real appeal of one of Miami’s favorite outdoor gatherings isn’t new at all. It’s enjoying the easy familiarity of a true local tradition.

The arts festival, which runs Feb. 19-21, was canceled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic (the 2020 version was held just before Miami-Dade County shut down). Organizers are expecting the usual robust attendance, especially if the weather is cooperative.

“I think we’re looking for a big crowd this weekend,” festival president Monty Trainer told the Miami Herald. “One hundred thousand is our benchmark, and I think this year we will certainly approach that.”

There are slightly fewer artists this year, Trainer said, with about 280 visual artists displaying their works instead of the usual 300-plus. That’s because of the lingering uncertainty of the pandemic at the time the artists had to commit.

Those who decided to come seem pretty happy about their choices.

Armando Colls, who has been displaying his work at the festival for seven years, can’t wait to be back in the spotlight.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to be in front of this crowd,” said the local photographer, whose work leans heavily on tranquil South Florida waterways and Everglades scenery. “I have such a passion for it. I took up photography later in life, and it’s been an amazing journey. Being back just feeds the dream.”

First-timer Ana Maria Andricain of @jewelofhavana, who makes jewelry and lives in Baton Rouge, can’t wait to get to Miami to see her family. She’ll also debut a new collection entitled “Snow in Havana,” named for Cuban writer Carlos Eires’ memoir “Waiting for Snow in Havana” and in honor of her Cuban-born mother, who came to the U.S. as part of Operation Pedro Pan.

“It’s such a well-respected festival,” she said. “And it has been two years since we saw my extended family. My parents are coming, too, and we’re going to hit all the croquetas and flan.”

What’s different this year

Here are a few new things to watch out for:

NFTs: Not even the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is immune to the allure of NFTs (that’s a “non-fungible token” that’s verified as a unique or limited-edition artwork). The festival’s collection will be based on the 2022 poster by Lebo.

The Stacks: Six shipping containers will be stacked and painted throughout the weekend by local artists. They’ll also act as a stage for live music and DJ performances.

Kitchen Combat: The festival has had cooking demos before, but now it’s war (in a good-natured way). Chefs and mixologists from Coconut Grove compete with other local chefs for the Golden Coconut trophy.

No cash: The festival has gone cashless (though some artists might accept cash). Bring your credit card.

There’s a fee added if you buy a ticket online: In addition to tax and a 24-cent credit card fee, a $5.77 “processing fee” is added to your online ticket purchase. This means it’s technically less expensive to buy your tickets at the door, but you may risk waiting in a long line to get in.

Tell your story

Miami artist Mary Ellen Scherl has created the multimedia project “Defending Democracy: Portraits of U.S. Military Women on Canvas and Film,” which celebrates women in the Armed Forces through paintings, podcasts and a documentary series. Female members of the military — both active duty and veterans — can talk about any part of their military experience.

“We’ve gotten so many fabulous stories of these dynamic women,” she said, adding that in honor of the project the festival is offering $10 off ticket price if you show a military ID.

Scherl is glad to be back at the festival, too. She has never exhibited here before, but she grew up in Miami.

“I went every year when I was growing up,” she said.

Where to park

“Where do I park?” is the real question you should be asking if you’re heading to the fair. There are 11 garages and three valet spots (two on Commodore Plaza, one on Florida Avenue), or save yourself the grief and take Metrorail to the Coconut Grove Station. And there are always your friends at Uber and Lyft.

But be realistic. There will be traffic. Bring some patience, too.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Where: 2700 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove

When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 19-20; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 21

Tickets: $25 onsite; $20 online with tax, $5.77 processing fee and 24 cent credit card fee; kids 12 and under free; $10 off with military ID; cgaf.com

This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 6:00 AM.