Can smells calm you? Tempt you? Students use scents in their artwork to find out

The season of flower and perfume giving is almost upon us. Scent, as we know, can calm us, invigorate us, inspire us.

For 140 students at Miami Arts Charter Wynwood, scent must be included in their creations in a competition for scholarship funds from Doctor Aromas Foundation, a local non-profit with a focus on “fragrance research and its application as part of the creative process.”

The Art of Aromas Scholarship competition continues the idea of an olfactory element in art to students in grades 10-12. Before beginning their creations, the MAC Wynwood students each received a special edition Doctor Aromas scent to inspire them.

The name and formulation of the fragrance is top secret and will be unveiled at the competition event Jan. 31.

“We believe fragrance can inspire so many aspects of our lives,” Violeta Horne at Doctor Aromas said. “We hope that participating students will find inspiration in this delightful scent and bring an entire new dimension to their artwork.

“The creation of fragrances is a craft that has been passed down through centuries around the world and today is recognized as a true art form.”

Judges this year include curator Mali Parkerson, and gallery owner Troy Taylor along with expert perfumer Arnaud Winter.

“We are delighted to bring students and admirers of art alike the opportunity to experience and enjoy the added element of an olfactory experience in the enjoyment of art,” Visual Art Director of MAC Wynwood Gary Logan said.

The Doctor Aromas Foundation has presented more than $16,000 in scholarships. You can learn more at https://doctoraromasfoundation.org/ and see past winners and projects.

Love concert at Fairchild

Love is always in the air in Miami and now it’s time to plan ways to celebrate with family, friends, and that special someone.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will host a Valentine’s Day concert 6-9 p.m., Feb. 14, 10901 Old Cutler Rd. The event features a live performance by jazz and classic soul music artist Kitty Carmichael and a five-piece band starting at 7:30 p.m.

Visitors can first stroll the glorious grounds and then celebrate “Love at the Garden” by bringing their own blankets and picnic basket feast. Wine and other goodies will be available for purchase.

Attendees can also purchase a “Cupid’s Sweet Box” that includes bonbons, chocolate covered marshmallows and pretzels, and a small red velvet cake for $20 and/or a large blanket for $25.

Tickets are $65 for members and $80 for non-members. Other celebration packages are available at www.fairchildgarden.org or call 305-667-1651.

Lovers’ Bike Tour in Miami Springs

Dade Heritage Trust will host its latest rail/bike adventure just before Valentine’s Day with a tour that goes from Brickell to the Miami Springs’ Curtiss Mansion.

Constructed in 1925 by Miami Springs founder Glenn Hammond Curtiss, the mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places and has become one of South Florida’s go-to wedding destinations.

“The Curtiss Mansion was designed and built in the Pueblo Revival style, and is an incredible piece of history in the heart of Miami-Dade County,” DHT Executive Director Christine Rupp said. “We’ll ride a little over two miles to the Curtiss Mansion where we’ll receive a tour of this historic home.”

Ride leaders will provide safety guidelines as cyclists make their way through the tour, but for this tour, riders must be experienced and confident enough to navigate urban Miami streets, Rupp said.

The event, in collaboration with Miami-Dade Transit and the Curtiss Mansion, will start at 10 a.m., Feb. 9, at Dade Heritage Trust’s headquarters, 190 SE 12th Terr. Tickets are $5 for DHT members and $10 for non-members and are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-springs-is-for-lovers-bike-tour-tickets-87793587985 where you’ll also find more details.

José Martí Celebration

Learn more about the life and work of revolutionary philosopher and political activist José Martí at the 20th Annual José Martí Celebration hosted by Florida International University’s Glenn Hubert Library at the Biscayne Bay Campus.

The event, on the Cuban poet’s 167th birthday, is 8:30-10:30 a.m., Jan. 28, 3000 NE 151 St., North Miami. This year’s keynote speaker is author and University of California Professor of Latin American Studies Emilio Bejel.

Registration is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-annual-jose-marti-celebration-tickets-85154793279 and the event is free.

If you have news for this column, write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com.

This story was originally published January 24, 2020 at 3:56 PM.