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Angela Betancourt

Arts, Culture, MSM Online

The Natural Pastels Art Exhibit

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By Angela Betancourt This Sunday January 11th from 11am- 4pm, The Futernick Family Art Gallery is celebrating the launch of the Natural Pastels Art Exhibit with an opening reception and brunch. The Natural Pastels Art Exhibit will feature work by more than ten South Florida artists that have used soft pastels in their creations. Ranging in levels of experience and individual styles, the artists will showcase a variety of pieces that include depictions of landscapes, animals, and still lifes. Guests will have the opportunity to explore how versatile and beautiful this art form can be. “The soft pastels were created by a group that works together at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. We admire and learn from each other as we use this challenging but vibrant medium. As a member of the class, it’s quite a treat to be exhibiting with the others, in addition to fulfilling my usual role of putting on exhibits in the Futernick Family Art Gallery,” said Suzy Breitner, Visual Arts and Museum Director. “Particularly gratifying for all of us is the opportunity to dedicate this show to a talented and valued class member, Terrie Newman, who sadly passed away a few months ago. Her work will be prominently displayed.” The exhibit is free and will run through February 21, 2015. All art exhibits may be viewed during programs held in the Futernick Family Gallery and by special appointment. For more information call 305.271.9000 x265 or email sbreitner@alperjcc.org.

Arts

Art Basel Week: Red Dot Art Fair

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By Angela Betancourt  Entering its eighth year, the Red Dot Art Fair is one of the leading art shows during Art Basel and Miami Art Week every December. More than 25,000 visitors attended last year to explore Red Dot’s vast collection of modern and contemporary art. The fair has continuously introduced enthusiasts and seasoned collectors to new artists and galleries from around the world. Their mission is to serve as a platform where galleries specializing in emerging, mid- career, and established artists can present their work in a thriving art environment. For years, Red Dot’s eclectic galleries have boldly displayed works of art that range from the exquisite to the bizarre and everything in between. Onlookers are left to draw their own conclusions as they navigate through more than 50 galleries and hundreds of sculptures, paintings, photography, and fine-art. The fair returns to its 50,000 sq ft pavilion in the Wynwood Art District and will run December 2-7. The opening reception will take place on Tuesday, December 2nd and will benefit the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), a free community based program that provides support and assistance to people with autism and Million Trees Miami, a community-wide effort to plant 1 million trees by 2020 in Miami-Dade County. The event will undoubtedly attract the press and Miami’s VIP eager to be the first to see the exhibits. This year the fair welcomes the return of the Latin American Art Pavilion, a collaboration with an exclusive group of Latin American artists represented by top galleries. The increasing demand for exhibits by emerging and renowned artists from Latin America served as the inspiration to launch the pavilion while demonstrating the fair’s propensity for embracing international artists. International exhibitors participating this year include: The Parisian gallery Envie D’Art, which represents numerous European artists; the Prodanovich Gallery featuring the work of Serbian mixed- media artist Vladimir Prodanovich; Galleria Ca’ d’Oro, one of Rome’s best known contemporary art galleries; and Gallery Edel from Japan that curates a variety of modern art. US and local galleries exhibiting include: The Estate of Bert Stern, Hollywood’s legendary and “original madman” photographer that captured some of the most iconic celebrity images of his time; Nicholas Yust Fine Metal Art, showcasing intricate metal creations; Allan Rodewald Fine Art, featuring a combination of abstract and fine art pieces; and Miami’s Projects Gallery in Wynwood. With such a wide array of quality art and exhibits, fairgoers have a lot to look forward to and Red Dot is once again on the path to another successful year. Photography Courtesy of RED DOT ART FAIR    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.

Living, The Issue

The Ligné Group Arrives

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By Angela Betancourt  This fall, just in time for Art Basel, Miami will welcome the highly anticipated Ligne Ateliers showroom to Wynwood. The Ligne Atelier is a boutique furniture and lighting showroom that caters to the elite clientele looking for the finest in home décor. This will be the company’s first showroom to feature all of the luxury brands they work with and give their clients the opportunity to engage with their offerings on a new level. The Ligne Atelier will be open to the trade as well as the general public. Collections in the Atelier are from the finest craftsman and designers throughout Europe and South America with designs ranging from contemporary to transitional for residential and select commercial projects. Founded by Meredith, 29 and her husband Yuri, 28, the Ligne Atelier is their new endeavor stemming from the couples highly established Ligne Group, a luxury de- sign company that is focused on building, promoting and distributing global brands. The Ligné Group was found- ed in 2013 and consists of three divisions: Ligné Agency, Ligné Magazine and Ligné International. The group has become a driving force behind the market expansion of leading industry brands, and continues to develop their portfolio throughout Europe and the Americas. Both Meredith and Yuri founded the Ligne Group to fill a void within the industry. Within the past few years, there has been a massive shift on how the industry executes its business functions. End users have become much savvier, and designers are discovering new methods to promote themselves that are found outside of the traditional design centers of yesterday. Meanwhile the balancing act to respect the designer and satisfy the end user has become more challenging. In the midst of all the change, Meredith and Yuri recognized an opportunity to help bridge the gaps and fill a void. The Ligne Group was their answer. There was a need on the business side to help designers connect with new products while helping buyers connect with new designers. The Ligne Agency division offers public relations, marketing, brand development, graphic design, and other services to their luxury design clients. Ligne International is the group’s sales, distribution, and import and export division and the Ligne Magazine is a quarterly online publication for the luxury shelter industry that serves as a resource for designers and the press about what is happening within the Ligne group. Despite being so young, the Ligne Group exploded onto the scene and quickly became a major player. The company has since worked with some of the world’s most impressive designers as well as with luxurious and iconic brands. Their new Miami Atelier is a reflection of their in- dustry clout. Brands being showcased include collection’s from Vaheed Taheri, Louis Kazan, Byford and Veronique, and Windfall Contemporary Crystal Lighting. Windfall Contemporary Crystal Lighting is a dynamic contemporary chandelier brand which has set out to re-define the nature of crystal chandeliers. The couple’s decision to establish the Ligne Atelier in Miami was in part because of how well Windfall sales were doing in the city. Their original plan was to open in Los Angeles. However, with Miami’s growing prestige as a designer city combined with all the new residential developments and foreign investments; Meredith and Yuri knew Miami, rather than LA, was where they needed to be. “We were doing great sales in Miami and that made us increasing more familiar with the city so we went with the demand” said Meredith. “We were already doing business in Miami prior to the decision of opening the Atelier here.” The selection of the Atelier in Miami gives the Ligne Group some added advantages they won’t get anywhere else. The cities proximity to South America gives However, with Miami’s growing prestige as a designer city combined with all the new residential developments and foreign investments; Meredith and Yuri knew Miami, rather than LA, was where they needed to be. “We were doing great sales in Miami and that made us increasing more familiar with the city so we went with the demand” said Meredith. “We were already doing business in Miami prior to the decision of opening the Atelier here.” The selection of the Atelier in Miami gives the Ligne Group some added advantages they won’t get any- where else. The cities proximity to South America gives them easier access to reach potential clients coming to Miami from key markets in that region. Meredith also explains that Miami’s design tastes are also a good fit for the Ligne Group and their new Atelier. “Miami has a bigger appeal for the contemporary aes- thetic and for the Miami lifestyle,” she said. “The views are a part of the décor so designs usually have clean lines.” Miami clients like to have some WOW factor whether it’s with an extravagant chandelier, a piece of art, or a pop of color from artwork. They understand these trends and are able to accommodate them via their access to a network of highly talented designers. Access to this network of creativity, will now be even more accessible with the opening of their Wynwood showroom. The couple is very excited to finally materialize a plan that has long been a part of their Ligne Group vi- sion. The Ligne Atelier, in addition to being a compa- ny milestone, will also be a testament to the hard work and expansive knowledge the company’s two founders bring to the table. Meredith obtained her B.A in Art History from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and her M.A. in the Fine and Decorative Arts from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom. She studied architecture at Oxford University in England and traveled extensively through Europe while completing her dissertation. Her husband Yuri comes from the fashion industry. He’s worked with Fendi Case, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus where he was a couture buyer. Meredith met Yuri when she worked as Fendi’s art curator. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that they are a design industry power couple. When they

Living, Luxury, Real Estate, The Issue

Miami Real Estyle – SLS Lux Brickell – The Urban Oasis

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By Angela Betancourt  When sbe, the global hospitality and real estate company behind the award winning SLS Hotel brands launched a property in South Beach, it quickly became one of the city’s hottest hotels and culinary destinations for tourists and locals alike. In the wake of all the success, sbe partnered with development titans the Related Group, to build an SLS Hotel & Residency in Miami’s Brickell community. Though still under construction, the project was highly anticipated and quickly sold out. It’s not surprising then that sbe and the Related Group, along with The Allen Morris Company, have joined forces again to build another SLS property. Named the SLS LUX Brickell, the development is an elevated SLS Hotels & Residency brand that will offer an all-suite and residential experience with an astonishing amount of luxurious amenities and personalized VIP Services. Set to open in 2016, the SLS LUX Brickell is being built just steps away from the upcoming billion dollar Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village. The 57 story building will boast 450 residences and a limited collection of 12 penthouse residences on the top three floors. The building was the creation of internationally acclaimed architect firm Arquitectonica who designed Canyon Ranch in Miami Beach and the American Airlines Arena among others. The interior was designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the design firm behind some of the world’s most notable hotels including the Four Seasons in Toronto and Tokyo; the W Hotel, Times Square, New York, and the St. Regis Bal Harbour. Together, both firms set out to “indulge the senses” by making art an integral part of the overall design and living experience. Museum-quality art will be prominent in all common areas by renowned artists Fernando Botero, contemporary painter Fabian Burgos, and lighting artist Ana Isabal Martinez, who designed a one of a kind LED façade. The units reflect their own sense of art and style with their imported stone vanity tops, full size mirrors by Yabu Pushelberg and premium European cabinetry with designer details. In addition to art, residents can also indulge in private residential elevators, a fitness center, a roof top pool, wine cellar , a cigar room, and two ground floor dining experiences; Katsuya and SBar. sbe founder and visionary Sam Nazarian originally came up with the LUX concept as a way to create an environment where luxury, service, creativity and fun, would all harmoniously come together. His vision also entailed offering “resident’s ultimate access in an oasis of exclusive privileges” that defines SLS living. This oasis of exclusive privileges includes a butler, on demand housekeeping, overnight shoe shine, preferred event tickets, pre-arrival provisioning / grocery shopping and delivery, translation services, a babysitter/nanny and dozens more. Additionally, residents also get full access to the other SLS Brickell hotel’s event facilities and services. Just like their other two properties, the SLS LUX Brickell has captured the world’s imagination and has become a main topic of conversation in the real estate world. Though 2016 is still more than a full year away, Miami has caught SLS fever and there are no signs of the excitement ending anytime soon. Photography Courtesy of SLS LUX    Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue.

Cover Stories, Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Deco Drives Shireen Sandoval-Cover Shoot

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By Angela Betancourt Keeping track of all the entertaining things happening in South Florida is not for the faint of heart. Between the pulsating nightlife, fashion shows, movie shoots, and all the celebrities gallivanting around town, Keeping up with the Kardianshians is a walk in the park. Yet one woman has proven that when it comes to reporting on all things entertainment, she stands in a class of her own. Shireen Sandoval is the current Entertainment/Features and Film Critic for Deco Drive on WSVN. Her job is to travel around the world interviewing some of the world’s biggest stars while keeping Miami informed of the latest celebrity and fashion happenings. If there is something going down, “Shireen is on the scene” to get the scoop day after day without skipping a beat. She has interviewed some of the most famous people on earth like Oprah and George Clooney and does it all with an impeccable sense of style. There is no doubt that Shireen is also one of Miami’s best dressed reporters and she proudly shares her love of all things fashion on her blog “Shireen’s Favorite Things”. However, before her favorite things became a blog; before she was jet setting around the world, and interviewing Oprah; Shireen was a woman with a big vision and a dream to create an amazing life. Shireen was born on August 15th in Albuquerque New Mexico. Growing up she spent a lot of time with her grandfather, the late Robert Wilkes, who worked in the entertainment industry and was the first to expose her to the world of TV and film. Mr. Wilkes was a sound engineer and jack of all trades. After years of working behind the scenes of major TV shows and motion pictures like the Exorcist, Mr. Wilkes retired into theatre and at one point worked at the famed Kennedy Theatre in Washington DC. “He was very interesting and very worldly,” said Shireen. She credits him for being a big influence in her career and setting her on a path into television. She enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in both Broadcast Journalism and Theatre Arts. After graduation she began her broadcasting career as a reporter/anchor at the ABC and NBC affiliates in Amarillo, Texas. Initially she wanted to report hard news. She envisioned herself as a war correspondent and telling stories that would change the world. Instead, she found herself reporting entertainment news. “At job auditions they always said I was an ok reporter but that my entertainment stuff was really good,” she explained. “But I fought it at first.” She admired women like Katie Couric and Barbara Walters that were out there reporting on the major issues. But it was the entertainment industry that became her true calling. She realized that it didn’t matter what kind of reporter she became as long as she could tell great stories and enjoy doing it. And just like that, “Shireen on the Scene” was born. Her exuberant personality, intelligence, and charm immediately began catapulting her career to new heights. Early on she got an opportunity to work at the FOX affiliate in Indianapolis, Indiana where she continued her “Shireen on the Scene” segments as the Features/Entertainment Reporter. A few years later, Shireen found herself in Miami and joined the FOX Affiliate WSVN where she became one of Miami’s most recognized TV personalities. It’s been a decade and Shireen is going stronger than ever. In 2006, she left for New York to follow her dream of being on a national show. She fearlessly took a bite out of the big apple and went to work for NBC and freelanced for ESPN. What she discovered during this time was a defining moment in her career.   “I wanted to work on a national show and then found that creativity is not as needed. You are a talent and you become a performer and deliver information. I lost the ability to be fully involved with a story. You go to an interview and they give you the questions you have to ask.” She shared admitting that she was uncomfortable asking questions that were often times irrelevant. “I got to do national TV and it was everything I thought it would be, but it turned out I wasn’t who I thought I was. I needed to be more involved in the creative process.” A year later, Shireen moved back to Miami and reclaimed her rightful spot “on the scene”. “New York is great but I love Miami. I don’t see myself leaving Florida. There is a great quality of life here and I love the people I work with. Deco Drive is a special show and WSVN is like a family. We love the talent and the producers we have. It’s a team. You don’t get that on a national level.,” said Shireen. Shireen’s life really is as shiny and as glamorous as it looks. Though she recognizes her many blessings, life doesn’t sparkle all the time. To her the downside of being an entertainment reporter, film critic, and active blogger, are the hours of relentless work that go into making things look seamless. In college no one ever told her that working in this industry meant working on holidays, working crazy hours, and not always being able to lead a normal routine like everyone else. “I wouldn’t change my past but I have made sacrifices to have my career. You have to be really committed to staying on the top. I’m not a mother and I’m single now even though I’ve been married before. I gave up some degree of working on my personal life. It just kind of happened by default not because I did it on purpose,” she said. “I haven’t found that perfect balance but I am working on it. I believe that a woman can have it all.” Staying on top of her game might not be easy, but Shireen makes it

Living, Luxury, Real Estate, The Issue

Edgewater’s New Found Paradise

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By Angela Betancourt In the past 35 years, The Related Group has been a leader in developing some of the country’s most luxurious and highly celebrated condominiums. They account for 25% of all condominium development in South Florida. With an ever growing portfolio of projects, The Related Group has proven time and again, that they are industry leaders. In true fashion, the company recently celebrated several major milestones including the launch of Paraiso Bayviews and the groundbreaking for Paraiso Bay. The launch of Paraiso Bayviews and the construction of Paraiso Bay represent the ongoing revitalization of a once neglected Edgewater neighborhood. Edgewater is approximately located by 17th street to the south, 37th street to the north, the Florida East Coast Railroad and First Avenue to the west, and Biscayne Bay to the east. Edgewater use to be a thriving area about 50 years ago until the mid 1990’s when it started to fall into harder times. Drug dealers, gang bangers, and the homeless began taking over the area. Today this neighborhood is finding a new identity. Edgewater is now a hot commodity in part because of The Related Groups efforts and the bayfront which is one of the area’s highlights. The launch of Paraiso Bayviews was attended by hundreds of VIP brokers, Mayor Tomás Regalado, and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. The project’s international interior and industrial designer Karim Rashid was also in attendance. Rashid, who’s been featured in Time Magazine and is recognized as one of the most important industrial designers of our time, evolved his trademark colors and bold shapes for a softer more natural approach to the project. Boasting 44 stories and 396 units, this new tower is the latest addition to the Edgewater’s New Luxury Paraiso Bay Compound. Residents of Bayviews will enjoy all of Paraiso’s luxury amenities including a rooftop swimming pool, tennis courts, a beach club, marina, gardens by Enzo Enea, a signature restaurant by Michael Schwartz, and more. The Paraiso Bay property, which is set between Biscayne Boulevard and the Bay at NE 31st Street, was designed by internationally renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia, principal of Arquitectónica. Paraiso Bay is self proclaimed as a “resort styled, self-contained community” and is attracting a lot of high profile attention. Though the estimated completion isn’t until Spring 2016, celebrities who have already reserved homes there include DJ and music producer David Guetta, basketball star Manu Ginobili, and Spanish tennis legend Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario. Future Paraiso Bay residents won’t have a shortage of amenities to enjoy while they embrace a new park and acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Thus far, plans for the park include a playground, exercise area, and art sculptures among other features. It’s truly an exciting time for The Related Group and the Edgewater community. The opening of Paraiso Bayviews and the construction of Paraiso Bay will forever change the Edgewater skyline. Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

LIFESTYLE, Living, Luxury, The Issue

Artful Collaborations

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Brazilian Interior Designer Joao Armentano and Paulo Bacchi, CEO of Artefacto join forces in the ultimate collaboration of high end interior design. By Angela Betancourt The phrase ‘art and life become one’ can inspire the imagination and conjure a variety of literal and figurative imagery and meanings. The Related Group sought to take this phrase and turn it into reality by doing what they do best; creating an ultra luxury condominium building that entices both praise and envy. The result is the Marea, South of Fifth’s final and captivating condominium. Meaning tide in Spanish, Marea’s name is very fitting considering its location near the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and Miami Beach Marina. Marea was designed by the powerhouse team of Sieger Suarez Architects, Yabu Pushelburg (interior design), and Enzo Enea (landscape). They set out to capture Miami’s “uniquely glamorous fusion of art and design” and harmoniously incorporated original works of art by critically acclaimed contemporary artists in the common areas. Not surprisingly, there are hardly any units left at Marea and the last remaining penthouses are getting some extra VIP attention. The Related Group assembled another superstar team of designers to finish their last four penthouses which are going for upwards of $7 million. Brazilian Interior Designer Joao Armentano and Paulo Bacchi from the Brazilian luxury furniture manufacturer Artefacto, joined forces to create customized interiors for the penthouses and they define their designs as “a breathtaking fusion of European flair and Brazilian sensuality.” To celebrate this collaboration, The Related Group along with Krug Champagne hosted a private “Best of Brazil” event to unveil the designs. The renderings were showcased to a room full of VIPs which included Krug Champagne President & CEO Magareth Henriquez and the Executive Vice President of The Related Group Carlos Rosso. Guests enjoyed a variety of delectable appetizers and sipped on Krug Champagne as they toasted to the new designs and Armentano’s growing influence in the Miami market. Armentano’s practical, beautiful and intelligent style has made him one of the most sought after Brazilian designers and made him a perfect fit for this project. That evening Rosso appropriately described his work as “half bohemian and half luxury”. “We know that our buyers crave relaxed elegance and want to come home to a place of quiet luxury, which is exactly what he delivers,”said Rosso. His unique style combined with Artefacto’s established reputation for creating masterful work was exactly what The Related Group was looking for. “Working with Joao and Paulo was fantastic; they are both monumental names in Brazilian design. Bringing them to our team for this project really helped us tap into what our Brazilian buyers want,”added Rosso. The end results were incredibly detailed renderings that depicted rooms with exquisitely designed furniture, distinctive lighting, and a wide array of eclectic accessories; each perfectly placed to complete the room’s ambience. Future penthouse residences will find themselves in a spacious home that captures the vibrant spirit and relaxed luxury of Miami Beach. For Bacchi, this collaboration was an extremely rewarding experience. Working with talented designers like Armentano to or- chestrate a grand vision for a property like Marea represents the very essence of what he enjoys most about the work that he does. “Joao brings a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic to Miami. He uses vibrant tones and textures to infuse each space he envisions with a unique panache,” said Bacchi. Armentano’s experience working on this project was also very rewarding but very intense. It strengthened his existing bond between Artefacto and The Related Group. “The Related Group is one of the best groups around the world. I worked for them in Brazil and now in the USA. Their works are perfect,” said Armentano. “Artefacto is like my second home. Mr. Paulo Bacchi is doing a very important and good job. I love their designs and the quality.” Armentano knows good design and quality when he sees it. He’s been developing architectural projects, and interior decoration in the residential, commercial, corporate, and hospitality segments for more than 30 years. His works have been featured in prominent magazines, books, and exhibits and he is considered a design super star in his native Brazil. Now the US is starting to catch on. Armentano ‘s expansion to Miami first occurred when Bacchi brought him along with fellow Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar to work on other luxury developments like Paraiso Bay and 1 Hotel & Homes. Becoming a designer was more of an involuntary act than it was a conscience decision; his career chose him. He remembers always being drawn to objects with natural lines and his mind was always looking for ways to improve on things that would make living life better. A career in design came naturally and till this day he takes pride in expressing that he has never ‘worked’ a day in his life. Even Armentano’s idea of ‘free time’ still involves ‘work’. “I love to go to my office and go around construction sites. This is my life, this is my pleasure,” he said. He prefers to be at work where he can generate new ideas, embrace new projects, and face new challenges. Armentano draws inspiration from his surroundings and believes that artists have to keep an eye open for the special moments and opportunities that can evolve into fresh new ideas. “We are always looking for a special moment. Naturally I’m very lucky! I have several special moments in my life; sunsets, sunrises, friends, birds, and the perfect family. Thank God! I’m so lucky to have these special conditions. So it’s easy to create, to make something special, and to work with pleasure. It’s the perfect way,” said Armentano. Armentano has big dreams for the future and will continuously tap into special moments for future projects. Though he doesn’t have something specific he would like to work on next; the bigger picture of what he envisions will serve a greater and noble purpose. “You know, we live in a very big world. My dream (and I think

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