June 3, 2002

Miami Beach Art in Public Places stretches its wings with "FLAMINGOS ON THE BEACH"

Flocks of flamingos are nesting on Miami Beach this month with the introduction of "Flamingos on the Beach," a Miami Beach Art in Public Places project designed to position bejeweled and dazzling eight-foot tall flamingo sculptures from South Point to North Beach. Artists, including Noel, Herbert Hofer, Sheila Elias, Sid Daniels, Daniel Auprix, Em Kuker, Lisa Remeny and Beth Ravitz, will discuss their flamingo creations.

Modeled on successful "Cows on Parade" public art projects in Chicago and New York, "Flamingos on the Beach" continues throughout "Festival Season" in September.

Individuals, businesses and organizations have sponsored one-of-a-kind flamingo sculptures and selected the artist and flamingo design. A plaque at the base of each flamingo presents the name of the flamingo, the artist and the sponsor. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is producing a guide map to flamingo installations from South Point to North Beach. "Flamingos are synonymous with Miami Beach and we believe this is a fabulous, fun idea that combines art and cultural tourism," said George Neary, Director of Cultural Tourism for the Bureau.

"Flamingos on the Beach reinforces the commitment of the City to nurture arts and culture and create entertaining events for visitors and residents," said Merle Weiss, Vice-Chair of Miami Beach Art in Public Places. "Our fantastic flamingos from South Point to North Beach are visible 24 hours per day, seven days per week."

"Flamingos on the Beach" is a presentation of Miami Beach Art in Public Places, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the assistance of community organizations such as the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, telephone ACE, office of "Arts, Culture & Entertainment" at 305-673-7577 or see the City's website.

FLAMINGOS ON THE BEACH

• A project of Miami Beach Art in Public Places
• Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor a Flamingo
• Each 8-foot tall Flamingo is a unique creation
• Sponsors select the artist and one-of-a-kind Flamingo design
• Flocks of Flamingos will be displayed in Miami Beach from May to October
• Sponsor keeps the Flamingo at the end of the project
• Plaques on each sculpture recognize the sponsor and artist
• A Flamingo Map highlights installations throughout Miami Beach
• Sponsorship of $2000 includes fabrication, artist fees & installation
• Flamingos are a feature of the Fine Art & Flower Market at Ocean Steps every Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon to Dusk

Visit the Flamingo Nest & Artist Workspace 
Sponsored by Ocean Steps at Ocean Drive & 15^th Street
For information, telephone 305-534-0514