The Bakehouse Art Complex, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting emerging and midcareer artists in South Florida to a workplace that provides affordable studios, exhibition galleries, and professional development opportunities will host a VIP After Party for Art Wynwood VIP guests at its sprawling complex at 561 NW 32nd Street, Miami, FL 33127. From 7pm to 10pm, guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails and live entertainment while visiting artists studios in the complex. $10 admission for general public. FREE admission for Art Wynwood VIP. Proceeds will support the Bakehouse Art Complex programs. Art Wynwood, Miami’s five-day International Contemporary Art Fair, will take place President's Day Weekend, Feb. 14 - 28, 2013, in the spacious 100,000-square-foot Art Miami Pavilion. Showcasing a diverse range of fresh and edgy works by established and emerging international contemporary artists from more than 13 countries around the globe, Art Wynwood continues to shine a spotlight on Midtown Miami and the Wynwood Arts District as a flourishing international cultural destination and the epicenter of Miami's art, fashion, design and culinary communities. This year’s fair will honor the late Tony Goldman who was so instrumental in the development of the Wynwood Arts District and the inaugural launch of Art Wynwood last year. A main feature of the 2013 Fair will be the highlight of street art, murals, pop surrealism and other genres from the contemporary underground movement exemplified by two very special projects dually commissioned by Jessica Goldman CEO of Goldman Properties and Art Wynwood, which include a stunning wraparound installation suspended above the VIP Lounge by famed artist Jesse Geller. Additionally Wynwood Walls and Art Wynwood will present a curated exhibit by Meghan Coleman featuring specially commissioned lenticulars with original paintings by selected artists installed in the pass through areas of Art Wynwood. Artists participating include: Aiko, Ron English, Logan Hicks, Futura, Swoon, Kenny Scharf and How & Nosm. For more information: info@art-wynwood.com or 305.515.8573 WEBSITE: http://www.art-wynwood.com The genesis of the project that would become the Bakehouse Art Complex was born in the Grove House on Main Highway in Coconut Grove. The Grove House was an artist cooperative originally located in the Coconut Grove Bank building before eventually moving next door to the Coconut Grove Playhouse. When that building was sold to the State of Florida, it was torn down and replaced with a parking lot. In the 1980's, Helene Pancoast, Ellie Schneiderman, Faith Atlass, David and Nathalie Nadel, George Fishman and Ann Sams began a search of older buildings throughout the county which could be purchased, an important criterion to prevent the artists from being forced out by gentrification or rising land values at a later date. In 1984, a 3.2-acre complex of several buildings was located in Wynwood. Originally built in the early 1920's as the American Bakeries Company, the buildings had been unoccupied and available for sale. The Bakehouse Art Complex, Inc. (BAC) was soon formed as a not for profit corporation and purchased the property in 1986. The process of retrofitting the facility into working studios and exhibition galleries began in earnest and the Bakehouse Art Complex formally opened in early 1987. In the late 1980's after being deluged with requests from local schools, social service agencies, family shelters and individuals, the Bakehouse started outreach programs. The Bakehouse initiated the Children's Art Workshops, a program so successful, it led to recognition by the President's (Clinton) Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. The vision of the founders, in purchasing the one half city block property, assures the Bakehouse Art Complex will be here to provide affordable rents for artists in perpetuity. Over the years, the BAC has continued to upgrade its facility. Currently comprised of two galleries, a classroom, print room, photo lab, jewelry studio, ceramic kiln, woodworking and welding areas, and seventy individual artist studios, these extensive facility offerings allow artists to discover, crossover, or integrate other media into their work. From its inception, the Bakehouse Art Complex has provided emerging and mid-career artists with the opportunity to creatively explore and develop their artistic endeavors. The uniqueness of the Bakehouse is its ability to provide an engaging environment to its artists by inspiring and encouraging each other, and informing and attracting new artists. As part of its long-term commitment to the art community, the BAC's educational programming is now focused on artist advancement and plans are now underway for the next stage of development. The Bakehouse has evolved, as has the professional level of the art community of Miami. The artists, who are juried-in tenants, come from many different states and countries bringing with them many different intellectual, social and artistic experiences. By attracting and involving new audiences into the contemporary and culturally enriching world of the visual arts, the BAC continues to be an accessible vital resource to the diverse and dynamic South Florida art community and its patrons. The Bakehouse Art Complex is tax exempt as a 501 (C)(3) 509 (a) (2) educational and visual art institution. $10 Free for Art Wynwood VIP guests