The 6th Edition of the Masters’ Mystery Art Show (MMAS), will open Art Basel Week, Wednesday, December 2 with a private evening, cocktail reception at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The MMAS draws bohemians, royalty, fashion designers, socialites and international art lovers to a truly one of a kind exclusive exhibition. Guests have the opportunity to purchase original 6×9-inch works of art, signed only on the back by the artist whose name is revealed only after its sale. The mystery creates an artistic “whodunit” as guests sip cocktails and buzz around the mini masterpieces to identify works by famous artists, celebrities, designers and emerging talent to add to their collections. The show opens to the public December 3 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. with works of art on display and for sale for one day only.
MMAS’s purpose is to contribute to the further development of the Florida International University MFA program. All proceeds will go to the Master’s program for scholarships, visiting artists, exhibitions and other projects. The MMAS is already supported by such important sponsors as Lionstone Development, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Regalia Vodka and Good Spirits Sugar Free Mixers with key galleries, media and artists committed to its success.
It’s one of the most entertaining Art Basel events as guests discover new artists and snap up works from established luminaries for only $50 each to benefit the Florida International University Master’s in Fine Arts program. The glamorous evening features over 1,500 original 6 x 9 works of art created by more than 300 world-renowned and emerging artists from 31 countries. This year’s event features celebrity canvases from the world’s most recognized Fashion Designers who are as known for their artistic contributions as for their designs. Designers include Carlos Falchi, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Accessories, whose “Art-to-Wear” handbags and accessories have been designed for such superstars as Tina Turner and Cher. Michael Vollbracht, Designer, Author and Artist, most recently, Artistic Director for the house of Bill Blass, has dressed famous celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Elizabeth Taylor and many more. Angel Sanchez, known for his minimalistic, architectural designed fashions, was selected by Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives to design her wedding gown.
This is just a few of the designers and more will be announced soon. In addition, just a few of the celebrity artists who have come onboard this year include internationally renown artist, Romero Britto, Miami’s own Carlos Navarro, emerging artist GG, who at the young age of 19 has already achieved recognition within the South Florida community, and renowned artists Carlos Estevez and Laura Castellanos.
The 2008 event raised more than $30,000. The Master’s Mystery Art Show is the only one of its kind in the United States and a coveted invitation during the lively Art Basel event.
Past Celebrity Artists who have participated include: John Legend, Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, NY Yankee, Bernie Williams, Jon Secada, Jose Feliciano, Andy Garcia, The Grand Diva, Patti Labelle, and Carlos Santana, Whoopi Goldberg, Rachel Ray, Rosie O’Donnell, Jose Carreras, Bernadette Peters, Quincy Jones, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, and Madonna’s daughter, Lola
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach opened December 31, 2003 as Miami’s newest oceanfront hotel and is a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark in the city’s historic Art Deco district. Its centerpieces include a multi-million dollar art collection, The Ritz-Carlton Spa – the only spa of its kind outside of Paris and the largest and only Mobil Four-Star spa on Miami Beach, the world’s only Tanning Butler, an exclusive VIP level within the hotel, and the DiLido Beach Club – the only oceanfront restaurant on South Beach.
The oceanfront hotel is ideally situated steps away from Lincoln Road, a thriving 10-block pedestrian esplanade with myriad dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife options.
For reservations or additional information, please contact your travel agent, The Ritz-Carlton toll-free at 1-800-241-3333, the hotel directly at 786-276-4000 or www.ritzcarlton.com.
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