As art events and fairs kick off around the city, we round up the best bets of the day.
Pierre Guariche cabinet on view at Design Miami
Design Miami Preview Day
Get an early look at some of the world’s most architecturally stunning furniture, décor, and lighting at this invite-only preview. The fair has crowned Brooklyn-based Acconci Studio as its 2012 designer of the year, commissioning the studio to create its Design District playground and climbing structure. (NOON–9 p.m.; vernissage at 6 p.m.) Meridian Ave. and 19th St., Miami Beach; miami2012.designmiami.com
"Come Dream! Time Evaporates, Emotion Elevates"
Be the first to see a mural by Shepard Fairey in tribute to visionary Tony Goldman at Wynwood Walls. Part of the venue’s Art Basel program, works by artists such as Futura and Swoon will also be on view. Featured artists will sign copies of the new Wynwood Walls book inside the GO! Shop store at 8:30 p.m. The VIP reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and the preview will open to the public from 9 to 11 p.m. 167 N.W. 25th St., Miami; thewynwoodwalls.com
SCOPE Miami First View
SCOPE returns with a new location, setting up its 100,000 square foot pavilion in Midtown. Tonight marks the exclusive VIP preview open to press, invited guests, and those who provide a $100 donation at the door. SCOPE's Breeder Program has catapulted dozens of emerging contemporary exhibitors into art stardom, including Miami's own Spinello Projects. The fair will be home to commercial collaborations such as the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series and Red Bull Curates, and has also partnered with Guy & Girl Boutique—purchase items by Aquarius or Shandi Levy at the boutique and you’ll receive a complimentary general admission ticket to SCOPE. (3–9 p.m.)110 N.E. 36th St., Miami; scope-art.com
Le Baron Opening Night
The infamous Parisian party is back, but this time it's popping up at a new venue every night through December 9. Where will it be tonight? You'll have to download the Le Baron mobile app to find out, or stalk the website, Facebook, or Twitter. Location to be announced at 6 p.m. today…
Work by Holton Rower on view at Art Miami
Art Miami and CONTEXT VIP Preview
Kick off the 23rd edition of Art Miami and the debut of CONTEXT Art Fair with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Rums of Puerto Rico, Heineken, and more. This year's fair has garnered tremendous buzz thanks to featured works by Peter Anton, BANKSY, Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Other high-end works hail from Art Southampton, New York's Hollis Taggert Gallery, and KM Fine Arts of Chicago. The opening soirée benefits the Miami Art Museum. (5:30–10 p.m.)3101 N.W. 1st Ave., Miami; art-miami.com
The Miami Project Preview
Produced by Brooklyn-based artMRKT Productions, the inaugural Miami Project has partnered with the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) and gathered together 65 galleries from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Berlin, and Mexico. Tickets to the preview are $25 and may be purchased online. (5:30–10 p.m.)N.E. 29th St. and N.E. 1st Ave., Miami; miami-project.com
International Contemporary Jewelry Fair VIP Preview
The inaugural International Contemporary Jewelry Fair will flaunt a global collection of handcrafted, one-of-kind jewelry. Dazzling items from Italy, Spain, and Brazil will line the interior of the SeaFair yacht. Tonight’s VIP preview promises light fare, cocktails, and a chic international guest list. Tickets to the VIP preview are $50 online and $60 onsite. (6–10 p.m.) Docked outside the Intercontinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; expoships.com
MOCA and Vanity Fair Fête Bill Viola
Join Vanity Fair and the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) to celebrate the opening reception of Bill Viola's video art installation, "Bilber Insularum." The party is complimentary for Art Basel Miami Beach and Design Miami VIPs, MOCA members and their invited guests, North Miami residents, business owners, or employees, and Miami Project Art Fair exhibitors—but you must RSVP. (7–9 p.m.) 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami; RSVP to 305-893-6211 or info@mocanomi.org
Silencio Opening Night
Another French hot spot is making waves on Miami Beach this year as Silencio, the Paris nightclub designed by David Lynch, transforms the Delano's FDR Lounge through December 8. Tonight they unveil an artsy imprint to after-hours revelers. (11 p.m.) 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.
DWNTWN Art Shuttle
Say farewell to parking woes and frantic trips between districts: The Miami Downtown Development Authority and the City of Miami are now operating a DWNTWN Art Shuttle roving to and from key art events and destinations. The shuttle will loop around every 20 minutes or so, with stops at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Midtown, Wynwood, and more. Rides are free and open to the public. Click here for the detailed map. The shuttle will run through December 9, operating from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.