A Warm FRONT in Miami

FRONT International had a strong presence in Art Week in Miami. The art fairs were definitely back even if the pandemic lingers on. There were good crowds, and dealers were doing a brisk business as art lovers finally found a release for 18th months of pent-up demand for in-person artistic experiences and communing with fellow art lovers and artists.

The New Art Dealers Alliance hosted an event for FRONT as part of their VIP program for NADA VIPs and invited guests. The event sold out early, and we welcomed over 60 guests to share prosecco, snacks, and conversation. In attendance were collectors, curators, Clevelanders, and the curious: all eager to know about FRONT plans for 2022. Fred Bidwell made a short presentation on FRONT and fielded questions from the crowd. There was strong audience interest in FRONT programming, particularly the FRONT Art Futures Summit in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, FRONT Artists Fellowship for BIPOC Cleveland-area Artists and Youth for FRONT. We were fortunate to have FRONT intern Lindsey Jeschelnig make a short presentation on Youth for FRONT initiatives and her experience with FRONT.

There to represent FRONT were board members Rick Rogers, Tizziana Baldenebro, and Michelle Jeschelnig. Also there was a former board member and stalwart supporter, Charna Sherman. Board member Scott Mueller was sighted elsewhere at the fairs, and he reported, as did many others, the positive buzz, and anticipation for FRONT among artists, galleries, and curators throughout the week. Janet Renner, FRONT Marketing Director, and Annie Wischmeyer, Curator, represented FRONT staff. We were pleased to give a shout-out to Cleveland-based exhibitors at NADA: FRONT Presenting Partner SPACES, who were there with their entire team, and Rose Bulingham and Lisa Kurzner, FRONT veterans who were there representing Abattoir Gallery.