The Grove Retrospective Gallery in Mayfair Center, a combined effort of AC Fine Art, Greater Miami Host Committee and Mayfair Center, displays and sells art by local and world renowned artists. The gallery, which opened its doors in November 2010, is also open to organizations and schools to hold art classes and workshops, educational field trips and fundraising events in its inspiring and expansive space.
With works by such artists as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Tom Wesselmann, Joan Miro and Jasper Johns, the gallery serves as a sophisticated background for such events. The mission of the gallery’s director and curator, Pinecrest resident Steven Steele, is to open the community’s eyes to the World of Art.
“We have a wonderful classroom space in the back of the gallery that is perfect for groups to hold art classes and educational workshops,” said Steele. “I’m hoping to recruit a named sponsor to finish the construction and materials of the area so we can get started. We are also looking for proposals from groups, schools and individuals to rent the area.”
Tracy Wilson Mourning held an event to benefit her organization, the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, in the Grove Retrospective Gallery in January and Steele invites other non-profits to do the same. “This gallery is also a non-profit with the goal of bringing art and artists back to the Grove and sharing art and culture with the community,” he said.
Steele, who has been collecting antique cars, vintage posters and art his entire life, has always found a way to blend his passion for art with his desire to serve the community. He was chairman of Garden Pop in 2009, an event he organized to fund improvements to Pinecrest Gardens. He has also served on various Boards, including the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, American Heart Association, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Juvenile Research Coalition.
Furthering his mission to share art with the public, Steele and the Grove Retrospective Gallery participate monthly in the Coconut Grove Art Stroll, an event that is held the first Saturday of each month and features all of the Coconut Grove art galleries.
During the month of February, Steele’s gallery featured local black artists in honor of Black History Month. This display, along with one of the finest collections of Haitian art, original Florida Highwaymen and pieces by local artist Purvis Young are still prominently displayed on the gallery walls.
The next Coconut Grove Art Stroll will be held Saturday, April 2, 7 to 10 p.m. Stroll organizer Johnny Valdes said that the free, family- friendly event features “everything art – and includes dance, music, design and street performers.” “The Grove Retrospective Gallery’s involvement in Art Stroll has given the event great credibility because of the quality and value of the art it has on display,” Valdes added.
The Grove Retrospective Gallery is located at 2911 Grand Avenue in the Mayfair Center in the Village of Coconut Grove and the telephone number is 305-742-7071. The gallery is open Tuesday – Thursday, 1 – 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 1 – 9 p.m. For a preview of artwork for sale, visit www.acfineartsite.com.
