The photo above is of the corner of 21st Street and Collins Avenue, in Miami Beach. Wolfie’s was a famous landmark restaurant/deli, and since it was open 24 hours, it was the place where you would find us all after a night of dancing and partying. Wolfie’s, as well as many other places that lined Collins Avenue, are now gone. They belong to the memories of us who lived in the rather artsy Miami Beach of those years.
Actually, since this post is about 2003, these places, which had been around since the 1950’s…I would imagine…were already very close to extinction. Progress…good grief…changed the look of the city and the spirit of the city, to the point that by 2018 I was counting the days to get out of Dodge.
In any event, in 2003 I was developing my artists studio/gallery, and about to name it Omnia Caelum Studios, I added the «Miami» a few years later. Omnia Caelum is a phrase from «Metamorphoses» by Ovid and it means «All is Heaven.» And to me Miami Beach (I moved there in 1985) was heaven. Until it became hell…
Here are some of the paintings from 2003 that I exhibited that same year in Istanbul, Turkey. It was there at the PG Gallery that I had my first professional exhibition and also my first gallery representation. I exhibited seven paintings and on opening night sold four of them. The other two, the ones you see here, were only at the show as exhibition pieces but not for sale. They belong to my personal collection.
CHEERS
JaZzArt en València 
Magical memories was on them several times. Thanks the memories! I have a line-up coming! Cheers
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Love the pictures and the description of Miami back in the day.
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Miami Beach, it is a different city. Thank you so much Pat. Miami Beach was a great place up until the 2000’s. After that it became totally commercialised and very expensive. because they wanted only hotels and rich people there. And it was one of the most corrupt cities in the county. Miami is a different story. It is on the mainland.
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Many cities (especially in California) have become like that, Francisco.
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It’s a shame, but that was why I was counting the minutes to leave Miami!
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I am glad that it provided memories for you my friend. For me too. The years between 1985 and about 2003 were great in Miami Beach, after that it became too commercial and they drove out all the nice, affordable places. All the best to you.
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I visited my aunt since 1972 move in to the area in 1984 and left in 2003 just in time lol! Cheers same to you friend.
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Just in time! Feliz viernes!
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Just got to show the other florida in my posts! Same to you buddy ! TGIF
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My only connection to Miami Beach is through Charles Willeford stories. Your take brings them to life.
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Ah, the author of «Miami Blues» among other things… Miami was a paradise until 1980, then it all went to hell.. But Miami Beach lasted a bit longer into the very early 2000’s, then it became shit. I could not wait to get out of there.
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I hear you about «getting out». Places change and we change. Lucky we have a chose to make a «change».
Willeford dabbled in your creative world with ‘Burnt Orange Heresy’. He’s a favorite of mine. Later. Enjoy the day.
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Cheers CB, all the best to you.
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What an amazing trip!
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It was pretty amazing! Thank you!
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