As I make my way through the mad workweek, I frequently encounter tidbits of art news that I want to share here. So I stick reminders to myself in a computer file and when time allows I post a big fat roundup of random art news. The list typically includes links to artist opportunities, articles about local art, recently discovered art blogs and anything else I come across that I think may be of interest to those who embrace local art … and some local art really is downright huggable.
● Take, for example, Miami artist JC Bravo’s “cabezones,” a term he says is Spanish for large heads. I love Bravo’s “cabezones” for their vulnerability. “Superman” (pictured above) will be exhibited in The Myth of Power, a group show that opens 5-8 p.m. Oct. 16 at 1310 Gallery in Fort Lauderdale. Here’s what Bravo has to say about his most recently painted cabezone: “I have always believed that true power does not come from physical strength or athletic ability. True power resides in overcoming our flaws and going beyond our limitations. In order to have control (power) 
over our lives we must accept and embrace who we are, confronting our weaknesses to be a stronger person. So this ‘Superman,’ the everyday man, shows us the way by holding on to his Kryptonite and standing tall and proud.”
● Maytee Bringas (whose work is pictured here), has redesigned her Web site, so this is perfect opportunity to pay it a visit and check out some of the paintings, sketches and tattoos she’s been working on recently.You can check it all out at Mayeville.com.
● Performance artists and short films by local filmmakers are needed for South Florida Artists Extravaganza, a six-hour event that will also feature bands and artists, starting at 8 p.m on Sept. 18 at Kevro’s Art Bar in downtown Delray Beach. For information message Samantha-Leah Shiff through Facebook.com/samantha.shiff as soon a possible.
● 2 B Non Profit Corporation has put out a call to artists for a group exhibition at Dot Fiftyone Gallery in Miami. Deadline is sept. 30 and the application form and details are at 2bnonprofit.com.
● Twilight Notes, Radio-Active Records and Enticement Design will present Dialect, a show featuring art by Raymond Brown, Kazilla, Estefania Lopez, Jose Lopez (whose “Sleeping on the Job” is pictured here), Christina Major, Ilian Velasco, N! Satterfield and Matylda McIlvenny as well as DJ sets by Mikey Ramirez (Radio-Active Records), esotERIC, DalMASK and Adam Foster . As usual, it’s free and runs 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Aug. 26 at Brew Urban Cafe, 209 S.W. Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
● Here’s a new art blog I recently came across, billed as Behind the Art … South Florida. It’s written by South Florida-based artist and photographer John Stenger and the most recent post is about there still being plenty of units left at Sailboat Bend Lofts, a space where artists live and work. The blog: Johnstengerstudio.blogspot.com.
● Find out why some Miami artists are spinning madly in teacups at an abandoned amusement park in East Berlin this summer at Artlurker.com.
● Art and Culture Center has put out a call to artists for its All-Media Juried Biennial next April. There’s $4,000 in cash prizes and the deadline is Jan. 31. Scott Murray, owner and director of Twenty Twenty Projects, will judge the show. All of the details can be found at Artandculturecenter.org.
● CandiSweetArt takes viewers on a video tour of the recent Pen and thInk show at Schacknow Museum of Fine Arts in Plantation. Viewing tip: If you don’t enjoy the musical accompaniment, turn the volume down, because it will continue repeating.
● Bear and Bird Gallery is recruiting South Florida artists for Monsters Under My Bed, a group exhibition in which artists explore their childhood fears. The show opens Oct. 2 and runs through Nov. 13 and the details are on Bear and Bird’s website.
● Watch Miami artist Kiki Valdes paint in black and white in a speedy video.
● Miami Art Museum has posted a video of the opening reception for New Work Miami, which runs through Oct. 17.
● Artists Haven Gallery in Fort Lauderdale is holding it’s 2010 International Juried Photography Competition with more than $10,000 in cash and awards. The juror is Thomas E. Craig, general manager of Wolf Camera in Pompano Beach and a photographer who shot for our magazine back in its early days. He is now the house photographer for Seminole Rock Live, Mizner Park Amphitheatre, Coral Sky Amphitheater, Pompano Beach Amphitheater, National Car Rental Center and Miami Arena, and a contributing photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine and the Sun-Sentinel. Go Tom! Some 45 photographers will be selected for an exhibition that will run Oct. 11 through Nov. 8 and awards will be issued in 9 categories. Relevant details can found at Artisthavengallery.com.
