Miami Life: Divorce, Art as Investment, Dining, Art Basel
Would you know if your husband was cheating? My friend didn’t and after 38 years, he recently told her, “I’m Leaving.” Eliot and I have been buying art for years, but we have no background in art as an investment. Now we’re learning. It’s funny how Eliot and I find the best restaurants in Miami from people who don’t live here full time, which is how we discovered the fabulous Serevene. Miami Art Week, aka, Art Basel, is here and I have the schedule.
“I’m Leaving” …After 38 Years
I met up with a Miami friend of mine a few weeks ago that I admire so much and the first thing she said is “I’m in a lot of trauma right now.” We were standing at a cocktail party face to face but I was scared to find out what she was talking about. The first thing that came to mind was her health.
I stared at her for a moment thinking this can’t be. She is one of the most elegant and natural beauties I know. At 65ish, she is tall, graceful, thin, well dressed and cultured. She lives in Miami but spends half the year in Paris where she owns an art gallery. She has been lauded for her non-conformist art and for creating intellectually challenging projects.
What could be threatening her so? I heard her words, but it was the last thing I ever expected to say, “My husband of 38 years told me this morning that he was leaving me. He’s been having an affair for 20 years and wants to be free to explore the other relationship.
Her words were shocking to me. I had just met her husband at a party in my home a few weeks before. He too was handsome, fit, interesting, and friendly. When I recall my conversation with him, I remember thinking he was slightly mysterious. I felt he wasn’t in the moment. It could be my imagination now in hindsight, but I don’t think so. I can read body language and emotions pretty accurately but none of what my friend was telling me ever entered my mind.
What astonished me even more was that my friend was clueless. She never expected a thing. She said that he was unhappy from time to time but that was pinned on work, the state of the world, and getting older. As far as I am concerned, these are the normal growing pains as you mature.
I know a number of men who cheated on their wives for years. When you have worked in a man’s world like I have for 55 years you can be sure I saw it all. Many men confided in me because they needed to share their stories with someone. That was me. I’m proud to say that I never divulged any of the details I knew to anyone else. I didn’t have the need to. I felt sorry for these guys leading double lives.
By the way, many of these scoundrels ended up going back to their wives full time without any shenanigans. Why these women took them back was a mystery to me other than they had no choice. In those days, many women were uneducated, lonely and scared.
Today life is very different. My advice to my friend is to use this time of her life as a second chance to meet new men, be wined and dined, experience being wanted and care for adoringly and let yourself be a couple with others a few times. More than likely, hubby will be knocking at your door in the future filled with all kind of excuses for his crazy behavior and begging you back. You can’t make the right decision if you are just sitting around. Go out and live it up, even if it hurts for a while.
Money Well Spent
Sometimes I feel like Shelly Stewart played by Sarah Jessica Parker in The First Wives Club (1996). She didn’t know anything about art when she was having an affair with Bette Midler’s husband Morty, but she had his credit card. She bought, bought, bought when nasty friends encouraged her to buy, buy, buy.
I absolutely love everything we bought over the years, but I really have no background in art as an investment. Eliot and I recently decided that we were going to research the history of an artist before we spend more because we may want to sell some art in the future in order to make room for newer pieces. It’s called rotating your art exhibition.
We are really relying on the founders of Fountainhead Arts, (the residency we belong to. I’m on the Board), and three galleries in Miami: Mindi Solomon, Nina Johnson and Emerson Dorsch. We go to their openings. If they are showing an artist, you can be sure it’s a great investment. Nothing is guaranteed but most of the artists that get an exhibition have a strong resume.
Once you buy a painting or sculpture from a gallery your social life drastically improves. Eliot and I are invited to so many functions now that some nights we are doubled book.
Last night Nina Johnson and her husband Daniel Milewski invited us celebrate the purchase of Patrick Dean Hubbell’s wood stretcher bar by the PAMM, Perez Art Museum of Miami. Nina toasts Heather Hubbs of NADA and Franklin Sirmans of PAMM.
The party was exhilarating. The people attending were super friendly and the artwork was so inspirational.
Some people reading this may say, “Lois and Eliot have to buy their friends.” My answer to that is “if I have to spend a little bit of money to meet new people who live interesting lives, tell me where to sign up.”
Restaurant Referrals
Eliot and me with Joanne Davis
It’s hysterical. Eliot and I find the best restaurants in Miami from people who don’t live here. The same thing used to happen to us in New York City. A case in point is a recommendation from our friend Joanne Davis, an advertising consultant, who lives in Manhattan. She is spending the winter in Miami, and we meet her for dinner from time to time. She asked us if we had ever been to Serevene. “What’s that?” I said. “You don’t know Serevene?” Joanne answered. “Oh, I have to take you there.” And away we went.
I’m happy to report that Serevene was a terrific discovery. The place is very pretty and the food was delicious. The menu is totally gourmet. Every dish is a foodie delight.
According to its website, the chef, Pawan Pinisetti, presents “a harmonious menu that explores Japanese ingredients and French technique, embracing the precision and discipline of both schools. Pinisetti’s dishes are experiential (such as suckling pig carved tableside) and his entire menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sérêvène’s elevated but relaxed offerings include inventive mixology and a topflight wine program, all featured within.”
By the way, the restaurant is located in Hotel Greystone.
1920 Collins Ave
Miami Beach
This restaurant is a big secret. Go enjoy it before the place becomes too popular.
It’s here…Miami Art Week
Don’t leave home without this schedule. It will guide you through the most exciting week in Miami. Everyone calls this week Art Basel but it’s so much more. Wear comfortable shoes. That’s the best advice I can give you.
2023 Miami Art Week Event Schedule
Click the links to get the dates and times of private and public days.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Design Miami
Dec 5 – 10, 2023
Convention Center Drive & 19th Street, Miami Beach
Art Miami
Dec 5 – 10, 2023
The Art Miami Pavilion
One Herald Plaza
NE 14th Street & Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL 33132
SATELLITE FAIRS
photoMIAMI
Dec 9, 2023
10 AM to 4 PM pop-up event
1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
AfriKin Art Fair
Dec 3 – 10, 2023
Visit website for locations and event info
Aqua Art Miami
Dec 6, 2023: VIP Preview
Dec 7 – 10, 2023: General Admission
Aqua Art Miami at the Aqua Hotel
1530 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Art Beat Miami
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Locations:
The Caribbean Marketplace
Joseph Caleb Center
Brightline Miami Central Station
Chroma
Dec 5 – 19, 2023
Lucid Design District
10-12 NE 41st Street
Miami, FL 33137
CONTEXT Art Miami
Dec 5, 2023: Platinum/VIP Preview
Dec 6 – 10, 2023: General Admission
The CONTEXT Art Miami Pavilion
One Herald Plaza
NE 14th Street & Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL 33132
Fridge Art Fair
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove
2649 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33133
The Grand Popsicle Gala Benefiting Buddy System MIA
INK MIAMI Art Fair
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Suites of Dorchester
1850 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Miami River Art Fair
Dec 6 – 8, 2023
The Penthouse Riverside Wharf
NADA Miami Art Fair
Dec 5 – 9, 2023
Ice Palace Studios
1400 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33136
No Vacancy, Miami Beach
Nov 16 – Dec 14, 2023
Held at 12 hotels in Miami Beach Avalon Hotel Miami
Pinta Miami
Dec 7 – 10, 2023
The Hangar in Coconut Grove
3385 Pan American Drive
Coconut Grove, Miami FL 33133
Prizm Art Fair
Dec 5 – 10, 2023
Downtown Miami
1501 Biscayne Blvd. Miami FL
Red Dot Miami
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Mana Wynwood
2217 NW 5th Avenue
NW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33127
Satellite Art Fair
Dec 5 – 10, 2023
700 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Scope Miami Beach
Dec 5 – 10, 2023
801 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (between 8th & 10th Street)
Spectrum Miami
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Mana Wynwood
2217 NW 5th Avenue
NW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33127
UNTITLED Art, Miami Beach
Dec 6 – 10, 2023
Ocean Drive & 12th Street, Miami Beach
As Co-Founder and President of HWH PR, Lois Whitman-Hess has been actively involved in public relations for a vast array of business sectors including technology, Internet-based companies, entertainment, law, publishing, fashion, beauty and art. For the last eight years, Lois has authored a daily blog called “Digidame.” It mostly covers her personal journeys as well as tech innovations, art, travel, and entertainment. In addition, Lois co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Lying on the Beach” with TV personality Steve Greenberg who is a contributor on NBC's Today Show. They interview luminaries who discuss their expertise and views on current events.
