Colors of Miami Beach

The Colors of Miami Beach curated for World OutGames Miami by the Miami Design Preservation League, showcases the work of three gay men, Leonard Horowitz, Decio Sales-Filho, Will McGaul, whose work is inspired by the colors and colorful lifestyles in Miami Beach. Leonard Horowitz, co-founder of the Miami Design Preservation League is credited with creating the color palette of Ocean Drive that led to South Beach’s revival. In addition to his design work he also produced art that reflected his love of Miami Beach, which are on display as part of this exhibit. Leonard passed way in 1989 at the age of 43, due to complications of the AIDS virus, but his legacy lives on. Born in Brazil, Decio Sales-Filho, has called South Beach home for the past 17 years. His love of ART DECO Architecture and the Miami Beach "vibe" inspires his art. His fondness for linen postcards that date back to the 1940's inspired his creations. Though still highly collectible, the vintage postcards are no longer being produced. To emulate the look of the cherished, vintage postcards, Sales-Filho has created a visually stunning series of modern, chic postcards exclusively for the Art Deco Visitor Center that are a vibrant representation of the world famous South Beach lifeguard stands. Will McGaul loves living in a colorful world. Born in New York, he has been sketching since he was five. During a childhood vacation in Bermuda, he discovered he wanted to live surrounded by beaches, palm trees and sunny days year round. Moving to Southern California after college, he focused on Asian brush painting and plein air watercolor. Since 2011, Will has been sharing his love for these two mediums at the Art Center South Florida. In addition, he uses art therapy to help the homeless cope at Camillus House Shelter in Miami. McGaul prefers to paint from life, which gives his watercolors the spontaneity he desires. The watercolors selected for the Colors of Miami Beach Exhibition are all plein-air works on paper that have been painted on site. Living on South Beach McGaul is continually inspired to capture the various species of palm trees in this tropical location as well as the various species of beach boys in their natural habitat. For McGaul “watercolor is the ultimate medium to capture the sparkle of light and life on Miami Beach”. When not involved in his creative endeavors. McGaul can usually be found riding his beach cruiser up and down the coast of South Beach. General Admission tickets from Friday May 26 - Sunday, June 4, 2017 are available for $5* (not inclusive of fees). Tickets can be purchased in person at the Art Deco Welcome Center during regular opening hours only. *World OutGames Miami credentialed participants, students, seniors and City of Miami Beach Residents can access the exhibition for free on production of valid ID. The exhibition is closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. More info: http://www.outgames.org/culture/art_architecture/the_colors_of_miami_beach/