ArtsUnited, South Florida’s premiere non-profit LGBTQ arts organization presents its annual two-week arts festival Art Explosion in January. The spectacular event features the work of local artists and several cultural activities all over South Florida, including gallery receptions and exhibits, performances, theater, fashion and cuisine. Art Explosion has become one of the most exciting art events on the South Florida cultural agenda.
ArtsUnited has collaborated with Island City Theatre, Palm Beach Drama Works and the Stonewall National Museum and Archives to produce a diverse celebration of art from the LGBTQ community.
There will be 8 events, including the Art Explosion kick off reception featuring the works of celebrity photographer Bob Deutsch; a gallery reception featuring the art of ArtsUnited’s members; Bona Italian Restaurant’s Give Back Monday; the show Zanna Don’t; an evening with Charles Busch; Mascara, Myth & Mayhem: Independence Day on Fire Island exhibit; Art Explosion gallery reception; and Fashion/Reaction closing celebration.
Advance tickets are available online.
Arts Explosion – Event Schedule:
JANUARY 4th – 20th, 2018
JANUARY 4
ART EXPLOSION KICK OFF RECEPTION
Featuring the works of celebrity photographer Bob Deutsch
Bona Italian Restaurant Art Gallery, 2468 Wilton Drive,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
JANUARY 6
TEDD’S ART WORKS GALLERY RECEPTION
Featuring the works of ArtsUnited artists members
Tedd’s ART Works, 2422 N Dixie Hwy,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
JANUARY 8
BONA ITALIAN RESTAURANT “GIVE BACK MONDAY”
10% of the proceeds from the evening will benefit ARTSUNITED
Bona Italian Restaurant, 2468 Wilton Drive,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
JANUARY 11
ZANNA DON’T! A Musical Fairy Tale
Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie HWY, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Call the Box Office for tickets – 954-519-2533
VIP Reception: 6:30 p.m. Performance: 8 p.m.
JANUARY 12
AN EVENING WITH CHARLES BUSCH
Celebrated playwright actor, director, cabaret artist
Palm Beach Dramaworks
201 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Call the Box Office for tickets – 561.514.4042 x2
8 p.m.
JANUARY 12
MASCARA, MYTH & MAYHEM: INDEPENDENCE
DAY ON FIRE ISLAND – photographic documentation
A meet and greet with photographer Susan Kravitz and she will talk about her images.
Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Suggested Donation: $5
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
JANUARY 13
ART EXPLOSION ARTIST’S RECEPTION
Join us for an evening of art and entertainment at the annual Art Explosion Gallery Reception. Featuring amazing art in a variety of media from local, national and international artists, a special one-night erotic art show, LIVE art and some of the most talented performers in South Florida, including nationally-acclaimed performer Joe Posa. PLEASE NOTE: VISUAL ART DATES RUN 1/7-1/26-18
ArtServe, 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
VIP Reception: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Cover: $25
Reception: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cover: $10.
Free for ArtsUnited Members
Awards Ceremony: 8:30 p.m., Cocktail party-style
JANUARY 20
FASHION/REACTION (Festival Closing Celebration)
Enjoy an evening of art, fashion, music and entertainment to celebrate the closing of Art Explosion 2018. Singing sensations Chad Johnson and Antonio Edwards will perform, and you will see an eye-catching fashion show featuring the works of local designers and Posche Models. Hosted by lifestyle and fashion expert from ”America’s Next Top Model” Max Tucci.
Admission Fee: $30, $20 for ArtsUnited Members
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Cocktail party-style
