📸: Photo by Monica McGivern
Let’s start with a basic introduction. Mindy, the mic is yours!
I’m Mindy Solomon, the owner and director of the Mindy Solomon Gallery. My gallery specializes in contemporary emerging and mid-career artists and art advisory services.
What’s a project you’re working on — big or small — and how can our readers help?
I believe in philanthropy: join me in supporting our non-profit cultural institutions that work tirelessly to bring world class, meaningful artistic discourse to our city.
How does Miami help you do what you do or influence your work?
COLOR. So much color. I feel like my life has been transformed by sunshine. I feel enlivened and energized by hyperpigmentation. I also am eager to learn about all the reasons people come from around the world to live in our city. It inspires my curation.
If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Embrace the sunshine. Don’t focus on the crazy driving and loud parties. Enjoy the warmth and welcome of the Miami diaspora.
What is your favorite Miami memory?
There are many. My first art fair in 2009 — being on South Beach and seeing all the creative energy. Later when my husband and I decided to make permanent roots in Miami Beach and later Historic Buena Vista. Now having my gallery in Allapattah and watching the community grow.
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love the fried chicken at Le Chick… and their burgers.
Outside of the obvious stop above, share where else you’d go on your perfect Miami day.
I love sitting in my garden. Then gathering my family for brunch at Pura Vida, so delicious. And then visiting the PĂ©rez Art Museum and watching the sunset from their fabulous verandah.
What are your favorite local social media accounts to follow?
Food blogs! Especially @fatgirlhedonist — she keeps it real!
Wax poetic for a minute and tell us: what brings you most alive about this city?
I love the diversity. Miami is full of unique individuals from all over the globe. I love learning about people and experiencing different cultural perspectives.
What are you looking forward to between now and the end of the year?
First, the birth of my next grandchild! Then, Miami Art Week and our ambitious installation at Design Miami.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Locals to Know, sponsored by Mindy Solomon Gallery. Know someone who ought to be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Reach out by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line “TNT Locals to Know 2022.” If chosen, you might just see yourself or a friend in a future newsletter.