MIAMI – The Sagamore Hotel Miami Beach has announced its schedule of activities during Miami Art Week, December 4-7. The iconic Collins Avenue property known as “The Art Hotel” will play host to an opening reception for “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias, a not-to-be-missed immersive art experience and fine art exhibition. The Sagamore Hotel will also welcome hundreds for its invitation-only 19th Annual Sagamore Brunch.
On Wednesday, December 4, to kick off Miami Art Week, the hotel will open the Elias exhibition following the vernissage at the Miami Convention Center. A first of its kind in the region, “I’m Not a Trophy” is an exhibition devoted entirely to endangered species and indigenous cultures and is centered on the work of the esteemed French artist and wildlife photographer. The opening reception will feature an innovative, immersive and educational fine art experience that aims to generate awareness on endangered species and indigenous cultures.
“We are using this exhibition as a way to bring awareness to the increased threat to the very existence of wild animals due to trophy hunting, poaching and habitat loss from human urbanization,” says Elias. “There is an urgency for social and political change on the topic of killing as a sport, and we want to contribute by displaying fine art that depicts the species at most risk if we don’t take immediate action.”
Including fashion icon and actress Cara Delevingne as its ambassador, the premiere of this global initiative is a movement aimed at bringing awareness to the malicious acts of trophy hunting and poaching of endangered species. Pieces on display in “I’m Not a Trophy” at The Sagamore Hotel will include images of iconic African animals, such as lions, elephants, rhinoceros, gorillas, giraffes, cheetahs and the last of wild tigers in India, as well as numerous portraits and artifacts from some of the African tribes whose lives depend on a fragile ecosystem. These works of art will bring African wilderness to life and involve all the senses through an immersive experience, encompassing music, design, and never before seen video-footage and photos by Elias.
As a reminder of the issues of global warming, an art installation entitled “The Giraffe Lounge” by multi-talented artist Pascal Blondeau, is sure to pique the interest of guests with a dinner table showcasing plush animals seated as if attending an opulent dinner party.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature and wild animals, guests who visit The Sagamore Hotel during Miami Art Week and thereafter will have the opportunity to learn more about the true story of species whose lives are now endangered, primarily because of human activities such as poaching, trophy hunting and urbanization. This educational and artistic exhibit will raise awareness about the urgency to protect what makes our planet so unique, its biodiversity, indigenous people, and will honor the beauty of wildlife in all its forms.
“Miami Beach welcomes hundreds of thousands of people year after year, and we’re thrilled to take a step towards providing a unique Art Week experience that also raises awareness for such a worthy cause,“ said Ronit Neuman, The Sagamore Hotel owner. “We remain committed to being an accessible arts destination in this city, and our desire is that this art exhibition will attract and engage visitors from all over the world and inspire them to take action towards this just cause.”
Curated by Sebastien Laboureau, the resident art advisor of The Sagamore Hotel, pieces featured in “I’m Not a Trophy” are presented in partnership with Markowicz Fine Art, which exclusively represents Arno Elias in South Florida. Most of the artworks displayed in “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the “I’m Not a Trophy” charity that helps save endangered species.
On Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Sagamore will welcome Art Basel VIPs for its 18th Annual Sagamore Brunch, a private, invitation-only affair featuring art activations and performances by the property’s oceanside pool. At the event this year, guests will explore and experience the rich traditions of Africa through art, dance and music, while enjoying delicious sweet and savory crepes and endless pours of Champagne. Musical entertainment will feature musical performances by The South Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Delou African Dance Ensemble, whose purpose is to foster awareness of the timeless traditions of West Africa.
Continuing its long-time tradition of featuring live mural painting during the annual brunch celebration, a trio of world-acclaimed artists deeply involved with the conservation of wildlife, have been commissioned by The Sagamore Hotel to paint the Sagamore Walls located in the new Sagamore Garden, which will be unveiled and inaugurated on this same day. The featured artists include Sonny of South Africa, Louis Masai of the United Kingdom, and Benda of Israel.
The Sagamore Hotel is located at 1671 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL. “I’m Not a Trophy” by Arno Elias will be free and open-to-the-public 24/7 starting December 4, 2019 through February 2020.
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About The Sagamore Hotel Miami Beach
The Sagamore Hotel Miami Beach has been a classic destination for both locals and tourists alike since the Art Deco District was created in the 1940s. Located at 1671 Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach, the all-suite boutique hotel is surrounded by history, culture and the city’s trendiest restaurants, shopping and nightlife, creating the ultimate setting for the ongoing series #SagamoreisArt. Sagamore ownership is committed to offering a multicultural platform that supports and builds partnerships with local and international organizations, that work together to promote the growth of everything Art related. For more information, please Sagamoresouthbeach.com or follow @sagamorehotel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
