Located in Lincoln Road Mal, Oolite Arts, a non profit was founded in 1984 as ArtCenter/South…read moreFlorida by potter Ellie Schneiderman, who was looking for affordable work spaces for Miami's visual artists. She want to "help artists help themselves." According to their website "Oolite Arts seeks to be the bedrock of the visual arts in Miami. Formed over time, it is composed of residents, alumnae, curators and visitors, coming together to build a community around contemporary art - a fundamental part of our arts ecosystem."
Today Oolite Arts provides artists with the free studio space, the chance to exhibit their work, and support. The building contains artists' studios, small exhibitions spaces, and the group's offices. You can take classes or attend events in the building.
Oolite also operates out of a new location at 75 NW 72nd St where they will offer more than 200 art classes and launch a visual art program for teens.
Oolite Arts recently sold one its two Lincoln Road buildings and there are plans to build and open a new building in Little River later in 2023. Little River is becoming an alternative location for artists priced out of nearby Wynwood. The new building will have two dozen studios for the group's residency program where artists can get free space for two years, an exhibition space, a theater for films and lectures or presentations, a studio, and offices.
Any organization that supports and facilitates the arts is a worthwhile one to support. They help artists who might otherwise not be able to afford studio space to have a place to work and exhibit. It looks like they have some amazing plans in the works to help even more artists in the future. This is a fantastic organization. Stop by for inspiration and culture.