With upbeat sets by Captain G (DJ Alex Gutierrez of Yacht Rock Miami), the atmosphere was lively and inviting. Music filled the streets as walkers connected with local artists, grabbed coffee from local cafés, and discovered works that celebrated the bold and diverse spirit of South Florida’s art scene.

Meet Some of the Outstanding Artists:

Eileen Seitz: Spirit of the Tropics

Among the standout artists was Eileen Seitz, radiating her signature tropical vibrancy — even in her attire. Dressed in one of her own designs, surrounded by matching pillows and posters, Seitz greeted guests warmly, sharing stories from her extraordinary artistic journey.

Born in Manhattan, Seitz found her calling early. By age 13, she was winning awards for her paintings; by 18, she was studying fine arts at Pratt Institute. Yet it was her travels through the Caribbean — from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas and beyond — that truly shaped her vision. Her work glows with the colors of the tropics, a celebration of nature’s light and rhythm. “Living in the tropics allows my spirit to speak freely through pen and brush,” she says. “The magic happens when the viewer connects with that same life force.”

Peter Studl: Emotion in Motion

Nearby, Peter Studl’s exhibit drew crowds with its commanding presence. His piece Ay Caramba was a highlight — a blend of intensity, beauty, and emotion. Studl’s abstract works bridge the gap between visual art and physical experience, using industrial and natural materials to evoke depth and motion.

Studl’s philosophy is simple yet profound: art should move the viewer at first encounter, creating lasting emotional resonance. His collectors span from Miami to the Netherlands, and it’s easy to see why — his art doesn’t just decorate a room; it defines it.

Renn New York: Sculptural Jewelry with a Soul

Lauralyn Renn, founder of Renn New York, captivated visitors with her sculptural jewelry pieces — each a blend of nostalgia, nature, and empowerment. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Renn spent years designing footwear for brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach before launching her own jewelry line.

Her creative process is distinct: she sculpts each piece by hand from clay rather than wax, giving her work an organic, tactile quality. Her debut Venus Collection was inspired by seashells washed ashore after a storm — a beautiful metaphor for transformation. “From disaster came something beautiful,” she reflects. Sustainability also lies at the heart of her brand — all pieces are made-to-order from recycled metals.

Mr. Trainwreck: Vision Beyond the Frame

Then there’s Mr. Trainwreck, whose vivid, otherworldly art drew visitors into an immersive experience. His 3D and color-reactive works blur the line between fantasy and reality — a kaleidoscope of form and emotion. Each one-of-a-kind piece invites reflection on the mysteries of existence, as if unlocking unseen dimensions of the human psyche.

Roots Pottery Miami: Crafting Connection Through Clay

At Roots Pottery Miami, the art of ceramics took center stage. Known for their handcrafted stoneware made for restaurants and homes alike, the family-owned studio showcased everything from espresso cups to sake vessels — all made with care, sustainability, and Miami flair. Visitors were also invited to join Roots’ ceramics classes, learning to “shape something meaningful” in a warm, community-centered environment.

Brooke Vitek: Life’s a Beach

University of Miami Ph.D. student Brooke Vitek added a splash of whimsy with her mixed-media creations — beach-inspired pieces incorporating jewelry, seashells, and household items. Her motto? “Life is a Beach, and then you dive.” Her work celebrates the playfulness and spontaneity of coastal living.

Arte Haus x Coty Cisne: Where Fashion Meets Fine Art

Another crowd favorite was Arte Haus, an art-meets-fashion boutique founded by a creative couple inspired by Bauhaus design. Their space fused wearable art, shoes, and accessories with gallery-worthy aesthetics — turning shopping itself into an art experience. “We believe in the beauty of creativity in every detail,” they shared, as guests explored the vibrant concept shop.

Sam Dobrow: Through the Lens of Imagination

Photographer Sam Dobrow displayed his fine art photography, merging technical precision with imaginative storytelling. A Daytona Beach native influenced by science and the sea, Dobrow’s work explores surreal landscapes and emotional lightscapes. Inspired early by Jerry Uelsmann at the University of Florida, Dobrow continues to redefine the boundaries of photographic art.

And More Local Talent

The Art Walk also featured Dolores Colichon of Grove House Artists, Miguel Guerrero’s whimsical PVC bird sculptures, and Joe Woodward, known for his small yet powerful painted works — each adding their unique voice to the Grove’s artistic chorus.

With art, music, and creative energy filling every corner, The Grove Art Walk transcended a simple weekend outing—it became a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Organized by the City of Miami’s Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, the event brought together artists, residents, and visitors to share in the creative pulse of the Grove. From seasoned collectors to curious first-timers, everyone discovered something to spark their imagination. As the sun dipped below the banyans and the final chords of yacht rock drifted into the evening breeze, one thing was clear: the spirit of Coconut Grove is as vibrant as ever—and it’s painted in every color of the imagination.

Lee Kessler greeting guests in front of his Barracuda Bar & Grill

Joe Woodward showcasing small works of art

Event: The Grove Art Walk
Location: Downtown Coconut Grove, Miami, FL
Organizer: Coconut Grove Business Improvement District

The post Grove Art Walk Sunday Recap appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with the Holy Rosary, followed by Holy Mass at 6:30 p.m., celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski. The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy is observed annually by Catholics worldwide, recognizing her intercession as a source of strength for those facing physical, psychological or spiritual challenges. The community gathering unites patients, families and neighbors in prayer and reflection.

“The Mercy Mass is a tradition that reflects our mission to care for the whole person — body, mind and spirit,” said Allyssa Tobitt, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. “We look forward to welcoming the community to join us in honoring Our Lady of Mercy.”

The community is invited to attend this special celebration. Registration is available at https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/mercy-hospital/calendar/event-details/a0scw0000008BRJAA2 

About HCA Florida Mercy Hospital

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, a comprehensive medical facility serving the healthcare needs of South Florida for 75 years, is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare. The 488-bed, acute care hospital is an award-winning facility that specializes in emergency services that are kid and senior friendly, maternity with level III NICU, general and robotic surgery, hyperbaric and wound care center, cardiology, cancer care, orthopedic and spine, primary stroke center, weight loss programs and more. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is Miami-Dade’s only catholic hospital and provides patients with the best quality care in a compassionate and caring environment. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is located in the heart of Coconut Grove, FL with a bayfront property that makes it the only hospital in Miami to be accessible by land, air and sea.

About HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com. 

The post HCA Florida Mercy Hospital Invites Community to 75th Anniversary Mercy Mass appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.