ONE FLAGLER BUILDNG, Suite 305
14 NE 1st avenue
Miami, FL 33132
directions: Building is on the northwest corner of Flagler St.
and E 1st Ave. Entrance is on 1st Ave.

Come out for the whole meeting or just for part of it. We’ll be talking about the videos and readings that are linked in the email below -
How does our city get branded?
How does this branding influence the future of Miami?
How can we work with branding to effect positive change in Miami?

Feel free to bring your dinner or snacks.

MUTT – Miami Urban Think Tank is an ongoing collaboration of Miami residents who read, write, meet and discuss the city. We love our city, its history, its culture, its past, its future . Our goal is to provide a positive critique and form new lens to understand our city.

Here is the information for our next meeting:
What:   “Branding the City” dialogue
When:  Tuesday, October 12th, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Hosted by local photographer and MUTT friend Meg Pukel (www.megpukelphoto.com)
at her new downtown studio, located at:
ONE FLAGER BUILDNG, Suite 305
14 NE 1st avenue
Miami, FL 33132
directions: Building is on the northwest corner of Flagler St.
and E 1st Ave. Entrance is on 1st Ave.
Why:   Because its your city. Claim it!
Who:  Anyone who is curious about Miami (brings friends too!)

We will be using several videos as cases to analyze this topic:
1. DDB Miami (ad agency) Branded Reel
2. Cocaine Cowboys movie intro
3. Miami Vice tv show opening credits
4. NBC Miami promo commercials
5. Dunk Ryders/Trick Daddy music video: xxxx the other side
(this video has some explicit material)
6. Miami Workers Center tribute
7. AE District Creative Art Space Promo
8. No Reservations: Anthony Bourdain
(travel show that focuses on capturing unique elements of city food and culture)
9. Andres Duany’s

Their ideas about branding are interesting. If you think about “The Secret” and “visioning boards” on a larger scale, the movie screen and TV are the collective “visioning board” of America…and who exactly is behind it? Hollywood. The Capital of Swooshy Grafix.

I mean, really, why do I spontaneously think about cupcakes sometimes? I am convinced that the visioning board I consumed throughout the 1980s somehow lodged images of cupcakes into my subconscious.

Perhaps it’s all a bit sci fi. Or maybe, after reading the description of the MUTT meeting, we are all becoming aware of how mass media is affecting us…how powerful it is in creating the image of a PLACE. No one thinks of Miami as a place other than a party zone. Just like no one would ever take Las Vegas as a place for anything other than a place for gambling…

And yet, the people who live in Miami full-time are normal and live relatively SANE lives. There is a thriving art culture. Wellness culture. Conference culture. The only major Hollywood film that makes Miami feel like a place where real people live is “Miami Rhapsody” starring Sarah Jessica Parker and directed by none other than the guy who directed Sex and the City. This was back in 1995. Imagine how much Miami has changed since then???

That’s what Boomtown Fever is all about. Yes, it’s a story about the real estate boom and bust, but more importantly, it’s a story about the people of Miami during a grand transition akin to NYC at the turn of the century. It’s the “Great Gatsby,” and “The Fountainhead.”

Last year I connected with filmmakers who have the same ideas that I do. I remember how I excited I was to have found my people..I had a script…actors and a venue during Art Basel:

I found out what it truly means to be a writer/producer/filmmaker…and it was freaking hard work…

So now I am here in DC…rubbing elbows with highly educated people who are motivated in some shape or form to “change” something. Whether it’s the climate or politics or health care. I gave up the idea of changing the world a while ago. I know the only thing I can truly change is myself…and if I happen to inspire others along the way, then that is the true work, I think. But I know at some point my path will lead me back to Miami, with a toolbox of new skills and knowledge that will allow me to act upon the ideas the MUTT members are discussing. I am really not surprised Meg is a part of the movement. She truly “sees” the city, and you can see that in her photography.

What’s my point? My heart is still in Miami.

by “JJ,” MWA eye witness reporter – this is NOT fiction, people.

Shortly before 7:30 pm there are about 35 people waiting for the South Miami city council to decide if the Wallflower Gallery, a 13-year-old arts and culture venue in downtown Miami, will LIVE or DIE. The seats in the audience are straight out of a high school auditorium. I sit with them and am immediately recruited to pass around a petition which I don’t do so well since half the audience are city employees and are looking at me funny.

Prior to the meeting the Mayor addresses us to basically say we have the votes so don’t take too long with the remarks. I mean ‘less is more’ in this case folks. He asks for a “couple people who can speak eloquently” and reminds us that we’ll be “preaching to the converted.”

Manger in lieu of full presentation about the Wallflower Gallery said a few words and turned it over to those eloquent speakers. He intro’ed by describing the Wallflower Gallery as an institution and described this measure as an opportunity for the CRA to fulfill its purpose by energizing a colony of artists who’ll bring a renaissance to the City similar to what Coconut Grove saw in the 50’s. Tonight is just to give the City’s commitment [read: real negotiations come later].

As first speaker gets up in comes a “rara” text from Melanie Feliciano, president of the Miami Writers Association:

RA RA sis kumba! Go wallflower!!!

[which means deal is done at this point but I am only one who knows this].

Sara Yousuf spoke, calling Wallflower Gallery a ‘meeting space’ and ‘place of ideas’ where ‘social issues’ are discussed.

The second speaker was from Emerge Miami who said Wallflower Gallery was a place where artists get ‘equal access’ for events and called Flash an ally for activists. She also mentioned kids loitering at Sunset place with no space to go to.

Eddie Osborne, a musician from Miramar, spoke for about 8 seconds and said Wallflower Gallery is ‘an asset.’

Beth Schwartz proclaimed herself the “mother hen of the Wallflower Gallery” and reiterated that it is an all ages venue where no alcohol is served and children can come. She said Wallflower Gallery has all types of art and sets a positive example. She then had the honor of introducing “Flash the Funk Finder.”

F the FF with of course shades on, and it was noted with some satisfaction also wearing shoes, said that the Wallflower Gallery has been there for 13 years as a space where people can interact, develop, share and express themselves. He contrasted it with conventional places that offer that on the side to bring people in and make a profit [whereas that is the principle offering of the Wallflower Gallery]. It is not a bar and nothing is ‘for sale.’ They built a community in downtown where none thought it could be done. F the FF is a resident of South Miami and he wants to bring the same here.

The Manager spoke again and said he thinks the Wallflower Gallery will help the City ‘blossom’ and said again this serves the purpose of the CRA and he wants to bring a deal to the City soon.

Commissioners all make very short statements in favor. Manager suggested folks didn’t need to stay unless they wanted a lesson in how government operates. On that ‘you’ll be bored/nothing to stay for’ queue the Wallflower Gallery contingent got up and walked out, congratulating Flash and team in the hallway on the way out! I was on my way home by like 8:05p.

So that was the B by B on F the FF in the “City of Pleasant Living.” Do you feel like you were there?

On Tuesday, March 16, The Wallflower Gallery is going to be presented to the City Commission of South Miami as a potential Community Redevelopment Agency Project. The Commission Meeting will start around 7:00 p.m. and include Public Remarks after the City Manager’s presentation. We are encouraging people to show up and provide support with your presence or short remarks on behalf of The Wallflower Gallery.

If The Wallflower Gallery gets approval with a majority vote of support, then we will be able to go to the next phase of the process.

Ultimately, we are working to establish The Wallflower Gallery in South Miami and have a good location to showcase local talent and provide resources to people in the community.

The Commission Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. – please be timely.

South Miami City Hall
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami 33143

The South Miami City Hall is near the intersection of U.S. 1 and Sunset Drive. When turning off U.S. 1, go West on Sunset Drive – the City Hall is on the South Side of the street with parking in the front.

We are encouraging people to come out and show some support – particularly if you live in or around South Miami.

We are also encouraging people to come for outside South Miami to show that The Wallflower Gallery is draw to bring people into the area.

I have checked out the potential location – it is a big building on ground level with high ceilings and some good size rooms. The location is being prepared for the potential occupiers now.

Our goal is to be chosen to utilize the space and be able to establish a fully funktional arts facility in South Miami.

We really need to show our positive impact and having a strong crowd will go a long way to make it happen.

Since we are going to be out of our current building by the end of May, it would be great to be able have a new target location to re-establish The Wallflower Gallery.

Please help and spread the word and get involved.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you for your effort.

Hope all’s well.

Enjoy

Flash
Funk Finder, The Wallflower Gallery
10 N.E. 3rd Street
Downtown Miami 33132
305-579-0069
www.wallflowergallery.com
www.myspace.com/wallflowergallery

Feb. 11, 7:30-9:30pm
Valentine’s Day Literary Reading
Bookstore in the Grove
3399 Virginia Street #620
Coconut Grove

Writers of all genres – poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, children’s literature – are invited to read your original work on love/romance/passion to an adoring audience. Plan to read for 5-7 min. More info? Email mikelrm@aol.com or 305-281-4089.

The highly commercialized month of feBruary has long been hijacked as the month for love [Hallmark's Valentines Day: boooo! =P] — but love is always, and so, for us at Miami Writers Assoc. — we’re hijacking it back as one for Inspiration and for our ever-flourishing creativity; really, 2010 looks promising – and let’s face it, how we choose to view things can affect our very future. We invite you to come and share your work with others that have that same inspired and passionate spirit.

February Writing Critique to be hosted by Melanie at Wallflower Gallery on Thursday, February 4, 7-9pm// We will have another moderator(s) if the group gets large, and other rooms at the gallery are available for another one or two sessions.

And to show our L-O-V-E for the Wallflower Gallery, we are requesting a donation of $10 per participant.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Location: THE WALLFLOWER GALLERY : 10 NE 3rd St.
Downtown Miami, FL 33132

Made ya look! Our fair city values skin over intellect, but that doesn’t mean we gotta join ‘em if we can’t beat ‘em.

The Miami Writer’s Association is hosting a literary reading featuring authors Jay Jay Colagrande and Caridad Moro-McCormick and winners of the Many Writers One Voice Contest (see their bios below) on November 11, 2009 at Bookstore in the Grove.

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Time: 7pm music reception for featured authors; authors and contest winners read between 7:30pm – 9:30pm. There will also be a Q&A session for the featured authors – it’s your chance to ask questions about the publishing process!
Location: Bookstore in the Grove
Street: 3399 Virginia Street #620 (The corner of Virginia & Grand Ave)
City/Town: Coconut Grove, FL
Phone: 305-443-2855

About the Featured Authors

Caridad Moro-McCormick is a first-generation Cuban-American; born in L.A. and raised in Miami.  She holds a B.A. in English and an M.F.A. from Florida International University.  This year her chapbook, “Visionware,” was published by Finish Line Press as part of their celebrated New Women’s Voices Series. She’s the recipient of the state’s Florida Artist Fellowship. Cari is a professor of English at Miami Dade College, as well as an English instructor for Dade County Public Schools.

J.J. Colagrande was born and raised in Long Island, New York before settling in Miami. He has been a contributing writer for the Miami Herald, Miami New Times, 944, Closer, and the Sun Sentinel. J.J. earned his M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Florida International University. He currently works as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College teaching Writing and Literature.  J.J. has also previously taught at The University of Arizona.  His fiction pieces have been published in Carve, Big Bridge, Mary, Facets, and many more. His latest fiction work “Headz” has recently been published and has received great reviews.

Winners of the Many Writers One Voice Contest

First Place: Twisted Therapy by Bob Gross
Bob Gross came to Miami in 1973 after serving in the Marines. He studied literature and theater at MDC and FIU and was a performer and stage technician for various dance and theater companies but got tired of waiting tables so he joined the Army in 1985. Retiring from the military a few years ago he’s now back in Miami.  He has a published poem in a 2005 Georgia anthology, “Rivertown Poets and Storytellers,” and a book review in a 2002 academic quarterly, “Minerva, the Study of Women and the Military.” He believes writing is a matter of tradecraft and a wee bit of spirit from the muse.

Second Place: The Maple Tree by Remy Dou
I am a 27-year-old Cuban American who has been in love with literature since the age of three. Currently, I teach high school science, including Physics and Biology. I graduated with a degree in Biology from Florida International University. Besides reading, writing, and science, my hobbies also include playing the bass guitar for various local bands.

Third Place: Guilty Pleasures by Mike Watson
Mike Watson has just about figured out what he wants to be when he grows up. He’s been a plumber, a sous chef, an elementary and high school teacher, a Chief Information Officer for a national law firm, and the owner of several small companies ranging from a computer school for children to a clothing company. Currently, he is the IT Manager for a Florida law firm, an instructor in the writing center at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson campus, and a designer for his own clothing company. As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, he also directs a community theatre programme in Surfside. In his spare time, he writes poetry, short stories, and essays. He hopes to be a real boy someday.

Fourth Place: The New Lover: Intimacy with a Stranger by Robin Alexander

Fifth Place: The Impermanent Poem by Gil Pettigrew
I am a biologist/naturalist/(adjunct) science professor by profession & education ( I hold M.S. & B.A. degree’s in biology, emphasizing ecology & environmental science). My poetry has appeared in places such as The Aurora Review, James River Review, & Red Ink, and I am also regular contributor to Red River Review & The Taj Mahal Review, & Asili Literary Journal. I have also published in Cafe Bellas Artes , Poets at Moon spinners , Bluesap, Kitopedia: On-Line Writer’s Forum, and anthologies by Golden Apple Press, Native West Press,Terrain.org, “In our own words: A generation defining itself, volume III.

Sixth Place: “Garden of Liberty” by Lynda Lurei

Caridad Moro-McCormick, a featured author at the Miami Writers Association literary event on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Bookstore in the Grove, is a first-generation Cuban-American; born in L.A. and raised in Miami.  She holds a B.A. in English and an M.F.A. from Florida International University.  This year her chapbook, Visionware, was published by Finish Line Press as part of their celebrated New Women’s Voices Series. She’s the recipient of the state’s Florida Artist Fellowship. Cari is a professor of English at Miami Dade College, as well as an English instructor for Dade County Public Schools.

We took a moment to chat with Caridad on the phone to find out more about her influences and her life as a working writer.

How long have you been in Miami?
30 years. My family moved here from LA and the whole family is still here. I have a brother and sister, I am the oldest.

Why LA? The typical Cuban story is from Cuba to Miami. What happened?
My father got to Miami [from Cuba] and there was no work so he was relocated to LA. My mother’s route was Cuba-Mexico-California. Then we left because we were highly affected by the smog – hayfever, asthma. When you are Cuban in LA, when you hear someone speaking “Cuban” everything stops. So it was a big thing to recognize other people like us. If you are Hispanic there, everyone thinks you are Mexican. Once I got here, I lost that sense of “otherness.”

How did you get started writing?
I’ve written my whole life – I have diaries going back to Kindergarten, so it’s been a calling. I started writing poetry seriously in 2002 after the birth of my son, Sean-Michael, who is now 7 years old. Something about giving birth to a child gave birth to my creative dreams as well.

As far as my chapbook, “Visionware,” the name comes from these glass pots by Corningware. I wanted these pots because they were so pretty, and it became a metaphor for my marriage. The chapbook is two sections – the family, Cuban stuff and coming to terms with being a woman and being sexual and the good girl vs. being a real girl; and then coming out as a Lesbian after my marriage.

I’ve had some backlash, like, “How could you write about that, how can you say that?” But that’s where the strength of my work lies, that’s the gravy. And a poem never killed anyone.

I found myself at one point, in the very early stages of writing the poems, afraid to say things, and to write my memory of things. I took a class with Denise Duhamel, a professor at FIU, a poet who just came out with a new book called, “Ka-ching!” The irony of these poems is that they helped me communicate with those who would take it the wrong way.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
Toni Morrison, Anne Sexton, Sharon Olds, Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, Sylvia Plath, Alice Walker, Joyce Carol Oates, among others.

What are you reading right now?
A collection of short stories – the Best of 2008 and the Best Poetry. But it’s not the best – the short stories are always really good, but the poetry is very political and the same people get in year after year.

What kinds of local literary events have you attended?
I’ve done Stone Grove Tuesdays at the Vagabond, the Butterfly Lightning Series at Tobacco Road, the Miami Poetry Collective. I’m reading at the Book Fair on Nov. 15 at 3pm in auditorium C. People can just show up, not necessary to RSVP.

What would you like to tell people that I haven’t already asked?
I teach at Braddock and Miami-Dade College. My goal is to touch people, whether they love or hate my work.

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Bookstore in the Grove
Street: 3399 Virginia Street #620 (The corner of Virginia & Grand Ave)
City/Town: Coconut Grove, FL