Tourists, locals gather in Wynwood for Art Basel

MIAMI (WSVN) - You don’t have to be an art lover to love one of the biggest festivals of the year — Art Basel.

Visitors from all over the world are coming to Wynwood for the big event, expecting fresh art finds and perfect weather.

Wynwood would already be busy on a Thursday night, but with Art Basel underway, there is much more people flocking to the area. Airlines have reported that there is an increase of passengers flying into Miami specifically for this weekend.

Everything from fashion, fine art and models can be found at Art Basel over the next few days across Miami.

“People ask the ‘SOS,’ just help,” said conceptual artist David Datuna about his political artwork. “Don’t divide us, just help us.”

The New York artist showed off his unity piece and called this an iconic image from the 2016 election. “Very big reaction everywhere, even when we drive to Miami,” he said. Any single car beeping us. Some people show to us [a thumbs up], some people show [thumbs down], but everybody has a reaction.”

Getting reactions and opinions from onlookers is what Art Basel is all about.

“We’re bringing artists from Los Angeles, New York, and we’ve also incorporated some local Miami artists,” said Susett Cabrera from Art of Business.

A wide arrangement of works are on display at Brown Jordan on Northeast Second Avenue, like a piece involving sneakers, a machine making its own work of art, as well as a tapestry from renowned British artist D*Face.

“You put it in your home, but because it is designed by a prominent artist, it becomes sort of functional art,” said Jacob Rahman, Soho Design House.

The artists are expecting to lure thousands, which means traffic will be tight in spots.

However, Uber is making a splash in this year’s event with a first ever seaplane. It’ll help guide guests above the galleries.

As the events get underway, one thing these artists promise is that there is something for everyone.

David McCauley is a paralyzed artist who helps teach art therapy to those who need it in Miami. “We introduce all these adaptive ways to create,” he said. “You don’t necessarily need canvas and paint and a brush. There’s lots of other ways.”

Over the last couple of months, South Floridians have had concerns about Zika, but according to sources, there are no Zika-related concerns.

If you plan to attend Art Basel, traffic will be heavy, so the Metrorail and the Metromover have extended their hours until 2 a.m. throughout the week. The Venetian Causeway will also be open for cars, bikes and pedestrians to help everyone get around.

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