Sketchy Miami Expands With Second Party at Bakehouse Art Complex

Robby Campbell

Lea Anderson

​Admit it: Having a portrait of yourself would be cool. But there's almost no way to commission one without looking vain. Unless, of course, you're supporting the local art scene. Local blog Beached Miami this Friday will host its second Sketchy Party, the live component of a project to create a portrait of every Miami resident. All are invited to submit headshots to the Sketchy Miami website, where 305 artists and nonartists choose mugs to sketch.

For the first Sketchy Miami party, hundreds filled Lester's for a chance to have their faces cataloged by artists on site. This time it'll go bigger. Sketchy Party #2 will take place at the Bakehouse Art Complex, a three-acre property with more than 70 artist studios, this Friday.

"At the Bakehouse, guests will be stopping into different artists' studios, each of which is a universe unto itself. We expect this to be a more intimate experience [than Lester's], a little less crazy -- but just a little," said Jordan Melnick, editor of Beached Miami and co-founder of Sketchy Miami.

Over a dozen artists will be on hand for "flash portraits", including many whose studio "Sketchys," as they're referred to, will be sold for $30 each (cash only). Half will go to the artist, while the other half will be used to support Sketchy Miami.

"It's not chump change," said Melnick, "but these artists' work sells for hundreds and thousands of dollars, so it's a good opportunity to start or bolster your art collection for a just few Hamiltons.

Eli Blanco

Abigail Pope

​They'll also be selling a Sketchy Package for $10 which includes pizza from Joey's, Honest Tea, a set of Sketchy Miami post cards, and a glass of wine and a $2 discount at O Cinema's midnight screening of Troll Hunter following the party. You'll also get a raffle ticket that could win you prints from Bakehouse artists or free flash portraits. You can preorder it for $8.

Erin Chainani

Rob Bassii

​Sketchy Miami is going strong after the first party.

"The photos and portraits are pouring in every day, so fast we can't always update the site as fast as we'd like. But even with all the momentum, we still have a ridiculously long way to go. Remember: The goal is to create a portrait of every person in Miami. The only way we'll ever get close is if artists continue to get involved, people keep submitting photos, and people keep spreading the word. I have no doubt that they will," said Melnick.

The party starts at 8 p.m. and entry is free. For more information, visit sketchymiami.com.


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