Artopia 2013: Big Winners, Booze, Spandex, and Street Fighter

Morning afters are always awkward. Especially when the night before involved vodka cocktails and drag queens. But it's Friday, so hopefully we'll have recovered from our hangovers in time for happy hour.

Last night's Artopia bash left us buzzed, baffled, and blown away. From getting schooled in Street Fighter to watching costumed characters contorting, we got our annual dose of art, culture, and oddities.

See also:
- Bleeding Palm, Rosie Herrera, and Jesse Perez Win MasterMind Awards at Artopia
- New Times Artopia 2013 at Coral Gables Museum
- Photos: Artopia 2013 at Coral Gables Museum

Like a jack-in-the-box, last night's bash was a plethora of pop-up surprises. Costumed, Cirque du Soleil-esque characters roamed the crowds. Honorary Real Housewife and drag legend Elaine Lancaster struck fabulous poses for attendees and dwarfed fans with her towering custom hairdo. A Bahamaian-style junkanoo band marched in a spontaneous parade.

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cultist/2013/03/bleeding_palm_rosie_herrera_an.php

Elaine Lancaster

There was kaleidoscopic spandex, a shopping cart full of tired technology, and a man in a monkey mask. Models took to the stage for a fashion show, gamers went old school in the 8-bit lounge, and bands rocked the mike. Attendees noshed on fish tacos and macarons, drank rum punch, and scored painstakingly crafted cigars. There were dizzying amounts of action. And in the evening's crowning achievement, this year's MasterMind Award winners were announced. Jesse Perez, Rosie Herrera, and Bleeding Palm accepted giant checks à la Publisher's Clearing House for their outstanding contributions to Miami's art scene. Cuz their awesomeness deserved some attention. All in all, we'd say it was a success. So don't miss out next year, mmmmmkay?