Noted collector and FODA member Jim Sweeny will explore Art Deco Miami Beach, which was chiefly built in the 1930s to appeal to middle-class tourists. The majority of the buildings were hotels or apartments and shared many characteristics: flat roofs, poured concrete walls, glass-block partitions, terrazzo floors, “eyebrow” and porthole windows, and nautical deck railings.

Usually two to four stories tall with 50-75 rooms, the buildings were mostly white with pink, turquoise, lavender, seafoam green, and powder blue accents. Neon was used to highlight architectural details. Laura Cerwinsky has written that “this was resort architecture intended to lift the visitor from the gloom of the Depression; to merge his shelter with the glories of surrounding nature. They were venues where Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers could be imagined to dance the night away in a moonlit rooftop nightclub, while the waves lapped on the beach across the street.”

Friends of Decorative Arts

The decorative arts—fine furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and glass—are all around us and in the Museum. FODA expands understanding of their variety and beauty. Plus, you will make new friends at the meetings. Annual dues are $20 in addition to Museum membership.

FODA programs are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 pm during season. Non-FODA members can attend for $5, plus MFA admission. Carolyn Nygren is the volunteer coordinator.

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