ADW MEMORIES
REMEMBERING 40 ART DECO WEEKENDS
ART DECO WEEKEND MEMORIES FROM OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS , BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS
Ifirst became involved with Art Deco Weekend ® in 1978 . Barbara Capitman convinced me to “ take a booth ” - I was one of the three vendors selling books , 1930s-era collectables and objets d ’ art in emptied-out-rooms in the Hotel Cardozo .
Barbara created the concept of the Art Deco Weekend to bring residents to Miami Beach to see the buildings to generate interest in getting the District listed on the National Register of Historic Places . At that time , most South Florida residents wouldn ’ t consider crossing the causeway to Miami Beach – it had faded from the glory days and was primarily a home for elderly retirees on fixed incomes . A 1980 performance by Eartha Kitt at the ballroom of Andrew Capitman ’ s Victor Hotel set the standard for entertainment . Other highlights in the early years were Cab Calloway , Dizzy Gillespie , Lionel Hampton and a synchronized water ballet . For a number of years we opened our own “ speakeasy ” club because there were so few actual bars or restaurants in South Beach – how times have changed !
Over the years I helped Barbara set up the lectures and eventually took the role of Creative Director – proposing themes , working with poster artists , putting together lecture and film series , and producing the Art Deco Weekend Official Program book . We were the first to explore the Latin ( 1995 ) and African-American ( 1996 ) contributions to Art Deco , featuring Celia Cruz , Libertad Lamarque , Jean-Claude Baker and many others . My favorite theme was in 1997 when the most noted nautical authors participated in
“ A Salute to the Great Ocean Liners .”
In 1991 we hosted a concurrent event , the first World Congress on Art Deco ®. Michael Kinerk and I gave the overview slideshow of Art Deco architecture around the world followed by a series of speakers presenting images of the best buildings in their countries . The next year we hosted presidents of all known Art Deco Societies around the US , inviting each to make a presentation on their city . This resulted in formation of the National Coalition of Art Deco Societies , later renamed International Coalition of Art Deco Societies .
— Dennis W . Wilhelm , charter member MDPL , with contributions by Michael D . Kinerk , MDPL Chairman Emeritus
ART DECO WEEKEND 1989
“ Art Deco Weekend is always a lot of fun , but it ’ s a lot of work to put together . I remember one year my daughter had just had her first baby , Katie , in December . One month later there I am on Ocean Drive , checking in 200 vendors with a newborn under my arm . She spent the whole day with me and when my hands were full , everybody took a turn with her . The next day , my daughter was strolling down the street with the baby and every single vendor said , “ Hi there , Katie !” to her . It was funny . Katie just turned 27 years old and this will be her 27th Art Deco Weekend .”
— Mayor Matti Bower , Former MDPL Board Member and Former Mayor of Miami Beach
ART DECO WEEKEND 1995
Art Deco Weekend has been a venue where several artists of the Art Deco era performed . I have been fortunate to hear Cab Calloway ’ s “ hi-de-ho ”, Dizzie Gillespie trumpet , and Lionel Hampton ’ s vibraphone . Cab Calloway ’ s last
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