artLAB: project originally published December 4th, 2003

"Scope, Art Basel Miami Beach, NADA Fair, Miami Design District"

By Onajídé Shabaka

This years activities were off to an exciting start when it became apparent that the events of early December would far exceed those of 2002. As was stated last year by many, we hope this energy and spirit continues to become a permanent part of Miami Beach/Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and ease up to West Palm Beach. Knowing this needs to be taken in small enough doses to sustain ones energy, I did a general overview of some work I felt was worthy of being noted. I did not go to any events on Wednesday because I work until 10pm. Thursday morning I got into Miami Beach without problems, found a good parking space and set out on foot. Here goes my Thursday trek:

-Scope was my first stop. Four floors of the Town House Hotel filled with art and artists was nice. I like the intimate setting of using a hotel room for exhibiting work. This gives anyone the ability to talk to dealers, artists, and collectors. All of Miami's usual suspects were there. Ingalls and Associates had a buzz of people, as did Rocket-Projects…