Miami’s Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) has long been synonymous with artistic excellence, and this year’s official commemorative poster unveiling proved to be a sugary-sweet sensation. Hosted on January 23 at CocoWalk’s rooftop, the exclusive event—broadcast live on NBC6 and Telemundo—served as a tantalizing preview of the 61st annual festival set to take over Miami’s historic Coconut Grove from February 15–17, 2025.
The star of the evening was Julia Gilmore, a New Hampshire-based artist whose signature palette knife technique and bold oil paintings bring nostalgic subjects to life. This year, Gilmore turned her artistic gaze toward an unexpected muse: the Coconut Grove chocolate bar—a 1950s-era confection once produced by the Curtiss Candy Company.
“This festival is near and dear to me, and it’s full of eye candy, so learning about this sweet, coconutty candy bar was a no-brainer.”Julia Gilmore, Artist Behind CGAF 2025's Commemorative Poster
The result? A vibrant, textural masterpiece that transforms a piece of Grove history into a striking work of art, embodying the whimsy and warmth that make CGAF an enduring cultural landmark.
Set against the breezy skyline of Coconut Grove, the invite-only event welcomed art patrons, media representatives, and festival insiders to an evening of creativity, community, and culinary delights. Guests indulged in light hors d’oeuvres from Bartaco while soaking in the artistic energy of CocoWalk, a dynamic hub that encapsulates Coconut Grove’s creative spirit.
Festival Executive Director Camille Marchese lauded Gilmore’s work, stating:
“Julia’s painting for this year’s poster has exceeded our expectations—we’re absolutely thrilled! Her talent and vision have perfectly captured the spirit of our 61st annual festival, creating something truly extraordinary.”Camille Marchese, Festival Executive Director
Adding to the excitement, NBC6 and Telemundo entertainment reporter Miriam Tapia provided live coverage, further cementing the poster reveal as a must-see moment in Miami’s cultural calendar.
With its official artwork unveiled, anticipation for CGAF 2025 is at an all-time high. As one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals, the event will showcase 285 juried artists spanning multiple visual disciplines, from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media.
Alongside these stunning exhibits, attendees can enjoy live performances, interactive art experiences, and a curated selection of culinary offerings.
Saturday, February 15, 2025: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, February 16, 2025: 10 AM – 6 PM
Monday, February 17, 2025: 10 AM – 5 PM
Art lovers can secure their tickets now at CGAF.com and take advantage of Early Bird pricing before January 31.
Beyond the weekend’s festivities, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating future generations of artists. Proceeds from the event support year-round arts education programs, scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students, and initiatives like the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program.
With a commemorative poster steeped in nostalgia and a festival lineup brimming with artistic brilliance, CGAF 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable weekend of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply seeking artistic inspiration, Coconut Grove’s charming bayfront streets will once again become a canvas for expression, imagination, and innovation.
Secure your tickets now and get ready to experience Miami’s most anticipated art festival in full color.
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