Aventura's Arts in Aventura Advisory Board meets Friday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. to discuss five public art projects and hear from residents during a dedicated public input period.
The meeting is open to the public.
It is the board's first session since June 26, when members unanimously approved a Public Art Curatorial Standards & Cultural Vision document and advanced several projects now in various stages of planning. The session takes place at the Aventura Government Center's 5th Floor Executive Conference Room, 19200 W. Country Club Drive.
Projects in the pipeline
At the June 26 meeting, chaired by Dr. Michael Jacobs, the board gave consensus to move forward on five initiatives, according to the meeting minutes:
Katie Stout loan art exhibition: Approximately six sculptural pieces displayed for 12 months around the Don Soffer Trail. Costs are still being determined. City Manager Bryan Pegues told the board the city hopes to fund the installation through an anticipated donation tied to construction projects rather than direct city spending. The project requires City Commission workshop approval.
Student Art — America 250 Project: Students at Aventura City of Excellence School, Waterways and Don Soffer Aventura High School will submit artwork for placement at bus stops and kiosks citywide. Pegues discussed placing the winning piece on digital billboards on Biscayne Boulevard for 30 days. Submissions are expected to open in mid-to-late September.
Latin American Arts Festival: Board member Luli Sulichin proposed a festival in October featuring 20 to 30 artists, with a venue still to be determined.
Artist Residency at Aventura Mall: The board agreed to proceed with an October residency, with the city selecting the artist and the mall handling logistics. Space is pending mall approval.
Causeway Underpass Art Project: A tile mosaic or painted mural for the underpass of the William Lehman Causeway. Pegues noted a proposal must go to the Florida Department of Transportation for approval.
Budget season backdrop
The meeting lands as Aventura enters its FY2026-27 budget cycle. The City Commission held its first budget review July 23, with public hearings expected in September before the Oct. 1 fiscal year start. The Aug. 14 agenda does not specify which projects will come up under "Discussion of Projects," but all five were active as of the June session.
Board members Suzanne Abozina, Tam Gryn, Dr. Jacobs, Sulichin and Harrison Soffer make up the panel. Soffer was absent from the June 26 meeting.
How to attend
The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at 19200 W. Country Club Drive, 5th Floor. Residents needing ADA accommodations should contact the Office of the City Clerk at 305-466-8901 or [email protected] no later than two days before the meeting. Agendas are posted at cityofaventura.com.
The board's next meeting date has not been set; selecting that date is on Friday's agenda.
