President’s Perspective

MARK A. TROWBRIDGE

PRESIDENT & CEO CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MTROWBRIDGE@CORALGABLESCHAMBER.ORG The concept of light has many different and inspiring metaphors - vision, vitality and virtue, for starters. It is often a symbol of hope and goodness, as well. It can envelop our heart and sweep away the darkness. It is an idea to cherish, especially when discussed in concert with transparency and authenticity. Such is the case with Illuminate Coral Gables, a gorgeously curated art and light show that has quickly become one of the most instagramable moments in the history of Coral Gables. Running now through March 13, Illuminate, as it is affectionately known, is lighting up our senses with its extraordinary installations around The City Beautiful. If you have not taken a stroll around the Gables in the last two weeks to soak in the light and harmony that is the amazing Illuminate, well, get to it! In a time where being outdoors in the fresh air and open spaces may be the safest and healthiest alternative to social isolation, this art show is occurring at the perfect moment in our City. With installations on Giralda Plaza (Kiki Smith's Blue Night is also wonderful to see in the daytime and dusk), inside the Hotel Colonnade (the only fully inside art feature), along Miracle Mile, on the wall at Actors' Playhouse, and the facades of City Hall and the Museum, one can take-in the entirety of the

program before or after dinner. Throw in the magical whimsy of Cai Guo-Qiang's Fireflies that seemingly flit through the City each night and you have the makings of an art piece that is incredibly special. And, just when we need to be inspired the most! Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are suddenly and surprisingly and sweetly smiling again! Dreamed-up by our own Immediately Past Chairman Patrick O'Connell, and cobbled together in concert with a simultaneous idea by former BID President Venny Torre, Illuminate Coral Gables brings together five community partners: The Business Improvement District, City of Coral Gables, Museum, Coral Gables Community Foundation and of course, our own Chamber.

Each has contributed to the success of Illuminate - from fundraising to artistic stewardship to direct sponsorship and volunteerism. Each has brought their own expertise to the process and encouraged the project to go forward, even in the midst of a pandemic. With the planning for Illuminate continuing up until the opening day, there has been something to look forward to over the past year and we applaud our City and fellow Illuminati for not giving up, not losing hope, and for shining the very meaning of light on this incredible series of masterworks. We also thank our curators, who took our original idea and helped elevate it to a world-class show. They brought in renowned artists like Kiki Smith, David Gumbs, Carlos Estevez and Cai Guo-Qiang - and married them with local artists and students from FIU. Working collaboratively, there has been no shortage of ideas or inspiration. In closing, without partners like the City and BID, this show would have never come to light. They were early believers and supporters and invested significant dollars into this one-of-a-kind South Florida exhibition. They saw the light and they stepped up big. As a Chamber, we are pleased to be among the partners and sponsors who have brought the joy of Illuminate to life, part of our vision for an even more viable Coral Gables. Programs like this are economic drivers like no other and offer a huge return on investment. So, join us the next few weekends until March 13: Wed/Thurs/Sun, sundown-9pm; Fri/Sat, sundown-10pm. And of course, we still need volunteers (illuminatecoralgables.com); if you wish to staff one of our info booths, exhibits or drive a Firefly through the downtow, please sign up today! Finally, do yourself a huge favor. Gather the family, head downtown and enjoy a night of art, retail therapy and great food. It has been far too long since we had something to celebrate, to look forward to, to cherish. Illuminate represents all of these ideas, lovingly wrapped in a the warm light of hope, happiness and harmony.