Inflation's impact on Coconut Grove Arts Festival is being felt by artists, organizers and visitors
MIAMI — This weekend, many South Floridians are in Miami for the 61st Coconut Grove Arts Festival. While the artwork is catching visitors' eyes, inflation's impact on costs is catching the attention of organizers and artists displaying their work.
Each of Edwin Lester's paintings has a story behind them.
"They all mean something," Lester said.
And, they have a cost. President Trump said he wants to tax countries at the same rate that they tax the United States' imports. He calls them reciprocal tariffs. Lester is worried that his art's frames could cost more because they come from overseas.
"I think I'm going to feel the pain because a lot of it's imported," he said. "Of course, we're gonna have to add that price onto the retail price."
Executive Director Camille Marchese said this year's festival costs 22% more to put together compared to last year. This also happens as the latest Consumer Price Index report showed that inflation increased by 3% in January compared to this time last year.
"Between the police, the permits, the sanitation [and] the staffing, it's a beast to put on," she said.
Marchese said it costs $1.8 million to put the art fest together. She told CBS News Miami that ticket prices rose about $5 or so to offset the cost increases. She said, unfortunately, the festival has not been the same since it started.
"A lot of locals are upset because it used to be free but that was 20 years ago," Marchese said.
Eric Gonzalez is at his first art festival. He came from Oklahoma, and he doesn't go through much product since his paintings are tiny.
"I focus on these small pieces and I can compete with some of the larger paintings," Gonzalez said.
He said the cost that's increased the most is travel. It set him back $2,500 to come down here for the weekend. He is hoping he can make more than that while he's here.
"GPS said it was 21 and a half hours," Gonzalez said "But we had to stop. And traffic."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
02-06-2025
- News24
From Kings of Joburg to what's next: Abdul Khoza reveals upcoming ventures
Abdul Khoza stars as Lester in the upcoming third season of Kings of Joburg. He is looking to do more behind-the-scenes work with producing, writing and directing. Abdul reaffirms that his passion will always lie with the arts. ________________________________________________________________________ We've still got a whole lot more to see from this captivating thespian. Abdul Khoza stole the country's hearts with his memorable performances in hit shows like Isibaya and The Wife. Now we can look forward to another deep and complex act in the upcoming third season of Kings of Joburg. Starring alongside acting greats like Connie Ferguson and Zolisa Xaluva, Abdul gives us a teaser into his role as the criminal Lester. 'It happens to be a time where my character is more or less trying to get himself back on top because he is at the bottom you find him in season three because you find him in prison. This is where he also meets up with Mo's character (played by Zolisa Xaluva) and both of them have formed an alliance together to get themselves out of the prison,' Abdul says. 'It's very complex, I won't lie. It's a complex and complicated story right now. But a beautiful, beautiful journey between the two characters of Mo's character and Lester's character. We get a bit of more of a brotherhood that happens between them, which is interesting. Something that I think could also enhances their relationship.' Many are still crossing their fingers to see Abdul's star power continue to shine, especially with the 37-year-old creative and father of two announcing his departure from acting to pursue his love for behind-the-scenes work, sharing some insightful words reflecting on the entertainment industry and his last audition take. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brotha Abdul Rahman Khoza (@abdul_khoza) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brotha Abdul Rahman Khoza (@abdul_khoza) Although Abdul tells us that he's still getting all his ducks in row before sharing his reasons for leaving acting, his creative prowess expands more than just in front of the camera. He counts himself as a writer as well who is looking to produce and direct his own work. He shares, 'I want to produce, I want to direct some of my things as well because I'm also a writer myself. So, I'm trying to elevate myself as an individual. Trying to just walk on another path that promises a lot of growth and that's just my journey right now.' Abdul goes on to say, 'I'm always passionate in everything I do, so I do believe that there will be success in this journey as well and I'm just throwing myself in there because I feel like we need more Black producers and more Black directors and so forth in the industry ... I don't want to try to do this when I'm too old. Yeah, I don't wanna be the old director or old producer,' he laughs. 'So I wanna still do it while I know that I'm also able to be relevant to the youth. So, that's also a market that I feel like - if we don't enhance our stories or make them more impactful for them, we might lose them as an audience.' Off the cuff What's an acting tip that you always stand by? It's really just presence, being present 100 percent. Always has been the key of any actor to take, of just making sure that you live in the moment as honestly as you can. What's your favourite way to unwind by yourself? It's usually when I choose to sort of get myself in a workout. A good workout always does it for me and then after is more or less just listening to music or making music. What do you love to do with your family with Father's Day coming up? If I have my kids with me, I am the happiest father ever because they are everything. So, definitely spending the day with my kids and just having those cuddles. Abdul's career journey has taken more detours than many realise, with the actor starting off his working career in the army and the fire brigade before pursuing his dream working in the arts. On how he plans to grow and evolve in his new ventures with all of his experience, Abdul says, 'Well, my passion really would be the arts because I put myself in the space of acting but not only did I focus on acting solely, I was just able to also be a little bit behind the scenes, see what directors do on set, see how things are brought together for a production to function and all of that. 'So I've learned a lot from my experience as an actor because I've had the privilege of being able to also have personal conversations with directors and with producers that I've worked with. I've had a lot of knowledge and information that I myself would've never had if I never stepped on a set before.' He is currently busy working on his theatre debut, starring in the critically acclaimed production The Zulu by Mbongeni Ngema from 8 to 22 June 2025 at the Joburg Theatre. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joburg Theatre (@joburgtheatre)
CBS News
03-05-2025
- CBS News
South Florida gets windfall with Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Fort Lauderdale Air Show on same weekend
Both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are enjoying a windfall this weekend. That's thanks to the Miami Grand Prix in Miami Gardens and the Air Show in Fort Lauderdale. CBS News Miami shows you how big of a bang these events are for South Florida. High-octane entertainment on the streets and in the skies Andrew Austin's wife's birthday lands on the same weekend as the Fort Lauderdale Air Show. "It's her birthday month. So this kicks off the month," he said. Austin goes to the Fort Lauderdale Air Show every year because everything he wants to see is on the beach and in the sky. "Tent, food, beer. It's all covered," he said. Chris Dirato with the air show said tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the shores to see the show in the sky. "People come from far and wide, they're spending money at restaurants, so they're obviously spending money at the hotels, there's obviously a big economic impact," he said. South Florida got a two-fer: If you like speed in the air, you went to Fort Lauderdale beach for the air show. And, if you like speed in the streets, there was the Miami Grand Prix in Miami Gardens. The Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that around a quarter of a million people come to Miami Gardens for the event. Victor Jimenez came here from Arizona for the Formula 1 races. Jimenez said the fast cars were fun, but he added that next time, he won't stay in Miami Beach and will pick a hotel closer to the track. "It took me two hours to come over here," Jimenez said. "I left at 10 a.m. By the time I was here, it was noon." Back at the beach, Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue said they're expecting spring break-level crowds, so they'll be doubling and tripling their resources on certain blocks. They're warning that it may be dangerous to watch the show in the ocean due to rip currents. Austin said it's definitely a beach day, just not a swimming day. "It is a sitting day and watching," Austin said.
Business Upturn
03-05-2025
- Business Upturn
Only Murders in the Building Season 5: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on May 3, 2025, 20:15 IST Last updated May 3, 2025, 17:33 IST Fans of Hulu's hit mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building are eagerly awaiting Season 5. With its signature blend of humor, heart, and whodunit intrigue, the show continues to captivate audiences. Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as the lovable trio of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, the series has been renewed for a fifth season, promising more murders to solve in the iconic Arconia. Here's everything we know so far about Only Murders in the Building Season 5, including release date speculation, cast updates, and plot details. Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Release Date Speculation While Hulu has not announced an official release date for Only Murders in the Building Season 5, speculation points to a premiere in August 2025. This prediction is based on the show's consistent release pattern, with previous seasons debuting in August (Seasons 1, 3, and 4) or June (Season 2). Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Expected Cast The core trio of Only Murders in the Building will return, with Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage, Martin Short as Oliver Putnam, and Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora. Their chemistry and podcasting antics remain the heart of the series. Additionally, Michael Cyril Creighton is expected to reprise his role as Howard Morris, the Arconia's quirky resident and the trio's loyal friend. Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Potential Plot The Season 4 finale left fans on a chilling cliffhanger, setting the stage for Season 5's central mystery. After resolving the murder of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch), the trio discovers the body of Lester, the Arconia's beloved doorman (played by Teddy Coluca), dead in the building's courtyard fountain with his throat slit. This shocking death will likely be the primary focus of Season 5, as Charles, Mabel, and Oliver investigate who killed the unassuming and well-liked Lester. Another key plot thread involves Sofia Caccimelio (Téa Leoni), who approaches the trio in the Season 4 finale to investigate the disappearance of her husband, Nicky 'The Neck' Caccimelio, a figure connected to the Caputo crime family. Sofia believes Nicky's disappearance is linked to the Arconia, which could pull the trio into a dangerous web involving organized crime. This subplot may intertwine with Lester's murder, adding layers of intrigue. Only Murders in the Building Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
