Betsy Hotel’s Writers Room again spotlights renowned poet Hyam Plutzik’s work

Poet Hyam Plutzik (1911–1962) was a prolific writer and three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist whose career was tragically cut short by his death from cancer at age 50 in 1962. His widow, Tanya Plutzik, who is 103 years old, is still the executor of her husband’s literary estate.

For years, their children Jonathan Plutzik and Deborah Plutzik Briggs, and their families, have led the effort to ensure Hyam’s legacy by integrating his memory into Miami cultural life.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the late poet’s work finding a place in the poetry community at The Betsy Hotel’s renowned Writers Room—a residency program which has hosted over 1,000 artists since its inception. Jan. 8, 2023 also marks the 60th anniversary of Hyam Plutzik death.

“In addition to strong poetry programming at The Betsy, the Plutzik family are committed to introducing the work of their late father, poet Hyam Plutzik to contemporary readers,” said arts and cultural consultant Nina Gale Olson.

“Most recently this was done through the translation of 32 selected Hyam Plutzik poems into Spanish. ‘32 Poems/32 Poemas’ was published by Miami-based Suburbano Ediciones and includes the work of 14 translators including Miami poet Jonathan Rose representing a diverse Hispanic perspective.”

The book also honors Suburbano’s mission of “Building Community” that creates opportunities for writers and audiences to engage in cross-cultural dialogue with texts from different milieus, Olson said. The project was completed in 2021 under the guidance of editor George B. Henson.

Hyam Plutzik is also the inspiration for The Betsy’s commitment to poetry programming that includes the creation of the Escribe Aqui/Write Here Festival with Suburbano Ediciones and the Knight Foundation.

Visitors to The Betsy can see The Poetry Rail — a public art installation inscribed with the words of Hyam Plutzik and 11 other writers who shaped Miami history and culture.

Poet Jonathan Rose said the book of Hyam Plutzik’s poems into Spanish has garnered a great deal of praise. He added the family has created “a cultural oasis in the heart of South Beach — offering poetry, jazz, chamber music, opera, an artist-in-residency program, art exhibitions, and a cappella festivals — free of charge to the public.”

The foreword of ‘32 Poems/32 Poemas’ was written by President Barack Obama’s inaugural poet Richard Blanco.

To learn more about the book and Hyam Plutzik, visit www.hyamplutzikpoetry.com.

More about The Writers Room is at https://www.thebetsyhotel.com/explore/arts-culture/writers-room

New Adventure-Leggers will be annual event

Bookleggers Library, the nonprofit mobile library that brings access to free books as a way of building community, recently launched Miami’s first young adult and comic book festival for kids.

The event called Adventure-Leggers was a full day of multimedia programming celebrating literature, art, and creative entrepreneurship for kids. Now, Bookleggers Library has confirmed it plans to make this an annual event.

Themed “Find your way,” the first-ever Adventure-Leggers offered artist-led workshops, music, books, comics, technology, fun…and no unaccompanied adults, organizers said.

When we created Bookleggers in 2012, we recognized Miami as a community with highly curious and generally social readers from diverse backgrounds, and a community that also has pockets of need for more access to books,” said Nathaniel Sandler, founding director of Bookleggers Library.

“We have seen a gap in our community for kids that are beyond or moving beyond elementary school, looking for a safe space in which to explore a deep interest in reading and creating, with like-minded kids. We put the two ideas together, engaged some incredible teaching artists to bring their talent and expertise to the day, and Adventure-Leggers was born. We’re excited to announce that we’re bringing it back next year.”

The October 2022 event brought 51 teaching artists and over a dozen local Miami-Dade vendors to create an unforgettable program of 34 activities, workshops and happenings throughout the day centered around youth literacy.

Young guests were encouraged to find and collect genre stickers dispersed throughout the Bakehouse Art Complex, a 33,000-square-foot historic building in Wynwood. They then embarked on a quest around the grounds, finding their way through the Secret Garden, Road Cone Maze, Ceramics Studio and Outer Space performances, ultimately graduating from the Main Gallery and Comic Book Academy with a Superhero Headshot.

More than 250 guests attended. Admission was free and kids were required to bring a chaperone as well as to have a parent or guardian sign a permission slip. The Al and Jane Nahmad Family Foundation sponsored this event, and will continue its support in 2023.

Visit ajnff.org.

72nd Beaux Arts Fest set for Jan. 14-15

A January favorite for all, the annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art will bring 175 juried exhibitors to the University of Miami campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 14-15, in front of the Watsco Center.

The event is free to the public and benefits the Lowe Art Museum and children’s art education programs in underserved communities.

The festival is recognized as one of South Florida’s leading art shows and attracts acclaimed artists from all over the country. Active since 1952, the weekend event brings thousands of visitors together through artwork in a variety of mediums and price points.

The festival also features live music, interactive art experiences for children and adults, and a marketplace featuring local vendors and dining options. New for 2023, will be a beer and wine garden, and a Community Art Tent, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where patrons of all ages will have the opportunity to create their own art.

“We’re thrilled to continue this tradition in our 72nd year showcasing incredible artwork in our community by internationally-recognized artists,” said Monica Sanchez, Beaux Arts President 2022-2023. “We look forward to welcoming visitors from South Florida and beyond.” More at https://beauxartsmiami. org/

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.