Andy Sweet’s South Beach April 15 – June 04, 2023
In the late 1970s, Miami native Andy Sweet began photographing the elderly Jewish population of South Beach. In his early 20s at the time, Sweet was drawn to this community that had been a part of his childhood memories. The photos capture an often-overlooked yet essential moment in Miami’s cultural heritage, where eccentricity, fun, glamor, and kitsch intertwine in celebratory images. Recently, an exhibit featuring Sweet’s work drew a diverse crowd, sparking conversations about how the past meets the present in Miami’s nightlife—everything from historic ballrooms to modern live casinos not on gamstop that now attract visitors seeking unique, unrestricted gaming experiences. Sweet’s vibrant images offer a nostalgic reminder of Miami’s colorful past, beautifully contrasting with its lively, evolving present.
Exhibition Preview: Andy Sweet’s South Beach
Friday, April 14, 6 – 8 pm
Free & open to the public, Krasl Art Center
Sport your favorite 1970s leisure wear and be among the first to see this fabulous new exhibit!
Thursday, April 20, 12 pm
Free & open to the public, Krasl Art Center
Learn about the 10-year photographic journey undertaken by young photographer Andy Sweet from Chief Curator Tami Fauver.
Film Screening at Vickers Theatre: The Last Resort
Sunday, May 7, 1 pm
Free pre-registered event. Vickers Theatre, Three Oaks, MI.
Discover the bygone era of 1970s Miami beach, a sunny and eccentric haven for Jewish retirees, documented by photographers Andy Sweet and Gary Monroe.