Art Basel 2015, the year I took it easy

Every year I wait with anticipation for the first week in December when Art Basel descends upon Miami, and I'm talking about more than just the main show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The satellite fairs and special events are the ones that float my boat.I always take at least one day to do my "Baseling" as I like to call it. This year, I kicked off my adventure with my friend Janet who had VIP passes for Art Miami and Context. The two connected satellite fairs are in the heart of Midtown. As always, they didn't disappoint. We saw our share of interesting and beautiful pieces including a series of paintings featuring tutus, a gorgeous piece featuring a woman's face on a piece of hanging mesh, plenty of Mickey Mouse ears in all sorts of bright colors and my favorite, sculptures. I wish there'd been more of those but the ones I saw were quite impressive.The day I took for myself to go exploring I chose to do at Wynwood. Although I feel the area is definitely going in a direction I'm not crazy about with parking lots and multi-use buildings planned in the future for now, the area has not lost it's vibe.After visiting Wynwood Walls and discovering the art of New York-based artist Peter Tunney, whose work incorporates words and phrases culled from magazines and newspapers. Words that grab you and make you think.Following that stop, I decided to venture away from Wynwood's main drag, NW 2nd Avenue and check out what was going on toward 5th Avenue. That's where I saw street artists working their magic on the blank canvas they know best, the walls of buildings. I smelled more spray can fumes that day than I probably ever have but I welcomed it, just to watch art being created. One guy had his trunk wide open with at least 30 or 40 spray paint cans, a healthy supply to help him complete his massive piece.I got to see the new Mana Contemporary building that houses plenty of contemporary spots and some other businesses as well. I then made my way back to NW 2nd where I discovered cute cafes and businesses in an open breezeway between two buildings. Then it was off to lunch at Wynwood Diner where I feasted on a delicious grilled cheese with caramelized onions and crispy french fries. The place was absolutely hopping, so much so that I didn't even dare greet my son who works there for fear of disturbing the groove he was in.Overall the experience was a great one and I'm happy that Wynwood is still cool. I wait again with anticipation at what Art Basel 2016 will bring.