It really sucks that out of towner's get mugged in Miami. But what really sucks are those visitors that have the balls to cross the causeway and get mugged while enjoying Wynwood's Second Saturday Gallery Walk. Case in point Jenny Ulloa from Brooklyn, N.Y.
I'm from New York and have frequented art-gallery hops all around the city most of my life.
Vacationing in Miami, I recently went with my mom, a Miami resident, and some friends to the Wynwood Art Gallery Hop. I saw some great art work, and it was a great experience until I got robbed at gunpoint. The thieves took my bag and my friend's bag. Luckily, my mom already had headed to the car, so she was not robbed.
The gallery-hop organizers did a poor job with security for the night. It was a horrible experience. But at least I have my life.
People can get seriously hurt if there isn't enough lighting and security. I realize now, after the fact, that the galleries are adjacent to a bad neighborhood. The police officers patroled the galleries but not the neighboring areas where one could get sidetracked or lost.
I wish the city and state could do more for the people struggling in this poor area. But I also wish I had been protected by police officers.
And where did those kids get that gun?
JENNY ULLOA, Brooklyn, N.Y.
As residents we know very well that Wynwood borders some shitty neighborhoods. And as residents we know the risks of hanging out in Wynwood. Visitors/Tourists don't have the luxury of knowing what we do. Perhaps the Art District should educate people attending Second Saturdays with pamphlets in addition to providing a centralized parking area that is well lit with adequate security and transportation for all patrons. This type of negative experience will have the effect of shunning visitors away from what can otherwise be a great Saturday experience. Anyone else have similar stories to tell, or perhaps suggestions on how the city can make Second Saturday events safer?
[Via SFDB]
For those concerned about tourists visiting wynwood I can only say that most locals are ignorant of the gallery walk. This chica was escorted by a local. Shel took a calculated risk. Life sucks.
Also, if the powers that be did market second saturdays, create parking, add security, and make the event mainstream there would be costs associated and free would be gone. Then most of the people here would post how they used to like it but now hate it.
LOL, "The Haiti, Cuba, Mexico....."
umcb.blogspot.com
Oops, put a "the" in there, thanks for pointing that out. Sorry, friends car and apartment got broken into in the last month. You get a bit jaded. Friends living in NY haven't had any problems. Cheers and keep up the classiness. Any more bathroom rendezvous? Your parents must be so proud!