Ximena Caminos is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, curator, and artist who has long sought to emphasize contemporary art’s role in community-building, urban development, ocean conservation, and climate change. She is a member of the New Museum Leadership Council, a founding member of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s Latin American Circle, and an Advisor to Art Basel Cities. Caminos is also the founder and artistic director of The ReefLine, a 7-mile public underwater sculpture park and hybrid reef off the coast of Miami Beach. To commemorate Miami Art Week and Art Basel, Whitewaller sat down with Caminos to discuss her favorite places in the city and where she feels the most inspired.
Courtesy of The Reef Line.
WHITEWALLER: Where do you find inspiration in Miami?
XIMENA CAMINOS: My favorite spot to find inspiration in Miami is the beach. It’s where I go to unwind and recharge. I can create a blank canvas for new ideas there. When I think radically, I think in nature—nature’s limitless potential sparks my creativity.
“When I think radically, I think in nature—nature’s limitless potential sparks my creativity.”
—Ximena Caminos
WW: What’s the best off-the-beaten-path place to see art in the city?
XC: If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Miami’s art scene, the Bakehouse Art Complex is a must-visit. Nestled in an Art Deco-era industrial bakery, this nonprofit organization has been a beacon of creativity and collaboration for nearly four decades. It hosts an artist residency program and offers affordable studios, with a community of over 100 resident and associate artists.
Twice a year, they host Open Studios events where the community can meet and engage with the artists. If you’re interested in the future of Miami’s art scene, the Bakehouse is an incubator for talent building a strong and sustainable ecosystem where artists can thrive.
“The Bakehouse Art Complex has been a beacon of creativity and collaboration for nearly four decades.”
—Ximena Caminos
WW: What’s Miami’s best-kept secret?
XC: Dasher & Crank’s vegan coconut-based matcha ice cream!
Miami Insider Ximena Caminos’ List of Favorites:
1. Bakehouse Art Complex
Courtesy of Bakehouse Art Complex.
The Bakehouse Art Complex is a non-profit arts organization that stands at the heart of South Florida’s bustling arts scene, where it has been a beacon of creativity and collaboration for nearly four decades. Their community comprises over 100 resident and associate artists with a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and artistic practices—painting, sculpture, printmaking, metal and woodworking, photography, digital/interactive media, performance art, even history. – Bakehouse Art Complex
2. Dasher & Crank
Courtesy of Dash & Crank.
Dasher & Crank is a craft ice cream shop located in the heart of Wynwood. All of their artisan flavors are made in-house from scratch using local and premium ingredients. Making everything in small-batches allows Dasher & Crank to be creative and rotate our menu constantly. – Dasher & Crank
