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Miami Herald

Perez Art Museum in Miami hosts photo book speed date event

It was October of 2022 when Miami-based photographer Josh Aronson got an idea that he knew would bring people in to see his exhibit. 'I mounted an exhibition at Baker–Hall Art (formerly Club Gallery) in Miami. I remembered a speed date artist talk I'd attended years earlier, hosted by the incredible photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis in New York. I loved the format and thought, 'What if you removed the stage and made the format democratic?' I figured everyone in the arts has at least one photo or art book they treasure.' He invited people to the gallery with a photography or art book in hand in a speed-date style format. It worked. On Thursday, July 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., Aronson brings 'Photo Book Speed Date' to Thursdays at PAMM (Pérez Art Museum Miami), the first time he'll host his artist-led program at a museum. 'Last year, I brought it to Green Space Miami, and then hosted it in New York with MANUAL. Now it's coming to a museum for the first time and I couldn't be more excited.' So is the means the book, and the end your dream date? 'Not exactly,' says Aronson. 'It borrows from the traditional speed dating format, without the romantic expectations. Instead, it's about connecting through a shared love of art and photo books. You bring your favorite and share it with someone across from you. They'll share theirs, too. By the end of the night, you've met a ton of new people, seen dozens of art and photo books you might not have had access to, and had real conversations rooted in curiosity, enthusiasm, and a love of art and photography.' And there are matches made, in some respect. 'The idea of a 'match' is really flexible. I've seen artists meet curators, photographers meet printers, and even mentees find mentors. I intentionally open the night to everyone––from students to collectors, from gallery people to appreciators—because the potential for connection is bigger when everyone's in the room together,' says the creator. There's never a charge to participate and Aronson hopes to keep in that way. Art and photography books can be expensive or hard to get your hands on. I love that 'Photo Book Speed Date' creates a space where we can share access—where one person's bookshelf becomes everyone's inspiration, even if just for an evening.' If you go: WHAT: Photo Book Speed Date WHERE: Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 3 COST: Programming on terrace is free, but RSVP necessary; Admission to the galleries is $18 for adults and free for PAMM members INFORMATION: (305) 375-3000 and is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more. Don't miss a story at