Miami’s July arts events: Giant lowrider piñata and a book-themed bake-off

It’s rough out here, folks. We’re in the thick of summer and we barely have any mangoes to show for it.

Things are especially tough for the arts community these days. Arts and cultural organizations from Alachua to Monroe to Miami-Dade are scrambling after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in grant funding from the state budget. Arts leaders told me nobody was expecting this and now nonprofit groups need to figure out how to save their programs, pay their rents and keep their employees.

But not all hope is lost, dear reader. The average Floridian can help out their favorite arts and cultural organizations in the easiest way possible. All you have to do is show up.

Seriously, that’s it. Go to the theater! Go to the movies! Go to artist studios! Go to the museums! It’s hot outside anyway, just pull up.

“You don’t even have to donate, you could just spread the word,” said Brenda Moe, the Coral Gables Art Cinema executive director. “We want more people coming through our doors.”

This is Arts Notes, the Miami Herald’s monthly arts and culture column. This is your gateway to Miami’s arts and culture events and exhibitions in the muggy month of July.

Email suggestions for August to arosa@miamiherald.com.

Bookleggers’ birthday bake-off at Bakehouse

Try saying that three times fast.

Bookleggers Library, a nonprofit mobile library that provides free books to the masses, is celebrating its 12th birthday at its headquarters in Wynwood’s Bakehouse Art Complex with The Great Bookleggers Birthday Bake-Off.

Inspired by the beloved Great British Baking Show, Bookleggers is asking Miami’s bookish bakers to create literary-themed baked goods. Think “Catcher in the Seedless Rye” or “To Kill A Macaroon.” The scholarly scones and erudite eclairs will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges: El Bagel owner Mattison Koche, Zak the Baker pastry chef Desiree Di Falco and The Infatuation Miami editor Ryan Pfeffer.

Baking bookworms can sign up here to participate. For every $25 donation, Bookleggers will add a candle to its birthday cake.

When: July 13, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Bakehouse Art Complex, 561 NW 32nd St.

Info: Free to RSVP. Donations encouraged. https://www.eventbrite.com

Experience chicano culture at PAMM

Lowriders, rock music and the Virgin of Guadalupe collide at “Xican-a.o.x. Body,” the latest exhibition at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. The show explores indigeneity, immigration, farm work, masculinity, gentrification, fashion and what it means to create culture.

The show’s title is based on the word Chicano, an ethnic identity and culture associated with Mexican Americans who embrace their indigenous ancestry. The artwork on display is cooler than cool, from a life-sized lowrider piñata to feminist recreations of the Virgin Mary to comedic drawings of gang members dancing with police.

When: On view until Feb. 16

Where: PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

Info: $18 for adult tickets. https://www.pamm.org

Enjoy the little things (en español) at Miami New Drama

“Puras Cosas Maravillosas” is a Spanish-language play featuring actress Erika de la Vega and directed by Miami New Drama executive director Michel Hausmann.

The play tells the coming-of-age story of a young girl who tries to find beauty and joy in everyday life. After her mother’s suicide attempt, the girl creates a list of things worth living for.

Viewer discretion is advised as the show discusses suicide and depression.

When: Opens July 11

Where: Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Info: https://miaminewdrama.org

Figure drawing at Books & Books

Raw Figs, Miami’s popular pop-up figure drawing class, is hosting a “summer haven” series at Books & Books in Coral Gables. Try your hand at drawing a model, whether your a pro or a scribbler.

Raw Figs events are open to all skill levels and provide drawing supplies like paper, pencils and charcoal. Materials are first come first serve.

Learn more about Raw Figs and its founder Vida Sofia here .

When: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Where: Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables

Info: RSVP for free. https://www.eventbrite.com

Make friends at Superblue

Here’s a cool date night idea. Or a girls night. Or maybe even a solo date.

Head to Superblue to meet new people and spend an evening immersed in some of the coolest art installations in Miami. Summer Nights at Superblue tickets include access to five immersive art experiences, music by Backroom Sessions and a complimentary drink.

When: July 26, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Superblue, 1101 NW 23 Street, Miami

Info: $32 admission. Must be 21 or over. https://www.superblue.com

This story was produced with financial support from individuals and Berkowitz Contemporary Arts in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.