RAW: natural born artists is an independent organization that avails hungry artists to exploit their work to the public.
Currently running in more than 60 cities all around the United States, Australia, Canada, and London, RAW encourages all types of artists to come out and participate in their monthly events ranging from art, music, film, photography, fashion and more .
Founder Heidi Luerra created RAW in 2009 as an outlet for artists. She describes the organization as, “loud, fun, creative, and underground. Our mission is to help the starving artist succeed. We believe in creativity and justice for all.”
On July 24 RAW: Miami rose the curtains at 8 p.m. in the LMNT venue (55 NW 36th St.) where an array of local artists showcased their work. From the moment you walk in you can just feel the positive ambiance.
The event was divided into three sections: the white room, the stage, and the catwalk.
In The white room, a plethora of paintings and photographs canvassed the walls. Small booths were set up for makeup artists, models propped on high chairs as the professionals created masterpieces out of their faces.
In The stage, a platform centered right behind the entrance, two cash bars on each end gestured the guests to come quench their thirst. There were many musicians who performed, but all eyes turned to the stage as soon as Radical Phoenixx went up. Her bombastic choreography and amazing voice blew the crowd away; such poise and attitude, she owned that stage! The closing act was Killmama, a rock and roll duo that had the audience jamming and pumping their fists.
Lastly, The catwalk had a little bit of everything. The red dimmed entrance was lined with fashion designers exhibiting clothing lines and accessories. Inside the room was a profusion of artists; all kinds of genres were hung on the walls. In the center was the catwalk, where two fashion shows assembled and enthralled the audience.
One of the artists featured in The catwalk, Photographer David Bullet, said: “The thing is that you see a lot of people posting pictures but they’re cell phone shots of this and that but, me, my girlfriend, and all of my friends, we go out with 50 pounds of equipment, jumping into buildings, we see the craziest things you could ever imagine.”
By midnight the curtains came down. Artists were praised for their work, sponsors held new talent in their pockets and collectors left with new pieces to garnish their homes with.
Next month, RAW plans to do it all over again to see what new talents Miami has to offer. Every day, a new raw artist is born.
For more informationvisit the RAW website at www.RAWartists.org
