Miami, FL--Harvey Oxenberg, an esteemed local art dealer, will be hosting the Florida debut of  Joseph Wheelwright’s sculptures on January 24, 2008 from 6-10 pm. The upscale event will be held in association with Allan Stone Gallery, where the artist is represented in New York.

Oxenberg will open his home, a Coconut Grove estate designed by the preeminent architect Alfred Browning Parker, to art patrons for the evening. The event marks the first time Wheelwright’s work is being shown in the State of Florida.  

While viewing the recent stone and wood sculptures by the Boston-based artist, guests will enjoy a full bar and light dinner. Oxenberg’s extensive private collection will also be on display for guests’ perusal. 

“The home has an avant-garde design with an organic feel so it is wonderfully suited for a display of art,” said Oxenberg, who opened his own exhibition space in his home after deciding to turn his passion for art into a business earlier this year. “The setting will be very upscale and intimate and the work will be showcased in a lush setting. This is not your average gallery opening; it will be very warm and inviting.”

“People are always looking for new, exciting work,” he adds. “Joe’s work is quite unusual with unique faces carved into each material.”

The quintessential house of contemporary Jewelry design, David Yurman, is co-hosting the event and will be displaying their newest collection of fabulous jewels.

Joseph Wheelwright is a master carver of stones, trees, bones, and other natural materials. He lives and works in Boston and Vermont, where he maintains a foundry for casting his tree personages into bronze.

Harvey Oxenberg is originally from New York and has been in Miami since 1959. After attending the University of Miami he joined his father’s wholesale seafood business. Over the years, he grew the company and subsequently sold it in 2005. An avid art collector since 1982, Oxenberg spent his leisure time collecting contemporary art and acquainting himself with dealers, gallerists and artists by visiting collections, galleries and auctions around the world.

Oxenberg Fine Art represents a select group of contemporary artists, creating paintings, sculptures and photography. The collection is located at 3003 Seminole St., Coconut Grove, FL 33133. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of jewelry and art is being contributed to MAM, the Miami Art Museum, to benefit this institution which provides such wonderfully exciting exhibitions for the citizens of South Florida.