It’s the end of an era. A short era, but an important one. The HOTspots Happening Out Art Gallery with Dennis Dean officially closed its doors on Sept. 30.
After opening in January 2023, the gallery served as an anchor and focal point for the area’s developing art scene. Several new galleries have opened up along Dixie since.
The spot will not be vacant for long. ArtsUnited is taking over the space, calling it the ArtsUnited Art Gallery. Dean just became the organization's first-ever Executive Director.
“Our goal is to not only curate the art, but to curate people to appreciate what we have here locally,” Dean said. “Our vision is to amplify the voices of the arts community through inclusive artistic expression. We strive to provide a supportive space where creativity flourishes without boundaries, with understanding, acceptance, and equality for all.”
Much like during its HOTspots iteration, the gallery will hold opening night exhibits the first Saturday of the month. They will also feature literary arts, local authors who have written a book and give a talk and book signing, as well as the occasional fashion show highlighting local designers.
There will be themed exhibitions supporting awareness and celebrations, such as Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Months, Caribbean Cares, Breast Cancer Awareness, Mental Health Awareness, Women’s International Month and Earth Day.
ArtsUnited recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and has been looking to expand its impact on South Florida’s arts community.
They will produce Opening Night events featuring artworks from the diverse members of ArtsUnited every 1st Saturday of the month from 7-10 p.m.
They will highlight performers from singers, dancers, actors to spoken word performers every 3rd Saturday of the month from 7-10 p.m. at ArtsUnited Gallery called Artists Showcase.
As HOTspots, it was the only gallery in America operating 365 days a year as exclusively for the LGBTQ community. But, supporting the arts takes money. HOTspots says it spent $177,000 during the past 33 months. Before moving to Dixie Hwy., HOTspots’ gallery spent 2022 in its original location in Oakland Park.
