Crochet Art Installation
Project Overview
The Knitting and Painting Community art installation is a vibrant public art initiative designed to enhance North Miami Beach's public spaces and foster a sense of connection among residents. Led by artist and anthropologist Alicia María Vallejo, the project brings together community members to create colorful, crocheted Granny Squares that adorn palm trees and public areas along 164th Street. By incorporating local themes such as the area's unique flora, fauna, and cultural identity, the installation transforms everyday spaces into artistic landmarks. It celebrates the power of art to unite people, spark reflection, and breathe new life into public areas, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the spaces we share.
A Walk Among Stories
This map guides you to each palm tree adorned with vibrant crochet art, each representing a unique story tied to North Miami Beach’s identity. Explore their meanings as you walk through and we encourage you to get close to the palm trees to read each display and uncover the stories behind them.
This crochet installation honors the unique identity and natural beauty of North Miami Beach by turning each palm tree into a meaningful symbol. Through vibrant colors and thoughtful designs, the trees share stories of resilience, community, and the connection between nature and culture. Each tree highlights a theme tied to Miami’s essence—its mangroves, marine life, beaches, sunsets, and rich history. The colors of the crochet coverings celebrate these themes, reflecting the environment and the people who shape this city.
As you explore, take a moment to reflect on the stories within each tree. From the guardianship of mangroves to the glow of Miami’s sunsets, every detail invites you to connect with the land, sea, and community that make North Miami Beach extraordinary. Together, these trees celebrate life’s vibrant tapestry while reminding us to preserve our surroundings.
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North Miami Beach
The City of North Miami Beach, located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is a vibrant and diverse community with approximately 43,000 residents. Known for its cultural richness, scenic waterways, and commitment to innovation, the city serves as a hub for residents, businesses, and visitors. With a strong emphasis on economic development, sustainability, and community engagement, North Miami Beach offers a high quality of life through its parks, events, and public services. The city prides itself on fostering inclusivity and progress while maintaining its unique charm.
Community Redevelopment Agency
The North Miami Beach Community Redevelopment Agency's (CRA) public purpose is to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of blighted areas, improve property values, improve the public infrastructure, and prevent or reduce incidents of crime. The agency is a successful partnership between the City of North Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County.
NMB Library
The Lafe Allen Public Library is a department of the City of North Miami Beach, and serves its citizens and community by providing educational, entertainment, and cultural value to our city. The library has a diverse collection of over 60,000 items, which include fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, videos, audio books and discs, and DVDs for adults, teens, and children. A bilingual and multicultural staff provides a variety of services and programs.
Miami
Miami's history is a vibrant tale of transformation. Originally inhabited by the Tequesta people, it became a hub for Spanish explorers and later a trading post. The city began to boom in the late 19th century when a visionary named Julia Tuttle persuaded railroad tycoon Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to what is now Miami. Fast forward, and Miami evolved into a cultural melting pot, enriched by waves of Cuban immigrants, Caribbean influences, and international flair. Today, the Magic City shines as a hub for art, music, and innovation—a city built on resilience and reinvention.
Ocean of Florida
The oceans surrounding North Miami Beach are an essential part of the city’s ecosystem, full of life and natural beauty. The warm Atlantic waters are home to coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of fish, all helping to maintain a balanced environment. Oleta River State Park, which flows into Biscayne Bay, offers a mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats that support local wildlife. These waters are perfect for activities like boating, fishing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. However, pollution and climate change threaten these vital ecosystems, making it important to protect them for the future. By preserving our oceans, we help ensure a healthy environment for both marine life and the community.
Sun
Florida is called the Sunshine State for good reason—there’s practically a guarantee of bright, golden rays all year round! Miami, in particular, soaks up the sun like no other, creating a warm and welcoming vibe.
Sunshine fuels everything here, from outdoor festivals to waterfront dining and that irresistible golden tan everyone seems to sport. Don’t forget your sunglasses—it’s all about basking in the glow!
Beaches of Florida
Miami's beaches are not just postcard-perfect—they're thriving ecosystems that host a variety of wildlife. Sea turtles often make their way to the sandy shores to lay eggs, while the shallow waters provide a haven for fish and crabs. Above the waves, seagulls, pelicans, and other coastal birds call the beaches home, creating a lively symphony of squawks and calls. These beaches are vital for both humans and nature, serving as a sanctuary for relaxation and a crucial habitat for countless species. Remember to respect the wildlife and leave the sand as pristine as you found it!
Alice in Flowerland
Alicia María Vallejo is a professional anthropologist, artist, and community advocate known for her vibrant, spiritually inspired paintings influenced by Neo Cubism and Pop Art. Her work has been showcased internationally, including at the Louvre Museum in Paris and various exhibitions across the United States, Colombia, and Europe. She is also recognized for her contributions to public art, including murals in North Miami Beach and a large-scale art installation at the NMB Library. Her passion for art extends to education, where she teaches children and seniors, helping foster creativity in the community. Through her project Alice in Flowerland, she combines art, cultural celebration, and social change, creating immersive experiences like the "Knitting and Painting Community" initiative, which transforms public spaces with collaborative art projects. Her work continues to inspire and promote social and cultural awareness, enriching lives through her multifaceted approach to art and community building.
Mangroves & Trees
Mangroves are Miami’s natural protectors, blending beauty and utility in the most fascinating way. These unique trees grow right at the water's edge, their tangled roots acting like a barrier to protect the coastline from storms. In North Miami Beach alone, you'll find thousands of these resilient trees creating vital ecosystems that support fish, crabs, and bird species.Think of them as Miami's natural guardians, keeping ecosystems thriving while giving us a reason to marvel at nature's ingenuity. Whether you're boating along Biscayne Bay or exploring a nature preserve, mangroves are the unsung heroes of Miami's shores!
We Stand With You
While Miami celebrates its vibrancy, it’s also a city with heart. Domestic violence awareness is a critical cause that reminds us to stand together and support those in need. By spreading love, resources, and information, we can help create a community where everyone feels safe and empowered. Just like the strong roots of a mangrove tree, North Miami Beach' s community is built on resilience and connection, making change one step at a time. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, remember you're never alone. Reach out for help by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
“Each granny square is as unique as those that were victims of domestic violence” Marianne N.
Sunset of Florida
Miami’s sunsets are nature’s poetry, written in the sky. As the day slips away, the horizon comes alive with fiery oranges, soft pinks, and deep purples that reflect in the calm waters below. It’s a moment to pause and breathe in the beauty of a world slowing down, a quiet celebration of the day’s end. Whether you’re on a beach, a rooftop, or a quiet corner, Miami’s sunsets offer a timeless canvas—a breathtaking spectacle that reminds us of the beauty and peace found in every closing chapter. It’s as if the sky itself is saying, “Take a moment, for this is magic.”
Cloud Creative Experiences
Cloud Creative Experiences is a family-owned business with a legacy of creativity that began in 1999 when Alicia María, an artist and anthropologist, and Luis Fernando, an industrial designer, founded an art academy in Colombia. After nearly two decades of inspiring artistic growth, the family transitioned into event production. Today, Antonia and Lucía, continue their parents’ legacy, bringing a fresh perspective to event design with their backgrounds in architecture and experience design. Specializing in personalized event planning, Cloud Creative Experiences offers a range of services, from interactive installations and community-focused celebrations to immersive brand experiences and corporate events. Their unique blend of art, design, and human-centered storytelling allows them to craft unforgettable experiences that engage and captivate audiences while honoring the company’s tradition of creativity and excellence.
Dolphins & Manatees
Manatees and dolphins are Miami's marine celebrities, but these beloved creatures need our help. Manatees, often nicknamed "sea cows," are gentle giants that spend their days snacking on seagrass. Dolphins, on the other hand, are the playful acrobats of the ocean, known for their intelligence and charm. Unfortunately, both face dangers from boat strikes, habitat loss, and pollution. Simple acts like slowing down in manatee zones or supporting clean water initiatives can help protect these iconic animals. Spotting one in the wild is a reminder of how special Miami's waters are—and why they’re worth safeguarding!
What Is Yarn Bombing?
Yarn Bombing is a playful and colorful form of street art where public spaces and objects are covered with crocheted or knitted designs. This art form uses soft, tactile materials to transform everyday objects—like trees, benches, and lampposts—into vibrant and unexpected works of art.
Yarn Bombing is not just about decoration; it’s about creating warmth and connection. It invites people to pause and see their surroundings in a new light, blending art with nature in a way that feels both personal and communal. This global movement inspires creativity and celebrates the power of art to unite communities. With Knitting and Painting Community, we’re bringing this concept to North Miami Beach, adding our unique local touch and making public spaces feel more alive, joyful, and inviting.
How It All Came Together
The process of creating this vibrant installation was a true community effort, beginning with weekly workshops where participants gathered to learn, crochet, and connect. These sessions were about more than just learning the craft; they were about sharing stories, forging connections, and building a sense of belonging. Over several months, participants handcrafted over 2,000 Granny Squares, each one carrying personal stories, memories, and dedication.
Once the squares were complete, the next phase was stitching them into large, colorful coverings to adorn the palm trees, public furniture, and trees. This stage brought even more people together to assemble and secure the squares in place. From the first crochet stitch to the final installation on the trees, each step was filled with creativity, learning, and collaboration. This display stands as a powerful symbol of community spirit, creativity, and the joy of working together toward a common goal.
Meet The Artists!
Together We Thrive
Local businesses, residents, and the City of North Miami Beach came together to make this project a reality. It’s a true celebration of what we can achieve when we work as one. This project was made possible thanks to the support of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) of North Miami Beach, our generous sponsors, and the participants.