Putting the Art in Party
At the monthly Art Party events, artists do what they love

By Verena Faden

Daleena Segui and Robert Arbela, founders of Art Party

In November of 2007 a woman dropped her purse at a Navarro drug store. The man who helped her pick it up came across the business card of comedian and actress Daleena Segui. As a result of the connection, Segui began doing stand up nights at the Literary Café, a diamond in the rough spot in North Miami looking to draw a larger crowd.

Segui felt that the café would be an ideal place to launch her brainchild, Art Party, an event where artists of all kinds are given a night once a month to showcase and celebrate their work. The first Art Party was held December 8, 2007, organized by Daleena Segui and Robert Arbelo, an artist and musician who plays with the band, Nothing Left.

Art Party has been successfully packing in the Literary Café for seven consecutive months. Its audience is very apropos, as they are there specifically for the art and its creators above anything else.

“The truth is, all artists are alike in the sense that they pursue their art because it’s what they love,” says Segui. “This party is an opportunity to see that passion in various mediums, and it’s very inspiring.”

Art Party’s philosophy is about creating a space for artists who don’t have the resources or exposure to make a living doing what they love. It is about having a chance to stay passionate about art because it art is what makes the artists thrive.

Miami has a tight group of local stand-up comedians, many of whom have frequented the mic at Art Party, including Adrian Mesa, Ivan Hernandez, Matt Z, Richey Lala, and Francesca Ramsey. Segui has been hitting the stand-up circuit for over a year now.

“I would rather get paid a normal amount doing something I love than make millions and hate what I do, ” says Segui.
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Comedian Adrian Mesa performs at Art Party Photo: Gustavo Cervantes

The event has had some excellent bands, including Pots and Pans from West Palm Beach, Nothing Left, The Day Music Died and The Morning Flesh Project. Many artists have displayed work at Art Party, including Pedro Nieblas and Rob Herrera. Some of the artists have sold pieces and gained valuable contacts.

It is a grassroots operation, with Segui and Arbelo orchestrating talent and the overall event.

“People seem to be under the misconception that we’re making money off Art Party, when really we’re breaking even and working tirelessly,” says Segui.

A nominal fee is charged at the door, which covers the rental and overhead fees. Keeping a low fee at the door is what seems to ensure that people find it more than reasonable to come out and show their support. Both Segui and Arbela have watched their friends roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Leslie Garciga has been working hard as an assistant event liaison. In addition to her comedy, Francesca Ramsey has contributed the creative flyers for each month’s party.

Segui and Arbela scout all types of art, though they are partial to anything that remains underground and unique. On May 31 they added the first Art Party Film Festival, showcasing Here’s To Mercy by Gustavo Cervantes and Jordan Service, Strange Sunset by Robert and Ashley Escandon, and Category 4, by me, Verena Faden.

In the future, Segui and Arbela hope to include all types of performance art, including burlesque and drag shows. Both Arbela and Segui want to make new contacts and form relationships with underexposed artists. Additionally, Art Party is looking for a new home after this month’s June event was postponed due to a change in management at the Literary Café.

The band Pots and Pans perform at Art Party

Their next event was inspired by Segui’s acting career. One of her biggest influences is Steve Martin, especially since she started doing comedy. A few years ago she saw a production at state theater competitions of Martin’s play, Picasso At The Lapin Agile, and since then had always dreamed of producing it. Segui’s dream will come true at the end of June, when Art Party presents the play at the Roxy Theatre in Miami. Many Art Party performers are apart of the cast.

“It has been a lot harder than I first anticipated to keep this project going on very limited resources,” Segui says, “but it is also extremely gratifying to watch the artists and results of our work.”

The Art Party production of Picasso At The Lapin Agile will be presented Saturday, June 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Roxy Theater, 1645 SW 107 Ave., Miami. Tickets are $10. Artists and venue owners are encouraged to contact Art Party at Miamiartparty@gmail.com.


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