Too broke for Basel? These Miami Art Week events are free (or pretty cheap)

Free. It’s arguably the nicest four-letter word in the English language that starts with F.

Especially in this economy, which is a weird one. Like, you could be up like Jeff Bezos, who just parked his oil tanker size schooner at Port Everglades, or you could be down, like the poor schlub who just got a $600 rent increase on his Kendall efficiency.

If the latter sounds more like the life you’re currently experiencing and your soul is in need of absorbing some culture during Miami Art Week, we got you.

There are actually a bunch of gratis events where you won’t have to spend a dime and may even get a glass or two of cheap bubbly in the process.

Miami Art Week, which runs now through Sunday Dec. 10, is all over town, except Kendall, of course. You’ll need to leave your suburbia bubble but it will be worth it, thanks to all the cool works you’ll see at pop-ups, galleries, bars, and even in the streets.

EVENTS

INFINITE GROWTH: See Brazilian artist Gustavo Barroso’s creations made from pâte de verre (powdered-glass paste) repurposed from Jägermeister’s iconic green bottles at The Set Miami. There will also an interactive element that we are told does not involve taking shots. Dec. 8-9. 776 NW 21st Terrace, Miami.

ARTISTRY OF THE WORLD: Feast your keyboard-tired eyes on the stunning works of 15 international artists, painters and sculptors at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. The showcase, through Dec. 15 in the lobby, is curated by Noel Santiesteban, curator and founder of Art Fest @ Doral. Things kick off 6-10 p.m. Dec. 7 with a free, booze-fueled preview. Through Dec. 15. 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami.

LOCUS PROJECTS: This art nonprofit is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a new warehouse space in Little River. The inaugural shows will feature a Meet the Artists reception 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5. Fancy schmancy Justin Vineyards and Winery will be doing the pouring. 297 NE 67th St.

THE CHRONICLES OF MIAMI: France’s JR debuts his latest mural in the Design District’s Jungle Plaza at 7-10 p.m. Dec. 4 for MAW. Inspired by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, the piece is part of JR’s ambitious “Chronicles” series, photographs that represent locals through their cities. You are encouraged to download the app JR:murals before arriving to better understand his process. To celebrate the unveiling, Anitta will perform a free concert set for 8:30 p.m. Jungle Plaza, 3801 NE 1st Ave. RSVP at www.addevent.com

REYNA NORIEGA x NAUTILUS: Join Afro-Latina painter, author and “Miami girl” Reyna Noriega as she debuts a multimedia installation that explores her “vibrant heritage” as a Cuban-American at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach. Dec. 6-10. Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., is the opening reception on the Oceanfront Terrace. 1825 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.

THANKYOUX: Arlo Wynwood has partnered with L.A.-based NFT genius ThankYouX to create a mural on the rooftop called “Want to Be Reminded” just for MAW. The colorful piece, showcasing the energy of the hipster neighborhood, will be unveiled 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at a free party. RSVP via Eventbrite. 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami.

LOST AT SEA: The Balfour Hotel will be temporary headquarters for local artist Gustavo Oviedo’s “Lost at Sea,” delving into underwater discovery, organic materials and debris analysis. At 7 p.m. Dec. 6, a reception will feature a popup of eco-friendly handbags by Piper & Skye, live entertainment and an opportunity to get a selfie with Oviedo. RSVP via Eventbrite. 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.

DIVE MIAMI: The Gates Hotel is ground zero for amazing visuals in SoBe this weekend. Starting at 1 p.m. Dec. 8, there will be comp Cuban sandwiches and cafecito in the lobby, which will be decked out in both digital and physical works. From 2-3 p.m., contribute to a collaborative canvas that gets auctioned off. An evening affair starts at 5:30 p.m.-midnight, with a fashion show, live body painting and DJ. From 1-11 p.m. Saturday, more fun out by the pool with a paint-by-numbers mural, music and breakdancing. 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. RSVP here.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, NORTH MIAMI: The museum known as MOCA has three concurrent presentations, Dec. 2-9. On Dec. 5 is the opening reception of Jamea Richmond-Edwards’ “Ancient Future,” “exploring the realms of Afro futurism,” and “Por América.” by late Cuban sculptor Juan Francisco Elso. The festivities ($15 in advance, $20 at the door) will include presentations by Miami’z Finest Majorettes and refreshments by Rhum Barbancourt, Justin Wines and Tripping Animals. Take your bev outside to the plaza to wow at the third exhibit, Chris Friday’s freestanding metal creation, “Narcissist.” 770 NE 125th St., North Miami. mocanomi.org; $10. 305-893-6211.

PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI: ”Gary Simmons: Public Enemy” will include roughly 70 pieces spanning this multidisciplinarian’s 30 year career. Simmons touches on such popular genres such as hip-hop, horror and science fiction with a “cool, analytical and unflinching” approach. To kick off his exhibit, at 3 p.m. Dec. 5, Simmons will partake in the Scholl Lecture Series, free with your $16 admission. 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; www.pamm.org; $16, 305-375-3000.

CHROMA 2023: This year’s annual group show at Lucid will show paintings, sculptures, as well as fiber pieces from 15 emerging and mid-career artists through Dec. 19. The opening reception is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday. 10-12 NE 41 St., Miami. RSVP via Eventbrite or www.luciddesigndistrict.com.

WYNWOOD WALLS: Sure to be one of the most talked-about pieces at Miami Art Week is Dan Lam’s “A Subtle Alchemy.” Originally only two inches high, her cutting edge sculpture, made from metal, styrofoam and epoxy and slathered with automotive paint, was supersized. You won’t be able to miss this behemoth at the Walls, through Dec. 10, as it’s now almost nine feet tall. The grand unveiling is 11 a.m. Dec. 3, followed by a conversation with Lam at 2 p.m. 2516 NW Second Ave. Tickets $12, museum.thewynwoodwalls.com

ICA MIAMI: You’re invited to First Fridays: Art Week Edition at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 p.m. “Genre pushing” DJ Juliana Huxtable, along with the Tongue in the Mind band, will jam in the sculpture garden until 10 p.m. Free with advanced RSVP; tickets at the door are just 10 bucks. Institute of Contemporary Art. 61 NE 41st St., Miami Design District. icamiami.org; 305-901-5272.

SMORGASBURG: The Wynwood open air market transforms into a haven for foodies and art lovers alike. The urban hot spot will host a handful of open-to-the-public events with such partners as Coca-Cola, DoorDash, Diageo and Fever Tree, which are all offering specials from 6 p.m. to midnight Dec. 7-10. 2600 NW 2nd Ave., Miami. www.smorgasburgmiami.com

SWAG

SWEETGREEN: This salad-lover’s paradise has tapped local muralist Emma Ortiz for a limited- edition tote inspired by SG’s healthy ingredients. Visit the Wynwood location to pick up a reusable bag free with an in-store entree purchase from Dec. 8-10. Insider info: The restaurant’s exterior mural was done by 305 artist Jen Stark. 2621 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, www.sweetgreen.com

FAIRS

Fridge Art Fair: Also known as the “little fair that could,” Fridge, which originated on NYC’s Lower East Side, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This year is a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, with a rainbow theme. Dec. 6-10, Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove, 2649 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami; free; fridgeartfair.com

Ink Miami: The premiere fair for works on paper is celebrating its 16th year Dec. 6-10. Meander from room to room at the Art Deco Suites of Dorchester at your leisure. 1850 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; free; inkartfair.com