El Fresco Art Space Relocates to Historic Calle Ocho Storefront
Daniel Fila, an artist from Miami known as Krave, has moved El Fresco Art Space to the historic Optica Lopez located at 1340 SW Eighth Street on Calle Ocho. This two-story structure, a notable site once visited by Celia Cruz, has served as an optometry office since 1929. Transitioning from a storefront on Southwest 12th Avenue, the new venue offers 5,000 square feet dedicated to a permanent retail gallery, workshops, and exhibition areas for artists like Jel Martinez and Jose Mertz. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th, from 7–11pm, featuring music, food, and the "8×8's" exhibition. Additionally, the space will host "Vinyl Tuesday" and The Littlest Art Fair (LAF) 2026 during Miami Art Week.
Key facts
- El Fresco Art Space moved to the historic Optica Lopez flagship at 1340 SW Eighth Street, Calle Ocho, Miami.
- Daniel Fila (Krave) founded El Fresco in 2012 and operated it from a storefront on Southwest 12th Avenue in Little Havana.
- The new location has 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
- Grand opening on September 8th, 7–11pm, featuring music, food, and exhibition "8×8's".
- The building is a landmark frequented by Celia Cruz; her star is on the sidewalk.
- Optica Lopez was founded in Cuba in 1929 and operated in the building since the 1960s.
- Miami-Dade's nonprofit arts and culture sector generates over $2.1 billion annually per Americans for the Arts.
- The Littlest Art Fair (LAF) 2026 will take place during Miami Art Week in December; first year commissioned 17 artists, produced 15 murals, and hosted 7 events.
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Fila
- Krave
- Jel Martinez
- Jose Mertz
- Cinthia Santos
- Cynno
- Allen Penniman
- Gina Salvatore
- Marggie Haza
- Raymond Adrian
- Mwanel Pierre-Louis
- Reinier Gamboa
- Diana Contreras
- Diana DidiRok Contreras
- Natalie Schere
- Celia Cruz
- Ashley Moreno
Institutions
- El Fresco Art Space
- Optica Lopez
- Americans for the Arts
- Path to Hip Hop
- The Littlest Art Fair
Locations
- Miami
- United States
- Calle Ocho
- Little Havana
- Wynwood
- Allapattah
- Cuba
- Miami-Dade
- Domino Park
- Tower Theater