Sip, Savor & Support: Inside Business for the Arts Broward’s 5th Annual Art & Somm

A night where fine wine, gourmet bites, and local art collide to celebrate Broward County’s vibrant creative community

By Choose954 | November 2025

Photo courtesy Business for the Arts of Broward

If you think wine tasting is just swirling a glass and saying “hints of oak,” and art is only for gallery walls, think again. Business for the Arts Broward’s Fifth Annual Art & Somm transformed Dania Beach into a playground for your senses—a night where the 954’s food, wine, and art scenes collided in the most delicious and unexpected ways.

This wasn’t your typical cultural event. There were no stiff crowds, no hushed tones, no gallery guards silently glaring over your shoulder. Instead, the evening carried the energy of a party that just happened to have a purpose: celebrating the local arts community while indulging in gourmet bites and world-class wines. If you weren’t prepared to sip, savor, and connect, you quickly found yourself falling into the rhythm of the night.

Photo courtesy Mad Arts

The Venue: Where Instagram Dreams Come True

The venue, Yes We Are Mad, is exactly the kind of place that makes you wonder why every event space isn’t like this. Located on Federal Highway in Dania Beach, the spot is a vibrant mix of contemporary gallery, multi-use event space, and interactive installation hub. From the moment you walked in, it was clear that this wasn’t just a place to stand around sipping wine—it was a space designed to immerse every sense.

Walls were lined with artwork from the SOBRA Collective, a local artist group that has made waves in South Florida for its bold, thought-provoking pieces. The lighting was warm but playful, the kind of glow that made every bottle of wine look like liquid gold in your glass. Even the air felt charged, a subtle buzz created by anticipation, laughter, and clinking glasses.

On Thursday evening, the room hummed with energy. Guests moved through the space like explorers discovering a treasure map, stopping at tasting stations, peering at artwork, and exchanging excited whispers about flavors, colors, and textures. It wasn’t just a gathering; it was a choreography of curiosity, indulgence, and human connection.

Wine: The Night’s Liquid Star

Guided by sommeliers stationed throughout the venue, the wine tastings were nothing short of theatrical. Each pour was presented as though it were part of a secret ritual—descriptions flowing like poetry, suggestions on how to pair each sip with the dishes awaiting on nearby platters. A buttery Chardonnay paired with a tangy goat cheese tart, a bold Malbec alongside a smoky short rib slider—these weren’t just flavors on a plate; they were a conversation between chef and vineyard, curated for your enjoyment.

Guests leaned in, swirled their glasses, and took tentative sips, only to let out audible sighs of delight. The sommeliers offered insights without the pretension: “Notice how the oak unfolds?” or “See how the fruit notes balance the spice?” You didn’t need a wine degree to appreciate the craftsmanship, but by the end of the night, everyone felt like an aficionado.

For many, the wine wasn’t just a beverage—it was a bridge. A sip here led to a conversation there, a shared opinion about a particularly bold varietal, a story about a vineyard visited years ago. The room was alive with connections, laughter, and the gentle hum of people discovering not only new tastes but new friends.

Art That Talks Back

Meanwhile, the walls weren’t mere decorations—they were conversation starters, mood setters, and, in some cases, provocations. Artists from the SOBRA Collective mingled among the guests, ready to share the inspirations behind their work. Imagine lingering over a vibrant abstract painting, the colors swirling in a way that seems almost alive, and then turning to hear the story behind the brushstrokes from the person who created it. It’s a moment that transforms the artwork from a static object into a living narrative.

The pieces themselves were as varied as the crowd. Some works were bold, colorful explosions that demanded attention; others were subtle, introspective, and layered with meaning. Each painting, sculpture, or installation had a story, and part of the joy of Art & Somm was hearing those stories directly from the artists themselves. It was as much a social experience as a cultural one—one where ideas were exchanged as freely as glasses were refilled.

For attendees, this wasn’t just about observing—it was about participating. A painting could spark a debate, a sculpture could inspire a memory, and a shared admiration for a piece could lead to a conversation that lasted the rest of the night. Art and wine became inseparable partners, each enhancing the other, each elevating the entire experience.

The Food: Culinary Pairings That Impress

What’s a night of wine without food? At Art & Somm, the culinary offerings were curated with the same attention to detail as the wine list. Chefs prepared dishes that didn’t just accompany the wines—they told their own story. Small plates of savory and sweet paired perfectly with each pour, creating layers of flavor that made every bite a revelation.

Imagine a smoky short rib slider with the bite of a bold Malbec, a creamy goat cheese tart dancing alongside a buttery Chardonnay, or a chocolate tart that found its perfect counterpoint in sparkling wine. Each pairing was designed to make the palate come alive, and by the end of the night, guests were savoring flavors they hadn’t known existed.

The food was also a conversation starter. Guests would pause mid-bite to discuss a particularly perfect pairing or marvel at a combination they hadn’t imagined. In these moments, culinary art met visual art met wine, creating a multi-sensory experience that felt both indulgent and intellectually stimulating.

A Night With Purpose

Beneath all the indulgence and sensory delight, Art & Somm carried a serious purpose. Every ticket sold went directly to BFA Broward’s Endowed Fund for the Arts, a fund dedicated to nurturing the county’s cultural scene and ensuring that local artists and arts organizations have the resources to thrive. In a place where nightlife often means neon lights, DJs, and endless cocktails, Art & Somm reminded everyone that Broward’s art community is just as vibrant—and just as essential.

This philanthropic angle transformed the event from a lavish night out into something more meaningful. Guests weren’t just consuming—they were contributing to the growth and sustainability of local culture. The knowledge that their evening supported real impact added depth to every conversation, every sip, and every glance at the artwork.

The Vibe: Community, Connection, Celebration

By dessert, the evening had taken on the feel of a festival in miniature. Chocolate tarts paired with sparkling wine, laughter spilling over into every corner, and guests lingering in groups to continue discussions sparked earlier in the evening. It was celebratory, yes, but also deeply communal. Art & Somm wasn’t just something to attend; it was something to experience, savor, and remember.

What made it special wasn’t just the quality of the wine or the skill of the chefs, nor even the talent of the artists—it was the way those elements came together to create a living, breathing ecosystem of culture and connection. You could see it in the way people moved through the space, how conversations started over a painting or a sip of wine and then blossomed into friendships. You could hear it in the laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the murmurs of shared appreciation for the art and the food.

Why Art & Somm Matters

In a world where cultural events can feel transactional or performative, Art & Somm stands out for its authenticity. It’s not a showcase for sponsors or a networking event masquerading as culture—it’s an evening designed to make people feel something. Wine and food excite the senses, art stimulates the mind, and the philanthropic element engages the heart.

For the local arts community, it provides visibility, support, and connection. For attendees, it offers an experience that is both indulgent and meaningful. For the city of Broward, it highlights the richness of its cultural ecosystem and the commitment of its residents to nurture it.

Looking Ahead

If you missed the Fifth Annual Art & Somm, consider this your invitation for next year. This is the kind of event that sneaks up on you, not with flashy marketing but with sensory memory—the taste of a perfectly paired wine, the feel of the textures in a sculpture, the warmth of a community celebrating creativity.

Art & Somm has a way of lingering in your mind long after the glasses are emptied and the lights dim. It’s an event that redefines what a night out can be, reminding attendees that culture and community are not separate—they are intertwined, layered, and meant to be experienced together.

By the time the night came to a close, guests were buzzing with excitement, their palates satisfied, their hearts full, and their minds inspired. Art & Somm had once again proved that the 954’s cultural landscape isn’t just alive—it’s thriving, dynamic, and downright delicious.

So mark your calendars, 954. Next year, don’t just attend Art & Somm—immerse yourself. Sip, savor, support, and let the experience leave its mark on your senses, your imagination, and your heart.

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Join Business for the Arts Broward (BFA) for an intimate evening of fine wine, excellent food and incredible art during the Fifth Annual Art & Somm, presented by Burdette Beckmann Inc. (BBI). Guests will enjoy an exclusive wine tasting and food pairing while enjoying encounters with featured artists from the SOBRA Collective.

Art & Somm is set for Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Yes We Are Mad, 481 S. Federal Highway in Dania Beach. Tickets to this exclusive private event are limited and are $250 per person. Tickets are available, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting BFA’s Endowed Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Broward.

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