ArtTable recognizes visual arts journalist Elisa Turner

On a rainy Sunday afternoon in April, ArtTable Florida chapter members gathered to recognize seasoned visual arts journalist Elisa Turner for her contributions to Miami’s arts community, by presenting her with ArtTable Florida’s Chapter Leadership Award.

A national non-profit organization, ArtTable was founded in 1980 “by a group of professional women in the visual arts to foster greater support, recognition, and opportunities among their peers.” (arttable.org) Florida boasts a chapter with access to a network of more than 1,200 women in the arts, nationally.

ArtTable members gathered to share an afternoon of conversation and camaraderie, hosted in an elegantly appointed private home with an expansive art collection featuring the work of primarily female visual artists. It was the perfect setting to celebrate the work of Elisa Turner, with many of Miami’s most influential and accomplished women in the arts present to join in the celebration.

Fellow ArtTable members and colleagues, Margery Gordon and Barbara Young presented Turner with the award, after sharing their own personal commentary on the impact that the honoree has had in their personal and professional lives.

The women shared an overview of Elisa Turner’s 21-year career in arts journalism in Miami, which started in 1986 at The Miami Herald. From 1995 to 2007, Elisa was the primary art critic for the newspaper, and traveled the world to report on the visual arts. Both Gordon and Young praised Turner for her journalistic efforts and her commitment to community, which have earned her several awards including a President’s Volunteer Service Award from Miami Dade College in 2012 and the Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine State Award in 2006. A dedicated and nationally-recognized journalist, her art writing has appeared in ARTnews, Art+Auction, Art Circuits, Arte Al Dia, Delicious Line, Hamptons Art Hub, Inspicio, Miami Herald, Miami Rail and more.

The presenters each shared personal memories of meeting and working with Turner and spoke with such high regard for her kindness, her professionalism, and her willingness to share her knowledge with peers. Colleagues at ArtTable nominated Turner for their Leadership Award in 2018, and today gathered to present her with the award.

Turner was so moved by the accolades that she was rendered speechless for a few moments and her tender smile brightened the dreary day. Her husband Eric and daughter Margaret were there to share in the important and joyous event.

Currently, Elisa Turner is one of our valued Artburst Miami writers, sharing her expertise in critical art review with Miami’s arts enthusiasts. Artburst works with some of the best art journalists in South Florida writing reviews, features and articles covering our vibrant cultural community. With the addition of Turner, Artburst Miami is able to provide intelligent, critical journalistic review for Miami’s vibrant visual arts community – the artists, art studios, galleries, and more than make up Miami’s visual arts scene.  Read all of our arts-related articles at artburstmiami.com.