Often “Art Basel” is used as shorthand for the many arts events that coincide with the Art Basel fair itself, which takes place inside the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

But throughout Miami, galleries and artists are exhibiting their work so there really is something for everyone this week.  Below is a small sampling for various persuasions. 

You hate contemporary art: Endless Renaissance at the Bass Museum.  

Questions are arising after a critical examination of State Rep. Erik Fresen's finances by the Florida Ethics Commission.

The panel says the Miami Republican misstated his debts and income for three years beginning in 2008 and it must now decide whether the discrepancies amount to campaign law violations.

Hurricane Sandy's devastation has the National Weather Service considering changes to how it issues hurricane watches and warnings.

The National Hurricane Center was criticized last month following Sandy after it stopped issuing hurricane warnings because the storm wasn't technically going to be a hurricane anymore when it made landfall.

Foreclosure rates remain high in South Florida, but the good news is those homes are selling.

During the three months of last summer, nearly 30 percent of all real estate sales in South Florida involved homes in some stage of foreclosure.  

While trying to navigate the colorful, crowded labyrinth that is Art Basel Miami, we reached a tiny oasis of calm smack dab in the middle of the "Art Positions" sector (whatever THAT is.)

It was a patch of soft, green artificial turf, about 40 by 60 feet, resembling a tiny putting green.  It had diminutive peaks and valleys and even shade trees.

Aaaahh.

Along with the ever-expanding constellation of art fairs and gallery events during Art Basel, pop-ups are mushrooming at this time of year, including bars, shops and restaurants.

Pop-up restaurants have been trending in Miami and around the country for years now. The term "pop-up" restaurant has typically meant that the eating location is temporary, whether it's open one night or multiple nights.

Art Basel is a large universe with vague boundaries, but the places you seek within Art Basel have absurdly specific locations.

So, you'll need maps. Here are two of them. One is an interactive map prepared by the Miami Herald, which is good for planning before you even leave the house.