The Team
NEIL HALL, FOUNDING DIRECTOR
Neil Hall, AIA is a licensed architect with a graduate degree from the University of Florida in Architecture and Design. Over the past 27 years, his architectural practice, The Hall Group, has developed an extensive resume in Urban Development Consulting, Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Architecture.
Out of his passion for good design, Mr. Hall created The Urban Collective, an urban lifestyle boutique and design studio highlighting the rich aesthetics of African art, as well as, other unique handmade treasures from around the globe. In 2010, alarmed by the lack of diversity of artists and galleries featured at Art Basel Miami Beach, the country's largest and most prestigious fair, The Urban Collective produced the first edition of Art Africa Miami Art Fair in an eight thousand (8,000) square foot tent located in Miami’s historic Overtown neighborhood. It was the first large scale art fair solely featuring artists from the African diaspora in Miami.
From its inaugural year in 2010, Art Africa has spawned over 14 additional fairs, art exhibitions, art talks and panel discussions in neighborhoods throughout South Florida, highlighting the contributions of artists from the diaspora. As a lover of art with a passion for community involvement in arts and culture, Mr. Hall has received numerous awards for his dedicated service to his community and profession.
YVETTE N. HARRIS, PUBLIC RELATIONS
Yvette N. Harris, the guiding force behind the innovative boutique public relations consulting firm Harris Public Relations (HPR), has risen to become a powerhouse of boutique public relations firms. Harris Public Relations is headquartered in Miami, Florida with a collaborative team in New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
This standout public relations counselor has been orchestrating a quiet revolution within the public relations industry for over 20 years. Recognized as one of ICABA’s Most Accomplished Black Community Leaders and Entrepreneurs of South Florida for 2012, Yvette’s proven media campaigns have afforded her an extraordinary successful track record in developing innovative strategies.
A recipient of “40 Under 40 Most Influential Black Business Professional of South Florida” in 2008, and the 2014 Distinguished Women in Media, Yvette has made her mark in the world of public relations. The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board and the Commission for Women recently nominated Yvette to become part of the "Women of a New Tribe: Miami Icons" exhibit. As a nominee, she was chosen for meeting the criteria of being a woman who has made an impact not only in the development of Miami-Dade County, but as a prominent figure who continues to make a positive influence on the Miami-Dade community. We are honored to have Yvette serve as our Director of PR and spearhead our Youth Art Initiative for the Art Africa Miami Arts Fair.
TAJ HUNTER WAITE, CREATIVE CONSULTANT
Taj is a designer in the areas of interiors, graphics and events with a deep passion for art and culture. Her practice is best known for her design-savvy approach to combining global influences with modern luxury. Taj’s distinctive design sensibility is modern, with a fresh approach to incorporating texture, color and pattern with timeless pieces that result in a unique design aesthetic.
Over the past 15 years, Taj has designed and curated industry conferences and cultural events. She has completed design projects both internationally and within the United States. In 2005, her passion for sourcing unique objects led to her co-founding The Urban Collective — a lifestyle boutique that showcased limited edition crafts and objects d’art sourced globally with an emphasis on the continent of Africa, sustainability and social consciousness.
In 2010, Taj was honored with the Success South Florida 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow distinction. Her talents and work have also been featured in several publications such as WE Magazine for Women, Sun-Sentinel, Lioness Magazine, South Florida Caribbean News, Lonny Magazine, Domaine and many others. For Art Africa Miami, we are proud to have Taj as our Creative Consultant to curate your in gallery experience, special programs for community engagement as well as logistics management.