About Us
In the heart of Allapattah, a small but mighty creative sanctuary is in the fight of its life. Esquina de Abuela (EDA) has been a home for artists, musicians, and visionaries— an underground haven where culture, community, and creativity thrive.
But now, we are up against a Goliath-sized battle.
Developers want to take what we have built. Esquina de Abuela is at risk of erasure, just like so many cultural spaces that once defined Miami. They see profit; we see a home, a movement, and a community that refuses to be displaced.
We Are Fighting for Our Right to Exist
Like David against Goliath, we stand our ground against corporate forces that want to wipe out our local history in the name of development. Half of our property is in legal limbo, and without immediate funds for legal representation, we could lose everything.
At the same time, the building itself is in crisis — a failing roof, plumbing issues, and urgent structural repairs threaten to shut our doors forever.
This isn’t just about saving a space — it’s about defending culture from gentrification.
How You Can Help
We need to raise $250,000 to restore Esquina de Abuela and protect it from developers. Your contribution will support:
- Legal defense to secure our right to remain here
- Emergency repairs to save our nearly 90-year-old building (roof, plumbing, and foundation stabilization)
- Upgrading artist residencies & community spaces to continue providing free and low-cost creative opportunities
- Preserving Miami’s underground art scene from being erased by gentrification
What have we done throughout the years:
- Hosted 200+ Arts & Culture events for the community.
- Wellness workshops, classes, gardening, yoga, kids art class & fire dancing.
- Activities as part of Miami Art Week, from artist talks to gallery openings.
- Served as temporary housing for local and international artists, in addition to housing volunteers and those in need.
- Graduation, birthdays & other celebrations.
- Music videos, live shows & photoshoots.
- Cleaning and beautifying the streets of Allapattah & neighboring communities.
Our Story
The story of Esquina de Abuela, grandma’s corner, begins with abuela herself, Zoila Caridad Guerra, the grandmother of EDA’s founder Fabian Martinez. Born in Cuba in 1928, Zoila was the only girl among fourteen brothers and later was married and raised two children. When revolution broke out, she fought first as a revolutionary and then as a counter-revolutionary, always striving for the freedom of the people and pushing their leaders to make good on their promises.
In 1983 she came to Miami, and in 1986 moved to the Allapattah property that today is Esquina de Abuela. She sold produce and flowers and eventually built up an upholstery business and acquired the adjacent lot. After her death in 2018, her grandson, Fabian, fought to save her home to honor her legacy through arts and community action. Zoila Caridad Guerra was the epitome of a strong, powerful woman and her spirit lives on and continues to touch all those who visit, stay, work, and create at EDA.
This Is More Than a Fundraiser — It’s a Stand for Justice & Culture!
Developers think they can buy up and bulldoze everything that makes Miami special. We refuse to be erased.
But we can’t do this alone. We need your help to win this fight.
Even if you can’t donate, please:
- Share this story — Help us spread awareness.
- Show up to our events — Support the movement.
- Use your voice — Stand against gentrification.
Be Part of History — Help David Win Against Goliath
Esquina de Abuela has given so much to the community. Now, we are calling on the community to stand with us.
DONATE NOW
The EDA family thanks you for your time and support!
About the Founder Fabian Martinez, the founder of Esquina de Abuela. Fabian emigrated in the 80s with his family in what is known as the Cuban exodus “El Mariel.” He grew up during a rough period in the history of Miami. It was a time of riots for racial justice, mass emigration and drug war. During this era, most of his memorable experiences as a child happened at his grandma’s house. Later on into adulthood, Fabian decided to travel the world with only a backpack, expanding and growing as an individual. He also went back to school to continue his higher education, achieving an MBA and an MS in International Real Estate. After working in the Real Estate world for many years, he decided to drop the suit and tie to become a community leader and advocate for altruism. Fabian is conscious of the impact that we as individuals have on a collective level. He’s a firm believer that there’s power in unity and achieving success as a team. This visionary mindset is what gave birth to what is now known as Esquina de Abuela. In Fabian’s words it’s a “living altar in honor of grandma” and represents the veneration of Matriarchs.
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Thank you for fighting alongside us. Together, we will not be erased.
Want to learn more and stay connected?
Website https://esquinadeabuela.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/esquinadeabuela/?hl=en
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/esquinadeabuela/
Perks
Join us this month for a chance to win beautiful artwork from talented local artists valued between $100 - $500 !
Participate in the raffle by:
1) Donating $10 to our campaign, additional entries available after donation by:
1a) Sharing our Instagram posts to your stories and tagging us so we can see it
1b) Tag 3 friends in the comments section
This is a great opportunity to support the arts and add a unique piece to your collection.
Winner will be announced Friday February 28th via our Instagram page.
Stay tuned and be sure to follow our page: @ soylagallery
Hours will be posted when guest's can come by on social media & eventbrite, to tour the property while taking pics and video.
Over 90 graffiti artist from around the world have murals on the walls.
and Over 49 music videos have been shot here with artist ranging from Rick Ross, Kodak Black, Future, Tory Laines, Pardi, Anuel, Cosculluela, Don Dinero, Mykal Rose and many more...
By paying for this class, you will be giving a child in Miami Dade County an opportunity to come and take a class free to them. We will provide the materials and art instructor.
This tour is a guided tour that includes a home cooked Cuban meal and includes two drinks per person.
Over 90 graffiti artist from around the world have murals on the walls.
and Over 49 music videos have been shot here with artist ranging from Rick Ross, Kodak Black, Future, Tory Laines, Pardi, Anuel, Cosculluela, Don Dinero, Mykal Rose and many more...
You can purchase this for yourself to have a bday celebration or any other event you would like to host. You can also donate this 4 hours to go to a community event that will be free to the guest. This is valued at $4K based on Peerspace bookings.
This is perfect for any Director, Producer, Music Film scout or anyone in the industry that would like to use the space for a 12 hour production. This is valued at $8K if you went to Peerspace.
$500 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
$1000 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
$3000 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
$8000 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
Highlights
See all activity111Activity
Meet the team
Join us this month for a chance to win beautiful artwork from talented local artists valued between $100 - $500 !
Participate in the raffle by:
1) Donating $10 to our campaign, additional entries available after donation by:
1a) Sharing our Instagram posts to your stories and tagging us so we can see it
1b) Tag 3 friends in the comments section
This is a great opportunity to support the arts and add a unique piece to your collection.
Winner will be announced Friday February 28th via our Instagram page.
Stay tuned and be sure to follow our page: @ soylagallery
Hours will be posted when guest's can come by on social media & eventbrite, to tour the property while taking pics and video.
Over 90 graffiti artist from around the world have murals on the walls.
and Over 49 music videos have been shot here with artist ranging from Rick Ross, Kodak Black, Future, Tory Laines, Pardi, Anuel, Cosculluela, Don Dinero, Mykal Rose and many more...
By paying for this class, you will be giving a child in Miami Dade County an opportunity to come and take a class free to them. We will provide the materials and art instructor.
This tour is a guided tour that includes a home cooked Cuban meal and includes two drinks per person.
Over 90 graffiti artist from around the world have murals on the walls.
and Over 49 music videos have been shot here with artist ranging from Rick Ross, Kodak Black, Future, Tory Laines, Pardi, Anuel, Cosculluela, Don Dinero, Mykal Rose and many more...
You can purchase this for yourself to have a bday celebration or any other event you would like to host. You can also donate this 4 hours to go to a community event that will be free to the guest. This is valued at $4K based on Peerspace bookings.
This is perfect for any Director, Producer, Music Film scout or anyone in the industry that would like to use the space for a 12 hour production. This is valued at $8K if you went to Peerspace.
$500 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
$1000 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
$3000 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
$8000 will go toward your pic of 1 of the Art pieces in the EDA Gallery. Pieces range from $500 - $10,000 you will receive a 20%
