The Board of Trustees of the Barnes Foundation announced that they have named Thomas “Thom” Collins as the new Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation. An innovative educator, accomplished art historian, administrator and author, Mr. Collins, a Philadelphia native, has more than 20 years of experience at some of America’s top arts institutions. He comes to the Barnes after serving for five years as director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Florida (PAMM). At PAMM, Mr. Collins oversaw construction of the new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building located in downtown Miami, which opened to great acclaim in December 2013. During his tenure, the museum achieved an overwhelming increase in membership, annual giving, attendance, and major gifts, published important exhibition and collection catalogs, added significant works of art to the collection, and began in-house production of critical new digital education tools.

“It will be a privilege to lead the Barnes Foundation in its next chapter,” said Mr. Collins. “With its world-class collection, critically acclaimed new building, award-winning programs, growing membership and engaging array of courses in art and horticulture, the Barnes has become increasingly accessible to a more diverse audience than ever before. I look forward to working with the staff and Trustees to further its mission.”

Prior to joining PAMM, Mr. Collins served for five years as director of the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, New York. Mr. Collins’ tenure at the Neuberger Museum of Art was highlighted by significant growth in attendance and annual giving, and the creation of major endowments for new programming initiatives and capital improvements. He also oversaw the museum’s exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and a far-reaching platform of community-based educational programs for school children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

Before heading the Neuberger Museum, Mr. Collins served as director of the Contemporary Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, 2003–2005; chief curator at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, 2000-2003; associate curator at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington, 1998-2000; and Newhall Curatorial Fellow at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, 1994-1997.

Mr. Collins earned his MA in Art History from Northwestern University and his BA with honors in Art History and the History of Religion from Swarthmore College. He currently holds memberships in the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Art Museum Curators, and the College Art Association. For more information visit: www.barnesfoundation.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

National YoungArts Foundation Backyard Ball

On Saturday, January 10, the National YoungArts Foundation will be celebrating the 2015 YoungArts winners from across the nation at their annual Backyard Ball. This year the esteemed Arison Award Honoree is renowned visual artist Jeff Koons and the 2015 Arison Alumni Honorees are Grammy Award-nominated recording artist, singer, songwriter, actor, YoungArts Master Teacher and 1999 YoungArts Winner in Theater, Josh Groban, and Grammy and Country Music Association Award-nominated singer-songwriter and 2003 YoungArts Winner and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, Chris Young. The Gala is YoungArts’ largest annual fundraiser and the culmination of YoungArts’ signature program, National YoungArts Week, which provides a select group of YoungArts Winners with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, interdisciplinary activities, performances and exhibitions. The distinguished event will include an alumni performance directed by renowned dancer, choreographer and YoungArts Artistic Adviser Bill T. Jones and will be emceed by YoungArts alumna and actress Zuzanna Szadkowski. Tickets to the attend the Backyard Ball can be purchased at www.youngarts.org/purchase-tickets.

St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® is proud to announce its special partnership with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the national viewing party of the 72^nd Annual Golden Globe^® Awards. The party, St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope, will take place on Sunday, January 11 at the Trump National Doral Miami. This exclusive event will be hosted in Miami for the first time, and will help raise money for the lifesaving work of St. Jude, where no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.Guests will enjoy a red carpet reception, live auction, a dinner featuring stories from local St. Jude patient families and the live telecast of the Golden Globe^® Awards. Individual tickets are $250 for general admission. Table sales and sponsorships are available. To register, call 305.265.1371 or visit stjude.org/redcarpetforhope.

4^th Annual Splendor in the Garden

Lush, tropical landscapes become the perfect setting for Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s trendiest event of the year – the 4^th Annual Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show fundraiser. The event benefits Fairchild’s education, conservation science, and horticulture programs and is held on Wednesday, January 14 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Co-hosted with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, the event features Spring 2015’s hottest styles in a runway show presented by Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus Senior VP and Fashion Director. The event is co-chaired by Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa and is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Marquis Bank, and Perry Ellis International. Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, Miami Herald columnist and fundraiser for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund,serves as this year’s emcee. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a champagne reception on the sunny mosaic patio of the Visitor Center. The party then moves to the tented marquee overlooking the tropical foliage and sparkling Pandanus Lake. A refreshing lunch by Le Basque Catering starts the fashion show off on the right note. Models walk down the runway spotlighting the most coveted looks and colors for Spring 2015 with ensembles put together by Ken Downing. Guests who like the outfits they see on the runway can purchase them after the show at the Backstage Boutique. The day closes with recognizing the 2015 Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees – those who have demonstrated dedication to supporting the growth of the Garden and the community at large. Tickets start at $300 and are available online, by emailing sshubin@fairchildgarden.org, or by calling 305.667.1651, ext. 3375.

Pérez Art Museum Miami Hosts Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its most important annual fundraising affair on Saturday, January 17.  The proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales fund the museum’s robust education program, which is the largest behind the Miami-Dade County school system and has garnered participation from more than 80,000 adults and children since December 2013.  Art of the Party Presented by Louis Vuitton will debut a contemporary spin on a classic tradition, on a new date and with a modern format conceptualized by event mastermind Lee Brian Schrager. Louis Vuitton has a longstanding affiliation with the world of art and is proud to present Art of the Party. The event will showcase the architectural gem’s distinct, interconnected spaces with three forms of expression in a single evening: Chef’s Table, Supper Club, and Remix.The three adaptations of Art of the Party will be infused with the essence of Brazil with famed Rio de Janeiro-based Chef Thomas Troisgos of the internationally regarded Olympe Restaurant and a live waterfront concert by popular Brazilian band Batuke Samba Funk featuring Pee Wee Ellis, the legendary sax player and bandleader for James Brown.  Chef Troisgos, the fourth generation of a clan of chefs that has made history in modern gastronomy, will arrive to Miami specifically to present custom dinner menus for Art of The Party Chef’s Table and Supper Club. For more information visit: www.pamm.org.

Siena Tavern Miami was a celebrity Mecca on New Year’s Day, as celebrity chef Fabio Viviani hosted actor Chase Crawford, WB’s Arrow star Colton Haynes,  JC Chasez , Gotham star Ben McKenzie,  Ryan Phillippe, and Glee’s Matthew Morrison.

Debra Messing rang in the New Year with a party of 10 at Midtown Miami’s Bocce Ristorante.

Ryan Phillippe was also spotted at the SLS South Beach and Hyde Beach. Seen at Thompson Miami Beach for Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution were:  Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Fall Out Boy, Fifth Harmony, The Band Perry, Becky G, La La Anthony, Rocsi Diaz, Benjamin McKenzie, Ed Weeks, Lamorne Morris, Taraji P. Henson and Lee Daniels.

Entertainer, Nick Cannon DJed at WALL lounge at the W South Beach on New Year’s Eve.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution Live from the Thompson Miami Beach

The shiny-new, stylish Thompson Miami Beach will be the official location for FOX’s New Year’s special entitled: PITBULL’S NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION. Staged throughout various indoor and outdoor venues at the upscale oceanfront Thompson Miami Beach, including its two spacious pool decks and the lush Raymond Jungles-designed Garden, the New Year’s Eve show will feature performances by an all-star lineup of entertainers, including Mr. 305 himself, Enrique Iglesias, The Band Perry, Fall Out Boy, Becky G. and Fifth Harmony and a few surprises. Miami native and the evening’s host, Pitbull, will lead the party from Thompson Miami Beach in front of legions of on-site fans. PITBULL’S NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTION will air live on FOX Wednesday, December 31, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. Then, following the local news, Mr. 305 returns from 11:00 p.m. –12:30 a.m. eastern standard time. Check listings for other time zones.

Those interested in gaining access to this New Year’s Eve broadcast at Thompson Miami Beach on December 31, can submit a request to join in on the fun here: http://1iota.com/Show/424/Pitbull’s-New-Years-Revolution.

Rockin New Year’s Eve at Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain, the historic and world famous live music bar in the center of Little Havana is thrilled to announce their “Rockin New Year’s Eve” event on December 31. The recently reopened bar on Calle Ocho presents a live musical performance by After School Special, an all-star classic rock cover band. After School Special will feature the Foo Fighters and Wallflowers keyboardist Rami Jaffee, Dave Krusen original and former drummer of Pearl Jam, Lazy Stars lead vocalist and guitarist Jonny Kaplan and Jessy Greene violinist from Foo Fighters, Pink, Fistful of Mercy and Sound City Players. The rock legends collectively have sold over 40 million records worldwide. The doors open at 8:00 p.m. where the rock legends will take the Pineapple Stage performing covers of classic rock songs such as Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Rod Stewart as they count down to 2015. Immediately following the live show will be a special DJ set by Foo Fighters and Wallflowers keyboardist Rami Jaffee. Ball & Chain is offering exclusive table and bottle service reservations only, followed by general admission depending on availability. The general admission will be free RSVP and confirmation code is mandatory as it is a limited guest list. All guests must be 21+ to attend the event. For Table Reservations: NewYears@BallandChainMiami.com.

Love is Blind in the New Year!

Ring in the New Year like a true local at Miami favorite spot in Coral Gables Love is Blind! Enjoy tunes and bubbles with friends, family or that special someone you plan to give a New Year’s Eve kiss to because in the end it’s all about LOVE! Love is Blind has prepped a delicious pre-fixed menu for all to indulge. Start off with their infamous Serrano Ham Croquettas before moving on to a Burrata Caprese Salad. After the appetizers it’s time to have the best of both worlds with a Surf and Turf main course consisting of Filet Mignon with a Mushroom Demi-glaze (6oz) and Jumbo Garlic Shrimp paired with Grilled Asparagus and White Truffle Infused Mashed Potatoes. Finish off with a mouthwatering Creole Bread Pudding with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream; for reservations, call 305.748.6118.

Tamarina

On the heels of a successful opening, Tamarina owners Yona and Tunu Puri are excited to announce their New Year’s Eve plans for an Italian inspired prosperity feast. The dinner will feature an abundance of luxury and decadence designed to promote well-being and good fortune in the coming year. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail titled “Calends Fizz”. Custom created for the occasion by Tamarina’s lead mixologist Nathan Rogers, the cocktail is inspired by the ancient Roman tradition of exchanging gifts of honey-soaked figs and dates in glass jars as a symbol of abundance and promise of plentiful things to come in the New Year. Attendees will be welcomed to stay after dinner and dance the night away to the fun sounds of our Guest DJ with special open bar cocktails and drinks;for more information and reservations, please contact Jessica Marrero 305-579-1888/ Events@tamarinarestaurants.com.

The Royal White Affair at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach

The Ritz- Carlton, South Beach will once again host a luxurious New Year’s white party. After much success, the revelry will return Wednesday December 31, 2014 as a “Royal White Affair”. This year, the New Year’s Eve event will feature over-the-top specialty entertainment, renowned DJ’s, and opulent décor poolside at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Dancing to the beats of DJs Tony G, Chris Valencia, and Malone, attendees will enjoy a night filled with mystique, live entertainment, aerialists, and performances. Eye catching visuals will enhance the guest experience, bringing storybook and iconic royal figures to life. Presented in part by Perrier Jouet Champagne, “Royal White Affair”- will feature a theme based exclusively around the color white which is synonymous with the clean slate that a new year represents. Required dress for the event is evening wear and white is encouraged. Tickets can be purchased online at www.BlancNYE.com. Presale tickets are priced at $99 and include a premium open bar from 9:00PM until midnight. Table reservations are available. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is located at One Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL. For additional information visit ritzcarlton.com/southbeach or call (786) 276-4006.

Martina Borgomanero Basabe

It is now December 11 and everywhere pre-vacation congestion starts and I am not talking about the flu. Traffic gets crazy, stores get busy, people invade the streets for Christmas shopping, whether it is tree, tree decorations, or a very large amount of presents to buy for family and friends.

Not in Miami.

In Miami, second week of December equals to ghost town. Restaurants are empty, people are zombies, streets are deserted and all of this because of one reason and one only – Post Basel Syndrome (PBS).

Let’s start from the beginning – allegedly Art Basel runs for four days, this year from December 4 to 7. NOT TRUE. Art Basel runs for a solid ten, starting the weekend before and finishing the weekend after the week of the actual exhibits, and reaches a peak during those four days and three nights that is comparable only to a freight train that derails, hits everyone and everything around it, but just keeps on going leaving desolation behind. Hence – ghost town.

Read the rest of this entry »

Lucy Morillo, Criselda Breene, Dr. Kini, Sofial Joelsson, Calora Pimentel, & Cassie Preston

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Champagne wishes, caviar dreams and the best truffle risotto delighted well-heeled (pun intended) Miami influencers and socialites at the highly-anticipated Wine, Women & Shoes Kick-off party benefiting Miami Children’s Health Foundation which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

The glamorous event was hosted by renowned interior designer, Sofia Joelsson on the gorgeous rooftop of her penthouse home in South Beach to celebrate the upcoming 4th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes presented by Sergio Rossi, which is scheduled for February 4, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.

The event served as a backdrop for chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene to announce Sergio Rossi as this year’s High Heel Presenting Sponsor. Read the rest of this entry »