The Bass proved once again why its annual gala is among the most anticipated dates on the Miami art/social calendar. The Bass Ball: Kaleidoscopic brought out artists, fashion-forward philanthropists, socialites, and party people to honor the fabulous Cathy Vedovi—the collector and designer whose French roots and LA education have made her a true icon in our local arts scene.

The theme was “Kaleidoscopic,” inspired by the museum’s exhibition The Kaleidoscopic: Writing Histories Through the Collection. The evening reflected the multifaceted nature of storytelling through art, welcoming artists and art lovers into a richly layered visual experience. This wasn’t your average black-tie affair; the guests took the theme to heart with outfits that were pure creative genius. Everywhere you looked, there were bold prints, shimmering textures, and over the top accessories that turned the museum into a living, breathing art gallery.

Guests were immersed in lavish décor by Alejandro Muguerza, complemented by a dynamic lighting installation by artist MIKIHUMO that illuminated the museum’s façade and interior. Dinner by Le Basque was top-tier, as usual, but it was the outstanding music that really set the night apart. Things kicked off with smooth jazz by saxophonist Manuel Echazabal in the Social Assembly Lounge, giving everyone a chance to catch up in style.

But even before the dinner plates were cleared, the vibe shifted into high gear. The museum lobby transformed into the ultimate energetic dance party thanks to @DJCLAUDIOF aka Claudio Figueroa, the man behind the vibe at Casa Tua. He was on fire, spinning every genre imaginable—from global house beats to crowd-favorite anthems.

The music was so good it kept the gorgeous, fashion-focused crowd glued to the dance floor, keeping the energy electric well into the early morning hours. Let’s just say no one was ready to go once the “lights came on.”

All of the glam and fun supports a worthy cause, with proceeds going directly to the museum’s education programs and world-class exhibitions. Be sure to keep up with all of the happenings at the Bass on Instagram @thebassmoa and online at https://thebass.org.

Photos

Courtesy of the Bass Museum and World Red Eye.

If you’ve ever wished you could take your art beyond stick figures, Lauren Horn has created something just for you. Her new book, This is Not a Sketchbook, It’s an Art Class, is more than a place to doodle—it’s a guided, hands-on experience designed to help anyone unlock their inner artist.

Here’s how it works: instead of diving into intimidating projects, you’ll start with the basics—simple lines and shapes—and gradually build toward realistic, detailed drawings. Each lesson comes with a QR code linking to a video tutorial, so it feels like Lauren is right there with you, guiding you every step of the way.

Supportive, approachable, and fun, this workbook is part sketchbook, part self-expression journal. Whether you’re sketching solo, creating with friends, or using it in the classroom, it’s designed to make art accessible and confidence-boosting for artists at any skill level.

Starting at $49.99

Learn more at thisisnotasketchbook.com

Or grab it on Amazon: shorturl.at/l5ebg

On the evening of April 29, the spirit of Miami shimmered a little brighter as Faena Art hosted its fifth annual Gala, Follow Your Rainbow—a phantasmagoric ode to the transformative power of art and color. Held poolside at the iconic Faena Miami Beach and masterfully helmed by hosts Alan and Grace Faena, the evening unfolded like a living canvas: vivid, immersive, and unapologetically audacious.

Guests made their entrance through a grand rainbow archway into a meticulously curated kaleidoscopic dreamscape, where the realms of art, fashion, music, and culinary excellence flowed seamlessly together.

The scene was cinematic, with every detail meticulously choreographed to entice the senses. A site-specific installation by acclaimed artist Joel Mesler anchored the atmosphere—his work pulsating with color and wit—while DJ Richie Hell delivered a pulse-quickening soundtrack to match. Models paraded through the crowd in bespoke, prismatic couture, blurring the lines between runway and performance art.

At the heart of the evening was an opulent culinary experience curated by Faena’s iconic collaborators: Argentine fire whisperer Chef Francis Mallmann and James Beard Award-winner Chef Paul Qui. Mallmann, true to form, held court over open flames in a mesmerizing ballet of smoke and heat, while Qui carved a massive bluefin tuna with the precision of a sculptor—live, amidst the gasps of delighted guests.

Bringing pure disco magic to the night, Rocky Lanes brought the house down with a powerhouse performance of crowd-favorite dance floor anthems. Not even a light drizzle could dampen the energy—guests twirled, grooved, and shimmered under the stars, fully surrendered to the rhythm.

Currently serving as the electrifying master of ceremonies for Faena Theatre’s dazzling new live production, RETRO: The Rhythm of the Decades, Rocky continues to prove she’s the reigning queen of throwback glamour. Read more about RETRO here.

The guests included Miami’s coolest creatives, a dazzling mix of cultural vanguard, art world luminaries, and global trendsetters. Joining hosts, Alan and Grace Faena were: Gianni and Leena Infantino, Jorge and Darlene Pérez, Len and Emily Blavatnik, Olivier Francois, Vita Sidorkina-Morabito, Mindy Solomon, Cathy Leff, Karen Grimson, Christina Pettersson, Beatriz Chachamovits, Magnus Sodamin, Kelly Breez, Anabella Bergero, Antonia Wright, Edison Peñafiel, Jill Hotchkiss, Manuel Ameztoy, and Danié Gómez Ortigoz.

Embracing the evening’s Follow Your Rainbow theme, guests adorned themselves in chromatic couture, turning the gala into a living spectrum. Faena Art crowned Francisca Oyhanarte—Miami-based artist and style savant—as the night’s best-dressed, awarding her a lavish two-night escape in the Faena Penthouse.

More than spectacle, the Gala reaffirmed Faena Art’s commitment to nurturing artistic innovation and expanding Miami’s cultural lexicon. Proceeds directly fund year-round programming, including experimental commissions, the Project Room exhibitions, and the prestigious Faena Prize for the Arts.

For those who couldn’t follow the rainbow in person, the dream lives on at faenaart.org.

International non-profit organization Faena Art is thrilled to announce its fifth annual Gala. Hosted by Alan and Grace Faena, the fundraiser will take place poolside at Faena Miami Beach (3201 Collins Avenue) on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00pm.

Faena Art’s gala celebrates the arts by directly supporting its mission to break boundaries, commemorate innovation in artistic expression, and honor the creative spirit that propels our community of talented artists forward. 

Proceeds from the gathering go towards expanding and elevating the cultural footprint of Miami through the organization’s free and open-to-the-public programming. This includes amplifying emerging artists and curating experimental site-specific commissions at the Faena Art Project Room, which serves as a canvas for interdisciplinary artists to explore new facets of their practice while engaging with the local community. Donations also support the prestigious Faena Prize for the Arts, which is awarded biennially and recognizes artistic experimentation through the links between art, technology, and design.

By commissioning cross disciplinary artistic experiences, such as those being prepared for the gala, Faena Art emphasizes the cultivation of community and its support for artists locally and abroad. This year’s theme, Follow Your Rainbow, will inspire a radiant celebration of joy, color, and artistic expression highlighting the work of esteemed artist Joel Mesler. 

The spectacular gathering will display a site-specific installation from Mesler, who is known for his vibrant texture -based paintings that blend pop culture, personal nostalgia, and playful motifs. Often featuring bold phrases over lush, tropical backdrops, Mesler’s work will invite guests to join the artist in exploring themes of identity, self-reflection, and humor.

Through a rainbow archway, guests will be greeted and guided to Faena’s exclusive pool by colorful pathways that set the stage for an exhilarating and animated evening. In lieu of a traditional gala setting, the interactive immersion of the senses will begin with an elaborate culinary processional of delicacies from signature Chef Paul Qui. Drawing culinary inspiration from his Filipino roots coupled with Japanese, Spanish and French cooking styles, Qui will present a colossal whole tuna carved fresh among the crowd. To follow, guests can indulge in abundant towers of grilled meats and vegetables from world-renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, known for his open-fire, Asado-style cooking. The unforgettable procession will also blend music, fashion, and art with performers styled in rainbow-couture influenced by the joyful expression of Mesler’s artwork. Under the starlit sky, attendees can anticipate a special live from Richie Hell, inviting guests to let the rhythm move them and to celebrate the transformative power of artistic expression. Guests are encouraged to wear a rainbow-inspired dress code for the evening. 

The gala will commence with Faena Art awarding its annual recipient for best dressed, keeping in mind this year’s theme. The winner will receive special recognition with a complimentary two-night stay at the luxurious Faena Penthouse.

Donations and ticket purchases to support the arts can be made at http://e.givesmart.com/events/Ho4. Individual tickets and VIP package offerings are available.

Funds raised will go directly to supporting the artistic community through Faena Art programming. All tickets are non-refundable.

For more information, visit www.faenaart.org or follow Faena Art on social media for the latest happenings at @FaenaArt.

Get ready for a creative explosion in the Grove. For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has been the place to experience world-class art, live music, and interactive fun. It’s not just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the sheer joy of art.

Wander along the scenic Bayfront and discover hundreds of artists showcasing their talents across multiple visual categories. With 285 juried artists, you’re sure to find a masterpiece that speaks to you. But the CGAF is more than just an art show- it’s a champion for emerging artists. For 61 years, this Presidents’ Day Weekend bash has supported scholarships and programs that nurture creativity, making a real difference in the South Florida arts community.

Festival Highlights (aka Things You Absolutely Can’t Miss):

• Rock Out: Live music at Peacock Park, courtesy of Hard Rock & Guitar Hotel Stacks! Get ready to groove.
• Art & Drafts: Wynwood Brewery brews + live artistry = pure genius. Sip and be inspired.
• Get Creative: Unleash your inner artist at Regatta Park. It’s time to get hands-on!
• Kid Zone: Home Depot’s Creative Corner is where the magic happens. Let the little ones explore their artistic side.
• Young Collectors: Kids can buy real art for just $5! It’s the perfect way to start a lifelong love of collecting.
• VIP Treatment: Collectors Club tickets = open bar, bites, and AC. Need we say more? Indulge in the ultimate festival experience.
  This year, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is turning 61 and throwing a party – with art! Think interactive experiences that’ll unleash your inner Picasso, and enough deliciousness to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect Presidents’ Day Weekend getaway. Join the fun, explore the incredible art, and make a difference by supporting future artists.
• https://cgaf.com
  Snag your tickets and get the details at cgaf.com! see you in the Grove!

Miami’s well-heeled art set converged under one roof on Saturday, November 9, as Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) hosted its 11th annual Art of the Party gala on its stunning waterfront terrace. Honored at the soirée was Kenneth C. Griffin, billionaire philanthropist, founder of Citadel, and now, PAMM’s latest arts angel. The big news of the night: Griffin dropped a casual $10 million gift to enhance PAMM’s collection and fortify its role as Miami’s artistic crown jewel. Cue the applause.

Throughout the magical evening Miami’s finest artists, patrons, and tastemakers sipped, savored and celebrated all things PAMM. Among the highlights? The reveal of the newly minted Kenneth C. Griffin Gallery, PAMM’s largest and most central space, now forever tied to a man whose generosity knows no bounds.

But let’s not forget the other star of the evening: Colombian artist Delcy Morelos, recipient of the prestigious Pérez Prize and its hefty $50,000 award, thanks to Jorge and Darlene Pérez. Known for her deeply rooted explorations of humanity and nature, Morelos proves that minimal aesthetics can still pack a powerful, earthy punch.

As PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans put it, the night was a celebration of art, community, and transformative giving. “We’re thrilled to honor Delcy Morelos, whose work unearths the profound connections between people and the planet. And we’re deeply grateful to Ken Griffin—his philanthropic vision continues to inspire and uplift.”

Ken Griffin, for his part, kept it gracious. “Pérez Art Museum Miami is a world-class arts and cultural hub that enriches our great city,” he said. “I’m proud to support this outstanding institution alongside the Miami community.”

Nikki Kidd brought the soul, with her fabulous performance and Constellation Culinary Group delivered an artful menu. The after-party was a remix to remember, with artist José Parlá spinning vibes on the North Terrace Platform. (Pro tip: his exhibition Homecoming opens at PAMM on November 14. You heard it here first.)

As if all this weren’t enough, the event raised a staggering $1.7 million for PAMM’s arts education programs. This isn’t just philanthropy; it’s legacy-building. And for Griffin—already a benefactor to MoMA, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more—it’s just another masterpiece in his ongoing support for the arts.

Photos by World Red Eye