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

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its 11th annual Art of the Party—an unmissable fête mixing philanthropy, fine dining, and flair. Honoring Kenneth C. Griffin, Citadel’s head honcho and an arts-and-culture patron extraordinaire, the night celebrates art with Miami-style glamour.

Expect a star-studded cocktail reception, a dinner that’s more culinary art than meal, and the announcement of the sixth Pérez Prize—a coveted award for artists shaping global art narratives. As PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans puts it, this event is all about creating “genuine human interactions with and through art.” Translation: it’s not just a party; it’s a cultural moment.

Funds raised will turbocharge PAMM’s arts education programs—already the largest outside Miami-Dade Public Schools—and keep the museum’s mission thriving.

The Breakdown:
Chef’s Table Dinner (6:30 PM): Dine under the stars on the East Portico, where cocktails, live music, and a gourmet menu accompany the evening’s honors.

Remix Party (9:30 PM): Hit the North Terrace Platform for a dance party led by DJ and artist José Parlá, whose exhibit Homecoming lands at PAMM later this month. Bonus: decadent desserts and an open bar to keep the vibes high.

Want in? Tickets and sponsorship info are at pamm.org/aotp24. Whether you’re mingling with Miami’s cultural elite or just there for the vibes, Art of the Party promises to be a masterpiece of its own.

The Big Serve Tennis Event

Lace Clips, a Miami-based sporting goods company and Greentouch USA Inc. founded by Jonathan Nussbaum, is thrilled to announce their yearly event, The Big Serve, a professional tennis exhibition and clinic for inner-city youth.  In partnership with the Irie Foundation, Overtown Youth Center, EJ Biggers Foundation, The Lotus House and the City of Miami Beach, the charity event will take place on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Flamingo Tennis Center from 4PM to 7PM. 

This marks the third annual fitness-driven philanthropic event produced by Nussbaum, designed to encourage children to play tennis while educating them about health and nutrition.  On Friday, 650 children from the non-profit organizations will be able to enjoy and participate in four activity stations including meet and greet/autograph opportunities with pro tennis players and other notable local celebrities, an on-site tennis clinic offering lessons from pro tennis players provided by Howie Orllin, a fitness station featuring celebrity personal trainers provided by Ki Hara and local yoga instructors as well as a concession stand courtesy of David’s Café.  Miami’s own DJ Michelle Pooch will be providing the music, to ensure kids have a fun, energetic afternoon to remember.  

Past notable tennis pros include Genie Bouchard, Fabio Fognini, Flavia Pennetta, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Nico Massu and Bob and Mike Bryan. Guests this year can expect players from the ATP and WTA tours. In addition, each child will receive a special gift bag that includes an authentic HEAD tennis racquet and t-Shirt courtesy of Jonathan Nussbaum and other gifts provided by the Burger King McLamore Foundation.  Other sponsors include, Baptist Hospital, Samba Sol, Elite Models, Ishine 365.  For additional information about The Big Serve please visit www.thebigserve.miami

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Presents The Fourth Annual Art of the Party

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its fourth annual Art of the Party, the museum’s largest fundraiser event of the year, on March 17, 2018. Art of the Party 2018 will honor Teresita Fernández, one of today’s leading contemporary artists, and philanthropist Patricia M. Papper. The event, presented by Valentino, will feature three exclusive guest experiences conceptualized by Lee Brian Schrager, as well as culinary collaborations by STARR Catering Group and Chef Michelle Bernstein. Bringing together cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders and arts supporters, the evening will showcase the world-class museum’s unique architecture and celebrate Miami’s flagship art museum. Funds from Art of the Party directly support the museum’s robust arts education program, the largest program of its kind outside the Miami-Dade County school system.

Art of the Party Chairs are Darlene and Jorge M. Pérez with Susana and Alberto Ibargüen.  

PAMM’s Art of the Party will offer guests three unique experiences from which to choose:

Chef’s Table seated dinner, 6:30pm: Chef Michelle Bernstein and STARR Catering Group will craft a three-course menu for an unforgettable dining experience held for the first time in the transformed M.B. Fernandez Family Galleries. Dinner guests will enjoy a cocktail reception before the evening’s program in celebration of philanthropist Patricia M. Papper and artist Teresita Fernández. Chef’s Table guests are also invited to extend their evening at the Supper Club dinner lounge and Remix after party.

Tables of 10 are available for $25,000. Individual tickets are also available for $2,500 per guest.

Supper Club dinner lounge, 8:30pm: Supper Club offers a one-of-a-kind al fresco dining experience designed by Chef Michelle Bernstein and STARR Events, as well as live entertainment on the picturesque waterfront East Portico. Guests may reserve private seating for up to 10 guests, including dedicated tableside cocktail service. All Supper Club guests are invited to enjoy the Remix after party.

Private lounge seating with butler service is available for $10,000; Individual tickets are also available for $750 per guest or $1,500 per couple.

Remixafter party, 10:30pm: As the evening culminates, the al fresco Supper Club dinner lounge will be transformed into a vibrant dance club. Chef’s Table, Supper Club, and Remix guests will join together for a late night dance party under the stars on the East Portico, enjoying cocktails and decadent desserts.

Individual tickets are available for $125 per guest.   

The evening’s entertainment is presented by Faena. Wines and support for Chef’s Table and Supper Club are generously provided by Kim Crawford.

For more information and to purchase tickets,  visit pamm.org/artoftheparty2018.

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.