Inside Loren & JR Ridinger’s Exclusive Ärt Maison Dinner & Basel Blowout Bash

Amber Ridinger McLaughlin, Alicia Keys, Loren Ridinger, JR Ridinger
Amber Ridinger McLaughlin, Alicia Keys, Loren Ridinger, JR Ridinger

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Market America/Shop.com/The Ridinger Family

Art Basel Miami is one of the most exciting weeks of the year, bringing together A-list crowds from all over the world, exclusive parties and of course, highly coveted works of art. One of the most sought after invites each year is the Basel blowout bash, hosted by Market America and Shop.com founders, Loren and JR Ridinger, and this year’s celebration, in conjunction with Ärt Maison, was no exception.

Archie Drury, Karolina Kurkova, Fat Joe, Duane McLaughlin
Archie Drury, Karolina Kurkova, Fat Joe, Duane McLaughlin

Photo Credit: Market America/Shop.com/The Ridinger Family

Taking place in their gorgeous Miami compound, Casa de Sueños, the evening began with an outdoor cocktail party for approximately 100 VIP guests, featuring Bertaud Belieu rosé, and then a delectable dinner inside the couple’s palatial home. Notable attendees included Alicia Keys, Fat Joe, Romero Britto, Shareef Malnik and his wife, Gabrielle Anwar, Eva Longoria, Israel Houghton and his wife, Adrienne Bailon, Karolina Kurkova, Philip Levine, Angela Simmons, Jonathan ChebanShepard Fairey, and many more.

Alicia Keys with Arsham Fellow SHENEQUA, and Daniel Arsham
Alicia Keys with Arsham Fellow SHENEQUA, and Daniel Arsham

Photo Credit: Market America/Shop.com/The Ridinger Family

As the group wined and dined inside the opulently-appointed dining hall, they enjoyed speeches from the gracious hosts and co-hosts, Amber Ridinger McLaughlin and Duane McLaughlin; National YoungArts Foundation board member and President of the Arison Arts Foundation, Sarah Arison; President and CEO of the National YoungArts Foundation, Carolina García Jayaram; and world-renowned artist (and YoungArts alumnus) Daniel Arsham. Arsham awarded the Daniel Arsham Fellowship, presented by Market America I SHOP.COM, to textile-interdisciplinary artist, SHENEQUA, who also made a heartfelt speech as she accepted the $25,000 unrestricted grant and yearlong mentorship from Arsham. Guests then enjoyed riveting musical performances by Grammy-award winning singer Grace Weber and composer/pianist/singer, Samora Pinderhughes, who are also YoungArts alumni.

Gabrielle Anwar, JR Ridinger, Loren Ridinger, Shareef Malnik
Gabrielle Anwar, JR Ridinger, Loren Ridinger, Shareef Malnik

Photo Credit: Market America/Shop.com/The Ridinger Family

Following the ceremony and meal, guests made their way to view a gorgeous art installation, created by Arsham himself, in the courtyard area of the Ridinger’s estate. With gently-raked sand, soft, pink coloring, an oversized, moon-like backlit panel and a feathered tree in the center, the magical display was nothing short of eye-catching and incredibly unique.

Daniel Arsham's custom art installation
Daniel Arsham’s custom art installation

Photo Credit: Market America/Shop.com/The Ridinger Family

As the night continued, the Ridingers graciously opened their doors to hundreds of additional guests, who made their way to the outdoor, waterfront garden area, housed with comfortable couches, a tequila bar, a dance floor and a stage, where DJ Cassidy provided exciting entertainment. Though it was one of Miami’s chillier evenings, the electric energy from the crowd and the flowing drinks warmed the room right up and kept everyone dancing all night long.

DJ Cassidy
DJ Cassidy

Photo Credit: Market America/Shop.com/The Ridinger Family

Other event sponsors included Shop.com, DNA Atelier and Bentley.