PAMM Raises More Than $1 Million For The Fifth Annual Art Of The Party Presented By Valentino

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) hosted yet another fabulous extravaganza for its highly-anticipated Art of the Party presented by Valentino event. Art of the Party serves as the PAMM’s largest fundraiser of the year, and this time raised an astounding amount of more than $1 million to benefit the museum’s arts education program. This year’s affair honored renowned artist Christo, whose monumental exhibition—Christo and Jean-Claude: Surrounded Islands, Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami Florida, 1980-83: A Documentary Exhibition—was on view at PAMM this winter, paying tribute to philanthropists Dorothy and Aaron Podhurst. The couple has remained some of PAMM’s most generous and supportive donors over the past 35 years.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Guests of the event came dressed to the nines, with long, elegant gowns and dapper tuxedos. They indulged in one of three memorable, gourmet culinary experiences curated by Lee Schrager, chef Norman Van Aken and Constellation Culinary Group that highlighted world-class cuisine and exquisite wines and cocktails. The evening also featured live music and entertainment and special commemorations.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

During the evening, PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans presented Christina Quarles with the Pérez Prize by Jorge and Darlene Pérez—a new annual award given for the first time ever that grants $50,000—in honor of Quarles’ outstanding achievements and impact on the current art historical narrative. The woman of honor was chosen by PAMM’s curatorial team as well as The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation. The prestigious award honors experimentation, creativity and promise, as well symbolizes PAMM’s mission to be a leader in the presentation, study and interpretation of international modern and contemporary art. This exciting addition to the party received enormous rounds of applause and admiration from the crowd that included some of Miami’s most noteworthy names in philanthropy, art, leadership and education.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

“This year is a special one for us, as our institution is celebrating our 35th anniversary,” said PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans. “We are grateful for all who attended Art of the Party and supported PAMM’s vital arts education program that touches thousands of lives throughout the Miami community.”

The evening ended with dancing, clinking glasses and wonderful memories of a magnificent night under the stars celebrating one of Miami’s most important cultural institutions and the people who make it possible. 

Photo Credit: World Red Eye