Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its fourth annual Art of the Party, the museum’s largest fundraiser event of the year, on Mar. 17.
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.
“This year, we have the pleasure of honoring Teresita Fernández, an internationally acclaimed artist with roots in Miami. Her work and influence have been a part of PAMM’s collection and history for more than a decade,” said Franklin Sirmans, PAMM director. “For the first time, we are also honoring a philanthropist in the community, Patricia M. Papper. We are extremely thankful to Pat, whose support and dedication have been vital to the growth of the museum since its founding.”
Born and raised in Miami, Teresita Fernández is a leading artist admired for her public sculptures and installations that allude to studies of perception, landscape, and minimalism. A graduate of Florida International University, Fernández made some of her early works in Miami, and her career exemplifies the tenacity and virtuosity of artists that originate from Miami. She is an activist that actively promotes diversity in American museum institutions.
Several of her works belong to PAMM’s collection including Fire (America) 5 (2017), currently on view as part of On the Horizon: Contemporary Cuban Art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection. Fernández’s Eclipse (2002), was exhibited as part of PAMM’s previous permanent collection display, Routes of Influence. In 2019, and in collaboration with the Phoenix Art Museum, PAMM will present the first major retrospective of Fernández’s work.
Born and raised in South Florida, Patricia M. Papper is an arts advocate and philanthropist, as well as a longtime supporter of PAMM. She was a founding member of the museum in 1983, when it was the Center for the Fine Arts, and has been involved with the institution ever since. Throughout the years, she has served on the board of trustees — including serving as president for a decade, supported many exhibitions such as Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks, donated works of art and funds for the acquisition of art, participated in several committees, and has been a part of major fundraising events such as the gala and Corporate Luncheon.
Art of the Party chairs are Darlene and Jorge M. Pérez with Susana and Alberto Ibargüen.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit pamm.org/artoftheparty2018.
