I’m always up for a quick winter getaway from New York to South Florida and if I can mix in a philanthropic effort, so much the better. So, I was invited to be a co-chair of Perez Art Museum Miami’s seventh annual Art + Soul, celebrating the Funding for African American Art. The honoree was Pamela Joyner, philanthropist and unparalleled collector of African American Art. Solidary/Solitary: The Joyner/Giuffrida art collection, will be on exhibit at PAMM opening April 24th. “The exhibition will showcase over 30 important selections from the collection of Pamela J. Joyner and Alfred J. Giuffrida, highlighting the pivotal role that artists of African descent have played in developing the discourse of abstract art from the 1940s to the present. Artists include Norman Lewis, Mel Edwards, Sam Gilliam, Mark Bradford, Leonardo Drew, Glenn Ligon, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.”
Art + Soul is a highlight of Miami’s social calendar and attendance is duly coveted for its glamorous, fun vibe with dinner, dancing and entertainment under starry skies. Friends traveled from around the country to lend their support and Art + Soul had it’s most successful evening to date, raising over $700,000✨✨
Views of downtown Miami from PAMM’s iconic terrace
The weekend kicked-off with a fabulous dinner at Osaka Nekkei restaurant in Brickell. Famed for its exquisite Peruvian Japanese fusion cuisine it did not disappoint!
Chanchito - main course dish
Salmon-tensuyo - appetizer dish
Chirashi-causa - main course dish
No Miami weekend is complete without including a trip to an art gallery and our group stopped by the spacious compound of gallery owner Nina Johnson in Little Haiti. I’m always introduced to a new artist when I visit Nina and she’s currently showcasing Katie Stout, whose exhibit, Sour Tasting Liquid had its opening the day before. “The works in Sour Tasting Liquid are a bricolage of materials and craft traditions: mosaic, porcelain, clay, and wicker merge to create a shifting and singular body of work.”
Quote and photos from the Nina Johnson website
Sour Tasting Liquid, installation view
Double Lady (Roman Embrace), 2020 ceramic, paint, gaze and gold luster
Slab Lamp ( Ruffle), 2020, ceramic paint, glaze and gold luster
Nina Johnson is head-to-toe fabulous as she explains her artist’s process
Art was followed with a blow-out lunch at trés-chic Le Petite Maison, one of my favorite Miami restaurants.
Back at the Conrad hotel where everyone was staying, we gathered for hair and makeup with our mega-talented glam squad led by Nicki McPherson of Nicki Mac Brides
Yep, we’re ready…!!
PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans addresses guests at dinner on the iconic waterfront terrace with a menu created and served by celebrity chef Amaris Jones
Pamela Joyner, the evening’s honoree engages with her audience
Artist Theresa Chromati justly proud beside her artwork “My foot is in my mouth (are we staying or leaving)?”, the African American Fund’s newest acquisition
With my favorite Director, Franklin Sirmans
DJ Pam Jones was sensational, creating the perfect vibe for the crowd
An intimate performance in the PAMM auditorium with “Best new artist” Grammy nominated band Tank and the Bangas
Philippe, Brian and I strike a pose!