Miami, FL – March 9, 2019 – Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) welcomed cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders, and arts supporters for the fifth annual Art of the Party presented by Valentino. PAMM’s biggest fundraiser event of the year honored renowned artist Christo and philanthropists Dorothy and Aaron Podhurst, who have been longtime supporters of PAMM since its inception 35 years ago. The event raised over $1 million, with all funds directly supporting the museum’s robust arts education program, the largest program of its kind outside the Miami-Dade County school system.

During the celebration, PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans announced Christina Quarles as the first recipient of the Pérez Prize by Jorge and Darlene Pérez, a new annual, unrestricted award of $50,000, which honors Quarles’ outstanding achievements and impact on the current art historical narrative. The selection was made by PAMM’s curatorial team in collaboration with The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation and honors experimentation, creativity and promise. It is also a symbol of PAMM’s mission to be a leader in the presentation, study and interpretation of international modern and contemporary art. Going forward, the Pérez Prize will be announced annually at PAMM’s Art of the Party.

The evening featured three unique guest experiences conceptualized by Lee Brian Schrager, as well as culinary collaborations by Miami-based, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Norman Van Aken and Constellation Culinary Group. The evening’s events culminated with the Remix after party, where guests danced under the stars on the waterfront promenade.