A night of art, generosity, and the kind of community that makes Miami’s cultural scene distinct.
Art of the Party returned to Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) on Saturday, November 17, with the kind of elegance and intention that has come to define the museum’s signature celebration. This 12th edition honored Craig Robins and Jackie Soffer, two figures whose influence in art and design has shaped Miami far beyond the museum itself. The evening unfolded with a quiet confidence, a reminder of how deeply they are woven into the city’s creative fabric.
Dinner along the East Portico framed the start of the night, the bay shifting in the background like a moving canvas. Later, the terrace came alive as DJ Ruckus took over, turning the night into a true Art of the Party remix. By the end of the evening, 2 million dollars had been raised to support PAMM’s education programs, the largest outside the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, and the museum’s broader initiatives.
The night brought together artists, philanthropists, civic leaders, and longtime arts supporters to celebrate Robins and Soffer’s visionary leadership at the intersection of art and design.
Robins and Soffer’s connection to PAMM is longstanding. Their guidance, generosity, and more than 300 donated works have helped shape the museum’s collection and future direction. In recognition of their impact, they were honored throughout the night and received a print by Bisa Butler, gifted in their name.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Pérez Prize, a 50,000 dollar unrestricted award supported annually by Jorge and Darlene Pérez. This year’s recipient, Javier Téllez, is known for work that examines society’s understanding of mental illness and the experiences of those often overlooked.
“Artists who bring attention to overlooked experiences deserve meaningful recognition,” said Darlene Pérez. “Javier’s work approaches a difficult subject with honesty and depth, and we are proud to stand behind that.”
As guests moved between conversations, performances, and the waterfront setting, the night became a celebration not just of art, but of the people who bring it to life.
Reflecting on the evening, Franklin Sirmans, Sandra and Tony Tamer director at PAMM, said, “Craig and Jackie have transformed Miami through their visionary leadership in art, design, and community building. We’re honored to recognize their enduring contributions and to celebrate the generosity of those who make nights like this possible. We’re also thrilled to honor Javier Téllez with this year’s Pérez Prize, thanks to Jorge and Darlene Pérez. Javier’s practice confronts the realities of mental illness with empathy and urgency—an issue of growing significance in our time. We’re proud to play a part in sustaining the power and reach of his work.”
