We’re less than two weeks away from PAMM Art of the Party and you don’t want to miss out! Join cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders, and arts supporters for an unforgettable evening. Mark your calendar for March 7, 2020, and get your tickets today. Conceptualized by Lee Brian Schrager, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and South Beach Wine and Food Festival Founder, the night features two unique experiences—Chef’s Table seated dinner and Remix after party—that showcase the world-class museum’s signature architecture and celebrates Miami.
The evening may kick off with Chef’s Table, but the party gets going during Remix, where guests join together for a late-night dance party under the stars on the waterfront promenade, enjoying an open bar, hors d’ oeuvres, and decadent desserts.
We chatted with Art of the Party Remix committee chairs Michele Hanash and Christopher Pastor ahead of the big night.
Michele Hanash | Christopher Pastor
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Michele Hanash: I’ve lived on South Beach for about 15 years. I moved down here to attend law school at the University of Miami and work in commercial real estate. In addition to PAMM, I am also involved with the local organization No More Tears, which provides lifesaving services to human trafficking and domestic abuse victims.
Christopher Pastor: I’m a Miami native who was gone for more than a decade and returned to find my hometown transformed into a truly cosmopolitan city. I was an art history major and worked in development for the arts for more than a dozen years. I recently joined LVMH to manage client development for Louis Vuitton in the Southeast region of the United States. The arts were the foundation of my education and have continued to play an important role in my personal and professional life.
How did you become involved with the museum?
MH: I have attended museum events since moving here, when the museum was Miami Art Museum and located in the heart of downtown. Several years ago, a friend on the Remix committee invited me to join and I’m so glad I did. I have met so many wonderful people from being involved with the museum.
CP: My first introduction to PAMM was while I was working for a French museum and came back to Miami for Art Week the year the new building opened. I was so impressed with its architecture, collection, and mission. I was so proud that my hometown’s flagship museum had become so sophisticated and was receiving international acclaim! Soon after, I became part of the team and worked under Director Thom Collins and also Franklin Sirmans. Following my tenure as part of the staff, I immediately became a member, donor, and volunteer. This institution always has been and always will be dear to my heart.
For those who have never been to PAMM Art of the Party, what can one expect?
MH: A good time! There will be great music and lots of dancing. We closed out the party last year dancing on top of the furniture. Even though we are surrounded by water, it’s not often that you get to dance on the water’s edge with a fantastic view of the bay. There will be interesting people and artistic “activations” throughout the event, tasty food and drinks, and a creative photo booth that will allow you to leave with a lovely memento from the party.
CP: You can expect Miami’s best and brightest coming out to support an institution that reflects our values as a community and a city. City leaders, philanthropists, artists, collectors, and art lovers rubbing shoulders in an exercise of civic pride and celebrating the role that the arts play in our city’s identity.
Photo: WorldRedEye.com
Why is it important to be involved in an event like this?
MH: These events are crucial for funding museum programming, which in turn benefits your community! Art of the Party alone contributes to the funding for arts programming for all Miami-Dade County school children. Institutions like PAMM enrich our communities and make Miami a better place to live.
CP: An event like this goes beyond partaking in a fancy evening and having a blast. Our attendance is a message to civic leaders that this institution is important to us and that we are willing “stand-up and be counted” in support of the arts, and in particular PAMM. The services that this institution provides to our community is unparalleled by any other and this evening is a chance not only to celebrate its accomplishments but to encourage the continued investment into these crucial education programs.
What are you looking forward to most for this year’s PAMM Art of the Party?
MH: DJ Gabby Mejia. She is flying in from Morocco to DJ the event and always has the best music. I am also looking forward to the photo booth, of course, and all the unique surprises in store.
CP: After moving back to Miami following a decade away, PAMM was an integral part of rebuilding my social circle in this city. I have made some of my best friends through involvement at this institution and am looking forward to being able to celebrate our common love of the arts, and how the arts brought us together, at this annual event.
Don’t miss out and get your tickets to PAMM Art of the Party now!