Faena Art Announces Its Fifth Annual Gala - Follow Your Rainbow - Introducing an Immersive Artistic Installation by Joel Mesler

International non-profit organization Faena Art is thrilled to announce its fifth annual Gala. Hosted by Alan and Grace Faena, the fundraiser will take place poolside at Faena Miami Beach (3201 Collins Avenue) on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm. 

Faena Art’s gala celebrates the arts by directly supporting its mission to break boundaries, commemorate innovation in artistic expression, and honor the creative spirit that propels our community of talented artists forward. Proceeds from the gathering go towards expanding and elevating the cultural footprint of Miami through the organization’s free and open-to-the-public programming. This includes amplifying emerging artists and curating experimental site-specific commissions at the Faena Art Project Room, which serves as a canvas for interdisciplinary artists to explore new facets of their practice while engaging with the local community. Donations also support the prestigious Faena Prize for the Arts, which is awarded biennially and recognizes artistic experimentation through the links between art, technology, and design.

By commissioning cross disciplinary artistic experiences, such as those being prepared for the gala, Faena Art emphasizes the cultivation of community and its support for artists locally and abroad. This year’s theme, Follow Your Rainbow, will inspire a radiant celebration of joy, color, and artistic expression highlighting the work of esteemed artist Joel Mesler. The spectacular gathering will display a site-specific installation from Mesler, who is known for his vibrant, text-based paintings that blend pop culture, personal nostalgia, and playful motifs. Often featuring bold phrases over lush, tropical backdrops, Mesler’s work will invite guests to join the artist in exploring themes of identity, self-reflection, and humor.

Through a rainbow archway, guests will be greeted and guided to Faena’s exclusive pool by colorful pathways that set the stage for an exhilarating and animated evening. In lieu of a traditional gala setting, the interactive immersion of the senses will begin with an elaborate culinary processional of delicacies from signature Chef Paul Qui. Drawing culinary inspiration from his Filipino roots coupled with Japanese, Spanish and French cooking styles, Qui will present a colossal whole tuna carved fresh among the crowd. To follow, guests can indulge in abundant towers of grilled meats and vegetables from world-renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, known for his open-fire, Asado-style cooking. The unforgettable procession will also blend music, fashion, and art with performers styled in rainbow-couture influenced by the joyful expression of Mesler's artwork. Under the starlit sky, attendees can anticipate a special live performance from Richie Hell, inviting guests to let the rhythm move them and to celebrate the transformative power of artistic expression.  

Guests are encouraged to wear a rainbow-inspired dress code for the evening. The gala will commence with Faena Art awarding its annual recipient for best dressed, keeping in mind this year’s theme. The winner will receive special recognition with a complimentary two-night stay at the luxurious Faena Penthouse. 

Donations and ticket purchases to support the arts can be made at https://e.givesmart.com/events/Ho4. Individual tickets and VIP package offerings are available. Funds raised will go directly to supporting the artistic community through Faena Art programming. All tickets are non-refundable.  

Faena Art shares special thanks to its gala partners - Hedley Studios, Perrier-Jouët, Shibui, Fever Tree, and Perrier - for their generous support. 

For more information, visit www.faenaart.org or follow Faena Art on social media for the latest happenings at @FaenaArt. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X #FaenaArt.

By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Faena Art