“It’s a Woman’s World” Annual Gala
The Coral Gables Museum celebrated the remarkable contributions of six notable women in arts and leadership.
The Coral Gables Museum’s annual gala, “It’s a Woman’s World: Honoring Women in Arts and Leadership,” celebrated the remarkable contributions of six notable women in arts and leadership. The evening was a vibrant tribute to their achievements and impact on the community. The event, elegantly MC’ed by Board Member June Morris and Board Chair Jose Valdes-Fauli, recognized the achievements of a constellation of trailblazers in the city’s history, from Althea Merrick and Marion Manley to recently deceased Arva Moore Parks, Marian Fewell and Jeannett Slesnick, major figures in Coral Gables Miuseum’s history.
Honorees Receiving the Civic Arts Award
Lynn Bauer
Philanthropist and financier known for her transformative work from Coral Gables to rural India, and her proactive community engagement.
Leona Cooper-Baker
Historian, educator, and civic activist, dedicated to preserving the untold stories of pioneering black women settlers in South Florida and advocating for the Historic McFarlane District.
Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk
Founder of the New Urbanism Movement and a transformative figure in architecture and urban design, known for her work with the Miami firm Arquitectonica and her educational role at the University of Miami’s School of Architecture.
Agueda Solarana
Patron of the musical arts and supporter of the Coral Gables Museum, recognized for her commitment to promoting young professionals in Opera.
Celia Sredni De Birbragher
Editor, publisher, and pioneer of the ArtNexus Foundation, celebrated for her dedication to Latin American Art.
Bernice Steinbaum
Groundbreaking gallerist and curator who has championed under-represented artists and made significant contributions to the global art community.
Four City Commissioners, including Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, were in attendance, as well as Kirk Menendez and Melissa Castro. Former mayors Don Slesnick, Raul Valdes-Fauli, and Dorothy Thomson were also present.
Sponsored by Doctors Hospital, Constellation Group, University of Miami – School of Architecture, MG Developer, Bucelo Law Group, The Allen Morris Company, RJ Heisenbottle Architects, Bauer Financial, Sarah Steinbaum PA, Sanctuary of the Arts (Mike Eidson), with additional support from One Sotheby’s (Mayi de la Vega), the event also featured delightful French cuisine accompanied by live music from The French Horn Collective, adding to the gala’s enchanting atmosphere. Fashion designer Mayda Cisneros presented a collection of dresses and Stella Sarmiento unveiled a new pendant specially designed for the Gala, Love in Blue, which she donated for the Silent Auction at the Community Meeting Room.
About The Coral Gables Museum
The Coral Gables Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the civic arts of architecture, urban design and public art, while celebrating the cultural history of Coral Gables and South Florida. Donations are tax-deductible. The museum’s collection includes over 1,000 objects, including original artworks, historical artifacts, and documents. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and events for all ages.
