The Wolfsonian Visionaries Host 3rd Annual Art of Illumnation at Historic Moore Building

Proceeds Benefited The Wolfsonian–Florida International University

The Wolfsonian Visionaries hosted their third annual fundraising event, The Art of Illumination, benefiting The Wolfsonian–Florida International University. The event focused on the power and beauty of light with LED light installations from local artists and designers featured throughout the venue, and was held at the historic Moore Building in the heart of Miami’s famed design district.

The evening’s theme of illumination was inspired by the Arts of Illumination: Illuminating the Arts, an exterior facade project funded in part through a Knight Arts Challenge grant with support also provided by the Jerome A. Yavitz Charitable Foundation, Isabel and Marvin Leibowitz, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Visionaries challenged a small group of Miami-based artists, designers, and creatives to rethink the influence and everyday use of light with LED installations to be auctioned off at the event. Participants were invited to design an object using Lighting Dynamics LED strip lighting in a way that promotes ambiance, beauty, and innovation.

All proceeds from the silent auction benefited The Wolfsonian. Participating designers included: AECOM, Matthew Anders, Architectonica Interiors, Johanna Boccardo, Rene Gonzalez Architect, rGLOBE, Alexis Cogul Lleonart, Lopez / Jaimes, NC-Office, and Chad Oppenheim. The Lighting Design Challenge was conducted in conjunction with, and with support from, FIU’s School of Architecture.

In addition to the installations and auction, other highlights included dance performances inspired by art, architecture, and the idea of illumination by Dance NOW! Miami throughout the evening. A pop-up museum shop was featured – items for sale included novelty items created specifically for the event and will benefit the Visionaries. The design and construction of the pop-up shop is being donated by Bloom Interior Architecture.

Sponsors of The Art of Illumination included: DACRA, Petit Pois, Audubon House &Tropical Gardens, Bloom, FIU Architecture, Lemon Yellow, Lighting Dynamics Incorporated, Bianca at Delano, festabank, Le Basque, Meat Market, milani Gelateria, Pepe Nero, sweet & tipsy cupcakes, Bacardi, Mandarine Napoleon, Société Perrier, Chat Chow TV, MIAMI magazine, SocialMiami.com, VENÜ magazine, Baggu, Bubble, Mike and Dr. Margaret Eidson, Elemis Spa, Michael E. Katz Design Consultant, Lluria Fine Art Services, LLC, and NIBA Home.

The Wolfsonian Visionaries are dedicated to supporting The Wolfsonian by inspiring and engaging its members and the community to appreciate the role design plays in shaping society. The Visionaries are comprised of young professionals from Miami’s arts and business communities who are committed to promoting The Wolfsonian through innovative events and design-related programming. The Art of Illumination host committee included Susanne Birbragher, Rene Gonzalez, Iran Issa-Khan, Jaime Odabashian (Visionaries Co-Chair), Douglas Scott (Visionaries Co-Chair), Olga Granda-Scott (Event Chair), Michelle Areces, Nisi Berryman, Viviane de Kuyper-Verduyn, Joshua Dunkelman, Eunique Fowler, Michele Hanash, Sandra Montenegro, Erika Morales, Aimet Oberhausen, Quetsy & Aaron Puckett, Lucia Schito, and Jesse Stolow.