Art Alive 2025

A successful museum event always hinges on its ability to strike a fine balance between reverence for art and culture, and the electric vibrancy that makes an event experience unforgettable. Art Alive continues to be the event that pushes me to get this balance just right, especially this year where we leaned into the powerful intersection of art and architecture inspired by the visionary work of architect Lord Norman Foster. With an incredible team of returning partners and vendors, and new batch of artists and collaborators, Art Alive 2025 once again became a celebration of artistic creativity. There’s no way to capture everything in one post, but I’ve included some of my favorite highlights from this year’s key events below.

Premiere Dinner Look: Leni Gown by Solace London; earrings by Simon Miller; hair by Twirly Sheers
Bloom Bash Look: Jumpsuit is Vintage 70s, Shoes Devin by Attico, hair by Ann Degischer
All Photos: Bauman Photographers

Premiere Dinner – April 24, 2025

The Premiere Dinner always sets the tone for the Art Alive weekend, and this year’s was a literal dream once again. Held in one of the Museum’s upstairs vaulted galleries, the design, brought to life by PEP Creative, featured a custom-built metal over table installation with embedded lights inspired by Foster + Partners’ signature elegance, alongside a full wall projection featuring details from the firm’s projects around the world. The hanging floral installations by Green Fresh Florals hovered like levitating structures, while their centerpieces brought some much needed softness and whimsy into the hard edged space. For the meal itself, Coast Catering married classic fare with high-quality ingredients and incorporated sculptural elements and high contrast colors… while never skipping on immense flavor! The whole room felt like an architectural rendering brought to life.

Before and after this sit down meal, we reveled in the ambience of captivating 40 foot rotating floral installation by returning return designer team Natasha Lisitsa Daniel Schultz of Waterlily Pond. Magic was all around!

My amazing Premiere Dinner vendor team:
Production, Tables & Lighting: PEP Creative
Florals: Green Fresh Florals
Linens & Tabletop: Bright Event Rentals & BBJ La Tavola
Catering: Coast Catering
Lounge: Formdecor
Projection: Brilliant Event Lighting

BLOOM BASH – April 25, 2025

The 10th edition of everyone’s favorite party for the arts Bloom Bash, was another unforgettable celebration marking a decade of philanthropy and FUN! The evening had the theme of Metamorphosis, highlighting the change this event has gone through in its 10 years, but also looking forward toward the upcoming change to the Museum itself.

Guests were treated to delicious bites from over 35 top San Diego eateries, delectable signature cocktails, land Entertainment was equally dazzling music and entertainment such as DJ Gabe Vega, live saxophone performances by Erisa Nicole, and fancy footwork by the Flashpoint Skate Team. Highlighting the night’s artistic vision were captivating light installations by Christopher Schardt and Ramon Franco Arambula, and a stunning mural by local Chicano artist German Corrales. A whimsical touch was once again provided by a Ferris wheel on the plaza offering panoramic views of the vibrant atmosphere. Bloom Bash 2025 was a true testament to the creativity, energy, and community that have defined this beloved event for a decade.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making Art Alive 2025 a success. Your dedication, passion, and creativity brought this event to life in ways that will be remembered for years to come…especially by me! From the artists and florists to the volunteers and sponsors, we are deeply grateful for your tireless efforts in creating such a vibrant, inspiring experience for all who attended.