Windstar Cruises Partners with Miami Arts Organization Fountainhead Arts for Shipboard Murals
Original artwork to adorn three Star Plus Class yachts, plus new Miami office
MIAMI, FL, April 28, 2022 – Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has partnered with Fountainhead Arts, a Miami based arts organization dedicated to elevating and supporting artists, to commission local artists to paint murals on each of the three Star Plus Class yachts, as well as in Windstar’s new Miami office opening June 2022.
Fountainhead will assist Windstar in selecting local artists to board the ships and paint murals over the course of the next 15 months. The murals will adorn the large top deck wall aft of the Star Grill.
Fountainhead was founded in 2008 by collectors and passionate art appreciators Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, who believe connecting people intimately with artists impacts how we move through this world. Fountainhead’s goal is to empower artists by making connections that lead to growth in their work and careers.
"These murals, all painted by local artists, will enliven the top decks of our Star Plus Class yachts and be a great conversation piece for our guests, but this project is also about connecting to the Miami arts community in Windstar’s new corporate home," says Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “The entire team is excited to meet the artists in Fountainhead’s artistic ecosystem and see the original artwork come to life on board and in our office.”
While the artists are aboard the ships to install the murals, guests can observe the artists at work and attend a “reveal” event. After the event, artists will host a table for dinner with guests selected by Windstar. Artists will also conduct two evening seminars: one for guests and one for crew, explaining the conception, design, meaning, and installation process.
“In our 13-year history, Fountainhead has become a pioneering force in the arts and culture landscape, developing innovative artist and community engagement programs, and cultivating key relationships with leading art institutions in South Florida and beyond,” says Kathryn Mikesell. “We’re thrilled to bring that relationship to sea by partnering with Windstar – and further connect them to their new home in the Miami community via the arts.”
As part of the agreement, murals will be replaced once on each of the three yachts, with the first in 2024, another in 2025, and the final yacht in 2026.
For more information on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
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Contacts:
Sarah Scoltock, Director of Public Relations, Windstar Cruises / sarah.scoltock@windstarcruises.com
Sally Spaulding, Account Director, Percepture / sspaulding@percepture.com
About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts carrying 148-342 guests. Small ship cruises sail throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Asia, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada and New England, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Mexico and U.S. Coastal and Australia. Windstar launched the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to transform the three all-suite Star Plus Class yachts with new suites, restaurants, and a world-class spa and fitness center. The award-winning line is known for immersive experiences, destination authenticity, port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program. Windstar Cruises is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, a group of global hospitality and travel companies, one of which traces its history back over a hundred years of operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. Xanterra Travel Collection is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.
About Fountainhead Arts
Based in Miami, Fountainhead’s mission is to elevate the voices, visibility and value of artists in our society and make their work accessible to a global community. Offering a year-round residency program, flexible and affordable artists’ studios, and the Miami Dade County-wide open studios event Artists Open, Fountainhead empowers artists to build thriving careers while cultivating and nurturing a community that supports them and their work. Harnessing the power in our diversity, Fountainhead is building a global family of artists and appreciators, one personal connection at a time. Learn more at www.fountainheadarts.org.
