Windstar Cruises has partnered with Fountainhead Arts, a Miami-based arts organization dedicated to promoting and supporting artists, to commission local artists to paint murals on each of the three Star Plus class yachts, as well as on Windstar's new Miami office, which will open in June 2022.
Fountainhead will help Windstar select local artists who will come aboard the ships and paint murals over the next 15 months. The murals will adorn the large wall on the upper deck aft of the Star Grill.
Fountainhead was founded in 2008 by art collectors and enthusiasts Kathryn and Dan Mikesell. Fountainhead's goal is to empower artists by establishing connections that lead to the growth of their work and careers.
“The murals, painted by local artists, will enliven the upper decks of our Star Plus Class yachts and be a great conversation starter for our guests, but this project is also about connecting with Miami’s art community at Windstar’s new corporate home,” says Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “The entire team is excited to meet the artists from the Fountainhead art ecosystem and see the original artworks come to life onboard and in our office.”.
While the artists are on board the ships installing the murals, guests can watch them at work and attend a “reveal” event. After the event, the artists will host a dinner for guests selected by Windstar. The artists will also conduct two seminars: one for guests and one for the crew, explaining the concept, design, meaning, and installation process.
“In our 13-year history, Fountainhead has become a pioneering force in the arts and culture, developing innovative artist and community engagement programs and cultivating key relationships with leading arts institutions in South Florida and beyond,” says Kathryn Mikesell. “We are thrilled to take that relationship to the sea by partnering with Windstar – and further connect them to their new home in the Miami community through the arts.”.
As part of the agreement, the murals will be replaced once on each of the three yachts, the first in 2024, another in 2025 and the last in 2026.
