Sheldon and Myrna Palley
Philanthropists Myrna and Sheldon Palley generously invested in the arts as part of their commitment to elevate our community, including the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet (now Amour Dance Theater), The Education Fund, Miami Book Fair and the University of Miami, among others. Myrna received many awards including Bank of America’s “Cultural Award”; “2008 Shining Star Award” by the Arts & Business Council; “Champion of Public Education Award” by the Education Fund; and the “Lalique Award Builder of Arts” by the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. With daughter Lisa Palley, Myrna was honored as a “Woman of Distinction and Caring” by Plaza Health Network, and Sheldon was honored as a “Twelve Good Man” by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Palleys donated 300
pieces of their internationally recognized collection to UM’s Lowe Art Museum, housed in The Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Arts. They served on the Friends of Theater Board of the UM Jerry Herman Ring Theater - Sheldon serving as President/Treasurer and Myrna as Membership Chair, supporting musical theatre students. For the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, they selected and underwrote the glass and jewelry awards and served as committee members for the first “Chihuly at Fairchild” installation, hosting a private dinner in honor of Dale Chihuly. Founding members of YoungArts and the New World School of the Arts, they served on the board of Miami Film Festival, where Sheldon served as Chair. With leadership by their children, The Palleys continue to support the arts, the Myrna Palley Collaborator Award project, the Sheldon Palley art glass residency, “Order Up: The Pop Art Work by John Miller” installation at the Lowe, and Spring 2025 ArtLab @ The Lowe program. The Palley Family underwrites student art awards - Myrna Palley Awards for Excellence - and the annual Beaux Arts Festival glass award. The Palley Family donated John Henry’s 50’ sculpture, Lady, to the University of Miami, displayed across the street from the Lowe. Myrna and Sheldon raised 3 children - Lisa Palley, Donna Kass and Kevin Palley – and grandchildren Jordan, Alyssa and Brenna Kass and Nathan and Amanda Palley. For more than five decades, Myrna and Sheldon Palley helped shape Miami’s cultural community through their tireless commitment and outstanding involvement in the arts.