On April 6, 2025, the Palley family gathered at the University of Miami to honor a legacy of generosity and support that had been nurtured over decades. Myrna Palley, a Miami-based philanthropist, often proclaimed, “We are investing for a better tomorrow.” Alongside her husband, Sheldon, with whom she shared nearly 64 years of marriage, she dedicated their lives to uplifting the arts and supporting artists—from dancers to visual creators, actors to musicians. “Money should be spread around. You can’t take it with you,” she would often say, reflecting the couple’s deep commitment to their community.
For more than 50 years, Myrna and Sheldon had played pivotal roles in shaping Miami’s cultural landscape. They made it a point to attend the city’s annual art festivals, fervently supporting local talent. As founding members and benefactors of numerous organizations, including the New World School of the Arts, The Education Fund, the Miami Film Festival, and the University of Miami, they spent their time and resources raising funds and awareness for the arts.
Their passion extended into their personal collection of studio art glass, which they had cultivated since the 1970s. In 2007, they made a significant contribution to the Lowe Art Museum, donating 300 pieces of their internationally recognized collection, which was eventually housed in The Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Arts. Additionally, both played vital roles at the Jerry Herman Theatre, where Sheldon served as President and Treasurer, while Myrna took on the role of Membership Chair. Together, they worked tirelessly to support musical theatre students, sharing productions with friends, providing scholarships, and facilitating fundraising efforts.
Myrna’s roots in Miami were deep; she graduated from Miami High and went on to earn her degree in art from the University of Miami, where she also worked as an art teacher at Horace Mann Middle School. It was through a friend that she met Sheldon, who completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business and earned a JD from UM. Their partnership was marked by a shared vision of community involvement and cultural enrichment.
Tragically, Myrna passed away in June 2020, followed by Sheldon in January 2024. However, their legacy lived on through their children—Lisa Palley, Donna Kass, and Kevin Palley—who continued to support Miami’s vibrant arts scene. The Palley siblings sponsored various projects, including the Myrna Palley Collaborator Award, the forthcoming Sheldon Palley art glass residency at the University of Miami, and various initiatives at the Lowe Art Museum.
Their commitment to the arts remained steadfast as they helped fund scholarships, student awards, and powerful installations, such as “Order Up: The Pop Art Work by John Miller” and “S. Car Go” by The Haas Brothers. They also sponsored the esteemed Miami Book Fair and began donating works from their parents’ personal collection to Miami-Dade County’s Art and Public Places and the local public library.
On that significant day in April 2025, the Palley family culminated their efforts by donating a 50-foot sculpture titled “Lady,” created by the renowned public artist John Henry, to the University of Miami. This magnificent piece was installed at the entrance of the university, across from the Lowe Art Museum, serving as a lasting symbol of the Palley family’s dedication to the arts.
“Myrna and Sheldon Palley thought it important to share, and share they did: of themselves, their time, and their blessings. Lady embodies all that and more,” shared their daughter Lisa during the unveiling. “She enhances the University’s physical space, amplifying emotions with her presence, welcoming all to broaden their experiences on campus. Lady has come home.”
Through their tireless efforts, Myrna and Sheldon had transformed the cultural fabric of Miami, and their children, inspired by their parents’ legacy, continued that important work, paving the way for even greater contributions to the vibrant arts scene they cherished.
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