Adam and Eve: The Origin Story of Creativo

Five years ago, a group of friends gathered in a backyard in Miami. It was no ordinary backyard—our host had cultivated a lush haven of trees and butterflies, a reflection of his love for nature. At the time, I was working with a family office investing, but on the side I was friends with several emerging artists. While I was not a creative I loved connecting my friends with collectors and family offices in hopes of facilitating their careers. One thing I noticed during Art Basel was the stark separation between the worlds of finance and art. Family office events often felt stagnant, while the artists’ gatherings were vibrant and full of life.

That December in 2019, inspired by these contrasts, our group decided to bridge the gap. We hosted an event in that unforgettable backyard, choosing the theme of Adam and Eve to symbolize creativity, connection, and boldness. Our mission was clear: to unite the artist community with the world of finance.

The first step was finding artists. I was introduced to Elsa Marie Keefe, and our meeting in a New York hotel lobby is one I’ll never forget. She unfolded her portfolio, filled with striking nude works. Sensing my initial surprise, she challenged me with a simple yet profound perspective: Adam and Eve is about thinking outside the box. The only way we can truly respect women is by respecting the human body. Her conviction won me over, and Elsa became instrumental in shaping the event. She went on to recruit a talented group of Miami-based artists to join the show.

Next, I needed an artist to create a signature image for the event. I reached out to Filipina artist Meghan Dino, sharing the concept of Adam and Eve. After several iterations, she delivered the now-iconic apple entwined with a lizard—a bold, evocative visual that captured the spirit of our theme.

With a modest $5,000 budget and a tight timeline, we turned to the artists themselves to help spread the word. Meghan’s artwork became the face of our grassroots campaign, and it resonated deeply. Within a week, we had over 2,000 RSVPs. Musicians, performers, and creatives from all disciplines joined forces to bring the vision to life, transforming the event into an unforgettable celebration of art, music, and community.

The event took place nearly five years ago to the day, on December 7, 2019. None of us knew exactly what to expect, but I’ll never forget how it all came together. The grassroots energy was palpable— everyone arrived dressed to impress, excitement buzzing in the air. Throughout the night, people danced as performances unfolded seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration.

Then, there was a moment that truly captured the essence of the event. Elsa, accompanied by a nudist colony, emerged unexpectedly, dancing through the pool and around the venue. It was a powerful, unfiltered expression of art, inviting everyone to embrace and admire the human form with innocence and reverence.

Much like Adam and Eve before the forbidden apple, the moment was pure, untouched by judgment. It was simply a collective celebration of creativity and connection.

I often find myself reminiscing about that first event, especially because Miami felt so fresh and new at the time. It was the perfect place to ignite what would become Creativo. While I now spend much of my time investing, that night—and the years since—taught me something invaluable: we are all creatives, and it’s essential to express that creativity in ways that feel true to us.

On December 6, 2024, we hope to recreate the magic of that first unforgettable night. Come ready to embrace boldness, express your creativity, and push the limits. Dress as daringly or imaginatively as you like, and let’s honor the spirit of Adam and Eve together. Let’s make this milestone celebration one for the ages.