Being a true collector involves a lot more than just buying art. Sometimes, it requires advocating for artists inside bureaucratic institutions, match-making between creators and museums, and even selling yourself to a protective art dealer in order to convince them you will be a fitting custodian of a great work. Our 2026 young collectors share a commitment to going above and beyond for the chance to live with art they love.
Age: 40
Based In: Miami
The former Salesforce employee has built a dynamic collection of emerging art with her husband, software investor Chip Virnig. In between gallery visits and philanthropic work supporting Miami youth, she is also studying to be a sommelier.
Every collector has made a rookie mistake or two. What was your most memorable?
Purchasing art without consulting my partner first. When I fall in love with something, it’s tough not to pull the trigger, for fear of someone else scooping up the piece. My approach of begging for forgiveness rather than asking for permission didn’t go over that well with my husband. He’s now more involved—viewing art together has become a bonding activity.
Who do you credit with teaching you how to navigate the art world?
My art consultant, Pilar Vahey, and my good friend Kat Herriman. I met Kat when she was working at Nina Johnson gallery in Miami. Kat has an incredible eye and understands things I’m drawn to, but more importantly, is able to gently open up my eyes and heart to emerging artists and unfamiliar mediums and methods. Pilar was introduced to me by a New York friend, and I am so grateful for her wealth of knowledge, patience, and resilience. She truly knows all, and I always get excited to work with her.
Tell us about the journey to a particularly hard-won acquisition.
We tend to collect emerging artists, so I wouldn’t say anything was hard-won, though there have been times when the stars have aligned. I fell in love with a piece at Basel a few years back, but I was third on the waitlist for it—basically a lost cause. To my surprise, my name was called. It was meant to be.
What area of collecting are you excited to dig deeper into?
Sculpture, specifically pieces for our garden. We recently built a home in Miami Beach; the backyard is our next project to tackle. We love to entertain, and when the weather is nice we take the party outside. How fun it will be to create conversation spaces centered around art outdoors!
Name three artists you are particularly excited about right now.
The first is Katie Stout. I’ve been watching her work for a while. I’d love to find a way to incorporate one of her benches outdoors on our property.
Next would be Ruby Sky Stiler. We have one piece in the entry of our home and it’s our favorite piece in the house. I feel pulled in yet calm and welcomed when viewing her work. I am excited to see what she’s going to do next.
Finally, Firelei Báez—a Dominican artist Pilar introduced me to based on my love for color, light, and movement in paintings. Her sculpture practice is equally as powerful and interesting. Her show at Hauser & Wirth’s 22nd Street gallery in New York (on view through July 31) is more feminine and delicate than her previous works. I love to see how an artist’s style evolves with each new collection.
If you could sit down for lunch with one artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Marc Chagall. He was the one who initially piqued my interest in art as a child. I admire how he was able to create such beautiful, ethereal scenes of peace, love, and joy in such a difficult and fearful time in history.
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