From Hospitality to Full Time Art: The Path of Facundo Yebne

Most artists do not start as artists full time. Facundo Yebne, the artist behind FLY Miami Art, did not either. The path from a hospitality career in Miami Beach to a full time studio practice with a Florence Biennale prize ran across nearly two decades. This is the short version.

Buenos Aires to Miami

Facundo grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, surrounded by a culture that treats art and design as part of daily life. He moved to Miami in his twenties and built a life across restaurants, hospitality, and small business operations.

The years where art was the side

For roughly fifteen years, art was the obsession that filled the hours between shifts. Sculpting, color tests, sketches, and small editions accumulated in the apartment and then in a small workspace. The rubber duck became the recurring character almost by accident, then on purpose.

The 2024 decision

In 2024, Facundo made the call to leave hospitality and step into the studio full time. The decision was less dramatic than it sounds. By that point, the art was already producing the leads. Stepping out simply made it possible to follow the leads to the end.

The first year as a full time artist

The first year built FLY Miami Art into a working studio. UnityBeak landed permanently on Lincoln Road. Proud Love followed. Originals began moving to private collections in Miami, New York, and Europe.

2025: Florence and Art Basel

The second year stacked recognition. The Florence Biennale XV awarded Resilience the Fourth Prize in Installation Art. Three months later, FLY Miami Art presented at Art Basel Miami Beach 2025. The same hand that built the public pieces on Lincoln Road carried that work to Italy and back.

Why this story matters for collectors

Buyers of original art collect people, not products. Facundo's path shows up in the work. The discipline of hospitality is in the studio operations. The patience of fifteen years of side practice is in the surface of every piece. The international recognition is in the catalog page.

What is next

The studio remains based at 5445 Collins Ave in Miami Beach. New public installation work, gallery presentations, and originals are in production. Visitors are welcome by appointment.

Peace. Love. Joy. Unity.