Photography by Cameron Kincheloe for Boston Art Review at the Boston Art Review Issue 14 launch party
Redefining Boston’s Creative Spaces:
Inside the BAR14 Launch Party with Kadeema Rentals & Dive Bar Caviar
On May 3, 2025, a long-vacant Uniqlo storefront in Boston’s Quincy Market was reimagined as the city’s most dynamic cultural space. The Boston Art Review Issue 14 launch party welcomed over 500 guests and featured immersive installations, DJ sets, and bold editorial design. The space was completely transformed—reclaimed with vision and creativity.
In this creative reawakening, we had the honor of co-leading the transformation. We brought our signature lounge vignettes, sculptural furniture, and editorial styling to life. This was done in collaboration with Dive Bar Caviar Events & PR, produced by the visionary Sheldon Gray (a.k.a. Dash the Bear).
“When I was hired by Executive Director Jameson Johnson to produce the Boston Art Review Annual Party, the first team that came to mind was Kadeema. I knew you’d help us transform a non-traditional space into a work of art—and alongside the amazing Simplistic Charm team, we did.”
— Sheldon Gray, Founder, Dive Bar Caviar
As proud collaborators, we designed the lounge environments and brought in statement rentals that shaped the night’s editorial energy. Every piece was thoughtfully chosen and seamlessly integrated into the event narrative.
Kadeema’s Role in the Boston Art Review Issue 14 Launch Party
Our design vision focused on storytelling through space. We selected each piece to enhance the flow, spark connection, and encourage artistic interaction. Standouts included the plush, curved Atlas Sofa, moody Carrie Daybed, and iconic BW Stripe Table. Together, these pieces helped define the vibe.
Photography by Cameron Kincheloe for Boston Art Review
“Everyone was raving about the furniture design! Multiple people told me they wish you could design their house!”
— Jameson Johnson, Founder & Executive Director, Boston Art Review
“These events would not be possible without the incredible partners who have joined up alongside us to make cool stuff happen in Boston—thank you for sharing our vision and for all that you do to support Boston’s creative community!”
— Jameson Johnson
“It’s so hard to pick a favorite because everything is fire—but I’m especially obsessed with how the Atlas Sofa, Carrie Daybed, and BW Stripe Table looked all together… total HEAVEN.”
— Sheldon Gray
Ultimately, our rentals didn’t just support the event—they shaped how guests moved, mingled, and made connections.
A Team Effort, A Bond Built
From the very beginning, this was more than an event. It was a partnership rooted in mutual vision and respect. Sheldon reflects on our early collaboration:
“I first met Kristen at a networking event about three years ago, and all I remember is how she absolutely glowed. That warmth extended to the whole team—it was clear that Kadeema doesn’t just provide rentals; they live and breathe creative energy.”
— Sheldon Gray
Our creative rhythm began with “Night Cap” at City Hall Plaza. Since then, our projects have celebrated art, inclusivity, and design that dares to push boundaries.
Photography by Cameron Kincheloe for Boston Art Review
By the time BAR14 arrived, our synergy had evolved into something seamless—captured perfectly in this photo of Luke McCarthy and Stephen Rosenberg of Sound Logic Boston, Sheldon Gray of Dive Bar Caviar, and Kristen Bender-Daaboul, Founder of Kadeema Rentals. That image reflects more than a team—it shows alignment in vision, vibe, and voice.
“Working with Kadeema is always a magical experience. The radiance the team brings to every collaboration is energizing—it inspires people to create, to flow, and to bring their best.”
— Sheldon Gray
Shoutout to the Real MVPs: Our Warehouse Team
Events of this scale demand logistics as intentional as the design. Both Sheldon and Jameson made sure to spotlight what’s often unseen:
“From a business perspective, I have to shout out your phenomenal warehouse and loading team. They brought so much care, patience, and professionalism to what was a major lift—and for that, I am truly grateful.”
— Sheldon Gray
“Working with your A+ team to turn Quincy Market into a one-night-only party destination would not have been possible without you.”
— Jameson Johnson
Spotlight: Dive Bar Caviar
Sheldon Gray, founder of Dive Bar Caviar
The heart of BAR14’s flow and creativity, Sheldon Gray leads an agency that specializes in purpose-driven events blending storytelling with style.
Originally co-founded with the late Olivia Renée, Dive Bar Caviar embodies a spirit they called “eloquently edgy.”
Now, as the brand evolves, it’s co-led by his sister Barbie Beach (@BarbieBeach_) and preparing for its official launch in August, with upcoming projects in Martha’s Vineyard, New York, Miami, and beyond.
We’ve partnered with Sheldon across some of Boston’s most exciting creative events, where his leadership helped turn a vacant storefront into a living, breathing cultural statement.
“Working with Sheldon reminded us how powerful it is when thoughtful planning and intentional design meet.”
— The Kadeema Team
Sheldon’s ongoing work was recently recognized by Alexandra Paul Zotov, Public Art Registrar for the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, in Boston Art Review’s feature, Community Picks: Cultural Moments of 2024. In it, she reflects on working with Sheldon—and others—through initiatives like Un-monument, supported by the Mellon Foundation.
“I’ve had the immense privilege of working alongside Jamaal Eversley, Sheldon Gray, Walae Hayek, payal kumar, Emily Rose Navarro, and many, many other co-conspirators to support artists through the Un-monument initiative,” she writes. “In the year ahead, I look forward to growing more confident in our ability to collectively advocate for our creative community.” — Alexandra Paul Zotov
Sheldon isn’t just producing events—he’s helping shape the future of Boston’s creative community.
“Working with Sheldon is like breathing in fresh air for the creative process. His extra personality, thoughtful detail, and warm, collaborative energy bring love and lightness into every room. He trusts our design instincts, and that kind of mutual respect fuels the flow. Sheldon isn’t just producing events—he’s shaping Boston’s art and culture scene with purpose and soul. His vision feels expansive, and Kadeema is fully on board. Whatever he’s building—we’re there for it.”
— Kristen Bender-Daaboul, Founder, Kadeema Rentals
From Preview to Party: A Space Transformed
The night began with an intimate VIP Preview. Artists and collaborators were invited to experience the space at a slower, more intentional pace. It felt personal and calm—mirroring Boston Art Review’s commitment to community-first curation and our belief that beauty lives in details.
Photography by Cameron Kincheloe for Boston Art Review
We laid the foundation, curating clear acrylic pedestals, sculptural accents, and layered textures that kept the space open and dynamic. The transformation came alive with a plant-powered soundscape by Skooby Laposky, live biodata-generated audio, greenery from The Centerpiece Flower Shop, and sound engineering by Sound Logic Boston.
“Sound Logic didn’t just bring the audio—they brought atmosphere. Their work added a heartbeat to the design, creating an energy you could feel the moment you walked in.”
— Kristen Bender-Daaboul, Founder, Kadeema Rentals
Later that evening, the party was in full swing. Over 500 guests gathered in a space transformed by design, sound, and light. Our rentals helped define interactive zones, anchor lounges, and carve out moments of calm amidst the creative energy.
Photography by Cameron Kincheloe for Boston Art Review
The magic was complete with Simplistic Charm’s stunning drapery work. It added texture, depth, and softness to the raw space—creating a striking, immersive backdrop for the night’s flow.
“Their draping didn’t just complete the look—it gave it breath. Simplistic Charm’s work brought dimension and elegance that made every vignette feel intentional.”
— Kristen Bender-Daaboul, Founder, Kadeema Rentals
With DJ sets, curated cocktails, and interactive art experiences unfolding across every corner, the event became a dynamic showcase of editorial design in motion.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our past event work from Boston Calling → and see how we brought this same design-forward approach to a large-scale concert venue.
Kadeema Celebrates the Boston Art Review Issue 14 Launch Party
As a rare treat, Kristen Bender-Daaboul, along with our incredible team at Kadeema—Nancy Audy, our Experience Sales Queen and Concierge of all things logistics, and Katie Ntasios, our Creative Director of Marketing—had the chance to actually attend the launch party in person. It’s not often we step out from behind the scenes, and it’s even more rare that our husbands join us. But this night was different. It was extra—extra extra, just like Sheldon—and we soaked in every moment.
We were also joined by our friend Mia, the incredibly talented Boston-based branding photographer and owner of Stay Gold, along with her husband Rich. It was the perfect kind of night to connect with like-minded creatives, and a space where Mia’s own reach in Boston’s design and branding scene was truly ignited.
Between the live installation with Skooby Laposky, fresh beats, specialty cocktails by @velovodka and @drinktilden the atmosphere was electric. The passed bite from @altheacentralsq were incredible, and that unforgettable charcuterie display by @bouquetappetit was as stunning as it was delicious. The night was packed with inspiration, connection, and so much good energy.
Even better? We had a chance to celebrate being out in the city with some incredible creative professionals—hello to our friends at Champaign & Confetti Celebrations by Catalina (@celebrationsbycatalina)! Our conversations flowed from good music to future magic. We shared ideas for a Sip & See at the Kadeema warehouse. We also dreamed up collaborations for rental-forward celebrations still to come. We’re excited to keep dreaming—and designing—together.
Featured Vendors & Collaborators
Ultimately, this event was a labor of love by Boston’s most innovative creatives:
Event Production & Direction: @dbcEventsPR (Dive Bar Caviar, Sheldon Gray) | @DashTheBear
Venue: @faneuilhallmarketplace × @graffitosp | Photography: @cam.kinch
Design & Rentals: @kadeemarentals | @simplisticcharm
Sound & Lighting: @soundlogic_boston (@djrose_aye @terapija_02127) | @illuminus | @pirone_productions
Immersive Installation: @skoobert × @thecenterpieceflowershop
Beverages: @hosteventsinc | @velovodka | @unclenearest | @mvbartender | @drinktilden | @topochicousa | @jorgeordonezselections | @samadamsbostonbrewery
Culinary: @bouquetappetit | @altheacentralsq
DJs & Vibes: @design.by.alfredo | @shane.levi | @dee.diggs
Community Partners: @artsinboston | @art_works | @alchemystation.art | @misstropolis_og | @affordableartfairboston | @arch_cira
“Working with Jameson and the Boston Art Review team was inspiring. Her clarity of vision, trust in our design process, and commitment to building creative community made this project feel as immersive and creatively alive as the event itself.”
— Kristen Bender-Daaboul, Founder, Kadeema Rentals
Furniture as an Experience. Design as a Dialogue.
“To illustrate,” as we wrote in our ad featured in Issue 14:
“In the ever-evolving tapestry of Boston’s event landscape, Kadeema Rentals stands at the forefront—where raw spaces transform into immersive, design-forward experiences. Partnering with the city’s most visionary planners, we curate bespoke lounge seating, sculptural bar concepts, and architectural shelving. These transcend aesthetics and become essential to the narrative of a space.”
As we look ahead, 2025 marks an evolution in design. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our collections don’t just complement—they redefine. Furniture becomes an experience. Design becomes a dialogue. Space becomes an art form. We invite you to reimagine what was, and step into what’s evolutionary.
Ready to Collaborate?
Curious to see how it all came together? Then catch the full story:
Planning a cultural gathering or a brand launch? Take inspiration from the Boston Art Review Issue 14 launch party and see how Kadeema’s immersive rental design transforms every space into an experience.
