At events all over town, you might find Alexi Elias manning a table, speed-illustrating guests in their fashionable attire for a party favor that leaves an impression.
Elias grew up with a tattooing stepfather in a neighborhood of graffiti artists, introducing her to urban art and an environment that fostered artistic creativity. While she has been painting for two decades, it was her fashion illustrations on Etsy that brought her into the world of live art. Two years ago, a bride found her profile and asked her to sketch her guests. Now Elias attends roughly two events a week, from weddings to brand collaborations that include Chanel, DoorDash, Burberry, and Omni Hotels.
She emphasizes, though, that she is not a sketch artist; she’s an illustrator. That’s because she has created a system where an assistant goes around the room to take photos of couples and send them to Elias, who then works on illustrations from outlines of her most popular designs. This allows her to complete a couple in six minutes, or for a smaller crowd, she can take her time and work for 12 minutes. Guests can enjoy the party while she works off a photo reference.
And in a world of texting photo booth images, guests enjoy receiving something in their hands directly from the artist herself.
“People love what I do, and they love my style, and they’re always so happy to receive something,” Elias says. “I have people tell me every time I go, ‘Oh my god, I’m buying a frame for this.’”
lexiesillustrations.com; @lexiesillustrations
Painted Ladies
Alexi Elias illustrates three women embedded in Boca’s philanthropic scene
Robin Deyo
DATEBOOK: As board chair (and former community dancer) for the George Snow Scholarship Fund, I am very active in our Boca’s Ballroom Battle committee. In the past, I have served on Boca Helping Hands, Junior League’s Woman Volunteer of the Year, Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Go Pink, Boca Raton Historical Society’s Boca Bacchanal, YMCA 50th Anniversary Gala, and many other fundraising committees.
CLOSE TO THE HEART: I am serving my third year as board chair for the George Snow Scholarship Fund, and we awarded $7.5 million to 450+ scholars this summer! The Junior League of Boca Raton’s Woman Volunteer of the Year event is such a lovely and wonderful way for the community to come together to honor women from over 30 nonprofits and their amazing volunteer efforts. As a breast cancer survivor, it has been an honor to serve on the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Go Pink committee for the last three years.
ADVICE: Don’t be afraid to ask. Most people genuinely want to help when they feel connected to a cause and understand the impact of their support. Passion and authenticity are contagious. The worst someone can say is no … but if you never ask, you never create the opportunity to advance your mission.
LeAnn Berman
DATEBOOK: The Boca Raton Historical Society’s Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys event in September is always a favorite and a great way to celebrate our community’s history and culture. I also love attending Wine, Women & Shoes in March, benefiting Big Dog Ranch Rescue—it’s such a fun and meaningful event. Most of all, I look forward to Boca Bacchanal, benefiting the Boca Raton Historical Society.
CLOSE TO THE HEART: The Boca Raton Historical Society is one of them—I served on its Board of Trustees for six years, including one year on the Executive Board, and remain passionate about its mission. I also love supporting Big Dog Ranch Rescue. I recently served on a committee for one of their events and adopted a puppy through their organization. Another favorite is 4KIDS, whose work supporting children in foster care has a lasting impact on so many young lives.
ADVICE: Always stay true to the nonprofit’s mission and let that guide every decision you make. Stay true to your heart, trust your instincts, and remember why you became involved in the first place. Most importantly, have fun! Your passion and enthusiasm will inspire others and help create an event that is both meaningful and memorable.
Kelly Fleming
DATEBOOK: I am especially looking forward to supporting the three-day sprint of Nov. 5, 6, and 7 that will kick off “season.” The events—Woman Volunteer of the Year, Place of Hope Bash, and George Snow’s Ballroom Battle—are all especially meaningful to me.
CLOSE TO THE HEART: I would be hard-pressed to name them all, but Place of Hope, City House, Best Foot Forward, the YMCA, Boca Helping Hands, Boca Raton Historical Society, George Snow Scholarship Fund, Impact 100, Junior League of Boca Raton, Sweet Dream Makers…honestly, there are so many, I could go on and on!
ADVICE: Remember to always point back to the impact the organization makes. When the mission is clear and present, volunteers feel more purposeful, guests feel more connected, and the event becomes more than a beautiful gathering.
This story is from the September/October 2026 issue of Boca magazine. For more like this, click here to subscribe to the magazine.
