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NOVEMBER 2019
LUXURY MAGAZINE
RISING STAR
ANDREA CATSIMATIDIS $20.00 USD
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CONTENTS NOVMEBER 2019 FASHION
18 Kylie Reighann Miller 24 Jovana Louis 26 Classy Flirty 28 Sun In Leo 30 Street Fashion Couture 32 Garth Asham
COVER
36 Andrea (A.J.) Catsimatidis
TASTE
44 Premier Plate Art 50 T-Bar Steak & Lounge
PROFILE
52 First Long Island Investors, LLC 54 Robert Massimi 56 Eraldo and Daryn Unplugged 58 Actress Candice Bergen 60 Robyn Stevens 62 Victor Cruz
23 Hot Summer Cool Suits
CONTENTS 77
NOVMEBER 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
64 Les Paul 66 Spyro Gyra 67 Danielle de Picciotto 68 Berkshire Horseworks
JETSET
70 Streamsong Resort
ARTFORM
72 A Film in Short 74 Whitney Biennial 2019 80 Kathrina Miccio 84 Wolfgang Beltracchi 88 Frieze Artfair 92 RobertLazzarini 96 Howie Keck 100 Veronica Smirnoff
SOCIAL
104 SohoMuse 108 Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 110 Spotlight 112 Metropolitan Minute 114 Rock & Rawhide’s Adoptapalooza 116 New York Charity Scene 118 New York Design Scene 120 New York Social Scene
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
As New Yorkers and Americans we are so thankful to be able to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our November cover star Andrea (A.J.) Catsimatidis, is a proud patriot and Chair of the Republican Party in Manhattan who loves her country and New York City. The NYC media love A.J. too because she’s got” it” and she flaunts it. She’s been described as a blonde bombshell with a brain, who is committed to civic duty, America and New York. Besides that, she’s the type of daughter any dad would be proud of. A.J.’s dad, John, is a Greek immigrant who came to the United States with his parents as an infant in 1948. As a young man, John Catsimatidis grew up in West Harlem and attended NYU while moonlighting at a grocery store on 137th street. A business wizard from the start, John Catsimatidis came up with innovation after innovation to make that grocery store more successful and customer-friendly. He would end up buying that store and 10 others in the early ‘70s. He would call the chain Red Apple and the stores would eventually generate $25 million dollars a year. By 1981, Red Apple had 27 stores in the Bronx and Manhattan. In 1986, Red Apple purchased 36 Gristedes supermarkets. In 2015, the Red Apple Group was listed as one of “America’s largest private companies” with revenue of $3 billion and 8,000 employees. A fan of New York City Politics, John Catsimatidis made friends with all of New York’s political leaders. It was no surprise then, that in 2013, Catsimatidis would be encouraged to throw his hat in the ring, and provide a spirited-yet-unsuccessful campaign for the job of Mayor of New York City. Talk about becoming the embodiment of the American Dream! John Catsimatidis’ daughter Andrea (A.J.) is an apple that does not fall far from the tree. She is approachable, smart, hard-working and fearless. A.J. Catsimatidis knows who and what she is about. Business, Real Estate, investing in biotech companies that help people live longer and spending quality time with family and friends when she isn’t working. We are so honored to feature NYC’s rising star, Andrea (A.J.) Catsimatidis on our cover! Also, happy to be able to throw the spotlight on our good friends at First Long Island Investors. A financial team of superstars that understand the importance of strategic asset allocation, smart investing and wealth administration. New York City likes to do everything big, especially our parades! The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a Big Apple tradition since 1924. Attracting more than 3.5 million people to the streets of New York City each year, as well as over 50 million TV viewers across America. New York City is truly a magical city, a place where anyone can build a career from the ground floor and soar to the skies. Extremely thankful for family, friends and loyal and new readers like you who make the hard work we do a joy- to inform, entertain, inspire and delight. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving!
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Lucy: “I got 5 pieces of candy!” Violet: “I got a chocolate bar!” Patty: “I got a quarter!” Charlie Brown: “...I got a rock.” What a fun time of year! Watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” on television with my 12-year-old son Robbie before hitting the town, in our case, the Upper East Side to visit elaborately decorated Upper East Side townhouses bedecked in spider webs, pumpkins, ghosts and overflowing cauldrons of candy! Just one of the delicious traditions of fall in Manhattan. For older thrill-seekers, Greenwich Village’s now world-famous Halloween Parade never disappoints. It’s outrageous, risqué, bawdy and just plain fun. Always a treat! The New York City Marathon provides plenty to cheer about as New York City opens its arms this time of year to root on runners from all over the world. Makes me want to start jogging around the Reservoir again to prep for an upcoming 5K corporate challenge! For exercise, there’s nothing better than tossing a football with Robbie in Central Park and then later in November joining the standing room only crowds at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from our favorite spot on an Upper West Side sidewalk to catch a glimpse of the elaborate floats and enormous balloons joining Snoopy and Kermit until Santa in his sleigh signals it’s time for turkey, friends, football, family, and Thanksgiving! New Yorkers of every stripe, shape, and sort know that this time of year is all about giving and not forgetting about those in need. New York City’s veritable army of volunteers spread out throughout our great city, at soup kitchens and homeless shelters to offer food, warm clothing, and love to the less fortunate. New Yorkers know that the true mark of our city’s greatness is the inherent love we share for all New Yorkers. As Mother Teresa once explained, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” Extremely grateful to live in the greatest city in the world, where people from all over the world have come together to live in relative harmony, mutual respect, and peace- to pursue dreams of greatness. On behalf of the entire Metropolitan/25 family, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! Cheers! Adam Kluger Editor in Chief, Metropolitan Magazine/25A
ERIC PAYSON
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CONGENIALITY
Kylie Reighann Miller Photographed By Innamorata Photography My name is Kylie Miller. I live in a small town in Mississippi. I am currently a junior in high school. I love to travel, shop, take pictures, and spend time with friends. I love fashion and modeling. I have a great attitude and would love the opportunity to have a career in the modeling industry, so I can pursue my dreams.
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As a child, I always wanted to be in front of the camera, posing and dressing up. I love to mix and match outfits to create my own unique look and style. I hope to get the opportunity to bring my creativity and ideas into the modeling and fashion world.
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“My goals is to receive my doctorate in pharmacy & also have a career in the modeling and fashion industry�
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Jovana Louis BY CECILLE LANGTRY
J
ovana Louis Brand is the creation of designer Jovana Louis Benoit. Jovana started in fashion at a very young age working with some of her family members, sewing and knitting. After moving to Paris in 2010, Jovana decided to pursue a career in fashion design.
“The Brand was a dream come true” quotes Jovana, after many years of developing her craft and unique style. Jovana Louis clothes are made to contour a woman’s body and known for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. The designs have a blend of French and Asian cultures.
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&
CLASSY FLIRTY
Sizzle up at your next red carpet event with these feminine, playful couture creations by fashion designer Catherine Cavilte
Creative Producer: Marane Alvior Plaza Fashion Designer: Catherine Cavilte Photographer: Richard Caponpon Hair & Makeup Artist: Charisse Daily Stylist: Keith Angelo Fashion Assistant: Jericho Dionisio Model: Juliana Nunes of Certeza Models Management Shot On-Location: The Fashion Hospital by Kirby Cruz For made-to-measure couture creations like this, you may book a schedule through the designer’s Instagram account @ catherinecavilte or message via Whatssap thru +639178221180
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STREET FASHION COUTURE Young Filipino fashion designer Kirby Cruz just launched his studio called The Fashion Hospital-- where you can score readyto-wear couture pieces, or book a fashion consultation with the designer himself if you want customized designer creations. In this fashion spread, Kirby Cruz showcases some of his RTW couture pieces with street fashion elements and urban vibe.
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Creative Producer: Marane Alvior Plaza Fashion Designer: Kirby Cruz Photographer: Richard Caponpon Hair & Makeup Artist: Charisse Daily Stylist: Keith Angel Fashion Assistant: Jericho Dionisio Model: Juliana Nunes of Certeza Models Management Shot On-Location: The Fashion Hospital by Kirby Cruz 32 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
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For both ready to wear and made-to-measure couture offerings, you may book a schedule through the designer’s Instagram account @kirbycruz. official, or at The Fashion Hospital's IG account with handle @thefashionhospital.ph, or visit The Fashion Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
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Andrea (A.J.) Catsimatidis “Rising Star” Andrea (A.J.) Catsimatidis Reveals (almost) All BY ADAM KLUGER P H OTOGRAPH Y BY J I LL LOT EN B ERG | TWIT TER: @JILLPH OTOGRAPH Y IG: @FOTO H O M AK EE UP: MI R A NDA STURC E | M IRAN DA@M IRAN DASTURC E.COM
A
ndrea Catsimatidis, who goes by “A.J.” is surprisingly approachable, authentic and friendly when you meet her. As I have done on a couple of occasions now. Her Instagram account describes A.J. as a “billionaire heiress,” “business bombshell,” “jet-setter,” “NYC native,” “Manhattan Republican Party Chair,” “philanthropist,” and “footballer.” But you wouldn’t know any of that based on her unaffected nature and open demeanor. A.J.’s father, John Catsimatidis, the selfmade billionaire owner of the New York City supermarket chain Gristedes Foods is a big reason why A.J. is who she is. “The number one lesson I’ve learned from my dad is to be assertive, that in life you have to take advantage of your opportunities. Everybody in life has opportunities but it’s the people who are assertive enough to take advantage and recognize those opportunities that end up being successful. So that’s important and being a good person in general. I think part of the reason my dad was so successful in business is that he never tried to screw anyone over and he always wants to help people and I think all that positive energy that he always puts into everything came back to him a million times over. He does a lot of charity work he gives back to a lot of causes, especially for children. He loves supporting children he loves supporting education partly because he’s so fortunate that he came to the United States of America and got such a great education and that gave him the opportunity to succeed and
he wants to make sure that others have that same opportunity in the future. And it’s not just philanthropy, throughout his career he’s saved thousands of jobs by turning around companies and that’s impacted the livelihoods of so many people as well.” If Manhattan Republican Party Chair sounds like an important title, that’s because it kind of is. It’s a new job, one of her many jobs, that the young Catsimatidis takes quite seriously. The daughter of a Greek immigrant who became a business titan through education and hard work says the American Dream is still alive and well. “Nothing means more to me than the United States of America and I love my country so much and what it stands for and how my dad came to this country when he was 9 months old as an immigrant from an island of 900 people. His dad worked 7 days a week as a busboy so my dad could go to college and only in America can someone come from absolutely nowhere and be able to found one of the biggest companies in the country...and just everything it means all the freedom and opportunity for all and I just want to make sure that lives on and I think that’s why I really wanted to get into politics was to help preserve that and fight for my country.” It’s no secret that Bill and Hillary Clinton are old family friends, yet Catsimatidis says that it is the Republican Party’s historical policies and platform that convinced her to throw her support behind the GOP in NYC.
“Ever since I learned what it meant to be a Republican, those values really resonated with me. The idea of freedom and opportunity for all, being the party of women’s suffrage, being the party that gave African-Americans the right to vote, when the Democratic party turned them away. The party that kept taxes low so people could pull themselves out of poverty, all the ideas of individual freedoms and keeping the Government out of your lives, to me, that’s what it means to be an American and a Republican.” Mixing business and politics has been a Catsimatidis family tradition. So much so that her dad once ran for Mayor of the City of New York and made a lot of new friends and admirers in the process. A.J. says she has a bunch of fond memories of her dad’s run for Mayor of NYC. “He ran for Mayor and it was really exciting. We got to do a lot of campaign stops and meet a lot of people. Real people. And I think that was the best part of it. My dad has this amazing ability to connect with a lot of people because he cares about people no matter who they are. For instance, there was somebody the other day in our company, there was a supermarket employee and he had a problem and he called my dad and even though my dad is the CEO of this big company, he picked up the phone and listened to this guy’s problem and tried to help him and that’s just the kind of guy my dad is. it was beautiful to see people connect with him and be on the campaign trail and witness that.”
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And while the young Catsimatidis admits to being an avid traveler, her heart she says belongs to the Big Apple. “I love the vibrancy of New York. I love being here and feeling alive 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So many cultures are represented here and you can go out and have any type of food from anywhere and see so many different people and get so many different perspectives. You feel very open to the world instead of closed.” A self-described foodie, Catsimatidis isn’t shy to reveal some of her favorite NYC restaurants. “My favorite restaurant is Nobu57, I spend a lot of time there. I love the vibe. I love the food. I love the people, always great to be there. And I love Omar’s I always see lots of friends there.” Working out, staying fit and maintaining an enviable figure requires a major commitment of time and energy but the results, A.J. says, are well worth it. “Working out is really important to me because I love my fitness obviously and also it’s just a great stress reliever given how busy I am with my business life and my political life and my social life and it’s kind of a way to decompress. I usually work out between 5-7 days a week, depending on how much time I have. I love to do barre because it’s great for toning the feminine figure. So I do a lot of that. I do a lot of intermittent fasting because that’s the only thing that really works for me because I’m not the kind of person that just wants to eat salad. I love pizza. I love pasta. I love steak. I love chocolate cake and I love to eat all of these things so then I just fast intermittently and I can have all these foods that I love and not give up anything and food brings me so much joy I can’t imagine giving up any of it.” AJ clearly has no shame in her game as she is always ready to rock a bikini upon request! “I think the main thing is to love yourself and if you genuinely love yourself you can be confident about who you are and be able to express yourself and that’s the one thing about me... I am always unapologetic in being myself. I love who I am so I’m not afraid to express it. I feel very fortunate that I live in the United States of America where I can express myself without being censored in any way, wear the clothes I want to wear, express my femininity and be who I am.” The question is, however, what does her dad think about her daughter showing off her “assets?” “He likes the person that I am and that I’m not afraid to express myself.”
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Catsimatidis and her dad remain very close. A.J. is intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of her dad’s various businesses. What does she do? “I have a wide range of responsibilities. Most of the time I spend is in the real estate division where we are managing properties that we own and developing new ones, so, sometimes I visit the construction sites and see how that’s going or attend architect meetings and get involved in the planning of a new building. But, I also spend a lot of time on the investment side meeting with potential companies to invest in. I’m really passionate about the biotech space. I invest in a lot of organ disease companies where previously people had no hope for treatment and now all of a sudden, they have some hope for a cure or something to at least make them better and it’s just a beautiful experience for these people all of a sudden to have their lives and livelihoods restored and also have it be a good investment as well, so I really enjoy that side of the business but I’m involved in pretty much everything--so people will see me walking around the supermarkets checking up on things so I’m involved with that too. Everything from the bottom to the top.” So, as the Manhattan Republican Party Chair, it’s no surprise that the young Catsimatidis has a pretty favorable opinion on how President Trump, an old family friend, is doing at his job. “I’m really excited that President Trump is not backing down. There are so many people that if they were in that position, if they were attacked by somebody they would back off and say “oh you know maybe I was wrong or you know this or that, “ But you know he stuck to his guns he knows what he is doing and what he is doing is working and he is one of the only people I know that will stand up for what he believes in spite of the opposition that he is receiving and I really respect that and I’m so happy to have him and I feel so fortunate that he is saving America and he’s done such a fantastic job. The economy is growing at record numbers, the stock market is at an all-time high, unemployment is at record lows and we are just doing so well. America is thriving and it’s exciting. “
President Trump is obviously good friends with her dad-- but is the POTUS on A.J.’s speed-dial as well? “Obviously he’s a very busy man, so I talk a lot less to him now that he’s the President but I’ve known him since I was a little kid and he’s always been really kind and genuine to me and when I was getting married a long time ago, his daughter had just gotten married maybe one or two years before I did and so my dad called him for advice on my wedding and when I saw Donald Trump I think it was on Valentine’s Day, one year he stopped me and he told me the story about how he spoke to my dad and he basically convinced my dad to give me my dream wedding and it was really special that he lobbied on my behalf, eternally grateful for that.” That wedding was to her now-ex-husband Christopher Nixon Cox, who just happens to be the grandson of former U.S. President Richard Nixon. That must have made for interesting dinner conversations! “President Nixon was such an amazing President he did so much in such a short amount of time. A lot of people don’t realize everything that he did in terms of equal funding for women in sports with title 9 and minority entrepreneurship and everything that he did to open the doors to China and he was just such a visionary and Chris my ex-husband he inherited his grandfather’s eye for foreign policy. He’s one of the kindest and most intelligent people I know so just always hearing his perspective on things because he is still one of my best friends to this day like I always love getting his advice because his understanding of the world and international politics is amazing.” So, what does the “Manhattan Republican Party Chair,” actually do? “My main job is to find candidates get them on the ballot--to make sure we have candidates on the ballot keep the party going--but I kind of took this role a little bit further and act as a general cheerleader for the party and the President just creating a general buzz and having events letting people know what we are about, rebranding the party.” Re-branding the GOP? “We’re trying to make it more of a big tent party
in New York City. So, I would say that all of the candidates that we ran are fiscally conservative, and pro-law enforcement but at the same time more liberal on social issues. We ran two gay candidates last time around so all of our candidates are pro-gay marriage and very prochoice.” A.J who seems to be a natural for politics-much in the same way her friend Kimberly Guilfoyle has energized the GOP does not shy away from what she calls her civic duty in supporting the GOP and President Trump but readily admits that she prefers business to politics in the end. “I would say that politics is really not one of my personal goals. Really, I see my job as the Chair of the Republican Party here in Manhattan as more of my service to the country because I care so much about this country and my party and this is my way to get involved and give back a little bit but beyond that, I don’t really have any political aspirations. I really enjoy the business side a lot more and I find that I can make a big impact on that side. I love the Real Estate business. I want to be able to build bigger buildings and shape new skylines and make more investments to grow the company but also to do good as well.” So, with all her many jobs and responsibilities does A.J. ever find time for fun? Travel, food, and football are some of A.J.’s guilty pleasures. “I love to travel. I love Mykonos. I love Hawaii it’s so beautiful there I go to Miami a lot we live so close and you get New York quality food but better weather and I just have a lot of friends down there and I enjoy that but also one thing that I used to sort of do and I kind of just gave it up recently because I’m so busy but I played on a co-ed football team--so that was a really fun thing to do... I’m a huge foodie. I love eating. Hanging out with friends, being social, I love to cook and bake, I love dessert...big on dessert especially chocolate! Which begs the question about A.J.’s thoughts on Metropolitan Magazine’s (and Kim Kardashian’s) favorite Greek Restaurant in New York City, Nerai? “The food is really good there!”
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Premier Plate Art & Art for Collectors AIR CULINAIRE’S PREMIER PLATE PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS BY KATHERINE SLOAN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEBBIE DICKINSON
O
ne might wonder: where do the owners of private jets collect art? Well, in New York City, of course! Air Culinaire hosted a Celebrity Chef Tasting and a Post-Modern and Modern Art Exhibition for Heavenly Harvest and the Wendy English Breast Cancer Research Foundation this October. In the words of Maria Callas: “I don’t need the money, dear. I work for
art.” This sentiment seems to ring true for this particular cause as it was done for the sake of art and, most importantly, philanthropy. In the new neighborhood of Hudson Yards— dubbed a “millionaire’s playground”— this gorgeous artful exhibition was a part of the Premier Plate event and took place in order to raise funds for breast cancer research and to provide healthy food for everyone because,
as we all know, when one is privileged and lucky enough to have more, one should give more. In what once was a sort of wasteland for parked subway cars (and partially still is), there is now architecture that the whole city is raving about along with designer shops and shiny skyscrapers. High up on the 51st floor, there was impressive and nearly priceless art for sale by the likes of legendary modernist genius Pablo Picasso, Vaclav Vytlacil, Ron Ferri and surrealist
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Salvador Dalí. Along with these coveted legends, there was neurosurgeonturned-fine-artist, Keith Kattner’s work on display and much more. Kattner’s oil paintings explore provincial settings juxtaposed with urban sprawl, the changing seasons and the idea of disorder. His paintings range from very straight-forward and focused to an almost chaotic display of images and ideas. For example, his “Classical Study 2 (After Lorraine)” (2016) is a serene painting focused on naturalism. Although Kattner uses realism in all his works, they tend to become, over time, more congested and chaotic. Like life, Kattner explores the notion of inevitable change and growth: in his “City Sublime (Entropy Series)”, 36” x 48”, Oil on Canvas, 2018, we see the idyllic home setting interrupted by man as well as nature. Not only are the construction workers seen in the painting a source of change and upheaval but so are the dark storm clouds in the distance: one may ask whether this is a natural occurrence, a source of pollution or even a threat of climate change. “Twilight Over the Mohawk River Valley”, 36” X 48,” Oil on Canvas, 2019 and “Silhouettes of the Platt River Valley”, 30” X 40”, Oil on Canvas, 2017 are Kattner at his best as he focuses on naturalism (in the latter) juxtaposed with man-made change and industry complete with traffic signs and smoke stacks. Another artist whose work was featured is young up-and-coming Evan Sebastian Lagache who has already proven to display a unique style all his own. In his “Magnum Opus”, 60” X 48”, Acrylic and Spray Paint on Canvas, 2015, he uses imagery that resembles the ocean but the manner in which the painting was created is comparable to fine drip art of Jackson Pollock and Neo-Expressionism by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Other art
featured in the exhibit included the brass and nickel sculptures of Robert Lee Morris and black and white hand-done gelatin prints by Iran Issa Khan (who has recently published a self-titled photography book featuring flora and corals with a foreword by Zaha Hadid). Finally, the legacy of masters such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Ron Ferri and Vaclav Vytlacil was on full display with pieces such as Picasso’s 1960 drypoint etchings entitled “Head of a Bearded Man,” “Young Man Marching to Combat,” “Young Man Facing Front,” and “Man with Arms Folded.” The works of Dalí on display included his erotically spectacular “Nude with Guitar”, 24.5” X 17.7”, Pen and Ink, Pencil and Watercolor on Paper, 1967 and his pair of “Corrida”10” X 10” paintings (Gouache and India Ink on Paper, 1960). Ferri’s featured works included “Sumo”, 24’ X 33”, Watercolor on Paper, 1988 and “Guggenheim Black and Blue Flag”, 45” X 42”, Acrylic on Newspaper, 2000. Vytacil’s acrylic paintings included an image of an abstractly forlorn woman (“Untitled”, 20” X 15”, Acrylic on Board, Undated) along with “Geometric Figure”, 18” X 23”, Acrylic on Board, 1939. The evening was topped off by sixteen chefs and sous chef teams and was co-curated by Debbie Dickinson from E.D. Enterprises and Ornella Volpatti of the Vanità Gallery on Madison Avenue. Aman and Meeks’ Team featuring Jim and Meredith Aman, John Meeks and Antoneta Nyack created sumptuous outer-space themed décor along with balloon artist, Hampton Bishop from HK Balloons while Andrija Tadejevic paired each meal with the best Vias Imported white wines and Moët Chandon champagnes. The out-of-this-world mise-en-scène was complete when the Aviation Hall of Fame presented historic, aviation-themed artifacts in the space room.
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taste
T-Bar Steak & Lounge WHERE CLASSIC MEETS CONTEMPORARY
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pper East Side hotspot T-Bar Steak & Lounge, which has been warmly embraced by New Yorkers since it first opened its doors in 2007, is noted for its perfect execution of classic dishes. The restaurant’s Executive Chef Ben Zwicker, previously of the Four Seasons, Aureole and Petrossian, makes T-Bar’s classic steakhouse fare relevant and exciting, while also putting his unique twist onto other classic dishes. Owner Tony Fortuna celebrated 20 years of owning the space on the corner of 73rd and 3rd Avenue in April 2015, previously known as The Lenox Room. T-Bar is a well-loved mainstay, still buzzing with its loyal following night after night. Fortuna says there is no magic formula to achieve this sort of longrunning success. “I think guests trust our kitchen
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BY PETER ELSTON and love our relaxed but vibrant atmosphere.” Diners are able to begin a meal at T-Bar with its unique spin on chicken wings Angel Chicken Wings with a Tamarind Glaze, or enjoy its classic take on Guacamole to split with the table. T-Bar also redefines the classic Kale Salad by including apple and sesame into it while drizzling it in a sumptuous chili-lime vinaigrette. Also available on its delectable appetizer menu are the popular Seared Spanish Octopus, Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, and Vietnamese Shrimp Roll. A meal at T-Bar Steak & Lounge would not be complete without ordering a favorite from The Steak Bar, which features an impressive range of superbly-cooked Certified Black Angus Cuts of beef including its Black Angus Porterhouse for two served with your choice of Steak
Sauce, Béarnaise Sauce or Poivre Sauce. T-Bar offers wealth of additional American classics including its signature Crusted Tuna served with Soy, Wasabi Rémoulade and Seaweed Salad or its Roast Free Range Chicken with truffle jus. Cap the evening off with irresistible desserts like the must-have Banana Parfait Mille Feuilles, with coconut and caramel sauce or the decadent Chocolate Sundae served with brownie, chocolate sauce and cream. Tony Fortuna and the team from T-Bar Steak and Lounge also had a successful opening of their Southampton location this past Summer. While closed for the season, T-Bar looks forward to Summer 2020. tbarnyc.com
profile
First Long Island Investors, LLC Focused Investments, Exceptional Client Service, and Trust – The Recipe for Success BY ADAM KLUGER
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or more than 35 years, high net worth individuals, families, and select institutions on Long Island and beyond have gained the respect and trust from First Long Island Investors’ unique perspective on wealth. It’s a confidence that comes from having a team of advisors committed to the values set by Robert D. Rosenthal, Chairman, CEO, and CIO, and Ralph F. Palleschi, President and COO, when they founded the firm in 1983. Robert D. Rosenthal said, “It all began with the experience and lessons learned from the Entenmann’s bakery business. The Entenmann family had put all of their wealth into the bakery. I was concerned that they needed some diversification so, given my background as both a lawyer and an accountant, I thought going public would be a way for them to diversify. The successful public offering in May of 1976 created liquidity for the Entenmann family which we were then responsible to help invest and that is where the concept of investing came in. From that, Ralph (who had been the lead auditor with KPMG on the IPO) joined me a few years thereafter and we were responsible for helping to manage the Entenmann family fortune while still running the bakery. When we ultimately sold the bakery to the Warner-Lambert Company in 1978 it created additional liquidity for the family, which they entrusted to Ralph and me.” Together the two managed the Entenmann family wealth while attending to a wide variety of services beyond investing, including multigenerational planning, estate planning, tax advisory, and philanthropic planning. This
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is when the concept of First Long Island Investors came together. They saw that other Long Island families could be well-served with a wealth/ investment manager who understands all the facets of wealth without the need to travel to New York City. “The expertise we gained made us attractive to similar clients— business owners, entrepreneurs, and wealthy families,” says Palleschi. “We became well-known for delivering on our core principles of trust, service, and performance.” A Client-Centric Approach Exemplary service and a particular approach to asset allocation are at the core of First Long Island Investors’ success. “We begin with an in-depth analysis of a client’s holdings and an understanding of his or her long-term goals. We then build a customized asset allocation recommendation that takes into consideration risk tolerance, liquidity needs, current income needs, and time horizon,” Rosenthal explains. “From there, we make specific strategic recommendations,” Palleschi continues. One critical differentiator for First Long Island Investors is that the firm’s senior management invests their own assets side by side with their clients. “When we say we understand our clients’ goals, it’s because we share them ourselves,” Rosenthal says. “At First Long Island Investors, we put our money where our advice is. We look for quality
in any company, or any piece of real estate that we would invest in for ourselves and our clients. I want to emphasize that we will never put a client in an investment that we are not personally invested in.” Of course, communication and transparency are also paramount to the firm’s commitment to service excellence. The team takes service seriously, building long-lasting relationships, scheduling regular reviews of all clients’ portfolios and recommending adjustments as warranted. Calls are returned quickly, and the firm has even introduced a wealth management hotline through which clients can reach a senior team member after hours or on weekends. Edward Palleschi, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management shared that since he joined First Long Island Investors over 15 years ago it has been engrained in him to always put your clients first. “Bob and Ralph have created a culture to always service all your clients very well. They have taught the entire team that if you get a phone call from somebody you should return that phone call as soon as you can. It is imperative to develop a professional relationship with each client. So, the concept of trust... the concept of professionalism... no matter what the task...you should always try to do that as best you can and as quickly and efficiently as you can.” Today the Entenmann families are still clients and their multiple generations count on the entire team at First Long Island Investors to provide them with sound advice and guidance on all of their wealth management needs but they are a modest piece of the overall business. Over 200
families and individuals across the tristate area and beyond have come to rely on the investment philosophy and wealth management services of First Long Island Investors. According to Philip Malakoff, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management and Director of Research a customized, prudent asset allocation is one of the main reasons clients come to and stay with First Long Island Investors. “We pride ourselves in customizing an asset allocation for each client based upon their particular circumstances and nobody is treated in a cookie-cutter way. We review each and every client’s asset allocation on a quarterly basis where an investment committee of nine people sits in a room and discusses what is right for each client given their individual situation and goals as well as the macro-economic and
market factors at hand. That high touch service philosophy is critically important in terms of communicating with clients and making sure that we understand their needs and their goals, while keeping them up to date on performance and our thinking. All of this is reflected in their customized asset allocation.” As for the vision for the future of First Long Island Investors, Rosenthal says the key ingredients to future success are staying true to long-held ideals and to following a recipe that stresses investing in quality companies, the importance of frequent client communication, and proper asset allocation while adjusting to the times and making sure that client goals and immediate needs are met – in person, over the phone, online, etc.
“The future of the company is based on values and lessons from the past. We have a very high service ethic. The asset allocation that we talked about has been critically important to make sure that our clients do not make emotional decisions in their long-term investments –it is quite typical to become afraid when there is volatility but if you have the right asset allocation, which we put together for each client, the tendency to make emotional mistakes is reduced significantly and that leads to the ability for our clients to compound their wealth for long periods of time. That is how they maintain and grow their wealth above the rate of inflation and after taxes are paid.” fliinvestors.com
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profile
Robert Massimi A MISANTHROPE
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heeler (Ian Barford) is too young to be called a curmudgeon, so we will call him a misanthrope. He is a man who life has passed by, and why not, as he never really thought about his life to begin with. A former photographer who is now a camera repair man, he had heaps of accolades thrust upon him for his great pictures, yet he discounts others’ opinions about his work. Although we never know why he actually quit being a photographer (the paper he worked at in Chicago cut its staff), we can surmise that it has to do with his aloofness toward life, his deep down hatred towards it. Or it could be that the birth of his son Gabe threw him into life’s tailspin. Tracy Letts never fully explains the turmoil in Wheeler’s life, he only dabbled in it.
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THEATER REVIEW BY BOB MASSISI In a funny play that is, at times, downright raucous, Wheeler professes his philosophies about life. He is a matter-of-fact type of guy; he say’s what comes to his mind and he never holds back. Not a stupid man, Wheeler knows his strengths and weaknesses; his past and present. An affair killed his marriage, but his marriage was over the day his thirteen-year-old son was born. A mystery in Linda Vista, the boy is never brought deeply into the play until late in the show, and even that was a weak effort at trying to figure out Jim Wheeler and his son’s relationship. Linda Vista has many skits to it: the comedy and scenes are broken apart. In the first scene, Wheeler goes into a political rage, and although I dislike all the Trump stuff on Broadway, this was actually funny. Barford brings intensity and believability to his comedy. Steadfast in his beliefs
for the full two hours and forty minutes, Barford works hard throughout the performance, and as such, he is excellent in his role. The entire cast does a magnificent job throughout. Unlike most plays, the breaking up of the play into different subsets works brilliantly. From Ali McGraw being a nymphomaniac at one time in her life, to the bar scene replete with karaoke, and onto the sex scenes (full nudity). Wheeler has moved out of his ex-wife’s garage and into a two bedroom apartment in Linda Vista... which Wheeler says “has a 1980s East Berlin vibe.” Cash strapped, he fumbles through his life. He get’s fixed up with two old college friends, Margret (Sally Murphy) and Paul (Jim True-Frost), married to each other for 26 years. Paul is noncommittal to anything, confused with his life, the anathema to Wheeler. Paul does as he is told and
has little opinions about anything. He is taken by Jules (Cora Vander Broek), a life coach, but he get’s too many options when Minnie comes along. Options are not what Wheeler is good at; in fact, they not only confuse him, they poison him from the inside out as he rots away at life. Director Dexter Bullard was magnificent in his direction of Linda Vista. Not an easy play to direct, nor act in, Bullard has the entire cast clicking on all cylinders throughout. Upbeat energy and tempo, we feel his good vibe the entire play. Not that the play isn’t devoid of sadness, but the comedy far usurps the tragedy in Vista. Billed as an arrogant guy in notices before opening, I never saw that here. Wheeler is a guy who just tries to get by. He is smart, insightful and an artist, so he sees things differently than his coworkers, his friends and the people he meets along the way. He is awkward, not cocky, has a questioning about himself, and is not self-absorbed. I expected a more A Man from Nebraska type of play. In Nebraska last year, I saw a man who was successful and cared little about people. Even though Wheeler has little emotion or patience for people, he still falls in love, he still likes Paul as a friend and he cares for him. Todd Rosenthal’s scenic design was done well. A turn-style set that continually switches his apartment, we get a welcome effect of Wheeler’s dwelling. In the bar scene, in which the effects of four people drinking craft beer and making fools of themselves singing take place, Rosenthal brings the believability to these four actors. Set in San Diego, California, the palm tree background never lets us forget the laid back style that all these people should have, which never happens to any of them. Linda Vista could have answered more questions than it did, but the storyline was more than acceptable. Generally the play held your attention (only two small lags), and the humor more than made up for Letts’ weak dabble into these peoples lives. If not a play, Letts could have turned this into a really good sit-com. Even the people that work at NIKON were funny. From Mike the weirdo, to Anita (Caroline Neff), the young girl with substance problems. She too is a person who tells it like it is; she has no idea what she wants to do with her life as well. Linda Vista has a lot of symmetry to it. The characters on its face all seem different when in reality, they are all very similar, just brought forward in a different way. November 2019 | 55
profile
Eraldo and Daryn Unplugged FITNESS MADE FUN!
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BY SUZANNE FERGUSON e has spent his entire adult life helping others get fit and healthy-and built a strong following doing so. From childhood, she always has dreamed of a career in the entertainment industry.
Now celebrity fitness trainer Eraldo Maglara and TV personality Daryn Carp are bringing their popular television program to viewers in one of the nation’s hottest markets--New York. Eraldo and Daryn Unplugged debuted this fall
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(Oct. 5) on in WLNY-TV, a top-ranked CBS affiliate. The fast-paced, half-hour lifestyle show airs on Saturdays. The New York City and suburbs debut caps a whirlwind year for Maglara. After years of appearing as a guest on many programs, in magazine articles and on websites, he got his own show,Healthy Lifestyle with Eraldo, and Unplugged with Eraldo began in the fall of 2018. It aired in the Philadelphia area. Carp joined the show in the spring, adding her name and youthful comedic style to the program. Then
came the move to one of the most important media markets in the nation. “To have the opportunity to showcase my television show in the greatest city in the world is truly a dream come true,” says Maglara, 54. “I am honored and humbled to be a part of the WLNY Family Network.” Maglara holds a bachelor’s degree in business and received his certifications from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) and the National Strength and Conditioning Assn. (NSCA). Author
of The Real Fountain of Youth: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Productive Longevity, Maglara has been a contributor to television outlets across the country, including ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC and WGN. He has been featured in many publications, including SELF, Forbes, Thrive Global and Muscle and Fitness. “I truly enjoy educating others about the benefits of health, fitness and overall wellness,” Maglara says. He also says he is thrilled to be working with Carp. “My co-host, Daryn Carp, is truly an amazing, funny and most talented person I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” he says. “I learn so much from her and from the many wonderful guests we get to interview on our show.” Carp, 31, says her ambition since childhood was to become a game show host, but she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania--graduating with honors--so she would have a backup career in case show business didn’t work out. As it turns out, she needn’t have worried. The year she graduated, Carp was hired for NBC’s prestigious Page Program, where she proudly wore the grey uniform made famous by Kenneth on 30 Rock. After her stint as a Page, Carp became assistant to pop culture icon Andy Cohen, at Bravo. There, Carp created the web series, @sk Andy, which she hosted and ran on bravotv.com. At the start of 2014, Cohen and Carp left Bravo to start a new production company, Most Talkative. In the summer of 2017, she returned to Bravo in a variety of roles. She also co-hosted a weekly Oxygen podcast, Martinis and Murder, a deep drive into actual crimes and the theories surrounding each murder while drinking an appropriately themed cocktail. Finding herself back in New York and on the show with Maglara “is truly a dream,” Carp says. “It feels good to be back home in the greatest city in the world,” Carp says. “I am so grateful and honored to be part of the WLNY family, doing what I love to do where I want to do it.”
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Actress Candice Bergen
THE DECORATION & DESIGN BUILDING’S FALL MARKET “DESIGN 2020”
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he Decoration & Design Building (DDB) hosted its Fall Market, DESIGN 2020, at the iconic headquarters of all things design in New York. The two-day market blended a retrospective glance at design by the decades and an examination of how the 2010s completely changed the design industry, with a peek forward at what to expect in the next decade of design. One of the highlights was the keynote presentation IF WALLS COULD TALK: Historic House, Modern Family Restoring Landmark Properties at Stark, Suite 1102 with celebrated actor, author and activist Candice Bergen. Ms. Bergen, recipient of this year’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal from the Municipal Art Society, and two-time Kips Bay Decorator Show House designer Scott Sanders held a lively conversation moderated by designer and author Steven Stolman. Topics covered were: Ms. Bergen’s several landmarked homes, her passion for preservation (and more!) and a sneak peek at a spectacular landmarked Palm Beach estate that Mr. Sanders has just restored
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BY ELIZABETH DARWEN and enlivened for a young family. Following the presentation, there was a prosecco reception. The Fall Market included six star-studded Keynotes and one Special Program, 20 InShowroom Programs, four Cocktail Receptions, 11 Experiential Events, and over 100 Open Houses. Teasing out the pillar principles that will continue to define the design conversation - technology, sustainability, social responsibility, innovation, and collaboration among them - the all-access two-day event provided captivating insight, practical intelligence, and actionable advice as we collectively braced for the profound impact these topics created in the years to come. For more information on DDB Fall Market 2019, please visit: h t t p s : / /d a n d d b u i l d i n g .w i x s i t e . c o m / ddbfallmarket2019 About the Decoration & Design Building (DDB) Located in midtown Manhattan’s Design District, the Decoration & Design Building (DDB) is an invaluable resource to industry professionals who
seek to design and decorate luxurious residential and commercial installations. The DDB is open exclusively to the Trade and welcomes design industry professionals from around the world, who can find inspiration in anything from the bespoke furnishings, ornamental wallcoverings and luxurious fabrics to unique decorative accessories and dramatic lighting, featuring styles ranging from the richly ornate to the sleek and modern. Celebrating 50+ years, the DDB is known nationally and internationally as the world’s most prestigious collection of over 130 showrooms, and represents over 3,000 leading manufacturers dedicated to the very best in residential and business interior furnishings, and resource information. The DDB is home to many global heritage brands rooted in a rich history from countries like France, Italy and the UK, to name a few. ddbuilding.com Facebook: DandDBuilding Instagram: @danddbuilding Twitter: @DandDBuilding
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Leonard Kim & brand strategist Ryan Foland DITCH THE ACT, REVEAL THE SURPRISING POWER OF THE REAL YOU FOR GREATER SUCCESS BY CAROLE VAP OREAN
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t first glance, the advice seems sure to raise eyebrows. Show your potential audience your weaknesses? How could that possibly be good?
But that’s exactly what marketing expert Leonard Kim and brand strategist Ryan Foland are advising in their recently published book, Ditch the Act, Reveal the Surprising Power of the Real You for Greater Success.
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“As society has been bogged down by so many technological distractions and competition has risen immensely, what people are craving most is true human connection,” Kim says. “If you can reveal your whole self, not just the good and the bad, but the ugly—yes that means the scariest moments of your life—you can win over your audience and develop a personal brand that not only will drive more profits to your business, but will establish you into a position where you will
be remembered for lifetimes to come,” he adds. Foland and Kim have had plenty of opportunity to show how their “get real” methods can pay off. A speaker and author who specializes in helping companies capture the power of “authenticity and simplicity,” Foland counts among his clients best-selling authors, venture capitalists and Fortune 500 executives. Foland also developed a copyrighted process he
calls the 3-1-3 Method. He begins with core messaging of three sentences, boils that down to one sentence, then further reduces it to just three words. The leader of workshops and dynamic speaker at conferences also has a firm foothold in academia. Working for the office of thee vice provost for Teaching and Learning at the University of California, Irvine, Foland oversees strategic communication, market, social media and brand strategy for more than 25 undergraduate programs. Ditch the Act, which took three years to write and had its “ups and downs,” is aimed at helping entrepreneurs and others build an “authentic, long-lasting brand.” “The business philosophy behind Ditch the Act is to connect with customers as humans, by being more human,” Foland says. “You don’t have to be the expert with a highlight reel to win the deal, instead, it’s more important to share the good and bad experiences that made you who you are. “When people Google you to check out your digital footprint or browse your social media feeds, you want to build a reputation of trust by being vulnerable and showing them that you are not better than them, but in fact, are a lot more like them then they think.” Co-author Kim, an award-winning marketer who specializes in personal branding, holds workshops, speaks at conferences, provides consulting to executives and entrepreneurs and teaches online courses. During his weekly radio show, dubbed “Grow Your Influence Tree,” Kim provides free personal brand consulting live on air. Kim describes himself as an “expert at failing.” And for a while, he was. Back in 2010, nearly broke, he stopped paying his electricity bill and was on the brink of eviction from his apartment. But he reconciled with his family and moved in with his grandmother while he put his life back together. He outlined his journey from failure to success in a popular TEDx talk, “Why You Should Let Your Fears Guide You.” Kim, who lives in Los angeles with his wife Angie and “very lovable” Chihuahua, Roo, said he achieved success with a blend of transparency, vulnerability and authenticity. That’s where Ditch the Actcomes in. After Kim and Foland teamed up to write the book--which has been published by McGraw Hill Business and is available on Amazon and at Target and Barnes and Noble--they had a new vehicle for sharing what they have learned with others. The book has a series of worksheets and concepts outlined in such chapters as “Crafting Your Unique Bio” and “Stacking Your Successes.” November 2019 | 61
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Photo Caption: Victor Cruz and Harlan Friedman celebrate the launch of the V.C.1. at Bergdorf Goodman
Victor Cruz
DESIGNING HIS WAY TO THE TOP BY HARLAN FRIEDMAN | PHOTO BY ZACHARY KAROW “If there were something that I was going to endorse, it would probably be something like sneakers” -Justin Timberlake.
to release an urban capsule including sneakers and other street culture influenced items to celebrate its longtime relationship with the entertainer.
For years, sneakers were reserved for the tennis court and for weekend errands for most and used as on court or on stage apparel for those we would purchase tickets to observe. This was forever changed in 1984 when Peter Moore, Tinker Hatfield, and Bruce Kilgore designed the Air Jordan and the business of sneakers would change forever. According to Forbes, The global athletic footwear market size is expected to reach $95.14 billion by 2025, almost a hundred billion dollar industry. Much of this business has traditionally been due to a shoe’s identification with a particular athlete. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Andre Agassi, are a few primary examples. As of late, this market has grown to include celebrities. Some of the hardest sneakers to obtain, known as “grail” shoes, are endorsed by or created in association with names like Kanye West, Travis Scott and Drake to name a few. Sneaker culture has invaded the mainstream and some of the fashion industry’s most fabled houses have incorporated the kings of this world into their plans.
Additionally, in 2018 Louis Vuitton welcomed Virgil Abloh as its Men’s Artistic Director as he continues his role as founder of his own brand Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ which he started in 2012. This move was a major moment in cementing the acceptance of the sneaker world into high-end couture with his first several releases selling out worldwide in minutes for the French house of fashion.
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Most recently, the samba dancing former NFL playmaker turned ESPN analyst, fashion influencer Victor Cruz, teamed up for a luxury collaboration with famed designer Pierre Hardy. Unlike his former collabs with Nike, which produced exciting takes on the brand’s athletic silhouettes; this exclusive drop tells the story of the former wide receivers life through three different incredible shoes. Recently, Victor launched the line at an event at Bergdorf Goodman with an exclusive after-party at the Penthouse at 42 Crosby Street attended by the likes of Pierre Hardy, Victor Cruz, Michael B. Jordan, Karrueche Tran, Saquon Barkley, Casey
Spooner, Lenny S., Nigel Sylvester, Teyana Taylor, Pom Klementieff, Laure Heriard Dubreuil, Will Welch, Pierre Yovanovitch and Quiana Parks. The V.C.1. comes in 3 different models each honoring a special year in Victor’s life. The 1996’s show a mix-and-matched hybridization of color-blocks and camouflage, along with a gold-foil stamp of the year and represents the first time he ever played football. The 2006’s depict a black- andgray scheme (with “2006” typed out in a different format, this time in a digital-clock mimicking font) and symbolizes his first varsity season at the University of Massachusetts. The V.C.1. 2012’s represent the New York Giants’ unmistakable colors; brilliant red and primary blue against a clean white background and honor the year he became a Super Bowl champion with the Giants victory over the New England Patriots. This is merely the start for a man who was widely regarded as the most stylish player in the NFL with his outstanding exit from the gridiron to the runway. With his eye for fashion, relationships with designers and brands such as Ronnie Fieg, designer and owner-operator of KITH, I am sure we will see more designs and releases from Cruz as he completes one more play. The perfect transition from player to designer. pierrehardy.com
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entertainment
Les Paul THE GODFATHER OF THE ELECTRIC INSTRUMENT BY FRANK RADICE
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’ve been a guitar player for more than 50 years, and as any picker can tell you, one man stands out as the godfather of the electric instrument. Les Paul didn’t invent the first electric guitar but he did invent the first solid body electric that bares his name today, and the modern recording techniques everyone uses today in one form or another even now, from multi tracking to echo. When I was assigned to do an interview with him in the early ‘80’s for Entertainment Tonight, I jumped at the chance to meet the legend himself. The crew and I drove from Manhattan to his home in Mahwah, New Jersey, talking all the way about how cool it was going to be. When we got there, our visions weren’t as great as the reality. Les’ house was a low slung, modern affair nestled on a wooded lot, and when we pulled up, he came out personally to greet us. From the very first moment he was the perfect gentleman, unassuming and excited to see us. We walked straight into his living room and right into history. On one wall were the first multi track recorder and the first tape echo machine both of which he created. On the couch, a white gold plated 3 pick-up guitars with his name emblazoned on the headstock. Of course I reached down to touch it, but stopped waiting for his OK…I got it, and played the mans own infamous axe that graced the stage of the Iridium Jazz Club in NYC for so many years. We talked for hours about how he was part of a team that had the opportunity to experiment with the wire recorder found in a German bunker after World War II as he explained it was how Hitler was able to give a speech, and have an edited version out the same day. Something the allies hadn’t yet figured out. He talked about how he’d been in an accident and has his arm pinned in a way that he could still play guitar. We reminisced about Mary Ford and how he multi tracked all their songs using just guitars as the entire band. Playing the low strings for the bass, thumping the pick-ups for the drums, strumming for the rhythm and picking for the lead, before adding multiple voice tracks from Mary to make the great songs they did in the early 50’s.
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I asked him to demonstrate, and he graciously agreed, heating up the recorder and pulling out his guitar. Right then and there he showed us how he made “How High The Moon,” his big 1951 hit with then wife, Mary. His bedroom on the 2nd floor was completely full of guitar cases filled with every kind of Gibson guitar made. He told me they’d back up a truck once a week and drop them off. I opened a few and saw they were still wrapped in plastic. He didn’t seem to care about them at all. Since his bed was covered in instruments I asked where he slept, he took me back down to the first floor and showed me a single bed in the maid’s room. That’s where the great man rested his head between gigs.
We talked well into the evening, and I got to know the man whom I’d been in awe of all my musical life. When it was time to go he seemed like he genuinely wanted us to stay, saying, “do you really have to leave?” I felt a little sad, but I know we’d see each other again at the club later that week. I went to see Les play with his trio with Rick Derringer and his then wife, Liz. We shot it for our show, and Les called us out in the crowd. He told me he thought Rick was one of the most underrated players he ever knew, quite a compliment.
News. Eventually I became friends with A Gibson exec, Shannon Chaiken who introduced me to the president of the company, Henry Juscawiecz. They took me into the family and my access to Less continued until his 92tnd birthday where I had a chance to play for him along with Jose Feliciano, Stanley Jordan, Jay Stollman, and Scott Spray. When Les died in 2008 I attended his memorial service and afterward at the Gibson Performance space at the old Hit Factory we sat around and reminisced about the man who started it all. I am proud to say, Les and I were friends. I miss him.
I stayed in touch with Les for many years after that, and interviewed him often both for CNN and ABC November 2019 | 65
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Spyro Gyra TURNING IT UP TO 11 ON NEW ALBUM “VINYL TAP” BY SCOT T LEON, SR . JAZZ EDITO R
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ontemporary jazz pioneers Spyro Gyra have been delighting listeners with their original brand of fusion, funk and world music for almost four decades. They’ve decided to go back to their roots on their brand new Amherst Records album “Vinyl Tap”. Founder and saxophonist Jay Beckenstein told me the band members chose songs from old vinyl recordings that were influential on their early years as musicians. Their choices were surprising and somewhat inspiring. Squeeze’s “ Tempted By the Fruit of Another” becomes a slow blues. A mash-up of “Secret Agent Man” and “Alfie’s Theme” is performed a la Cab Calloway. Beckenstein makes it clear: don’t use the “C” word: “ We were fearful that if we hued too close to the original songs it would sound too much like we were doing covers” . Their creative interpretations resulted in a Latin tinged “Sunshine of Your Love” and a reggae-ish “ Cisco Kid”. The first single from the album, a soul ballad rendition of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” has been getting steady airplay on Sirius and jazz stations around the world. Listeners and fans seem to be enjoying the band’s new direction. At a recent concert audience members were singing along with the chorus and waxing nostalgic at the band’s emotional performance of The Beatles “ You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” . And they were on their feet dancing to a funkified iteration of Crosby, Stills ,Nash and Young’s “Carry On”. The band is performing cuts from “Vinyl Tap” on their current European and North American tour. You can download it from Itunes and Amazon. Or go old school and get it on vinyl..the way the band first heard them!
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Danielle de Picciotto BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY
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ackedepicciotto are Alexander Hacke and Danielle de Picciotto. Both are legends of their own making: Danielle de Picciotto moved from New York to Berlin in 1987, to become the lead singer of the band „Space Cowboys“, co-initiator of the Love Parade, a collaborator of the Ocean Club with Gudrun Gut, and Alexander’s partner in crime. Alexander Hacke is an original member and the bass player of Einstürzende Neubauten. The artist couple, romantically married in 2006, has
BY HOWARD WUELFING creatively interacted with countless international projects for almost two decades now besides regularly releasing their own compositions. THE CURRENT is the fourth album hackedepicciotto have recorded since becoming nomads in 2010. It is their most powerful album yet. After composing desert drones for their previous album “Perseverantia” and dark foreboding melodies for “Menetekel”, their new album moves forwards, gaining in speed and energy. Alexander Hackes background with
Einstürzende Neubauten can be felt in the many rhythmic tracks. “We had the urge to include more percussive elements and electronic sounds to create a powerful rhythmic feel. A wilder and more danceable element. Something to get all of us on our feet and moving. Away from depression and hopelessness.” The classic background of Danielle de Picciotto has become more prominent as well. Glorious choirs and violin harmonies flow throughout the album giving it an almost symphonic sound.
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Berkshire Horseworks TO TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH POWERFUL INTERACTIONS WITH HORSES UTILIZING THE EAGALA MODEL OF EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP) AND EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING (EAL) BY SHANNON COHAN
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erkshire HorseWorks™ (BHW), is a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation which offers workshops in EAGALA Model Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) to organizations of all kinds on its 7.5acre property in Richmond, MA. With a focus on Equine Assisted Team building for international corporations, school districts, and state agencies, BHW uses horses in ground- based activities to enhance personal development, cohesion, critical thinking skills, and group dynamics in the workplace. From financial institutions including Bain Capital, and Mountain One, to hospitality groups such as Marriott, Equine Assisted Team building has proven highly efficacious for staff development. Founded in 2013 to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to children, families and veterans suffering from mental health and behavioral challenges, the nonprofit stays true to its mission by directing corporate funds to help those at- risk in the community. The EAGALA Model has been utilized by over 5000 certified practitioners in 50 countries and Berkshire HorseWorks Executive Director introduced the practice to the Berkshires over five years ago. BHW has recently expanded its programming into related healing practices including meditative hikes, yoga with horses, art classes, therapeutic site visits and mounted experiences. Through the power of horses, Berkshire HorseWorks™ provides the tools to challenge, communicate, heal, lead, empathize and thrive in today’s world.
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Streamsong Resort GOLF CLUB AND SPA BY MELISSA CLARK
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he Sunshine State is home to the Streamsong Resort, Golf Club and Spa, a marvelous, modern 16,000 thousand acre oasis. The hotel’s award-winning architecture attracts guests from all around the world. The design is cutting edge and completely captivating. When you stroll inside the lobby, there is a gorgeous view of the lake. The hotel is chic, polished, and something like you’ve never seen before.
Streamsong Resort is situated in Central Florida (Polk County) around an hour from Tampa International Airport and an hour and a half from Orlando International Airport. There are 216 spacious and luxurious guest rooms in the main lodge and 12 extra rooms in the clubhouse on the property. Every guest room offers a
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stunning water view. The accommodations and amenities at this resort are all top-shelf. Streamsong offers guests three distinct courses. Streamsong Red, Blue, and Black. Each magnificent course was conceived independently and each course offers its own unique features and exceptional highlights to delight golf enthusiasts. Guests can likewise enjoy bass fishing, bows and arrows, and a shooting range. The resort also offers an infinity pool with side lounges, canopies, and an outside bar.
Following an exciting day of activities, visitors can retreat to the 7,000 square-foot day spa, AcquaPietra. This European grotto-style spa offers six attractive spa pools and eight indoor treatment rooms. Visitors can appreciate facials, body massages, and a day full of tranquility. Five unique restaurants on the property offer a wide range of fine dining experiences Break free from the real world and appreciate a couple relaxing nights under the stars at this amazing resort. streamsongresort.com
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A film in short THE WILD PROJECT’S NEW YORK NO LIMITS FILM SERIES BY JADAN HORYN
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t’s hard to imagine a more New York scene a converted Lower Eastside garage, replete with neon lights and dark shellac paint haphazardly covering cinder block. - A young woman with a random assortment of tattoos behind a counter in a floral dress reminiscent of a 1980’s golden girls duvet, and a sign saying New York, as if the aforementioned signals could have been missed by the observer.
Ranging from horror to suspense to the simply mundane, each of the shorts captured the viewer’s attention and prompted a reaction. A few of the short films stood out for their message, their cinematography, and their rawness.
The event was The Wild Project’s New York No Limits Film Series: The Art of the Short. The purpose was to showcase independent directorial talent in a world overloaded with commercial cinematic drivel. Eight directors of wide-ranging backgrounds and experience were highlighted.
In Til Death, written & directed by Asha Flowers, we see a husband berated by his recently deceased wife - whom he accidentally murdered. While entertaining, what stood out about this film was its professional camera, lighting, and set work. To view, it was to see a polished product capable of presentation in theaters or on television.
Short films are a particular type of cinematic genre with their own distinct set of challenges. Akin to the difference between a short story and a novel. Shorts accentuate and elevate detail. They elicit an immediate response from the viewer and convey a compact story. The shorts at the New York Film Series hit the mark.
Bodega, written and directed by Rebecca Halfon, hit the viewer with an incredibly realistic “day in the life.” In this short, we follow a Middle Eastern bodega owner alongside a teenage girl and her friend. Bodega offers an honest portrayal of human interaction that occurs around us every day. Elevating the mundane and demonstrating
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how small interactions are packed with context and our own personal history. American Ugly, written and directed by John Matthew Gillen, depicts a couple fighting about whether or not it is still okay to watch American Beauty after finding out about Kevin Spacey’s history of sexual assault. The viewer is forced to take an introspective look at our own cultural complicity and hypocrisy in relation to the #MeToo movement. The director’s use of straightforward relational interaction with a hint of the absurd underscores it’s deep message. After digesting this dense film, one sees it like a funhouse mirror reflecting our distorted society back at the audience. New York City offers a proverbial smorgasbord of cultural opportunities. While critics decry its Disneyfication, the Big Apple is still a hub of emerging, avant-garde, and independent art. For those with eyes to see, even the short-sighted can offer a spellbinding vision.
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Whitney Biennial 2019 ARTIST MANFRED GOGOL & THE DOWNTOWN ART SCENE BY ADAM KLUGER
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ypical art scene in the meatpacking district. The Whitney Biennial with its new building downtown that looked like a Star Wars stormtrooper from the outside on a beautiful summer night walking down tight streets next to Hector’s Cafe and a view of the Highline and the water on the West Side. Beautiful. Peaceful. It was nice to get out and about.
Manfred Gogol slept until 2pm most days. He had been a member of the art world for 30 years as an artist and cynic.
Manfred drove through the city like it was a videogame and his starship was in complete alignment with the stop and start flow of cabs and pedestrians jaywalking on every street. Manfred liked the windows down to feel the breeze and hear the voices conversing and the horns honking, the buses screeching and New York City alive and unfolding. To find a parking spot a couple blocks from the museum felt like good luck and providence. It was that easy sort of roll that had enveloped the night with the Grateful Dead blasting Scarlet Begonias. “Now wait for it... and you will hear the transition to Fire on the Mountain, just a couple notes and then that modality will repeat as a coda, stretched out like a jazz score, venturing in different directions and then coming right back to that chord progression over and over...” “Fire, fire on the mountain,” Manfred sang.
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“Do you want me to roll a few.” “Here you go... It’s strong.” Bugowski rolled a couple tight pinners and took the rest of the bud and ducked it into his back pocket. The two old friends lit up and shared the joint. The windows were open in the luxury SUV but no one in the West Village heading to the Biennial seemed put off by the familiar scent of marijuana wafting out the windows. All was in perfect alignment and relative harmony. “You know Cuomo signed a bill decriminalizing pot in New York .” “Doesn’t make a difference.” “Now it’s just a $50 dollar fine.” “Not a big story.”
as Manfred sweet-talked the security guard and the two friends made their way into the enormous elevator that held 50 people. It was like an elevator at an amusement park. It was filled with interesting looking people. They had come for the art. The Whitney Biennial was typically underwhelming although there was a ton of art all over the place- it felt like the quality of the art was subpar. The two friends walked around knowing that their own art merited consideration and placement in the show. The fact that Manfred had been an active part of the art-world for years made the show bittersweet. He was a respected artist and raconteur and cynic but he had not played the art game as well as he could have. They walked in a room that had about thirty clocks on the wall each showing different times. Augustina Woodgate was the 38-year-old Argentinian artist and her critically acclaimed exhibit was entitled, “National Times.” At first, Bugowski was non-plussed. Then after a moment, it hit him.
“Yeah, maybe but it’s something to celebrate.” “Wanna check out the show?” “Sure” Bugowski was on a list but that didn’t matter
“Now I get it. This is brilliant. The clocks make you feel anxious or like you need to be somewhere... the interactive quality of the clocks as art elicits a visceral emotion. It works. Mission accomplished.” “Yep.” Manfred had had enough of the clocks. Do you want to go to the party?
“Sure.” The party was back on the 1st floor. DJ Hesta Prynn was spinning to a bunch of centennials who were nursing $6 beers at standup tables in an annex to the Whitney’s book store. Hesta was playing some house with some old school hip hop and a little R&B mixed in. The crowd seemed to like it just fine. Bugowski said hi to the DJ who had been pals with the Beastie Boys and chatted about an upcoming event and it was all quite relaxed and civilized. “How was that?” “She’s sweet.” “Are you going to use her for that fashion event?” “Who knows...you want to look at some more art?” “Nah.” “Gogol, we both know your stuff should be upstairs.”
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“Yeah, whatever.”
“So you’ve been rolling around these art shows at night for 30 years now, huh?”
Manfred went looking for a table to watch the game.
“You see all the beautiful women?”
“I’m going to grab a beer. Want one?”
“Absolutely.”
“ Nah.”
“There’s Shabazz.”
“I like this place.’
“Oh yeah I remember that guy from that group show we did last year.”
It was styled like a German Bier Garden. You bought tickets at the kiosk.
The three erstwhile artists discussed the Biennial. Shabazz had to head back to Williamsburg. He wasn’t into Bugowski’s suggestion to grab Mexican food. Apparently, his office was right near a Chipotles.
It cost $10 for an oversized beer. WTF! Oh well. Bugowski handed his ticket to the pretty barmaid who was wearing a funny lederhosen t-shirt
“Try this Spaterweissen.”
“Let’s go-- it’s beautiful out.”
“Let’s go here, “ said Manfred pointing to a noisy Bier Garten sports bar that had an NFL pre-season game between the Broncos and the Atlanta team on TV sets and plenty of people standing around buzzing and drinking oversized beers.
“You bet it is”
“Cool”
“Shall we go?” “K...just waiting for my friend Shabazz to join us.” “ Shabazz?” “...he’s upstairs looking at the art...give him 15 minutes..” Bugowski got another $6 beer and listened to Hesta...the music had moved to more R&B and Bugowski was not a fan of R&B. “Wanna go?” “Sure...you hungry?” “Yes!” “Shabazz is gonna meet us later.”
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“heyyy...do you have anything that’s like an IPA?”
“Thanks!” Large, cold mug in hand he made his way to a side table where Manfred was eating a Chicken Bratwurst and had gotten an enormous salty pretzel for the two friends to share.
“Perfect.” Manfred was talking to another patron who was watching the football game. The guy was part of a famous clothing designer’s extended family. They talked about art, football and what it was like to be related to famous people. Manfred’s family was part of a huge Media Company. The guy’s last name was Mussolini which must have been a tough cross to bear. Seemed like a decent enough guy. Turned out he was a one-time member of a boy band and he and his fiancé had a 16-month-old boy. He was baby-sitting another young woman he had met in rehab who was very drunk. Her name was Scout. She had just unveiled a one-woman art show that night and she was super-depressed. “Scout, like in To Kill A Mockingbird?” “Yeah,” replied Mussolini seemingly distracted. Manfred added, “she looked really messed up.” “Where’s Scout now?” Bugowski inquired politely. “No idea--last I saw her she was headed toward the bathroom twenty minutes ago --I think.” “Do you have a photo of what she looks like?” “Yeah, we kind of hooked up earlier in the night --but I told her I have to get back to my fiancé and son later--and I think she got pissed...she forgot her phone on the table...I hope she comes back for it” Mussolini showed Bugowski his phone which showed a video of a drunk blonde-haired centennial for about a split second. Bugowski got up walked through the huge outdoor bier garden and found the steps to the bathroom. He waited there for 10 minutes and then came back to the table. He thought he might be able to locate Scout but she wasn’t back near the bathrooms. “Did she show up?” “Not yet...now I’m starting to worry. I texted her best friend Wunderbar...he’s looking around the neighborhood for her to see if she wandered off.” “I’m sure she’ll be fine,” offered Manfred. Mussolini nodded. Wunderbar showed up ten minutes later and said he still had no idea where Scout had gone off to. He seemed pissed. November 2019 | 77
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Bugowski finishing up the conversation thread with Mussolini from earlier...”So you REALLY used to sing in a boy band?”
“Manfred wound her up huh?”
“Yep-- a couple of years ago.” Mussolini then sang the chorus of a non-descript song...badly..., “remember that song?”
“Yes he is like Loki.”
“I think so,” Bugowski lied feeling antsy and ready to roll. He turned to Manfred. “Ready to roll?” The two friends said goodbye and advised Mussolini and Wunderbar to check with the security folks at the Bier Garten and call the police if they were really concerned. Bugowski and Gogol walked through the neighboring outdoor attachment to the Standard Hotel, beach chairs and bar service with no swimming pool in sight but a giant blow-up killer whale.
“Like he always does--like Loki the god of mischief.”
“Hey I forgot that you’re married...sorry about rubbing your feet.’ “That’s ok I like it...I would have shot you down if I didn’t.” Lisa reached into her pocket and gave Bugowski a squeeze toy. I’m going to go down to the subway and give these out as stress-relievers as part of a new performance art piece.” “Thanks, hey, I have an extra pinner if you want one.” Bugowski fished the joint out of his pocket. “Thanks, Craig.” “Do you want to smoke it over there on the corner with me?” Lisa enquired.
“Gogol, you looking for Scout?” “Sure.” “Yeah...hey look who’s there. your pal Lisa Lefkowitz” “No way.”
That done. Manfred collected Bugowski and they headed to the car.
“Paranormia! ...check it.” Lisa, a renowned downtown artist was lounging with her best friend Margaret on the beach chairs holding highballs. Lisa had earned her own bit of notoriety as a performance artist who sat naked atop of toilet in a gallery. The New York Press Corps ate it up. Lisa smiled brightly at Bugowski who said hi and started to massage her feet as they caught up on stuff including a TV segment they had worked together on that almost went awry when an Australian actress who was wrangled for the segment started acting crazy. “Thanks again for having my back that time.” “You are so sweet Craig and that actress was craycray.” “I know. We had been hanging out the night prior at a gallery show and Manfred was getting her all wound up over the how lame it is to try to be an artist in the city.
They were about to leave when Manfred said, “Hey Spaz you left your phone on the beach chair with Lisa.” “Be right back.” Lisa handed the phone to Craig and said, You know you are a really good guy, Craig...a really good guy.” “Thank, Lisa.” he hugged and kissed her goodbye. Craig texted Mussolini--[text: Any luck on Scout?] Mussolini texted back that Wunderbar was talking with the police and he had had to leave the Bier Garten to get back to his fiancé and kid. Bugowski texted the guy, Mussolini, yet again the next morning. Scout was fine.
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Kathrina Miccio TOP 100 BEST FILM FESTIVALS
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athrina Miccio is the Founder and Director of The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival, and The Venus Italian International Film Festival. Rated Top 100 Best Film Festivals on FilmFreeway, and also IMDB Award Festivals
Kathrina Miccio is a multi-award winning actress, writer, filmmaker, and portrait artist. She is also a breast Cancer Survivor, which she says, is her motive for the passion she has for supporting indie filmmakers from all over the world. She believes in paying it forward by giving awards to filmmakers that might go unnoticed. With her incredible 80 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
BY GARY ENGLAND energy and deep emotional attachment to artists, she warmly greets them personally upon their arrival. You can tell she has so much respect for filmmakers, from the obvious love, care, and detail she puts into organizing these beautiful events. How did it all start? “I had a private screening of my short film, “St. Joseph” at The Cutting Room Music Venue. The projection and sound were flawless, and the room easily holds 150 people, so I went with it.” says Kathrina. The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival, premiered its 1st year in the heart of NYC, 2018.
The filmmakers wrote such passionate reviews, CRISFF became Top 100 best reviewed Film Festivals in the world on Film Freeway. CRISFF then bypassed the five year successful film festival rule, and became an IMDB award festival in its 1st year. One of the marks of a great indie film festival, is the people you meet along the way. This one not only gives you a great venue to screen your films, but a room apart where you can network, hang with old friends, and meet new ones. CRISFF brought in filmmakers from India, England, California, and Canada. Some were communicating even if they didn’t know the same language. There was a buzz starting….
An Italian festival in Las Vegas, 2019 Kathrina? “Yes, word got out quickly, and I was approached to be part of a multi-festival in Las Vegas. CRISFF was already in NYC, so for a new idea, and as lover of old and new Italian films, I came up with Venus.” The Birth Of Venus? The 1st Venus Italian Film Festival in Las Vegas, July 2019, VIIFF. History was made, when Kathrina Miccio created, The Venus Italian International Film Festival. She realized just how much she loved it, so she took on her second Film Festival. She also created an Italian American themed Awards Show, at none other than the historic Italian American Club, Las Vegas, where greats performed back in the day, like Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. The room was beautifully decorated in black and gold, and hundreds of gold candle votives, like a 1950’s supper club. Iconic portraits filled the walls in the room where she had the cocktail hour. A full buffet of Italian food was displayed. “I never want anyone to be hungry during an awards show”. Kathrina says, “I’m Italian, I can’t help myself”. Then she announces Las Vegas’s best Frank Sinatra impersonator and singer, Gary Anthony, with a big band orchestra. The room was full of filmmakers, drinking wine, eating, and dancing. After the band, a video of actor Armand Assante appears on the screen. He starts off by apologizing that he was out of the country and that he couldn’t attend, while giving very warm accolades to Kathrina, Venus the new Italian Film Festival, and also to the filmmakers and celebrity filmmakers who received awards, like Danny Aiello, Daniel Baldwin, Michael Pare’, and Frank D’Angelo. The trophies were actually hand made from alabaster marble, of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Venus is the brightest planets in the night sky, and she was shining brightly that night. Year two, 2019, and CRISFF is on fire! Sold out blocks of films before opening day. The Historic Cutting Room Music Venue NYC, going into its 20th year anniversary, is unlike any other venue. It has a great screening theater room, with a supper club feel, and the resonating acoustics, makes for a great space. It also has a nostalgic feel surrounded by Miccio’s portrait paintings of iconic musicians, on the second floor, many whom have performed there. There is a separate room for red carpet photos, interviews, and it also provides a great menu of delicious food and drinks, so its an “all in one venue”. You don’t have to leave. Some brought a change of clothes for awards night. It was great to see that every film block was nearly full, and there were Q&A’s after each. Filmmakers want and need this feedback!! CRISFF, offers filmmakers
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a weekend to become immersed in film, and connect with talented creators from all over the world. We were floored by some of the amazing films selected for each block. We asked Kathrina, “how do you decide on the films for each?” I watch every film, then start organizing the blocks, of similar genre. I wouldn’t put an animation with murder or horror, and sometimes children attend, so I try to keep some blocks PG. Also when I moderate the Q&A’s, I really need know the films, to be able to ask the right questions.” It’s obvious, Kathrina puts in the time and effort for filmmakers. CRISFF screened 103 short films, 40 more than the year prior. The films were very diverse, with filmmakers and writers flying in from Italy, Australia, Canada, Chicago, and California to name a few. There is nothing quite like this one!!! It was definitely the best Film Festival’s in NYC that we’ve been to! October 19, 20 was truly a charming 82 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
and welcoming weekend celebrating, filmmakers, achievements, and a festival that lends a voice to the indie filmmakers which is truly memorable, and also great networking and vibes. This year Kathrina invited investors, and distributors, who sat in every block, and apparently were very impressed by the high quality of the films, because news is, some have already been offered deals. Who else is behind all of this? Kathrina states, “Well, this year, I was really grateful for my judges who read scripts as well as watching the films, and for the volunteers, photographers, and videographers. Last year was basically all friends, and whoever I could grab to help.” So you’re a one woman show? Kathrina says, “Please, I must mention, the man, behind the projector that makes the films look so gorgeous, Sam Berland, the “Perfectionist Projectionist” as I call him. A few
months before 2018 CRISFF, I was told the tech projectionist of The Tribeca Film Festival left his card. What? Tribeca? Really? I called him, and brought him on. He is a true professional, and works very hard to make every film look perfect. Sam takes on all technical film issues like a champ!! The flawless sound is thanks to Gerard Hoffman, the resident sound and lighting tech of The Cutting Room. He’s worked with Ronnie Wood, Lady Gaga, and David Crosby to name a few. So for now, I do all the designing, and all the creative business that goes into the festival. It’s a lot of work, but once I get some more sponsors, I’ll be able to hire people to help with that.” After 5 blocks of films on Saturday, it doesn’t end there. Happy hour, and then performers who had films, music videos, and documentary’s in the festival entertained us until 1AM. Comedian,
Tara Cannistraci, singer, Tom Dudley, Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns Band, and Las Vegas singer DonDino, who came out to perform and support CRISFF, after seeing the Venus Film Festival in Las Vegas. After 5 blocks of films on Sunday, there was happy hour, and pasta. So Kathrina, we heard you cooked the pasta for the happy hour? Really? When? She laughed and said, “Oh yeah, I made it this morning, was it good?.” It actually was. And so The Awards Ceremony begins as co-host, and actor Lucas Hassel, announced, Kathrina Miccio as the Empress of the festival. She walked on laughing, obviously not aware he would announce her as “Empress”. The night brought so much joy and laughter, that I’m sure everyone will remember the event for a long time. We were actually left thinking, Kathrina
and Lukas need their own talk show. This year CRISFF honored Vince Curatola, aka Johnny Sack from The Sopranos, and two Rising Young Stars, Grace Broncato, for the film Talismans, and Ducati James, for The Badge. Some other stand out winners were, for drama, The Widow, by Brendan Young, from Australia, for thriller, Triangle, who brought 4 filmmakers from Italy, and 3 wins. Rocky Alvarez from Milan, who won for best Director for a Documentary, and Cristiano Esposito who directed the documentary of the iconic film, Il Postino, from Prosida. Some local NY and US winners were, for comedy, “Just Kill it”, for drama, “When The Dust Clears”, and Sci-Fi, “Abducted”. The Trophies were made of crystal and absolutely gorgeous. And in the the goody bags, each received, one of the various portrait reproductions from her series of musicians, signed by Miccio. I actually heard filmmakers say, who
did you get? I got Ray Charles. I got Janis Joplin, I’ll trade you a Keith Richards for a Billy Joel. Venus Italian International Film Festival 2020. Kathrina, will Venus be going back to Vegas? “Not just yet, I prefer to know that everyone is taken care of. It’s important that their films are being shown, and they get the Q&A’s they deserve. So for now May 2020, Venus will be in Miami, Florida. It’s a shorter flight for the Italian Filmmakers, anyway, and its Federico Fellini’s 100th birthday! So let’s celebrate great Italian inspired films in Miami!! The venue and dates are still being worked out. Check the website. Come, it will be fun!!!” crisff.com venusitalianiff.com miccioart.com
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Another forged Campendonk by W.B.
Having auctioned off this Heinrich Campendonk forgery by Beltracchi, the duped buyer demanded 2.6 million Euro in restitution from the German Auction Haus Lemperts. Considered by many as the most beautiful Campendonk, it was this painting that brought down the house of cards of the Beltracchis’ deception.
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Wolfgang Beltracchi’s WORLD’S MOST INFAMOUS ART FORGER “A Moment in Time” BY DIANA PINCK
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rilliant con artist, master painter, scoundrel, criminal, genius, Wolfgang Beltracchi has been called all of these names and more. In approximately four decades he claims to have produced over 300 forgeries in the style of over 30 master painters, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Max Ernst, Heinrich Campendonk, Tamara De Lempika, Kisling, Dufy, Derain, Braque and more. With the stamps of approval from beguiled experts and hoodwinked museums these paintings regularly traded for six and seven digit sums on the high stakes art market. Some of these paintings still hang in museums worldwide and some may very well circulate the elite art world in perpetuity. Beltracchi’s lucky streak finally ended in the deluge of a dark and stormy night in October 2010, when an international sting operation arrested him and his wife Helene at gunpoint. They were, dishonored, convicted and lost everything they had amassed over the years, including their villas in the South of France and in Freiburg, Germany. Beltracchi served five years of detention and work furlough, and Helene - his beloved wife and accomplice - three. However, like a formidable butterfly crawling out of his cocoon, Beltracchi has slowly and steadily emerged from the shadows of obscurity - and for the first time in his life - into the spotlight. Beltracchi is the star of a extremely popular TV mini series on the prestigious ARTE channel of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Royals and Millionaires pay huge sums to be portrayed by Beltracchi “in the style of” whichever artist they admire. International cover stories and interviews have firmly establish him as one of the world’s most interestingly brilliant and gifted, controversial and challenging master painters of our time. And to top it all off, Beltracchis touring exhibition KAIROS -
PHOTOS BY SIMMACO VITO VIGGIANO A MOMENT IN TIME attracted over 27’000 visitors in Venice alone. From there the critically acclaimed exhibit travelled to Hamburg and Vienna. The next stop will be Unterammergau, Germany and more locations are being negotiated. How did an LSD popping, weed smoking hippie, art school drop out and street artist turn into the most infamous art forger the world has ever seen and heard of? Beltracchi’s trial in 2011 uncovered, that in the four decades prior to his arrest, he had painted forgeries so startlingly brilliant, that leading auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, world class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, renowned experts and even family members of the deceased artists he emulated, authenticated and then purchased Beltracchi’s works. They were not only deceived by mere artistry. Wolfgang always did extensive research and he never copied existing work. Instead he either envisioned paintings that had disappeared in WW II, or he conjured up paintings in context of the artists life, sometimes painting portraits of the deceased’s family, lovers and friends. When he was particularly proud and happy with the outcome of a piece and in the flow, Beltracchi sometimes even cooked up a partner piece, or two, or three. The paintings were carefully aged and sometimes marked up with fanciful stamps of galleries that in the past had exhibited these artists. Then his wife Helene Beltracchi interpolated the paintings into the art market. She pretended to have inherited them from a fictive, vague, yet carefully constructed industrialist uncle, and submitted them for inspection and authentication to the world’s leading experts. In some cases these were family members of the deceased artists.
Almost every time the forgeries were found to undoubtably be originals. In some cases family members even believed to remember watching the deceased artist working on a particular painting. And so the forgeries were bestowed with the best possible certificate of pedigree and/ or provenance. The quality and depth of the forgeries was so brilliant, that many were hailed as veritable lost masterpieces by leading museum directors and experts in the field. All this of course only until their shocking and ignoble fall from grace. Suddenly the exact same “master pieces” were no longer perceived as beautiful or brilliant, and of course - at least for the time being - had lost all their monetary value. The Beltracchis were very clever. Part of their sceme was to pretend to be reclusive, and a bit pedestrian art dealers, blind to the true value of these masterpieces. They submitted the paintings for inspection and certification only to carefully selected galleries and museums. Almost every time the gallery or museum took the bait. Not only did they provide certification, most often they offered to buy it. The Beltracchis then sold the fake for a relatively modest price. The con worked like a charm, and the experts pounced on the forgeries like greedy hyenas. Though most of the paintings are even now considered stunning in their own right, the auction houses and galleries were almost certainly also blinded by greed. They knew that they would earn hundreds of thousands, in some cases even millions in profit at resale. Museum directors and experts knew, that a discovery of a seminal lost painting would considerably fluff up their reputation. Consequentially nobody was too keen on kicking up dust or unveiling the truth of what perhaps should have struck them as an offer that was just too good to be true. Ultimately, one single painting was discovered to be a fake, and the whole house of cards came tumbling down.
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At the trial that rocked the art world in 2011, the value of the 14 forgeries the Beltracchi’s were charged with producing and selling was estimated to lie between 14 and 22 million Euros. Of course this sum represents the tip of the iceberg of their total haul. Helene assures me that post trial all their former buyers were made aware of any forgeries. “Of course we have no idea, what they in turn will do with this information.” Still, the uncomfortable and philosophical questions that looms like a white elephant in a glass menagerie is: What exactly makes a painting a master piece? Is it the signature on the bottom, or the craft and soul of the painting imbued by it’s creator that defines it’s price and ultimately it’s worth, and is that always the same thing? Does Beltracchi’s genius not deserve some recognition? Isn’t the art market - its greed, its power, its claim at being the arbitrator of value and good taste - at least partially responsible for having fallen prey to the deceit? After all, the auction houses, galleries and experts, not the Beltracchis were the real big money makers in these deals. And what about Beltracchi himself? The master forger was unmasked because of startlingly neophyte mistake that every first semester art student would know to avoid: He had used zinc white, a paint that had not yet existed at the time the painting in question was supposed to have been created. At that time the very toxic but ecellent lead white was used universally. This leads me to the question the motive of the mistake. Did Beltracchi subconsciously want to emerge from the shadows of unknowability, as indeed he now has? During my our interview in Switzerland I asked Beltracchi repeatedly if he would consider this a possibility, but he denied this every time - almost too vehemently. Looking back I think he may not be aware that this is what he truly wanted. The price he - and especially his beloved family paid for Wolfgang’s fame was excruciatingly high, as one can read from the book of letters Einschluss mit Engel**, that has been published. It contains the couples loving, frank, sometimes mundane and always desperate correspondence while incarcerated. Yet, for the first time in his life Beltracchi is truly prolific. He paints 8-10 hours a day, seven days a
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week. “I do not have much time left to paint all the paintings I want to paint”, he says wistfully as his gaze wanders over canvases and sculptures in his sunlit studio. Finally they rest lovingly on his wife, Helene. Beltracchi himself is blazingly clever and completely self assured. He seems proud of his gift, his craft, his talent and knowhow. He has an engaging alpha personality accompanied by a healthy dose of narcissism, yet his ego does not get in the way of seeing the world around him crystal clear with the laser vision of his blue eyes. He is also interested, intuitive, warm, sensitive and observing. Perhaps that is why he can paint so many different artists, and why he has such a warm and loving relationship with his wife of 25 years, whom he clearly adores and worships. During our conversations I watch him observing and analyzing everything around him, while carefully listening, answering my questions and expounding on multiple subjects about art, history, culture and his new hometown in Lucerne, Switzerland. “Why should I limit myself to one style? If a painter is supposed to express himself in his work, I have done that. I don’t feel enslaved to any one style or manner of painting. I prefer to express myself in a form and style that seems exactly right for what I am feeling or would like to express at that very moment.” Wolfgang Beltracchi* Beltracchi works like a method actor: before he starts on a new painting in the style of another artist, he immerses himself into the life of that artist. He finds out everything he possibly can about the artists, the time they lived in, their families, lovers and friends. He acquires an encyclopedic knowledge of their development, their influences and their time and place in history. He wanders through the landscapes they depicted, studying the particular light and atmosphere. He seeks and finds what these artists must had seen and felt, when they had been there and had decided to set brushstroke to canvas. Of course he visits museums and studies the color-range and pallet of the artists.
straight to my brain. I can see exactly how the artist worked and what kind of brushstrokes he used. It is a genetic defect.” Wolfgang Beltracchi Beltracchi was convicted for signature forgery. He and his wife both served 14 month in detention and approximately 4 respectively 3 years in work furlough. All their known assets were seized and sold. Incredibly they have already payed up millions in restitution, because Wolfgang Beltracchi’s infamous genius has hurled him into a new notoriety. To the great dismay of some galleries and auction houses, his postincarceration exhibit at Art Basel in 2016 sold out. Beltracchi’s portraits and paintings “in the style of…”, which he has dubbed “Free Method Painting” sell for five and six digit figures. 3Sat (The German/Austrian/Swiss Public TV Network) aired its 2. Season of “Der Meisterfälscher” (The Master Forger). Each episode covers a one week period, in which Beltracchi paints the portrait of an illustrious personality or politician in the style of a famous artist from the past. Mountaineer Reinhold Messner, Princess Gloria von Thur und Taxis and Author Daniel Kehlmann were some of the guests of the show. The TV show is a big hit in German speaking Europe, and has made the Beltracchi a household name. For now the Beltracchis have settled on the beautiful shores of lake Lucerne, Switzerland. They love it here. The pragmatic Swiss have embraced the newcomers with their typical attitude of distance, laisser fair and in this special case polite curiosity. Publications *Selbstportrait by Helene and Wolfgang Beltracchi, Rowohlt Verlag, Hamburg 2014 ** Einschluss mit Engeln by Helene and Wolfgang Beltracchi, Rowohlt Verlag, Hamburg 2014 wolfgang-beltracchi.com Next upcoming stop of Kairos Exhibit: November 10. 2019 – Spring 2020. mSE Kunsthalle, Unterammergau – Deutschland kairos-exhibition.art
“When I see a painting, especially when I can I touch it, it is almost like electric impulses go
Another masterful fake by Wolfgang Beltracchi in the manner of Max Pechstein
New York art dealer Richard Feigen was denied a tax refund on the $2.5 million he paid for this forged Max Ernst
“When I see a painting, especially when I can I touch it, it is almost like electric impulses go straight to my brain. I can see exactly how the artist worked and what kind of brushstrokes he used. It is a genetic defect.” Wolfgang Beltracchi* June 2006 Christie's, London printed this auction catalogue with Beltracchi’s brilliant forgery "La Horde" in the style of Max Ernst. November 2019 | 87
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Frieze Artfair OLD TIMES ARE BACK IN LONDON BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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series of major sales during the dreary, rainy days brightened everything with monetary pops of sunshine for industry insiders constantly searching next season’s stars. Each year Frieze brings together the best international talent to Regents Park and the fair, and along with editions in New York and Los Angeles is determined to reign supreme. Large installations, AI technologies, and new focused sectors seemed to brighten and amaze international collecting circles and major institutions who send their trustee groups, patrons and curators to acquire the latest and greatest Frieze has to offer. The Frieze Tate Fund, an acquisition fund supported by Endeavor, returned for its 17th year alongside the fourth edition of the Contemporary Art Society’s Collections Fund, this year acquiring works which explore themes of protest, activism and rebellion to be placed in Nottingham Castle Museum.
Having attended Frieze Art since the inception in 2003, the 2019 edition was reminiscent of the days when galleries and artists were major risktakers, employing larger installations and unique performance art throughout the fair. Regent Park’s tent this year was packed to the brim, refreshing for many attendees wanting to share their favorite acquisitions and find the latest emerging artist. With a full-scale sculpture park curated specifically for the occasion each year, (often with some of the top artists in the world displaying their latest monumental work), it allowed visitors to go from indoor to outdoor experiences for a breath of fresh air and take long leisurely walks from one large tent to another. Among grand sculptures curated by Clare Lilley, the most recent works include among others, LR Vancy, Zak Ove,and Joanna Rajkowska. This year London-based Art Ancient sold a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite for an undisclosed price at the Frieze Master tent, who knew!
It can take days to tackle the aisles as curatorial talent brought in innovatively themed sections such as WOVEN curated by Cosmin Costinas, employing textiles, weaving and tapestries. It provided glimpses into international craft movements, new processes and exceeded pre-definitions of woven art. The Met Breuer retrospective exhibition of artist Mrinalini Mukherjee was all the buzz in NYC this past summer with over 50 works of dyed and woven hemp, but disappointingly none were for sale in the smaller artfair display. Performances, packed booths full of multi-million-dollar art and a frenzy of activity left collectors running to see as much as they could absorb. Diana Campbell-Betancourt returned as curator of the LIVE section presented energetic and provocative performances in every corner throughout the days of the fair.
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Celebrity sightings included Russell Tovey, Tracey Emin, Ellie Goulding, Claudia Schiffer, Bianca Jagger, Princess Alia al-Senussi among the throngs making their way through the packed venue. Gallery Kurimanzutto’s artist Carlos Amorales’s new performance, “Ghost”, placed a haunting monumental mural near the main entry reflecting on “a moment of unrest in the world.” Audiences were drawn to both large and small pieces, like the intimate presentation by Matthew Day Jackson, whose small painting simply rested in a corner. The impactful work by Kavi Gupta’s gallery’s American Indian artist Jeff Gibson drew applause this year in the FOCUS section of the fair along with the Gupta’s sensation, Devan Shimoyama as booths sold out quickly. Collectors snapped up the coveted artist Stanley Whitney’s colorful painting works from Lisson Gallery, who has participated in the fair since its inception. Lisson paid homage to artist Joyce Pensato who sadly passed in June of 2019 (all the works not for sale). 160 galleries from 35 countries competed for the attention of the latest collector, institution or art center acquiring works during the 5-day bonanza. Rumors at the fair were that sales were remarkable. Frieze Art Fair London has continued to beat out competitors year after year and impressed collector circles. The sale of the fair in 2016 raised concerns that it could be a problem when mega-talent agency IMG took a majority stake in the fair, but it turned out to have only strengthened the brand and presence of this most prestigious event. **Kudos to Diana Campbell-Betancourt (Artistic Director, Samdani Art Foundation, Dhaka and Chief Curator, Dhaka Art Summit) and Lydia Yee (Chief Curator, Whitechapel Gallery, London), Matthew McLean (Senior Editor, Frieze Studios). And for the first time, an international committee of gallery peers included Stefan Benchoam (Proyectos Ultravioleta, Guatemala City), Edouard Malingue (Edouard Malingue, Hong Kong), and Angelina Volk (Emalin, London) advisors for the selection of participants for Focus, the fair’s section for younger galleries. *And of course, hats off to Global Director of Frieze Fairs, Victoria Siddall. Globetrotter Tips for must-see exhibitions in London: Elizabeth Peyton at the National Portrait Gallery October 3, 2019- January 5th 2019 Damien Hirst: White Cube September 20- November 2nd 2019 Anthony Gormley: Royal Academy September 21December 2nd 2019 Kara Walker at Tate Modern Oct 2nd - April 5th 2020 For more Globetrotter Tips: Instagram @rvancelette
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RobertLazzarini QUICKFIRE ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
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BY RACHEL VANCELET TE an you speak to us briefly about your two-person exhibition Return of the Real with artist Rodrigo Valenzuela currently on view at USF Contemporary Art Museum in Tampa?
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I was approached by CAM’s curator-at-large Christian Viveros-Faune who was interested in an exhibiton that related to the idea of misinformation in my work and Rodrigo Valenzuela’s. Both of our works address the re-representation of things and through reconstruction, create the circumstances for a changing interpretation.
My work specifically deals with a dislocation between the viewer and the sculptural object. By manipulating the geometry of the object, the result is a redistribution of data and a changed space around the object. The habitual process of viewing is altered, resulting in the viewer questioning very basic things about perception.
Tell us about chain-link fence, one of the pieces in the exhibition. chain-link fence is a work from 2012 and was recently exhibited at The Hole gallery in NYC in Post Analog Studio. Christian and I had been discussing the possibility of this sculpture being the central piece in my space at the museum. It’s based on a 23 foot length of chain-link fence with barbed wire that is mathematically distorted. It is both permeable and boundary and central to the idea of threshold that the other objects in the show convey. The sculpture changes as the viewer circumnavigates it, suggesting both object as landscape and the temporality of barriers.
chain-link fence was an engineering feat. Using a stereo lithography investment casting process, it was made of over 300 carbon steel parts. Each part was hand degated, finished and welded together on a complex wooden jig. Weighing approximately 750 lbs, It’s an extremely difficult sculpture to move, so It took about 20 people to move fence into place in the gallery. I am indebted to Christian and the museum for thier tremendous committment to exhibit the work. I understand you made some new work for Return of the Real. I made 2 new sculptures - police barricade and
posted signs. police barricade is based on the ubiquitous blue barricades you see all throughout New York City. It is a symbol of police order. They are brought out en masse during parades and holidays and collected shortly thereafter. However the random forgotten one can be found at all times dotted throughout the city. In my version, one side is knocked off its A-frame, making it read as both simultaneously authoritarian and vulnerable. posted signs reference the no trespassing markers found mostly in rural areas. Weathered and beaten, the various substrates look as if exposed to the elements. The historicity of the object betrays a frailty to an unflexible message. November 2019 | 93
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Can you tell us a little about your current collaboration at Graphicstudio? Graphicstudio Is part of the Institute for Research in Art at the University of Southern Florida. They have been producing limited edtion prints and sculptural multiples since 1969 and have worked with artsits such as James Rosenquist, Robert Rauschenberg, Nancy Graves, and Ed Ruscha among others. Director Margaret Miller approached me about collaborating on an edition, so I proposed a table top work based on a Master Lock padlock with a small link of chains. As per my work, there is no material translation, so the object will be made of steel with a plastic skirt on the padlock. With one link in the chain cut, the object relates to the works in Return of the Real at USF Contemporary Art Museum by suggesting a breach of an otherewise symbolic restriction or confinement. You mentioned a new project. What is object? I’m creating a website called object that will offer sculptural editions of my work. They will only be available on that website. The first edition will be based on a can of Dutch Boy lead white paint. Roughly 24 million American homes are thought to contain unsafe quantities of lead paint or dust. It is something invisible. Something lurking just beneath the surface. It is both ubiquitous and insidious. It is at odds with the idea that the house is a place of safety and a place of comfort. It affects children, the most vulnerable, more than adults. This edition will be one work in an upcoming exhibtion based on lethal products found in the home. Instagram Handle: @robertlazzarini
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Howie Keck ARTIST SPOTLIGHT BY ADAM KLUGER
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’ve been a big fan of artist Howie Keck since the night I first stumbled into his Carnivalesque art studio on Franklin street across from the Knitting Factory after a CNN Showbiz Today shoot in the mid-’90s. At the time, Howie, a muralist, had created a vibrant world of wall-sized celebrity murals that evoked thoughts of Kenny Scharf and Keith Haring. Keck is known around the world for his distinctive art in the world’s most popular nightclubs. Howie creates highly skilled realistic oil and acrylic paintings. He uses brush and airbrush. He creates portraits, still life, event backdrops, decor, even glass mosaics. Keck’s latest creation is a celebration of Cannabis Culture ( A Weed Wall of Fame!) for Weed World Candies. The provocative 3D DayGlo artwork features eye-popping art inspired by 420-friendly pop
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culture icons like Miley Cyrus, Cheech & Chong, Snoop Dogg, Seth Rogen, Bill Maher, Bob Marley, and even Mike Tyson. The Weed Wall of Fame will soon be unveiled to the NYC media as part of Weed World Candies plans to provide an educational, tourist-friendly space for adults that celebrates the medicinal benefits of hemp & cannabis and will feature augmented/virtual reality, performance art and live music at the flagship store on 7th Avenue-two blocks from Penn Station. Pretty groovy stuff! Weed World Candies also sells Cannabis-related apparel, novelties and their famous mouth-watering lollypops that are every color of the rainbow and sold across the country in loud trucks in an effort to promote a better understanding of the potential benefits of hemp, cannabis, and CBD oil. This is what Howie Keck had to say about his latest creation: “ I am an artist who works in many mediums. The Weed World Candies Mural is my form of freestyle homage to how marijuana has played a major role in Pop Culture. I use fluorescent and metallic paint to emphasize and customize the pop culture imagery that I appropriate. As a longtime lover of anything weed-related, this mural is a labor of love as well as my homage to this hallucinogenic flower.� - Howie Keck November 2019 | 99
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QUICKFIRE ARTIST SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Artist Veronica Smirnoff VENICE AND MYSTICAL WATER DREAMS
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ward winning British artist Veronica Smirnoff, born in Russia, captivates audiences with her often ethereal art, reminding audiences of the delicate balance with which we live concerning water, and what it represents in dreams and the conscious and unconscious mind. She says, “water often equals metamorphosis, a force for good, the image of time.” Smirnoff is known for her paintings in egg tempera, made by mixing pigments from ground semi-precious stones mixed with wine and egg yolk. Suggestive of pre-renaissance and icon painting, folklore and Asian tradition, her paintings are constructed with traditional elements - the fragility of gesso and solidity of wood. Smirnoff’s humanitarian spirit has led her to help solve the plight of Venice, a ‘sinking’ city. She has exhibited in Moscow, Paris, Berlin, New York and London.
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BY RACHEL VANCELET TE For years it has been known the beautiful, historic city of Venice, Italy is sinking, and with new scientific studies revealing the extreme and alarming rising water level in 2019, it is raising major concerns globally. Recent reports also state that Venice potentially may completely sink by the year 2100, meaning this important Italian’s capital future is in great danger. Water rising is only part of the problem as the city itself is both sinking and tilting! The breaking news spawned international efforts causing non-profits and art organizations to create an emergency action – “Save Venice.” Deeply involved artist Veronica Smirnoff is part of the group exhibition titled “Heat: Create the Environment You Want to Live In,” curated by Sveva Manfredi Zavaglia, Maria Abramenko with the cultural advisor Ekaterina Luki. The exhibition shines a spotlight on what Venetians call “Acqua Alta” and the current water crisis. The
“Acqua Alta” event happens in winter months each year between November and March when water levels create terrible flooding conditions, particularly at high tide when evacuations are commonplace. The group exhibition “Heat” debuting at the 77th Venice Biennale has provided. Veronica’s voice and new narrative will help to continue the conversation about changing global environments and hopefully save this beautiful, historic city! QUICKFIRE INTERVIEW: VERONICA SMIRNOFF Can you speak about your current exhibition “HEAT: Create the Environment You Want to Live In” and how your artworks were selected and exhibited for the project? The curatorial statement refers “to raising awareness for global warming” and this mission lays at the heart of this curatorial project. As an artist reacting to the crisis, can you speak to the
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theme and how it relates to your artwork? The impetus of ‘Heat’ is to raise public awareness of global warming and to make artist ponder, react and strive to galvanize public consciousness about the brittleness and the mystery of our planet: sort of an oxymoron of wounds and crisis, energy and light; the desire for the would-be world that doesn’t need protection. This was at the heart of the curatorial work for the show conceived by three curators: Italian, Russian and Israeli with support of ‘Art and Communication’, a non-profit association for art and artists. In this project, my work draws on my ongoing interest in the ancient topography, the relationship between Elements and Myth as well as my passion for swimming and travelling on water. 102 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Water as an element always fascinates me. Next to light, it’s the most mysterious provider of life (much taken for granted) and an agent of change in the reality that is constantly transforming. Water’s unusual physical properties, its peculiarities are essential for all forms of life as we know it. To me, this pictorial exploration felt very apt in the light of the theme of the show and its location. The body of work references themes of waterrelated symbolism in iconography, folklore, fairy tales and mythology where water often equals metamorphosis, a force for good, the image of time. I am influenced by the allegorical representation of water in its various forms in the ancient visual cultures such as Byzantine and Asian
traditions, always in contradiction to the rules of linear perspective, they invariably point to the metaphysics of the elements. The exhibition held by Art and Communication, a non-profit association executed this international exhibition located in the Church and Archives of Misericordia in Venice, does the history of the venue speak to the exhibition? The show is housed in the building of the church’s archives, the space provides a brilliant symbiosis of sets of tradition, history at play juxtaposed by the artists’ work.“ Heat” also reflects the dilemma facing Venice itself, a city whose rich historical and cultural heritage is constantly threatened by the problem of flooding and erosion. There’s
something primeval and magical about being on water, ‘ you are informed that you are not supposed to be there, not so much by your eyes......as by your feet that feel odd acting as the organ of sense’. Remarks Joseph Brodsky in his Watermark, an essay on Venice. Visually, water unsettles the principles of horizontality and often challenges our eye’s ability. Perhaps this is the most mystical and inspiring aspect that induced awe and marveling since the dawn of time. It is just magical. “Heat” is a rotating exhibition, can you speak to the narratives in the selected paintings for the exhibition, the pairing with artist Ernesto Morales, and timelines for your particular presentation? In my new paintings, the exaggerated attention to volatile water-based properties of the Egg Tempera enhances the main motif of the show. Water is instrumental to my working process and methodology. The medium’s fluidity dictates a prescriptive way of working. I borrow elements from different pictorial languages which become a red herring, albeit appealing to the allegorical discourse and a particular sensibility. Similarly, Ernesto Morales creates images of cloud formations, water in its different guise evokes introspective journey in the clouds, a metaphor and a dream. I think at large we both address the fragility and the mystery central to our experiences of life on earth and yet there’s certainly a dialogue to be considered. What inspires you? My work in its formal iconographical heritage and elements of folk art speaks of my roots, memories of places and people I have left behind. My paintings allude to a particular visual language which inevitably possesses the Slavic sentiment albeit informed by cultural references from elsewhere, my passion for travelling and love for books, folk stories and mythology. The magic of daring to relate something always happens in the mental space. And as Einstein said, “imagination is always more important than knowledge.” In a sense, there’s often a ghost of a story conveyed through the transformative process of painting. The ability to move freely in the realm of fantasy engenders that abounding vitality we once had as children; that child-like notion is deeply inserted into our collective memory. My interest touches on the instinct of astonishment and elementary wonder about the world but also on things in the day to day life that surround me. Abiding sense of art history is very important for my artistic practice; I have dozens of art albums, catalogues and clippings dispersed all over the studio’s floor when I work. I suppose the
urge for constant crossing and reexamining of the references, sometimes stripped from their original meaning, surrenders to interpretation, pivoting on the tension between rejection and acknowledgement, imitation and intuition. Can you provide us some insight to your daily studio practice? Can you tell us briefly about your background? I was born in Moscow. In my teens, I came over to a boarding school in Edinburgh, which felt like an antidote to the craziness of growing up at the time of the fall of the USSR. I took up Art as a subject at school and later attended the Slade School of Art and the Royal Academy School of Art, supported by my family who saw the potential of the disparate life ahead as a privilege and an opportunity. That somehow is always reflected in my artistic endeavor. My work process can be laborious and time consuming. Prior to painting, I create numerous drawings, often made of tiny dots or thick outlines. This medium references etching and old masters’ drawings that follow the same technique to transfer images onto a panel. Sometimes paintings originate from loose sketching and marking down ideas, which result in different registers and relative positions of objects in the composition. Usually I start off with mixing up the paints; each color is revived individually by adding the egg yoke emulsion. The paint is applied horizontally in blobs and spatters on to a gessoed board, partly given to the mercy of chance and unpredictable behavior of the fluid properties of Egg Tempera. The egg yoke in the emulsion often indicates its finite decomposing quality after awhile which impels a looser and more energetic way of applying the paint; layer by layer the surface is encrusted with palpable texture and then sanded down to its sedimentary substance, leaving some of the areas bare and ethereal, using the pigments’ particles to build up the textured impasto and translucency. In a way this emulates a historical lustre that echoes the transmission of folklore and mythology over time. You employ the traditional techniques of egg tempera and wood traditionally associated with the Pre-Renaissance Period, could you tell us how you learned these techniques and the importance it has to your practice? The technique of Egg Tempera is a bit of an anachronism, steeped in history, religious and popular tradition. The pigments are made from mixing ground semi-precious stones and minerals with wine and egg yolk; gessoed panels have oak supports on the back, traditionally associated with icon painting; they are prepared and blessed in the Russian monastery, Optina Pustin where I have been living and working on and off for a
couple of years. It was an amazing opportunity to do a research of the icon painting and restoration techniques at the monastery’s workshops, a unique insight that inspired a new body of work. What advice would you give to a young artist of today? I think my best advice to myself and the others would be to work more outside the set framework, to constantly challenge oneself, to never lose the sense of wonder and embrace a precarious conjunction of self-doubt and self confidence in equal measures which by way of osmosis is a kind of formula for meaning and self-realization. Your expansive paintings of landscapes, figures, and dream-like worlds are captivating, can you tell us more about what you hope a viewer will experience and learn in encountering your works? I am sure that one paints from within outwards. I as an artist sometimes have a peculiar sensation from something I see, something I am impelled to express not necessarily knowing why. I can only express my feeling by lines and colors. And it’s not until later, that I am able to articulate my intention. In a way, I want my work to encourage a quest into the multiplicitous experiences of womanhood, while engaging to some degree in autobiographical accounts and a somewhat personal folkloric reality that remain connected to the subjects of memory and identity. You recently spoke about an upcoming project in Russia in Spring 2020) which will incorporate a group of artists dealing in technology, music, and visual artwork, can you tell us about this project? I am working towards an exciting project which is going to take place in Spiridonov House, a beautifully renovated palace in the centre of Moscow, in April 2020. The show will be curated by Elena Kuprina-Lyakhovich, a founder of E.K.ArtBureau who is engaged in the Moscow Conceptualism movement and Russia’s contemporary art scene. It will be a collection of different artists’ response to the theme, “My Personal Garden of Eden”, exploring notions of the personal and the universal, incited by the wider subjects of myth, history and identity. It will feature paintings, sculptures, music and video pieces by myself, Benedict Westenra, Ivgenia Naiman, and Duskmann. The project will be supported by the Fondazione Cavalli and the Russian Ministry of Culture. Riccardo Crespi Gallery @galleriariccardocrespi ricardocrespi.com
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SohoMuse PRIVATE SOCIAL NETWORK BY ELIZABETH DARWEN Ben Mindich, Vincent Festa, Andrew Werner, Montgomery Frazier and Models attend SohoMuse Launch ©Patrick McMullan After a successful BETA, SohoMuse - the members-only social network for the creative industry celebrated its official launch in a star filled New York gala at the showroom of British luxury furniture designer, Christopher Guy, at the New York Design Center. Members and guests alike were invited to immerse themselves in an experiential event, surrounded by some of the Creative Industries’ most imaginative talent. Montgomery ‘The Image Guru’ Frazier led the style component along with some of New York’s most exciting fashion
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designers, including SohoMuse members Malan Breton, Nicole Miller, Marc Bouwer, and luxury lifestyle brand Dur Doux. Each designer had their own personalized ‘environment’ within the showroom and SohoMuse models, courtesy of Dale Noelle’s True Model Management, brought their latest fashions to life. Incredible performances by SohoMuse members included Canadian superstar violinist, Judy Kang, and Broadway’s “Kinky Boots” star, Kevin Smith Kirkwood. Notable guests in attendance were: singer/songwriter, philanthropist and SohoMuse founder, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin; fashion designer, Frederick Anderson; actress, Sean Young; designer, Mortiz Waldemeyer;
Ben Mindich, Vincent Festa, Andrew Werner, Montgomery Frazier and Models attend SohoMuse Launch ŠPatrick McMullan
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film and Broadway producer, Christina Papagjika; actor, David Kaplan Kallaway; comedian, Jeffrey Gurian, interior designers, John Barman and Kelly Stuart; and television personality, Ramona Singer. Several of SohoMuse’s investors and Advisory Board members were also in attendance. SohoMuse has quickly lived up to its moniker as ‘The Trusted Source for the Creative Industry’. In its initial run, the community, which provides a myriad of tools and features for creative professionals, has already seen a plethora of success stories, from artist collaborations among members to bona fide work opportunities across the globe. With catering by Revel Rouge, ultra-premium Prosecco and Sparkling Rosé courtesy of David Noto’s Altaneve, vodka by Cylinder and sound design by Alan Dalton Productions, the SohoMuse launch is sure to go down as one of Manhattan’s premiere social events of the Fall season. About SohoMuse: SohoMuse is the first-of-its-kind Vertical Social Network for the Creative Industry. Centered on an exclusive membership-by-invitation-only platform, creative professionals can promote their talents and projects, network and collaborate with other Creatives and source talent across the globe - all within a secure and trusted ecosystem. Both a community and a portfolio platform, SohoMuse brings together the best talent from all creative fields in one place and provides the tools and features Creatives need to work more efficiently, network more effectively and increase exposure and opportunities exponentially. Members are part of an exclusive global community where those seeking talent can find the best creative professionals anywhere... Where Creatives can be proud to showcase their work... Where they can inspire and be inspired. SohoMuse is a subscription-based website with a freemium model. Fees are charged for premium functionality. For more information, please visit: www.sohomuse. com.
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Rescue Dogs Rock NYC THE 2ND ANNUAL GALA BY CLARA MORGAN CO-CHAIRED BY GEORGINA BLOOMBERG AND LARA TRUMP The not-for-profit animal rescue organization, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC (RDRNYC) hosted their 2nd annual gala at 583 Park Avenue, New York City. The cocktail and dinner reception gala raised funds and awareness to help animals in need, and was co-chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump. The gala was produced by Robin Lathrop of By Robin who also donated fabulous décor and DJ. TV personality Bill McCuddy was the emcee for the evening. Notable attendees included: RDRNYC co-founders Jackie O’Sullivan and Stacey Silverstein, co-chairs Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump, Eric Trump, Emcee Bill McCuddy, Jean Shafiroff, Elizabeth Shafiroff, Lizzie Asher, Pamela Morgan, Leesa Rowland, Randi Schatz, actress Sean Young, Meredith O’Connor, Dana Tycher Reisman, Sydney Sadick, RHONY Sonja Morgan, Justina Valentine, Jesse Watters, and Ray Mariscal. The real stars of the evening were the RDRNYC dogs as well as guests who brought their own. The 2nd annual gala commenced with a cocktail reception and silent auction held in the lower lounge. Afterwards, guests were brought upstairs for the main presentation and dinner. Emcee Bill McCuddy formally opened the evening, welcoming guests
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and introducing RDRNYC co-founders Jackie O’Sullivan and Stacey Silverstein, who in-turn thanked everyone for being there and introduced guests to the mission of the RDRNYC. After dinner and dessert, Bill McCuddy introduced co-chairs Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump who spoke about the importance of RDRNYC and what it means to them personally. After their speeches, a video was played appealing to guests of the gala to help grow RDRNYC and help animals in need, followed by a live auction. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC is a 501(c)(3), volunteer and foster based animal rescue. About Rescue Dogs Rock NYC: Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s goal is to raise awareness of the ever-growing plight of homeless animals in the United States, in shelters as well as those abandoned in the streets. There are way too many fantastic animals that are euthanized every day just because they are homeless. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC introduces these animals to the public and educates them that unwanted companion animals are not damaged goods or unworthy, but can be fostered into wonderful family pets. Sadly, the abuse, neglect, cruelty and medical cases cost shelters the most money, and often are the first animals to euthanized. The mission of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC is the rescue of these animals and provide them with immediate emergency care, medical or otherwise, they need and deserve. Besides medical treatments, the animals are rehabilitated through trainers and behavior specialists to help overcome past trauma. The organization does not have a physical shelter, and relies on a network of volunteers, fosters and adopters to welcome these animals into their homes and provides them with a nurturing and caring environment. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s outreach and education is spread through their website and social media, as well as community events such as their annual gala. For more information, visit: rescuedogsrocknyc. org. Facebook: @RescueDogsRockNyc | Twitter: @ RDR_NYC | Instagram: @rescuedogsrocknyc
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Leslie Barrett, Adrienne Gordon, and Nancy Pearson Photo credit: Guillermo Mogollan
Jane Pontarelli Photo credit: Guillermo Mogollan
Spotlight with Julianne Michelle PHOTO BY JEFF ZORABEDIAN AND ELIZABETH MEALEY (JDZ PHOTOGRAPHY)
TH E N EW Y O R K S O C I ET Y F O R T H E P REV E N T I O N OF C RU E LT Y T O CHI L D REN ( N Y SP C C ) 1875, the NYSPCC was the first child protective agency in the world. Since its inception, the organization has been working to address the needs of children, developing and implementing innovative mental health, legal and educational programs that protect children from harm and ensure their healthy development. @theNYSPCC
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THE SECOND ANNUAL SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 I had the honor of continuing our tradition and hosting our Second Annual School Supply Drive with lifestyle and business coach and author Lori Synder and special guest host and actress Tina Louise to benefit the NYSPCC at the chic upper east side Nespresso café on Madison Avenue. Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by McCabes Wine & Spirits and delectable bites by 3 Guys. Guests also enjoyed sampling Nespresso’s signature expresso and an exclusive showing of the magnificent Mina D Jewelry. The event served as a kick-off to the Fall school season as well as to garner awareness for the organization’s annual Fall Gala. Other attendees included: actor Larry Romano, TV host Chance Spiessbach, Leslie Barrett, Adrienne Gordon, Whitney Wetherill Stroh, Amanda Pennfield, Leigh Held, Hansjuerg Raez, Ruth Katz, Jane Pontarelli, Joycelyn Engle Di Palma, Adele Nino, Caity Levys, author Douglas Dechert, and Regina Kravitz. In reflection on the event and her involvement with the cause, Lori Synder stated, “Every little thing we each can do to support others turns one helping hand and one smile into millions.” The children supported by the NYSPCC are neglected and/or abused. Many of them feel abandoned and unloved. While these school supplies and our efforts may not solve all their problems, they will at least help these children recognize that someone does care and wants for them a better, brighter future.
Amanda Pennfield, Hansjuerg Raez, and Leigh Held Photo credit: Guillermo Mogollan
Lori Snyder, Tina Louise, and Julianne Michelle
Julianne Michelle is an award-winning actress whose career began at the age of 5. She is currently playing Max in the Amazon series, New Dogs, Old Tricks. She is a graduate of Columbia University. Whitney Wetherill Stroh and Julianne Michelle Photo credit: Guillermo Mogollan
Instagram: @realjuliannemichelle Twitter: @julmichelle November 2019 | 111
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Melissa Clark
Metropolitan Minute . COME FLY WITH ME BY M E L I S SA C L A R K “This series is all about nostalgia from making paper airplanes with love notes and neon lights,”explained Haitian- born artist Guy Stanley Philoche who has been flying high with his fine art for over fifteen years and is known in some art circles for his earlier “game series” inspired by Monopoly boards. His latest vision was propelled by the streets of New York City and its environment. Philoche invites and encourages his audience to touch and interact with his artwork. In “Come Fly With Me,” Philoche’s newest series, the artist’s surfaces were inspired by the buildup of city walls, thick with traces of posters, advertisements, tagging, and graffiti. Paper airplanes made from collaged reproductions of dollars and euros are everpresent. It was a packed house on a fall evening as visitors warmed up with wine and cocktails. Celebrity art and fashion photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth displayed his photos of Philoche and his loyal companion, French bulldog, Picasso. Spreitzenbarth’s past subjects include Meg Ryan, Salma Hayek, John Legend, and Metropolitan Magazine’s previous cover star, Tyra Banks. philochestudios.com cavaliergalleries.com
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Rock & Rawhide’s Adoptapalooza
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ROCK & RAWHIDE
ew York-based animal advocacy group Rock & Rawhide held their bi-annual Adoptpalooza, New York’s Original & Largest Mega Pet Adoption Event, on May 19 and again on September 15, 2019, at Union Square Park. After eight years, Rock & Rawhide took over leadership of Adoptapalooza in May 2019 from the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals who founded the iconic New York event in 2010. This year’s Adoptapalooza events not only broke attendance records with over 90,000 potential adopters, but it also provided over 800 animals new, loving and responsible homes. Featuring activities such as Petco’s Dog Training Field
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where pet parents can learn tips and tricks for their new furrever friend; product sampling with natural food to help get pet parents off to the right paw; family activities including the award-winning Hollywood-style face painting by The Cheeky Chipmunk, and more, Adoptapalooza has found homes for over 18,000 animals since it began. Rock & Rawhide’s Adoptapalooza is sponsored by Petco Foundation, Petco and BOBS for Dogs from SKECHERS, with additional support from iHeartRadio’s Z100, Q1043, 1035KTU, Power105 and 106.7 Lite FM; Blue Buffalo, Merrick, TruDog, Canidae Pet Foods, JustFoodForDogs, Pet Lifestyles Magazine and FlyingFurFilm.com.
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RESCUE DOGS ROCK NYC 2ND ANNUAL GALA By Clara Morgan
Rescue Dogs Rock NYC hosted their 2nd annual gala co-chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump, raised funds and awareness to help animals in need, NYC: Lara Trump, Georgina Bloomberg ©Patrick McMullan
Rescue Dogs Rock NYC Co-founders Stacey Silverstein and Jackie O’Sullivan at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan
Sean Young at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan
RHONY Sonja Morgan at the Rescue Dogs Rock Jean Shafiroff at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC NYC 2nd annual gala 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan ©Patrick McMullan
Pamela Morgan at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan
Leesa Rowland at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan
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Lara and Eric Trump at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan
Lizzie Asher at the Rescue Dogs Rock NYC 2nd annual gala ©Patrick McMullan
NEW YORK’S MODERN BOUTIQUE RETREAT Take a hot New York City neighborhood where the Flatiron District meets Chelsea and Gramercy, add craft cocktails at our rooftop bar, and fresh organic Greek cuisine. This is Hotel Henri. www.hotelhenrinyc.com sales@hotelhenrinyc.com Call Us (844) 277-9123
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DECORATION & DESIGN BUILDING (DDB) FALL MARKET, DESIGN 2020 By Clara Morgan
The Decoration & Design Building (DDB) hosted its Fall Market, DESIGN 2020, at the iconic headquarters of all things design in New York: Candice Bergen ©Kitty Dadi
Adam Rolston, Norma Kamali at The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi
Vern Yip, Stacey Bewkes, Nicole Gibbons at Jarret Yoshida, Tyler Hamilton Larmee, John Eason, The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, Edward Farrell, David Bright at The Decoration & DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi
Hatta Byng, Liz Nightingale at The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi 118 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Klaus Baer, Rush Jenkins, Tina Ramchandani, Kendall Wilkinson, Brittany Chevalier McIntyre at The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi
DDB owner Charles S. Cohen at The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi
Candice Bergen, Scott Sanders, Steven Stolman ©Kitty Dadi at The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi
Kyle Godfrey-Ryan, Lori Weitzner, Arianne Biton, Sabine Rothman at The Decoration & Design Building Fall Market, DESIGN 2020 ©Kitty Dadi
5 5 E 5 4TH ST • NEW YO RK , N EW YO RK • M .M E/N ERAIN YC • (21 2) 759-5554
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PAGANINI HONORS PAGANINI VIP PREVIEW PARTY By Clara Morgan
Violin Virtuoso Niccolo Paganini’s work was Consuelo Vanderbelt Costin at the Paganini celebrated at Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick Preview Party, Ascent Lounge, NYC: Maria Elena McMullan Paganini ©Patrick McMullan
Sabrina-Vivian Hopcker, Kevin Zhu and Elly Suh at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
Ezinma and Edmond Fokker van Crayestein at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
Walter Francia, Detlef Vormschlag and Robert Hoogkamer at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
Elly Suh and Florian Leonhard at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
Heather Choi, Maria Elena Paganini and Dr. Mingi Choi at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
Jean Shafiroff at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
Camillo Stepanek and Silvia Frieser at the Paganini Honors Paganini VIP Preview Party ©Patrick McMullan
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Bill Seiden
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
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