September BORO

VOL 1:10

CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE

9/11 FEATURE

Looking back ten years later

+

KAUFMANS

Film industry develops a neighborhood

INSPIRATION Blissful Bedrooms Room make-overs pg. 20

FOOD Tavern Kyclades Lives on pg. 22

ART Donna Levinstone 9/11 Artist pg. 28

at in the A b s e Su tor st s nn ia, po ys LI ts id C e ,

SEPTEMBER 2011

ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE

FROM THE EDITOR LETTER TO BORO Dear BORO,

Dear Western Queens, This issue of BORO is dedicated to the art of reflecting. You’ll notice that the stories are reflecting upon the past, present and future.

This month also marks 10 years since the tragic events of 9/11. We’d like to honor those who were lost by taking time to remember that day and the inspiring stories of some local heros.

Memories make us who we are. We experience, we learn, we move forward, we change, and hopefully, become better people with each

experience. Reflecting reminds us of where we’ve been, how far we’ve come and helps us decide where we must go next. Every day is an opportunity to become who you want to be.

As a Manhattanite, it was the hardest thing for me to move out to Astoria, Queens. It has been less than three months, but I am finally finding my bondage with Queens itself. It is thanks to magazines and your staff’s work that made it possible, attractive, vibrant and pleasurable to live here during my adaptation period. In all honesty, I have learned so much about Astoria, and Long Island City from Boro Magazine that now I am making my girlfriend(s), buddies, and even family come out here to visit me and enjoy the various venues available.

A special thanks to the residents of the area, business owners, and visitors that make this side of Queens a now great visit attraction.

- Marco Antonio, Astoria Resident

WRITE US BORO would love to hear from you. If you have any comments, questions, story ideas, photos or events send us an email at: info@BOROmag.com

Please note all letters and email become property of BORO Magazine and may be edited for clarity and space.

Take the time to remember who you are and where you’ve been. Your memories will help guide our future.

JULIAN LESSER editor-in-chief

The small world of BORO Magazine. Nadine Auerbach, BORO Marketing and Sales Consultant, took a trip to Aruba in August. While there she made a new friend. Effie Charitou, an Astoria resident and BORO reader, was visiting Aruba as well.

WHO WON THE SEPTEMBER CONTEST? The winner of the 5 massages from the Yoga Room is.....

KEEP CONNECTED “Like” us on facebook and follow us on Twitter so you’re never behind on what’s going on in Western Queens.

Rose Panos, Astoria resident

/BOROmag

/BOROmag

BORO CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2011

TAVERNA KYCLADES LIVES ON

22

INSPIRATION

FEATURES 4 9/11 FEATURE STORY

Remembering 9/11

8

EVENTS

Four September Events You Can’t Miss Add some awesomeness to your calendar

DEPARTMENTS

10

20 INSPIRATION

SEPTEMBER 2011 EVENTS

13 MAP IT DIRECTORY

Your Go-to Guide For Astoria and LIC’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and More.

14 MAP IT: ASTORIA & LIC MAP

18 FILM

Kaufman’s Film industry develops a neighborhood

20

30 DISCOUNTS & PROMO PAGE

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of September in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside.

A Blissful Feeling Blissful Bedrooms Makes Over Bedrooms of Severely Disabled

COVER:

22 FOOD

art Donna Levinstone

Taverna Kyclades Lives On

Greek staple moves to new location (don’t worry, it’s only down the block)

28 ART

ADVERTISE IN BORO

ads@BOROmag.com // 914.426.2939 www.BOROmag.com/advertise

Donna Levinstone Queens artist remembers 9/11 through her artwork

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER julian lesser CREATIVE DIRECTOR phililppe trinh // EDITOR john lee // COPY EDITOR norm elrod ART DIRECTORS paul connolly, alt // GRAPHIC DESIGNERS alberto michieli, emma cason-pratt, sydney auerbach STAFF WRITERS daniel crown, jared killeen, rebecca mcnamara, suzanne sitelman, bradley hawks // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS javier ibañez, daniel pando // SALES AND MARKETING nadine auerbach // WEBMASTER janmichael guzman EDITORIAL COORDINATOR sadee brathwaite MARKETING COORDINATOR brett jones *This magazine is made from FSC paper, printed with soy ink and 100% recyclable. Please recycle after use.

BORO Magazine published by JKL Projects. All materials Copyright © 2011 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. BORO Magazine reserves the right to publish any images without providing photo/image credit. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 3

9/11 FEATURE

VIEW OF DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN FROM LIC FIREHOUSE ON 9/11/01

an homage to

memory Heroes reflect on the tragic events of 9/11 ten years later Story DANIEL CROWN

The following few pages briefly recount September 11, 2001, as remembered by three Long Island City firefighters: Steve Denaro, Frank Montaruli and Mark Zabala. The account doesn’t cover the entirety of what these men saw and did on 9/11, nor could an entire novel. But even in its brevity, what follows should remind readers that we aren’t alone, even in the most trying of times.

Brave men and women like these were there for us on that terrible day 10 years ago, and they continue to protect us today. If we do nothing else on this somber anniversary, we should take comfort in knowing that our local heroes continue to have our backs.

“I know the guys that do this job,” Montaruli told Boro. “And if there’s another tragedy, if another plane hits another building, if there are any people in trouble, the New York City Fire Department will be right there.

Because that’s our job. That’s what we do.”

4 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

September 11th, 2001 Each of the three men had been preparing for a relaxing day. Zabala had the morning off. Montaruli was out helping a friend. Denaro was hanging out in the station, enjoying the beautiful weather. An hour later they were staring down a large billow of smoke, which hovered over a sea of red fire trucks and the largest mass of firefighters any of them had ever seen.

While they each took different paths to the World Trade Center that day, all three men inevitably ran into the same frustrating roadblock—queues of determined firefighters and the enormous rigs they rode in on. In some ways, the logjam is perhaps the single greatest testimony to the FDNY’s bravery. All hands were on deck. Everyone wanted in.

Denaro was the first of the three to find his way through. He opted to park his truck and travel in by foot.

Abandoning the rig meant that his battalion—which he’d gathered at the Midtown Tunnel—would have to haul extra equipment directly through the remnants of the South Tower and into the North, which at the time was still standing.

“We’re thinking that we’re going to have to carry this stuff up 80 stories of stairs,” he said. “We weren’t even

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: STEVE DENARO, FRANK MONTARULI, AND MARK ZABALA

to the building yet and we were already exhausted.”

Yet they marched onward.

Denaro reached Ground Zero around 10:20 a.m.—mere minutes before the North Tower gave way.

“As we approached the building, I remember thinking ‘I’m supposed to be one of the rescuers here. But if this thing comes down, who’s going to rescue us?’ There would be nobody left.”

They were about a block away when the North Tower collapsed. Utter mayhem ensued. Grown men tried to wedge themselves beneath abandoned cars. Denaro ran away, searching frantically for cover. He dove inside the closest doorway just as the infamous smoke cloud consumed the block.

He brushed himself off and gathered his bearings. “And right in front of me there was a line of kindergarteners lining up, getting ready to go home,” he said. Covered in soot and debris, Denaro didn’t know what to say. The children stared at him, rattled. “It must have terrified them seeing me there like that.

Poor little kids.”

Denaro was lucky to be alive. As he entered back into the chaos, he realized that had he arrived at the Tower just 10 minutes earlier, he probably wouldn’t have survived.

Montaruli and Zabala both hit Ground Zero soon after Denaro.

Zabala was bused in from Shea Stadium, where many Queens’ firefighters had gathered. Montaruli drove in on a rig. Both could scarcely believe what they saw once they got past the traffic jam.

Montaruli described the scene as a war zone.

“There wasn’t anything that resembled a desk, a rug, a piece of furniture or sheetrock. You didn’t even find concrete until they really started digging.

The only thing you really saw was steel and rebar. Everything else had been The Lunch Box completely pulverized.”

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 5

9/11 FEATURE

1

1 view of building 7 on

9/11 before collapsed Zabala painted a similar picture. later in the evening “Manhattan,” he said, “was unrecognizable.”

2 pile of debris which The blocks surrounding the World Trade burned for many months at ground zero Center were thoroughly decimated—reduced 3 firefighters at to intimidating mountains of rubble and debris. ground zero on 9/11 “You never really knew what you were stepping on. As you walked forward you’d be climbing and not even really realize it. Then you’d look down and see an entire rig beneath your feet.”

It’s hard for a group of firefighters to imagine anything more unsettling than a demolished fire truck. Unfortunately, they were everywhere.

One of Montaruli’s biggest undertakings that day was to try and recover the bodies of two firefighters from a truck crushed by support beams. The space was tight. But being 2 of a smaller build, he wedged himself down into a gap where he hoped to saw open an entranceway.

Montaruli made sure to kiss his wife and kids goodbye that morning before leaving Queens. As he tried futilely to saw the door off the rig, this memory further drove him to complete his task. According to Montaruli, the cardinal rule of being a firefighter is that you don’t leave a man behind, dead or alive.

“Even if they’re gone, they’re coming home,” he said. “But on 9/11 we were forced to leave behind 343 people. It was terrible.”

3 A bone fragment was The men went home that night with heavy hearts and all that was required for a “recovery.” Yet even this was racing minds. Montaruli struggled to sleep while dreaming a tough find. The buildings had fallen straight down. of fallen comrades. Zabala couldn’t shake the thought of a While this helped surrounding neighborhoods avoid firefighter that he’d helped pull out of the Hudson River— mass casualties, it certainly complicated the cleanup and alive. After the first tower collapsed, the man had literally recovery efforts. Some of the bodies were buried under 100 run until he could run no further. When he’d reached the stories of rubble. water, he’d jumped right in.

“If you found anything “we were forced to leave in terms of people’s At the time, it seemed to behind 343 people.” effects, it was usually Zabala that even the bravest something like an ID men weren’t impervious to the badge or a watch,” Zabala fear of dying. Nor could they be immune to the lingering said. “We really thought we’d find more people, but even psychological effects of having been so close. The sights, weeks later… they must have been completely destroyed.” sounds and smells of that day were all things they’d have to Zabala remembers staring out across the vast wasteland cope with for the rest of their lives. But in the short-term, as the day finally transitioned into night. Where would they’d simply have to figure out how to get a decent night’s they even begin? It suddenly became clear to him that rest. After all, they’d have to get right back to work the months of work, climbing across ladder bridges, would still very next morning. only make a small dent in the rubble.

6 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 7

EVENTS

OPENING OF 9/11 MEMORIAL Dates: 9/12 and Beyond.

The 9/11 Memorial will be dedicated on September 11, 2011 the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in a ceremony for victims’ families.

It will open to the public on September 12, 2011, and will welcome visitors who have reserved advance passes. The 9/11 Memorial features two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the twin towers.

Visit www.911memorial.org for more information.

4 EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS SIDE SHOW Dates: 9/2-9/3, 9/8-9/10 @ 8PM Sweet & Tart Productions and Art of Warr Productions present “Side Show,” the musical at The Secret Theatre. Learn about the true story of 1930’s real life conjoined twins, Daisy and Violet Hilton, two sisters attached for life, as a freak show attraction, and as beloved vaudvillian stars. Side Show is a unique musical that explores what makes us all different and how beauty is truly only skin deep. Book and lyrics by Tony nominee Bill Russell and music by Grammy Henry Krieger, SIDE SHOW tells the amazing story of these talented and extraordinary women.

Tickets cost $18.

Where: The Secret Theatre. 44-02 23rd Rd, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

Art Alive Astoria

Date: 9/21 6PM-10PM. Celebrate the artists of Astoria! This special evening will be filled with local creative talent. View an array of artwork on display and for sale or just go to mingle and network with the many talented people that reside in Astoria. Do not forget to RSVP to info@ designforyou.biz for a complimentary event tote & specialty cocktail. The event will be sponsored by Design for You, KrisTEES, Showroom by C, Reve Vodka, and Veslo.

Admission is free.

Where: Veslo, 32-11 Broadway, Astoria RSVP: info@designforyou.biz

LIKE A CHILD AT PLAY Date: Opening September 15th 6-10am Aurora Gallery hosts an all-new series of work from renowned New York City graffiti artist and muralist Hector “Nicer” Nazario. The series, entitled “Like a Child at Play,” began taking shape after the tragic death of his child by a stray bullet in the Bronx in 2010. Each piece features painted works interpreting Nicer’s childhood memories of growing up in New York.

Viewing available 9/16 3PM-7PM & 9/17 12PM-4PM. Where: The Aurora Gallery, 35-18, Astoria www.theauroragallery.com

MAP IT: 30

REFER TO MAP ON PAGE 14

VESLO (B,2)

96 THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3)

91 AURORA GALLERY (C,2)

8 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

Keep up with local events.

Visit www.BOROmag.com/Events

to learn about weekend parties, educational opportunities, art openings and more.

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 9

SEPTEMBER EVENTS 9/1 9PM-Midnight (MUSIC)

9/15 9PM-Midnight (LIVE MUSIC)

FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718.729.9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

ASTORIA BOULEVARD PERFORMS LIVE

JAPANESE GYPSY ROCK PERFORMS LIVE

9/8 9PM-Midnight (MUSIC)

9/16-9/25 @ 5PM (FOOD+DRINK)

FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718.729.9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

$39 for 4 courses and beer | MexiQ 718-626-0333 | 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com

KERRY LINDER PERFORMS LIVE

NYC CRAFT BEER WEEK BEER DINNER

9/8 6PM -11PM (FASHION)

9/17 3PM-7PM (ART)

FREE | KrisTEES 718-204-5031 | 24-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com

For kids & parents featuring Allister & The Nightlight.

FREE | TEN10 Studios 646-271-5353 | 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com

KRISTEES CELEBRATES FASHION’S NIGHT OUT

OPEN HOUSE & ART MIXER

EVERY WEDNESDAY 6PM-8PM (ART)

LIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP

$8 I Creators’ Co-Op 646-470-4728 I 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com EVERY WEDNESDAY 6-10PM (MUSIC)

JAZZ NIGHT

2 for 1 drinks before 8 PM | Renaissance Event Hall 718 274 4590 I 27-34 21st St, LIC www.renaissanceofastoria.com EVERY WEDNESDAY 9PM-11PM (NIGHTLIFE)

ORIGINAL, JAZZ, FOLK AND COVERS PERFORMED LIVE

FREE | Brick Bar 718-267-2735 I 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.BrickCafe.com

EVERY THURSDAY 6PM-1AM (NIGHTLIFE)

9/10 5PM-7PM (ART)

OPENING RECEPTION: SANFORD BIGGERS FREE: SculptureCenter 718.361.1750 I 44-19 Purves Street, LIC www.sculpture-center.org 9/10 @ 1PM (EDUCATIONAL)

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS: 9/11 & SERVICE FREE | Greater Astoria Historical Society 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Fl, Astoria www.astorialic.org

ULTIMATE LIFE THURSDAYS 9/21 6PM-10PM (ART)

ART ALIVE ASTORIA

FREE | Veslo 32-11 Broadway, Astoria RSVP: Info@DesignForYou.Biz 9/22 6PM-9PM (SHOPS)

SITE FALL PREVIEW OPEN HOUSE

FREE | SITE 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT @ 9:30PM (NIGHTLIFE)

FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

EVERY SATURDAY 8AM-4PM (FOOD)

ON GOING...

9/2-9/3, 9/8-9/10 @ 8PM (THEATER)

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL

9/15 6PM-10PM (ART)

$18 | The Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 | 44-02 23rd Street, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

9/16, 9/22, 9/29 6PM-8PM (ART)

FREE | The Aurora Gallery 347-288-6870 | 35-18 37th St, Astoria www.TheAuroraGallery.com 9/15 7:30PM-9PM (ART)

BOUNDLESS TALES READING SERIES FREE | Waltz Astoria 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

9/14-9/18, 9/21-9/24 @ 8PM (THEATER)

GHOSTS: WRITTEN BY HENRIK IBSEN

FREE | Cavo Restaurant & Lounge 718-721-1001 I 42-18 31st Ave., Astoria www.cavoastoria.com

FARMERS MARKET

FREE | Socrates Sculpture Park 718-956-1819 I 32-01 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.socratessculpturepark.org EVERY SATURDAY 10PM-2:30AM (NIGHTLIFE)

B-SIDES SATURDAY

FREE | Penthouse808 718-289-6118 I 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 11AM3:30PM (FOOD)

BRUNCH, UNPLUGGED (LIVE MUSIC)

FREE | DiWine 718-777-1355 I 4115 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com

HAIR ACCESSORY MAKING WORKSHOP

FREE: Just pay for materials used | Creators’ Co-Op 646-470-4728 I 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT @10PM (COMEDY)

Submit your events by September 15th to be printed in the November issue

718-729-9009 I 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

Email: EVENTS@BOROmag.com

COMEDY NIGHT | REST-AU-RANT

10 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

FREE | Astor Room 718 255 1947 I 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com

LIVE BELLY DANCING SHOW

9/11 REMEMBERED: PHOTO EXHIBIT

ART OPENING: LIKE A CHILD AT PLAY

EVERY FRIDAY 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)

9/29 9PM-Midnight (MUSIC)

$18 | The Secret Theatre 718 392 0722 I 44-02 23rd Rd, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

$5, Free GAHS Members | Greater Astoria Historical Society 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Fl, Astoria www.astorialic.org

FREE | Cavo Restaurant & Lounge 718-721-1001 I 42-18 31st Ave., Astoria www.cavoastoria.com

FREE | The Astor Room 718-255-1947 | 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com

9/11 @ 3PM (MUSIC)

9/12 @ 7PM (ART)

EURO-LATIN PARTY

SONG CIRCLE PRESENTS A NEW ARTIST EVERY WEEK

SUMMER AND EVE PERFORMS LIVE

FREE: The Noguchi Museum 718-204-7088 I 32-37 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.noguchi.org

EVERY FRIDAY 10PM-4AM (NIGHTLIFE)

9/22 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)

ROOSEVELT DIME PERFORMS LIVE

MUSIC IN THE GARDEN

FREE | Penthouse808 718 289 6118 I 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 11

12 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS 2

ALIADA (B,2)

6

ASTOR ROOM (C,2)

3

AVENUE CAFE (C,2)

4

(718) 932-2240 29-19 Broadway, Astoria (718) 255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com (718) 278-6967 35-27 30th Ave, Astoria www.avenuecafenyc.com

BAREBURGER (B,2)

(718) 777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria www.bareburger.com

5

BRICK CAFE

7

BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4)

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

36

53

(B,2)

(718) 267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com (718) 389-9700 4711 11th St, LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com

17

18

19

20

61

21

22

BURGER GARAGE (B,3)

(718) 392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC www.theburgergarage.com

CAVO (C,2)

(718) 721-1001 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria www.cavoastoria.com

CAFÉ VIA ESPRESSO (C,1) (718) 545-3290 2409 Steinway St, Astoria www.cafeviaespressoastoria.com

DIWINE (C,2)

(718) 777-1355 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com

EL AY SI (A,4)

(718) 389-8781 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com

FATTY’S (B,1)

(718) 267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com

IL BAMBINO (C,2)

(718) 626-0087 34-08 31 Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com

L’ARTISTE (C,2)

(646) 309-7504 42-20 31st Ave, Astoria www.lartisterestaurant.com

LENG THAI (B,2)

(718) 956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com

15

LIC MARKET (B,4)

16

LINN (B,2)

(718) 361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com

(718) 204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com

31

M. WELLS DINER (B,4) (718) 425-6917 21-17 49th Ave, LIC www.mwellsdiner.com

MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) (718) 937-1932 46-3 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.manducatisrustica.com

32

(718) 626-0333 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com

25

26

27

28

29

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) (718) 777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com

OVELIA (B,2)

33

34

(718) 721-7217 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com

MUNDO (B,2)

(718) 777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mundoastoria.com

35

PENTHOUSE808 (A,3)

(718) 289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com

40

37

POMME CAFE (C,2)

(718) 545-4301 37-19 Broadway, Astoria www.pommecafeny.com

47 INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1)

(718) 956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

(718) 956-9559 33-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

48 KRISTEES (B,1)

SAGE GENERAL STORE (B,4)

38

(718) 361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com

SANFORDS RESTAURANT (B,2) (718) 932-9569 30-13 Broadway Astoria www.sanfordsnyc.com

(347) 242-2450 4720 Center Blvd, LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com

39

41

(718) 626-4440 30-07 34th St, Astoria www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

SHI (A,4)

42 43

TIME CAFÉ (C,2)

(718) 606-0500 44-18 Broadway, Astoria www.timecafeny.com

50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.tournesolnyc.com

VESLO (B,2)

718-728-0549 32-11 Broadway, Astoria www.veslonyc.com

49 LOVEDAY 31 (B,2)

ASTOR BAKE SHOP (A,2)

(718) 728-4057 3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday31.com

(718) 606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

50 SITE (C,2)

BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY (C,2)

(718) 626-6030 32-90 36th St, Astoria www.shopsiteonline.com

(718) 777-1121 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria www.bkbagel.com (C,1) 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria

PETS

COMMUNITEA (A,4)

51 CITY VET (A,4)

MALU (A,4)

DOG HOUSE (A,4) 52 LIC (718) 389-3647

(718) 433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.cityvetnyc.com

(718) 729-7708 47-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.communitea.net (718) 729-6258 12-09 Jackson Ave, LIC www.amomandpopshop.com

45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.licdoghouse.com

SWEETLEAF (A,4)

(917) 832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com

FLORISTS (917) 612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog

FOOD SHOPS

(718) 729-9009 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

SEVA (C,2)

(718) 204-5031 2401 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com

54 FLORESTA (A,4)

REST-AU-ANT (B,2)

TOURNESOL (A,4) 108 (718) 472 4355

30

YAJAI (B,2)

(718) 482-8884 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.etherealnyc.com

BAKERIES

37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com

24

46 ETHEREAL (A,4)

(718) 545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

MEXIQ (C,2)

PAN (C,2) 109 PITA (718) 204-1633

23

VESTA (A,2)

ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) (718) 545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

FOOD CELLAR (A,4)

DUR AMERICA (C,2)

45

34-11 Broadway, Astoria www.duramerica.com

NATURAL FRONTIER MARKET (A,4)

ORGANIC AT YOUR DOOR www.OrganicAtYourDoor.com

VITALITY AND HEALTH ORGANIC MARKET (C,2) (718) 777-8477 46-03 Broadway, Astoria

SHOPS 44

55 (718) 626-0700

(718) 606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com (718) 937-9399 12-01 Jasckson Ave, LIC www.naturalfrontiermarket.net

BELIEF (B,1)

(718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com

CREATORS CO-OP (B,1) (917) 751-8177 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com

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SERVICES

HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 56 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist (253) 222-2855 aaron@herocomputerrepairnyc.com www.HeroComputerRepairNYC.com

MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 57 (718) 777-0400

3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com

ONDEMAND PRINTING (C,4) 58 (718) 392-0500 30-02 48th Ave, LIC www.ondemandprinting.com

59 RCN (A,3)

Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC (212) 842-7982 www.rcn.com/boromag

60 SHOWROOM BY C (B,3) (917) 658-3065 4 Court Square, LIC www.showroombyc.com

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MAP IT DIRECTORY 62 VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) (718) 204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

63 VIDEO EXPRESS (C,2)

(718)626-0846 3408 30th Ave, Astoria

EVENT SPACES 64 FOUNDRY (A,3)

(718) 786-7776 42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info

65 THE RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) (718) 274-4590 27-34 21st St, Astoria www.renaissanceofastoria.com

HOTELS 66 RAVEL (A,3)

(718) 289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com

TATOO SHOPS 67 SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) (718) 274-5712 37-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

68 PAINLESS STEEL TATTOO (C,1) (718) 267-8114 23-15 Steinway, Astoria www.astoriatattoo.com

TRAINING 69 TSC TRAINING ACADEMY (C,3) (718) 389-2103 36-06 43rd Ave, LIC www.tscta.com

BEAUTY 70 CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (C,2) 71

(347) 631-0922 31-24 Steinway St, Astoria www.carlclarkeaesthetiques.com

GIGI SALON (C,2)

(718) 777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria

72 www.gigistylingstudio.com PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) (718) 472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC

FITNESS

84

BRICK BAR (B,2)

110 SCULPTURECENTER (B,3)

85

DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4)

96

MIX CAFE AND LOUNGE (C,2)

97

MOSAIC CAFE AND LOUNGE (B,1) 111 (718) 728-0708

98

TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4)

99

UNDERPENNY (A,4)

105 THE ART OF FITNESS (C,2) (718)687-9140 32-32 Steinway St 3rd fl, Astoria Pilatesinastoria.com

74 BIKRAM YOGA ASTORIA STUDIO (C,2) 86 (718) 777-9642 32-03 Steinway, 4th Fl, Astoria www.BikramYogaQueensNY.com

75 CRANK STUDIO (A,4)

(718) 606-6309 4630 Center Blvd, LIC www.CrankNYC.com

76 DYNAMIX GYM (C,1)

(718) 606-0381 20-61 Steinway, Astoria

FITNESS (B,1) 78 SEEK (347) 924-9004

27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com

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FITNESS (A,4) 79 PNT (347) 396-5809

10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com

80 THE YOGA ROOM (C,2)

(718) 274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (718) 786-7962 (A,4) 10-14 47th Rd, LIC www.the-yoga-room.com

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93 BLACKBIRDS (C,2) 41-19 30th Ave, Astoria www.blackbirdsbar.com

3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

16 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

(718) 383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

SWEET AFTON (C,2 )

(718) 777-2570 30-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com

5 POINTZ (B,4)

(317) 219-2685 45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com

THE AURORA GALLERY (C,2) (347) 288-6870 35-18 37th St, LIC www.theauroragallery.com

KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) (718) 706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) (718) 784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us

105 (718) 943-6899

83 (718) 777-5400

STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3)

38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com

NIGHTLIFE / BARS

BREAK (B,2)

(718) 626-8044 34-27 28th Ave, Astoria www.rapturelounge.com

THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) (718) 392-0722 4402 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) (718) 626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org (646) 271-5353 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com

(917) 517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC

REAL ESTATE MODERN SPACES (A,4 ) 101 (718) 784-1110

10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC www.modernspacesnyc.com

POWER DESK (A,4 ) 102 (718) 514-1625

50-09 2nd St, LIC www.powerdesklic.com

FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 103 WELLS (718) 310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com

YARD (A,4) 104 THE 718.786.1063

2-26 51st Ave, LIC www.TheYardLIC.com

ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) 100 (718) 247-0740

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(718) 274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

RAPTURE LOUNGE (C,2)

(516) 724-1562 31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com

81 REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1)

BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN 82 (B,1)

(347) 642-4840 40-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.mixcafelounge.com

112 THE ART HOUSE (C,2)

SPAS (718) 626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

(718) 784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com

ART

73 YOGA AGORA (B,2)

(718) 626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.YogaAgora.com

(718) 361-1750 44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpure-center.org

25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicnyc.net

77 SYNERGY (B,2)

(718) 267-7700 2335 Broadway, Astoria www.synergyfitclubs.com

(718) 267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com

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95

NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) (718) 204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org

REISSTUDIOS (A,3)

“An international community of established and emerging artists” (718) 570-3663 43-01 22nd St, LIC www.ReisStudios.com

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED! Want your business listed in our directory?

Email: ADS@BOROmag.com

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 17

FILM

SPOTLIGHT ON

Story Daniel Crown Photos KAS

kaufman’s

When staring down the length of Astoria’s 35th Avenue, the mind’s eye immediately conjures images from the past.

Standing in front of Kaufman Astoria Studios, the history of the surrounding buildings seems to come to life, as if projected from a time-lapse film reel—grainy and sepia-toned, bustling with activity as the film industry grows and evolves right in front of your eyes.

But while the history of Kaufman Astoria Studios may recount an interesting yarn about the film industry’s protracted transformation, its future—if studio president Hal Rosenbluth has his way—hints at something much more epic. A 90-year story arc may finally be approaching its defining moment.

1 2

Rosenbluth envisions 35th Avenue becoming the heart of a booming borough, a place where world-class entertainment, brushes with celebrity, great food and great drinks can all come together in one neat package. Even as the studio celebrates the opening of its brand new Stage K—recently christened by Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and the gargantuan budget of Men in Black III—the institution refuses to rest on its laurels.

“We want to catch our breaths, but also move forward,” Rosenbluth said. “For us it’s always been about the neighborhood; creating and developing things that make this a true campus.”

3

1 Aerial view of the KAS Campus 2 Contractors break ground in 1920 3 early exterior of KAS 4 present day view of kas, corner of 35th Ave and 36th street.

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In the growing world of Queens real estate, Studio Chairman George Kaufman and his venerable sound stages have caused quite a stir over the last decade. They have, in essence, resuscitated a neighborhood that had long lost its pulse. In years past, anything south of Broadway had been considered borderline toxic to realtors. When Kaufman purchased the studios in 1980, the neighborhood was a veritable ghost town. The kids wouldn’t touch it.

Kaufman’s initial plans to revitalize Astoria’s film industry came to fruition almost immediately.

Over the first decade of his ownership, his studio landed movies from such esteemed directors as Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, and historic television shows including Sesame Street and The Cosby Show.

The rejuvenation of the surrounding streets, on the other hand, proved to be a 30-year process. Rosenbluth says

18 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

cast of the entire sesame street shot on their permenent KAS stage.

the neighborhood’s turnaround started with one simple question posited by the studio’s owner: “How do we get a movie theater in here?”

Sesame street has been filming at kas since 1992.

The Astor Room, 5 Napkin Burger, Starbucks, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and the newly renovated Museum of the Moving Image.

Capune said. “The gate will really help us to define the architecture of the lot.”

As all of Kaufman Astoria’s goals begin to come together, it is somewhat But even as the area continues to fitting that the studios and 35th Avenue develop, Rosenbluth wants to make may serve as the catalysts for Astoria’s sure that the Studio itself remains transformation into a mini-Hollywood.

35th Avenue’s focal point. Kaufman Few streets, if any, have seen such an continues to expand their campus, interesting blend of progenitors and recently pushing to de-map 36th Street. entertainers traverse their sidewalks.

The move would let them accommodate Even fewer can epitomize the story of a dormant community’s arc may finally rapid ascent to relevancy.

A few years later, Kaufman sold a chunk of adjacent real estate to a group of ambitious developers, stipulating that nothing would be signed until a deal had been struck to bring in an established theater franchise. When the UA Kaufman Studios Cinema 14 finally opened in 2007, it A proved an instant game changer. Within a year, be approaching its defining moment. “[The studios] have the surrounding buildings had an impact on some began to land previously folks’ decision-making elusive tenants. According processes,” Rosenbluth to studio Vice President Tracy Capune: sustainable outdoor shoots, which they said.

“I think we are going to see even “[The theater] legitimized 35th Avenue believe will help them continue to more development out here because as a retail spot for brokers to bring their attract large-scale productions like Men we don’t have to reinvent the butcher, clients and for other banks to start to in Black III. the baker, and the candlestick maker— think about lending.”

Plans are also in place to build a they’re already here.”

In the past five years, the area grand, gated entranceway, the sort you’d between 34th and 36th Avenue and 33rd usually find at a luxurious Los Angeles Street and Steinway has blossomed into movie lot. “We’ll have all the glamour a desirable locale. Attractions include: of Hollywood, but on the East Coast,”

90-year story

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 19

INSPIRATION Martha Gold-Dvoryadkin and Alex Dvoryadkin, Astoria residents and founders of Blissful Bedrooms Sit with Melissa Cabrera in her transformed fairyland bedroom

A Blissful Feeling

Melissa’s room before

Blissful Bedrooms Makes Over Bedrooms for the Disabled Story Rebecca McNamara Photos by Blissful Bedrooms

Many of us look at our lives and feel grateful for our jobs, our homes or our families. But we often don’t realize how lucky we are to walk, talk or even leave our homes every day. Martha Gold-Dvoryadkin and her husband, Alex Dvoryadkin, Astoria residents and founders of the non-profit organization Blissful Bedrooms, never forget.

Blissful Bedrooms transforms the rooms of wheelchairbound, severely disabled individuals under 25 years of age, who spend most of their lives at home. All funds and materials are donated or pulled from the pockets of the founders; all workers volunteer. But there is never enough to help everyone.

The couple’s first bedroom makeover was a gift to one of Martha’s former students. Martha is a pediatric therapist in a special education school; her student can’t move any part of her body below her head and is completely dependant on caregivers. “It was an incredible feeling for Martha and I to see [her] reaction to her new room, one that we never anticipated, which stayed with us for weeks after, and which inspired us to do it again with others,” Alex says.

Last month, the couple completed their eleventh makeover, with the help of nearly 150 contributions and 20 volunteers. They transformed 18-year-old Melissa Cabrera’s space into her dream bedroom, a fairyland. A video of Cabrera on the day of the makeover reveal—which can be found by visiting this article online—shows her squealing with excitement, “This is the best day I ever had in my life!”

Throughout the application and preparation process, Melissa’s mother and sister, Griselle, were skeptical, unconvinced people could perform such a selfless act.

20 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

During the makeover, which took a full weekend, Griselle saw why: “[Martha and Alex] do it because they genuinely love these kids.”

Unfortunately, Blissful Bedrooms struggles to find enough funds, time and even storage space to work. “There are so many areas we need help in,” Martha explains, noting grant writers, researchers, fundraisers and other behind-the-scenes volunteers in particular. “Most of our makeovers are done from donations of $20 [from many people],” she says. “That’s the beautiful part of it but that’s also the part where we really need people on board to help.”

We all have something that someone else might not. And whether it’s loaning an empty storage facility, sending in a small donation or volunteering for a local organization, we can all help to better our community—and ourselves.

CHANGE THE WORLD ONE STEP AT A TIME! Blissful Bedrooms: See what the group needs to continue helping disabled youth. Visit blissfulbedrooms.org/wishlist.html Meals on Wheels: Astoria and Long Island City have seven senior centers/ meals-on-wheels locations where volunteers are needed to prepare and package dinners, drive, organize schedules, make phone calls and more. Visit mealcall.org.

YMCA: The local branch, on Queens Boulevard at 32nd Place, needs volunteers to raise funds, coach sports teams and help youth to build character and make smart life choices. Visit ymcanyc.org.

Green Shores NYC: This organization partners with individuals and other organizations in the area to improve and promote the waterfront parks and shorelines in Astoria and LIC. Visit greenshoresnyc.org.

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 21

FOOD

TAVERNA KYCLADES LIVES ON Story & Photos Bradley Hawks

22 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

A

You anyw can’t fi extrehere elsend this a is i mely te in New mazing Kyclamported ender and York Citfeta y d x des f rom Gclusivelyelicate f: The reece for T eta . avern a

lunchtime crowd gathers in a vibrant hum of conversation beneath the grapevine-draped awning outside Taverna Kyclades. There is even a waiting list on this rainy Tuesday afternoon. Kyclades doesn’t take reservations; this 95-seat restaurant doesn’t need them. It is always buzzing, even as neighboring establishments along Ditmars Boulevard scramble for business.

With so many new restaurants sprouting up and wilting, how does a veteran establishment not only thrive in such a finicky culinary climate, but remain at the top of their game for entire decades? The first Michelin-rated restaurant in Queens and Zagat list-topper for Seafood, Greek cuisine and Food (in general) has no gimmick, per se. When asked to reflect on the secret of long-term success, chef-owner Ardian Skenderi lights up. “I cook with my heart.”

A Whole branzino is simply prepared in extra virgin olive oil and sea salt and filleted tableside by a server.

Taverna Kyclades goes through almost 20 cases of olive oil each week!

The grilled octopus is remarkably more tender than any other, served on a platter with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Flame-kissed swordfish kebabs are skewered with peppers and onions, served with Spanish saffron rice.

Arrive early so you won’t miss out. The complimentary galaktoboureko (syrup-soaked phyllo layered with warm Greek custard) is baked daily—and runs out daily.

The former professional basketball point guard from Hunts Point two to five times a week.

Athens stands an intimidating six-and-a-half-feet tall, but “We have no specials on the menu,” boasts the beloved wears a smile that could melt titanium. He knows several chef, “because everything here is special.” Grilled swordfish customers by name, many of whom dine at Kyclades kebabs duet with glistening beets or saffron rice. Whole multiple times a week, sometimes twice in the same day. red snapper is prepared to juicy perfection, carved tableside “When I give [someone] a dish, I can always say ‘this is the and served with a ramekin of warm lemon oil. Challenging very best I can do,’ and dishes, like Spanish octopus if they tell me I can do “I cook with my heart,” smiles and steamed horta (dandelion better, then I am going to greens), are tenderer at Chef-Owner Ardian “Andy” Skenderi learn.”

Kyclades than anywhere else Room for improvement in Astoria. Portions are the would be difficult to find. size of Skenderi himself, but The sole chef, Skenderi is in the restaurant daily. He also the price point, remarkably, is lower than his Manhattan gathers seafood before sunrise at the Fulton Fish Market in competitors.

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 23

GREEN LIVING FOOD

astoria’s oldest restaurants 1910

BOHEMIAN HALL BEER GARDEN

Home of NYC’s oldest beer garden, there’s nothing quite like a pitcher of Hoegarden with pierogies or the chicken Florentine crepes at The Bohemian Hall (29-19 24th Ave.)

1922

SANFORDS

Originally a 24 hour coffee shop, this now full service restaurant serves one of the most diverse menus in Astoria. Under the Karalekas brothers (one’s a sommelier), you can now get yellowfin tartare and Opus One at 3 AM. (30-13 Broadway)

1959

RIZZO’S FINE PIZZA

A true family business now run by one of the original owner’s sons, Rizzo’s Fine Pizza has been serving their famous square slices for over half a century!

(30-13 Steinway)

1973 You’d never know by his smile, but 6’ 6” Chef-Owner Ardian Skenderi is in the kitchen all day every day and also at the Fulton Fish Market before sunrise 2-5 times a week.

Under Skenderi’s ownership since 1999, Kyclades has overcome many obstacles. Most recently this celebrated Greek restaurant has fallen victim to landlord greed, forcing Skenderi to seek a new location. Surrounding businesses will likely miss the traffic and exposure Kyclades brings to Ditmars, but customers have nothing to worry about.

The new space will open next year just a few blocks away at

35th St and 20th Ave.

The new space, designed and built from scratch, will open next year just a few blocks away at 35th St. and 20th Ave. The bi-level building includes more seating—“with much better air conditioning,” chuckles the chef—along with banquet facilities and a garden. As for the regulars who enjoy taramosalata and the standout Greek salad multiple times a day, they won’t have to go without.

Skenderi plans on keeping the current location open for a brief period of overlap to ease the transition.

PICCOLA VENEZIA

Piccola Venezia serves old-school Italian American like the “Buco”lloni, veal shank stuffed ravioli. Reportedly, this is Celebr-Astorian Tony Bennett’s favorite restaurant. (42-01 28th Ave.)

1977

OMONIA

This technicolor neighborhood beacon recently expanded and renovated. Omonia lights up the corner of Broadway and 32nd street with many display cases of classic European pastries and a full menu.

(32-20 Broadway)

1999

TRATTORIA L’INCONTRO

Under the helm of Chef Rocco Sacramone, Trattoria L’Incontro burst onto the scene with a list of daily specials almost as long as the menu. It is now acclaimed as one of the highest-rated Italian restaurants in all five boroughs. (21-76 31st St.)

MAP IT:

REFER TO MAP ON PAGE 14

113 TAVERNA KYCLADES (C,1)

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SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 25

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ART

PAINTING

PAINTINGS BY DONNA LEVINSTONE

THE BLISTERING PLUME Story Daniel Crown

W

Levinstone says. “Even though it came from a disaster, I hen artist Donna Levinstone was first apalways to try to find the beauty in things, and this big cloud proached about contributing to the 2002 exhiof smoke became very symbolic for me. The spiritual part bition, True Colors: Meditations on the American of it really became clear. That there was something else Spirit, she entered the world of September 11th-themed happening.” artwork with a somewhat incongruous blend of eagerTo her credit, Levinstone’s explorations seem to directly ness and trepidation. No doubt, the exposition provided address the rather troublesome dichotomy of 9/11-themed an undeniable opportunity. True Colors was slated for a artwork. Through the distorted lens of shock and painful worldwide tour and included remembrance, this idea that works from such notable arta destructive cloud could be ists as John Alexander, Red simultaneously ominous and Grooms and Roy Lichtenbeautiful is rather hard to stein. From a professional grasp. But when encapsulated standpoint, the opportunity in a drawing or a painting, was enticing. the very same abstract ideal At the time, the topic becomes much more digestible.

Donna Levinstone’s commemorative prints are available of 9/11 remained at least for sale with a portion of the sales benefiting the 9/11 Deconstructed into its core mildly taboo. The wounds of Memorial and Museum. aesthetical components, even a murderous billow of smoke the tragedy were still fresh, the nerves and temperament can be a testimony to how nature’s beauty transcends even of the American public still mostly raw. Luckily, this the most egregious of tragedies. didn’t preclude artists from tapping into the very same Since her participation in True Colors, Levinstone— well of melancholy. Despite the somber subject matter, who now works from a studio in Long Island City—has Levinstone found her particular skill set uniquely fit for continued to create 9/11-themed art, including paintings, the task. pastel drawings and triptychs. She already has drawings “Light and atmosphere have always been the strongest on display at the Library of Congress and the New-York parts of my work,” she says. “So when it came to doing a Historical Society, and a third, Ascending Spirit, will go on piece for the show, [the right ideas] came rather naturally permanent display at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum when to me.” it opens in 2012.

For inspiration, Levinstone turned to perhaps the single most frightening image of the moments immediately following the collapse of the twin towers—the giant, To see more of Levinstone’s work, visit blistering plume that enveloped the financial district with www.BOROmag.com/Donna-Levinston or smoke and debris. “I became obsessed with the cloud,”

28 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2011

www.donnalivenstone.com.

SEPTEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 29

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