Sophisticated Living Columbus Spring 2023

Confidence

Market volatility is easier to bear when you have a sound financial plan and the support of an experienced team

READY. FOR LIFE.

Today,

he’s catching a frog in a creek. Tomorrow, he’s leading the world’s next great medical breakthrough. From the moment students begin their journey at Columbus Academy, we’re helping them to discover that, in the world around them, there’s more potential than meets the eye. More to dream. To aspire to. To work toward. Because learning how to learn will last them a lifetime.

Register to arrange a personal tour: email admissions@columbusacademy.org or call 614-509-2220.

Mar/Apr 2023

52 Bottled in Bond

Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate

on the cover:

Modern Shapes Editions offers handcrafted editions of unique sculptures by leading international artists The latest series, launched at Maison & Objet Paris this past January, are available in either open or limited editions. “Pipe #5” from 400 euro (modernshapeseditions.com)

4 Muscle Car Modernized

14 House of Dreams

22 Wine Hikes in Germany

24 A Pearl of a Girl (or Boy)

27 Cheers to Another Year

33 French Dressing

38 F1 Returns to Las Vegas

40 Pavé the Way

42 Wild and Wonderful

48 Arm Candy

50 Old World, New Tricks

52 Bottled in Bond

54 Bibliotaph...

56 The Bold & The Beautiful

62 Confessions of a Fine Art Publisher

80 10 Things I Cannot Live Without / Monica Kridler

48 Arm Candy

Kid Kudi wearing pieces from Louis Vuitton’s new unisex LV Volt collection (us.louisvuitton.com).

Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

PUBLISHER

Pure Publishing Columbus

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Amelia Jeffers

CONTRIBUTORS Writers

Victoria Chase

Ruth Crnkovich

Colin Dennis

Caroline Hannan

Scott Harper

Andre James

Amelia Jeffers

Jack Mitchell

Bridget Williams

Photographers

Tony Bailey

Ben Baldwin

DDF Photography

James Henthorn

Jim Sanders Photography

Tim P. Whitby

ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE

614.896.0284

SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA

Eric Williams - CEO

Bridget Williams - President

Jason Yann - Art Director

Sophisticated Living® is published by Pure Publishing Columbus, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Pure Publishing Columbus, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living®, P.O. BOX 164106, Columbus OH 43216. Telephone 614-896-0284.

SLMAG.NET

Time flies when you are having fun. I do not know about you, but I blinked and it is spring in Ohio. Of course, that means as many 45-degree days as 65, but soft earth, chirping birds, and even the onset of allergies (did I say that?) are welcome signals that sunny days are ahead. This particular winter-into-spring, visits to the funeral home have been more frequent than I would like. Really, is there any pleasant frequency of trips to memorial services? While celebrating the long life of an octogenarian or nonagenarian can be a reason for gratitude, it is tough to see much meaning in the loss of anyone younger - whether sudden or prolonged. Each time I hug a friend who has lost a child, spouse, or parent, I am reminded of just how fleeting our time really is. And, often, it prods me to take stock of how I am spending mine. Shamefully, there is a long list of both things I am doing that I shouldn’t and things I am not doing that I should. If you are an adult human engaged in life, you can probably relate.

A major realization for me: I work way too much. For years a voracious appetite for work was fueled by fear of failure, fear of poverty, and fear of letting people down. Over time, it just became a way of life, and saying “no” to opportunities seemed foolish, if not irresponsible. I always found a way to make time for my kids, and sometimes extended family, but connections with friends my age were sacrificed - as were simple things that really should not be considered indulgences, like time spent in reflection, respite, restoration, and just plain fun.

Countless people told me that my fifties would be better than I thought, and they weren’t wrong. Somehow, when the page on the calendar turned to that anxiously-awaited year, priorities and passions came into sharper focus, and the distance between my heart and head became a little easier to traverse. In the context of one too many funerals this year, I am even more focused on making time for the people and things that I love, though paying bills is an inevitability of life. Gratefully, I have had no shortage of work that feeds in equal parts my bank account and my heart and mind: auctioning and appraising beautiful objects for interesting clients; developing creative strategies and selling all manner of real estate; and, of course, producing central Ohio’s only luxury lifestyle magazine. If that sounds like a lot, that is because it is. Forty-something Amelia found a way to stretch herself thin enough to not only keep that all going but to get four kids launched, weather a divorce, majorly downsize, and rebuild personally and professionally - all while experiencing incredible adventures across a couple of continents. Fifty-something Amelia sees the wisdom in slowing down, sharing the wealth of some pretty wonderful opportunities with others, and continuing to be open to what is yet to come.

Until the next issue, may you have an abundance of presence, balance, and connection.

Amelia Editor in Chief ajeffers@slmag.net

Making memories and prioritizing well with my girls and the Smiths at Suenos (see the article this issue).

MUSCLE CAR MODERNIZED

Charge Cars reimagines the 1960s Ford Mustang Fastback

Written by Andre James

Charge Cars is on a roll. It started with the 2022 "Icon of the Year" award from GQ Magazine, followed by the public unveiling at Salon Privé in London before a dynamic debut at the world-renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed.

As its next big step, the London-based company brought its all-new electric-powered muscle machine to the United States for the first time. The US launch took place at the legendary Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles this past October, followed by a series of events across the West Coast and beyond, capped off by a public display at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

"We truly believe we've created something unique in the EV world. It's a brand new, hand-built design icon that gives customers a genuine emotional connection to their car. Classic looks, cuttingedge technology, and zero emissions now have a heart and soul. And this is just the beginning for us at Charge Cars," said Mark Roberts, Chief Creative Officer of Charge Cars.

as an EV

Limited to 499 vehicles, each tailored to the buyer, the '67 by Charge Cars is an all-new, electrified adaptation of the 1960s Ford Mustang Fastback. Despite its throwback muscle car looks, the '67 is a modern electric vehicle with four motors and 536 horsepower capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and boasting a range of 200 miles.

A brand-new, officially licensed steel body shell wrapped in lightweight carbon fiber body panels encases the e-Stang's electric motors and floor-mounted batteries. In addition, the design team created a fresh interior with a fully digital dashboard, new suspension components, braking system, and lighting. Among the many amenities and advanced driver aids as part of the in-car system are a 12.3" driver display, a 12.3" central display, a premium immersive sound system, and keyless access. sl

The '67 is scheduled to hit the streets in late 2023 with a starting price of $450,000 in the United States. For more information, visit charge.cars.

The entire residence is perfectly manicured.

HOUSE OF DREAMS

Written by: Amelia Jeffers

It was over so fast. The auctioneer called “Sold!” and asked me for my number before I could process what happened. Just a moment earlier, I had raised my hand in a moment of compassion when my colleague was unable to stir an opening bid from a distracted crowd of supporters during a charity auction. Stunned, I turned ot the page in my program that described the package I had just won. Apparently I, and a number of friends (whose names I was frantically trying to conjure as I reviewed the details) would be traveling to Manzanillo, Mexico for a seven night stay at Suenos, a luxury residence nestled on a cliff overlooking the Pacific ocean. Little did I know that my accidental (serendipitous?) bid would result in not one, but two of the best vacations I have ever experienced.

Over 30 years ago, C-suite executive Denny Riga left the corporate world to make his mark on an industry that was not even a flicker in the eye of David Clouse, founder of VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner - the earliest short-term home stay company). Riga fell in love with the incredible scenery of the lowkey resort town whose claims to fame included hosting iconic swimsuit model Bo Derek and crew for the filming of 10.

Riga offers stays at Suenos exclusively through charity auctions, leveraging the excitement and enthusiasm of donors who want to support an organization by giving the nonprofit a generous portion of the final bid amount. To date, Suenos has raised nearly $10M for nonprofits around the country. Since my first visit to Suenos with four other couples in 2007, I have had the opportunity to sell it as an auctioneer for events benefitting several organizations in central Ohio including Freedom a la Cart and The Childhood League Center. Last summer, Denny invited me back so that I could speak to the experience and property when auctioning it. Capitalizing on the opportunity for a family vacation with some of my girls, I invited my friend, Nikki and her daughters. With seven young people aged 16 to 24 and two (cough) middle-aged moms, the experience was so amazing that I had to share it with the readers of SL.

Views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking.

A primary suite sits steps away from the pool and living areas.

The secondary pool, affectionatly dubbed "the grotto" offers a quiet respite from the hustle of the primary living areas.

Guests of Suenos are greeted by five full-time staff members led by the kind and charming chef and house manager, Carlos. Though Carlos and crew have been with Suenos for many years (he was my host in 2007 and 2022), a prior stint with a luxury resort is evidenced in his attention to detail and over-arching emphasis on an impeccable guest experience from dawn to dusk and everything in between. Those first steps into the open-air living overlooking the Pacific Ocean bring a mixture of relief and rejuvenation: the voyage to Manzanillo can feel long and exhaustive, but the fresh air, sparkling water, and smiling faces bearing gifts of refreshing cocktails and delicious comfort food offer reassurance that the trip was well worth the effort.

After making our room selections, Nikki and I let the kids divide the remaining three suites. Watching them deliberate was fun; there simply is not a bad room on the property. I selected the poolside option with the most light, knowing that I would likely be up before everyone else each day. Nikki and her youngest took the room off the lower grotto, guaranteeing a dark and quiet respite for late morning lounging. The four middle girls took a pair of suites beneath mine where the party could continue as late as they’d like; and the two oldest opted for a secluded suite where studying for upcoming professional licensure would not be interrupted.

Our group made quick work of “unpacking” and settling into the rooms, and before long we were poolside and discussing menus and activities for the next several days with Carlos. Breakfasts and lunches at Suenos are ordered restaurant-style from an extensive menu, while dinners are generally themed. My first request was for Carlos’ famous ceviche, so memorable from my first visit that I dared not miss a chance to have it again: a delicate red snapper dressed with peppers and served with heaps of delectable guacamole and fresh chips. Guided by Carlos, each member of our group weighed in on dinner options ranging from pasta to steak, authentic Mexican cuisine to standard American fare. Debating the merits of an ATV excursion, a private beach picnic, and a daylong visit from two massage therapists, our kids (and we adults) were certain we had died and gone to luxury vacation heaven.

Private balconies abound for recharging after group activities.

A tiki hut offers shade and snacks when poolside gets the better of guests.

The private lounge in the grotto, below the primary pool.

The entire residence is perfectly manicured.

Over the seven day visit, only a handful of quick rainstorms kept us inside for what actually was welcome breaks from the sun. Limiting our excursions allowed us to make the most of our time on the property and together - something both Nikki and I acknowledged is more and more fleeting as our children get older. Amazingly, we never had to ask any of the girls to get off their phones or laptops - the pool, hikes, beach, and camaraderie were more than magnetic enough to attract their attention. Thanks to the 24-hour secured and gated neighborhood of La Punta (where nearly 75% of the acreage is devoted to a nature preserve), we felt completely comfortable with small groups heading off to hike when their occasional restlessness called for a bit more activity than we felt like indulging.

A booking error by me meant that our group had an extra night in Manzanillo, after our stay had ended. Carlos and crew helped us book several rooms at a nearby all-inclusive resort, which sadly paled in comparison to our time at Suenos. With unrivaled luxury and hospitality, Suenos has certainly become the House of Dreams for anyone lucky enough to visit. sl

For more information about working with Suenos for your favorite charity, visit suenos.net.

Living areas offer a variety of spaces for group or individual activities.

WINE HIKES IN GERMANY

Germany’s 13 wine regions offer hiking enthusiasts of all abilities a wide range of experiences. We've compiled our favorite treks across five regions for drinking in views of enchanting countryside while sipping delicious wine.

Germany's Oldest Wine Route: The Palatinate Riesling, pinot blanc, Grüner Silvaner, and chardonnay grapes originate in the Palatinate. The region between the Palatinate Forest and the Rhine Plain is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, bordering Alsace in the south. In terms of landscape, this region is strongly influenced by wine, with endless vines reaching in soft sweeps down to the Rhine and Moselle. The winters are mild, and the summers pleasant. Lemons, figs, and kiwis grow in the country gardens. Germany's oldest wine route runs through the middle of the Palatinate. At 52 miles in length, the trail starts at the German Wine Gate in Schweigen Rechtenbach on the French border and ends in Bockenheim on the edge of the Rhine-Hesse. There are 130 idyllic wine villages interspersed with stately castles and palaces, with wine festivals in summer and almond blossoms in spring. The picturesque municipalities of Bobenheim, Birkweiler, and Neustadt are noteworthy.

Quite small, but very refined: Franconia In the Middle Ages, Franconia was regarded as the largest wine region in the Holy Roman Empire; today, it is one of the more moderately-sized wine-growing regions. The region's trademark is the bocksbeutel, a type of wine bottle shaped like a flattened ellipsoid. The area surrounding Würzburg

stretches from Aschaffenburg along the Mainschleife to Bamberg and includes the steep slopes of the Steigerwald. Müller-Thurgau, Grüner Silvaner, riesling, and the typical Franconian Bacchus are grown here. Every year, 200 wine-related festivals occur in Franconia, nestled between the Spessart, Rhön, Steigerwald, and Tauber valleys.

The route from Retzbach to Karlstadt or from Rothenfels to Kreuzwertheim is a good option. Along the Volkacher Mainschleife, you can expect Silvaner wine and a breathtaking view of Vogelsburg. Red wine lovers can go on the red wine hike to Dernau. Finally, don't miss the Marienburg fortress and the residential city of Würzburg, with its imposing cathedral.

The steepest vineyards in Europe: Moselle It is one of the country's oldest wine regions, known for the steepest vineyards in Europe. Here, rieslings, Müller-Thurgau, and pinot noir flourish in primeval shale. The sheer grade is made for experienced hikers, rewarding them with unique views of an enchanting cultural landscape replete with castles, vineyards, waterfalls, ostrich farms, and legendary wine villages. Cochem and Bremm are popular towns, and the walled city of Beilstein, with its chapels and castle ruins, is undoubtedly worth a visit.

The Calmont ropeway offers hikers a unique view of the Bremmer Mosel loop, and it's well worth a walk to the steel lookout

Compiled by Chloe Gellar / Images courtesy of Wines of Germany (germanwines.de)

Franken wine region

tower at Prinzenkopf. Those who tour Moselhöhenweg get an impressive look at miles of ornately arranged wine terraces. Trek along the wine trail on the Petrisberg to gaze upon Germany's oldest city, Trier. The culture trail in the Moselle valley is a less strenuous but equally exciting trek.

Forever Following the Rhine Terraces: Rheinhessen Between Worms, Mainz and Bingen is Germany's largest and oldest wine-growing region, the Rhineland-Palatinate wine region of Rheinhessen. Of the 136 Rhine-Hessian areas, only a fraction don't produce wine. The mild climate and the diverse soil conditions produce interesting wines from grapes that include MüllerThurgau, Silvaner, riesling, Dornfelder, and Burgundy Germany's richest rieslings hail from the Rote Hang between Nierstein and Nackenheim. The 46-mile Rhine Terraces Trail is divided into six stages and passes through many hamlets, all of which invite you to taste their wines.

Routes between Worms and Osthofen, Oppenheim to Nackenheim, and Bodenheim to Mainz are ideal routes. In Worms and Mainz, numerous sights and cozy pubs await. Also notable are the Bensheim circular hiking trail, the gourmet hike in Oppenheim, and the lookout at Nollig Castle.

Lovely Weather, Wonderful Wine: Baden Baden, the "Burgundy Paradise," is one of Germany's most versatile winegrowing regions, stretching about 250 miles along the Upper Rhine Plain from Tauberfranken through Kraichgau and the Badische Bergstrasse to Lake Constance. Such vastness creates ideal conditions for growing wide varieties of grapes. The sun plays along, too, making the highest recorded temperatures in Germany on the southern slopes of the Kaiserstuhl. And since Burgundy grapes are particularly fond of the warm climate, Baden is especially well-known for this variety.

The undulating Baden-Ortenau Wine Trail passes through ancient cities such as Freiburg, Heidelberg, and Baden-Baden, along with Lake Constance. An eco-wine trail also leads through the Markgräfler Land. The view from the dainty half-timbered village of Sasbachwalden, located between the slopes of the Hornisrinde and vineyards with a view of France, the Rhine Valley, and Strasbourg, is stunning. The Ortenau Wine Trail is also well worth a mention.

The German Wine Institute has an interactive map on its website (germanwines.de/tourism/wine-hiking-trails/) showing more than 50 wine hikes in all 13 German wine-growing regions. Users can search for the locations of over 2,300 wine producers and special events. sl

Sivlaner in the Franconian Bocksbeutel

Mosel wine region

A view marker along Hessian mountain road

The Rhineland-Palatinate

Rheingau wine region

Vineyards on the Moselle, Beilstein

A PEARL OF A

The enduring appeal of pearls for both sexes.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

While men sporting pearls is de riguer at the moment, these lustrous gems of the sea have been prized by distinguished gentlemen since antiquity, with documentation going as far back as 2300 BC in China. In ancient Rome, a decree made a law that only noblemen were permitted to wear pearls. In the Tudor era, men put on pearls as a public show of their rank at court. Perhaps the most notable historical devotee of the pearl was Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of the Mughal Empire, reigning from 1628 to 1658. A jewelryobsessed gem expert, and the builder of the Taj Mahal, he is often depicted with slathers of strands, some draping down to his waist, an honor reserved for the upper echelons of the royal family.

Then, as now, pearls are a symbol of wealth, power, nobility, and good taste. And, as men consider donning pearls, designers are taking note, creating more gender fluid looks to meet demand.

OR BOY)

Tahitian pearl earring and necklace from Assael. Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville and at assael.com.

Photo by David Benoliel.

Below: A Portrait of a Statesman, watercolor on paper by Yahya Ghaffar, 1877. Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2016. As with many portraits of the period, the subject’s robe is embroidered with pearls and jewels. Image courtesy of the Met Museum

Uniform Object heavy metal tennis necklace ($45,000; uniformobject.com)

King Baby 6mm grey pearl bracelet with silver rose beads ($375; kingbabystudio.com)

Akoya pearl earrings, necklaces and rings from Assael. Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville and at assael.com.

Photo by David Benoliel.

Nouveau wire bracelet from Ritique ($840; ritique.com)

John Hardy Asli link chain pearl necklace ($2,200). Available from Reis-Nichols in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and at johnhardy.com.

David Yurman DY Madison pearl chain bracelet in sterling silver ($695). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols in Indianapolis, Corbett-Frame in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, and at davidyurman.com.

The astonishing jeweled harness adorning this bodhisattva is made up of two long strands of pearl-like clusters and multifaceted beads. It is possible that the jewels refer to a passage in the Lotus Sutra in which the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and another bodhisattva extol Avalokiteshvara’s great compassion and presents him with a pearl necklace as a symbol of his benevolence. Bodhisattva, probably Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), sandstone with pigment, Northern Qi dynasty ca. 550-560. The Sackler Collections, Purchase, The Sackler Fund, 1965 Image courtesy of the Met Museum

This page, clockwise from top left: Jorge Adeler freshwater pearl and diamond ring ($9,580; jorgeadeler.com). / Lydia Courteille bespoke pearl and emerald earrings (lydiacourteileshop.com). Bubble drop earrings from Monbouquette Jewelry ($415; monbouquettejewelry.com). / Dua Mirror Bijoux earrings from The Vit ($210; thevitjewelry.com). / Graziela pearl, sapphire and emerald ring (grazielagems.com). / Effy diamond and fresh water pearl ring ($805; effyjewelry.com). / Maya Brenner Tres pearl ring ($750; mayabrenner.com). / Marei Invidia black onyx column & pearl ring ($6,000; mareinewyork.com). / Fragment earrings from Pamela Love ($6,500; pamelalove.com)

CHEERS TO ANOTHER YEAR

Written by Bridget Williams

As we get older, it seems that there are two types of people when it comes to commemorating a birthday. One prefers little fanfare, while the other likes to mark the occasion with aplomb. As someone who feels she's aging like a good bottle of pinot noir, I fall squarely into the latter. So, for the twilight of my fortieth decade, it seemed apropos to raise a glass to another year in Sonoma, a trip that struck just the right balance of revelry and relaxation.

Having learned firsthand the pitfalls of an overly ambitious itinerary while on a 70th birthday trip to Oregon's wine country with my mother last year, our Sonoma sojourn was limited to two wineries a day. The six I chose were based on the reputation of their wine and the setting offered to enjoy them. As Sonoma County's 19 distinctive American Viticultural areas certainly aren't lacking in scenery, the latter criteria didn't whittle down the list much, but being preferential to pinot certainly helped.

Knowing that we'd be doing quite a bit of driving, we opted for a centrally located hotel. We were initially surprised to see how close McArthur Place was to the main thoroughfare, separated only by a white picket fence and dense landscaping that allowed for stolen glances of Victorian-inspired architecture. However, our fears were allayed as soon as we approached the entry courtyard in this six-acre haven of tranquility.

The low-density property, with just 64 spacious guestrooms and suites, was once a 19th-century working vineyard and ranch. The original home, one of Sonoma's oldest examples of Victorian

architecture, served as inspiration for the other detached two-level buildings that house guest rooms. Blanket-draped Adirondack chairs pulled up alongside strategically placed firepits are populated night and day. Mature landscaping, the intoxicating scent of Jasmine, and meandering paths create a feeling of anticipation as you wander the property. Around every corner are lush lawns punctuated by contemporary art.

Guest rooms are the definition of cool and comfortable California contemporary. Muted earthy colors predominate and are mated with sumptuous textures of stone, leather, and thick tufted plaid carpet underfoot. We quickly adopted a nightly routine of opening a bottle procured from the day's adventure, lighting a fire, and putting our feet up on a bouclé ottoman paired with a swivel bucket chair. Heavenly.

A recent $20 million overhaul touched nearly every aspect of the resort and reimagined the food and beverage program. Layla, a new three-meal dining destination, is named for Leilani Burris, great-granddaughter of the original property founder David Burris. The menu, utilizing garnishes from the on-site garden, is a happy marriage of California coastal and Mediterranean-style dishes. Farmto-table dining alfresco here as leaves and candlelight dance in the evening breeze is a peak Sonoma experience. The Bar at MacArthur is a super-chic spot for all-day elevated bar bites and innovative cocktails. We grabbed our morning caffeine fix at The Porch, featuring coffee by Sonoma County roaster Wolf Coffee.

Birthday wine-ing in Sonoma

The Spa at MacArthur Place

Layla at MacArthur Place

MacArthur is a short walk to the historic city center of Sonoma; travel a little further to read the trailhead of the Sonoma Overlook Trail, a three-mile path that winds up a hillside and rewards the effort with panoramic views of Sonoma Valley.

Having arrived just after the Autumn harvest, there was a relaxed mood at most wineries. When I made an appointment at Williams Selyem in Healdsburg (williamsselyem.com), the detailed directions explicitly said there was no sign, so we were surprised that the lack of fanfare at the entrance road led to a quite large and contemporary tasting room. The roots of the brand are much humbler. Founders and fishing buddies Burt Williams and Ed Selyem, united in their love of "unaffordable" French Burgundies and the desire to make a prestigious California pinot, crafted their wines in a rented 2-car garage in Fulton from 1983 to 1989. You can find the full and fascinating story on the winery website.

Today, under the ownership of John and Kathe Dyson (former customers of Bert and Ed) and the direction of Jeff Mangahan, Director of Winemaking, pinot noir comprises 90% of William Seylem's production. An interesting factoid is that Williams Seylem donates the proceeds from selling their proprietary trademarked yeast to other winemakers to help fund the nonprofit Healdsburg Wine Library, whose contents cover wine from antiquity to the present day.

"Winemaking is minding the minutiae," said Jon Priest, Senior Winemaker and General Manager at Etude Winery (etudewines. com), who said he first fell in love with Burgundy when he was too

young to know better. Priest had just wrapped up his 33rd harvest at Etude when we arrived at their Napa tasting room for a sip through their pinot library, a grape that thrives in the cool Carneros climate. Our tasting was an interesting lesson in temperature and terroir, and we learned how subtle differences in topography and ocean breezes interplay to create microclimates that impart distinct characteristics to what ends up in the glass. "You can hear a region's accent in its pinot," Priest remarked. Etude specializes in white and two classic red varietals - pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.

Etude was founded by winemaker Tony Soter in 1982 on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard. It's an ethos that's paramount to Priest, who says that the company has set a goal of operating as one hundred percent renewable by 2030. "We do all we can in a minimal way to let the terroir express itself," he explained, adding that "controlled stress" is better than "happy vines." Etude has been named Certified Sustainable, Fish Friendly Farming, Napa Green Winery Certified, and earned its Climate Adaption Certification.

A particular point of pride is the Grace Benoist Ranch, home to Etude's Estate Vineyards. Part of an original land grant, extensive creek restoration was necessary to reverse the effects of decades of cattle grazing. Primitive structures that once provided shelter to ranchers and deer hunters dot the landscape. "It's wonderful to be out there and sense what the land may have looked like 100 years ago," said Priest.

The Jordan Winery château

Even non-imbibers will savor a trip to the 1,200-acre Jordan Winery in the Alexander Valley to savor the scenery (jordanwinery. com). From its founding in 1970, Jordan has focused on three things: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and hospitality. This laser focus means that they do each very, very well. A long, winding road leads up to a grand château perched atop a hill, a hand-in-glove mate to wines created in the Bordeaux model of estate-grown grapes.

Jordan operates as a certified sustainable vineyard and winery, a practice that extends to preserving large swaths of wild habitat around and between their 12 estate vineyard blocks, creating an ideal environment for the culinary team to forage for wild plants and herbs.

Even the most basic winery tours at Jordan (always by appointment) conclude with a seated food and wine pairing. In addition, throughout the year, they host a handful of themed dinners, lunches, hikes, and other special events. Insider tip: become a Jordan Estates Rewards member at the Gold or Platinum level to gain access to an overnight stay in one of the estate's three guest suites or guesthouse.

Another scenic and sustainable stop is the Benziger Family Winery (benzinger.com), located in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain and a quarter-mile from Jack London State Park (an excellent stop for hiking). The Benziger family has farmed their ranch and vineyards for more than three decades using certified Biodynamic farming methods. As a result, every wine in their portfolio carries a third-party certification of green farming practices. They also use their experience and insight to mentor a network of growers interested in farming in a way that cares for the land while producing quality wine. Benziger’s biodynamic tractor tram

tour provides a comprehensive look at their Sonoma Mountain Estate, followed by a tasting of four limited-production wines.

A newbie on the Sonoma winemaking scene, Marine Layer Wines (marinelayerwines.com), founded by Baron Ziegler and Rob Fischer, winemaker at Banshee Wines, has made its mark as the cool kid on the block with a hip tasting room in the heart of Healdsburg, a charming town known for outstanding restaurants, galleries, and shops. Offering a tasting without pretense and accompanied by a scrumptious seasonal mezze plate crafted by Little Saint, Marine Layer would be my first stop with anyone who thinks all wine experts are snobs. Sourcing grapes from some of the best vineyards along the Sonoma Coast, their small-batch, cool-climate wines are complex and approachable.

Because man or woman cannot live on wine alone, we interspersed our tastings by indulging in farm-to-fork cuisine at places like Roof 106 (thematheson.com), a rooftop cocktail lounge and restaurant on the square in Healdsburg, where I'd recommend the local mushroom, burrata, and truffle pizza. After feasting on wood-roasted brussels sprouts and house-made lumache pasta a la fra diavolo at The Glen Ellen Star (glenellenstar.com), a tiny establishment a stone's throw from Benziger Winery, I declared it was every bit as good as my last meal there a decade ago. Following our tasting at Marine Layer, we made a beeline to Little Saint, an ambitious 10,000-square-foot farm-forward gathering place founded by Single Thread owners Kyle and Katina Connaughton, where we hoped to find to-go portions of the mezze we'd just devoured. Coming up short on this mission marked the only glasshalf-empty moment during our wine country escapade. sl

Marine Layer tasting room in Healdsburg.

Photo by Gretchen Gause.

Creating SpacesExtraordinary

Yvonne Woodson, RN, LicAC, Dipl.AC (NCCAOM) is a registered nurse who is trained in the classic arts of Five Element acupuncture, Non-Invasive Toyohari acupuncture, Trauma acupuncture, Orthopedic acupuncture, and the latest approach to cosmetic acupuncture known as the Mei Zen™ Cosmetic Acupuncture System. Call today to meet Yvonne and experience her refreshingly holistic approach to health and healing that comes from over 40 years of experience in the healthcare profession.

352.318.0154

germanvillageacupuncture.com

FRENCH DRESSING

Written by Bridget Williams

St. Barths…St. Bart…St. Barts... However you choose to spell it, the tiny volcanic island, encircled by shallow reefs, is endowed with an embarrassment of riches, from its abundant natural beauty to the bounty of billionaire's bodacious yachts docked in and around Gustavia's harbor during the winter months. With no shortage of sprawling villas and upscale resorts catering to the glitterati, luxury is a given. Seeking to differentiate itself, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa and its sister brand, Le Barth Villa Rentals, sets a high bar for an island idyll that pairs sumptuousness with sustainability. Going green, they say, is the new gold standard. "The hospitality industry is normalizing 'green' so that it's no longer a trend but necessary and logical," remarked Michael Martinez, Le Barthélemy's Director of Food and Beverage, during a sustainable cooking class conducted around the island of the kitchen at Le Barthélemy's oceanfront Villa Aqua.

The dramatic air arrival is part of the St. Barths' experience, highly recommended over the ferry from nearby St. Maarten, a voyage known to make even a seasoned seafarer queasy. Traveling aboard Tradewind Aviation's Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for the 45-minute flight from San Juan to one of the smallest airports in the world includes a steep descent between hills before stopping on a 2,100-foot

runway with a 2-degree downslope that terminates in the Caribbean. As many as 100 private jets a day arrive during peak season. From there, it's a short chauffeured ride to Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, opened in 2016 and nestled in the arc of St. Barths' Grand Cul-de-Sac beach, a pretty lagoon with white sand beaches and calm, shallow water courtesy of an offshore coral reef that keeps roiling waves at bay. It's a setting that Sebastian Maingourd, Regional General Manager of Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, says "creates a secluded privacy that encapsulates our ethos of using nature as our muse to cultivate the deepest sense of relaxation. The island's buzz in Gustavia and St. Jean is set apart, yet easily accessible so guests can enjoy the best of both worlds."

Apropos for an island full of beautiful people, an army of impeccably attired attendants were waiting as our car arrived, making the check-in process seamless and quick and immediately exemplifying what the property calls their "human-centered, couture hospitality." Not wanting to miss our first sunset, we sent our bags to our rooms and headed for the Amis St. Barth bar, where we had difficulty selecting a celebratory cocktail from an innovative lineup that included ingredients such as bergamot, gingerbread syrup, and lemon foam.

Sipping and surveying the alfresco environment of the common areas, I noted that the familiar motifs of island décor are both understated and deliberate and accentuated by whimsical touches, such as birdcage chairs in the reception area. Vibrant pops of color that call to mind the sea, sun, and blue skies contrast with natural textures of rattan, terracotta, wood, and stone.

Forty-four rooms and suites populate two-story buildings whose steeply pitched rooflines mirror the contours of the surrounding landscape. Guests can opt for ocean, garden, or lake views, with many first-floor ocean-view rooms boasting heated private plunge pools. Those needing more elbow room can book a three-bedroom suite or one of two on-site oceanfront six-bedroom villas, each with a 55-foot swimming pool.

Le Barthélemy's villa rental company has access to 250 of the most luxurious properties on the island combined with 24/7 concierge services, and all the amenities of being a guest at a hotel voted the #1 Resort in St Barths, the #1 Best Resort in the Caribbean and among the Best Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2022. Your budget is the only limit on their a la carte menu of experiences.

"Our portfolio of villas spans every nook and cranny across the island so guests can choose the qualities that matter most to

them – whether it's beachfront access or a panoramic birds-eye view, the layouts and amenities are virtually infinite," said Guillaume Bichot, General Manager of Le Barth Villa Rentals. "Beyond having their own private space, Le Barth Villa Rentals go above and beyond to allow guests the same exclusive access to Le Barthélemy's luxury resort amenities— including a guaranteed lounge chair on the resort's spectacular beach – at no additional cost."

My second-floor Le Barth Ocean room boasted a soaring vaulted ceiling and a large terrace with a retractable screen that invited the sound of the waves in and kept pesky bugs out. As part of the brand's commitment to sustainability, supreme cotton sheets in guest rooms are made of traceable organically grown cotton, and sixty percent of all in-room amenities come from ethical and environmentally friendly labels.

Familiarizing myself with the graciously proportioned room and admiring the bulbous blown glass pendant lighting on one side of the bed, I was thrilled to find a box of truffles and a bottle of the house champagne - Leclerc Briant – a pioneer in biodynamic bubbly, on ice in a custom branded box. There's also a "champagne please" button on the in-room phone should you find your well has run dry. Le Barthélemy's owners purchased Leclerc Briant, founded in 1872 on a single plot in Epernay, France, in 2012.

Living room in the Jocapana villa

Primary bedroom in Blanc Bleu Living room in the Ixfalia villa

At evening view at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, looking across the extended pyramid skylight of the subterranean La Spa to the oceanfront inifinity pool.

Reflective of UNESCO's 2010 declaration of the "The Gastronomic Meal of the French" as a World Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the hotel's recently revamped Amis St. Barth restaurant is now a dining destination in its own right. Here, executive chef Vincent Gomis' dishes, such as black truffle lobster piemontaise, stuffed squid, and chicken breast with a flavorful olive crust, are infused with the flavors of the South of France and the Mediterranean basin. In addition, Le Barthélemy's affable advanced sommelier, hailing from a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, offers expert pairing advice and is available to lead guests through an hour-long immersion covering a trio of different wines. Impress your friends by polishing your bartending skills during cocktail master class led Amis St Barths' mixology bartender Thursday through Monday.

Chef Gomis, who grew up among a family of chefs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, followed his passions to the hilltop French culinary town of Carcassonne at the young age of 15. He went on to work at one of Paris' most revered restaurants, Epicure at Le Bristol, alongside triple Michelin-starred French Chef Eric Fréchon. The kitchen at Amis is a family affair, as Gomis' wife Marie Cécile, whom he met at Le Bristol, is the sous-chef.

Gomis is committed to getting the kitchen close to zero waste and sourcing seasonal ingredients, citing sustainably harvested local mahi-mahi and spices from neighboring Guadeloupe as examples. "As a chef, I want to be able to make every product special," he said during our intimate cooking class, where he shared that overlooked vegetable peels are part of his unique sauces and dressings and that the kitchen composts non-edible food waste.

As if one was remiss in noticing the scores of pretty people partaking of the toes-in-the-sand lunch at Amis St. Barth, the owner of the on-site boutique regularly uses the boardwalk lining the al fresco dining area as a runway for long-legged models to showcase her collection of unique clothing, swimsuits, and accessories.

Innovative and upscale dining isn't limited to the confines of the restaurant. As part of their bespoke guest experiences, we booked a day aboard Le Barthélemy's 35-foot Boston Whaler. Departing directly from the hotel, we explored quiet coves, admired dramatic cliffside villas, and indulged in a picnic lunch of grilled octopus and Niçoise salad (and bubbly, of course), among other delicacies. The sky is the limit regarding Amis St. Barths' range of customized dining experiences; we enjoyed a multi-course bohemian beachfront feast illuminated with candlelight and laughter.

Interior of Amis St. Barth restaurant

A picnic lunch on board the hotel's 35-foot Boston Whaler. Chef Vincent Gomis

Alfresco lunch at Amis St. Barth restaurant

One of Le Barthélemy's most unique aspects is the comprehensive offerings at its subterranean Le Spa, whose common area sits beneath a skylight reminiscent of the Louvre's famous pyramid. Notably, Le Spa has the distinction of being the only Caribbean hotel utilizing La Mer products. A nod to Sweden's control of St. Barths from 1784-1878, the spa's Nordic baths comprise a trio of Red Cedar plunge pools ranging from horribly cold to hot. The self-guided journey is invigorating and endorphin-boosting. Treatment rooms feature ceilings animated with a cosmography of fiber optic lighting that induces a dreamlike state even before the treatment commences. An indulgent facial incorporating La Mer's Miracle Broth, derived from highly regenerating Giant Sea Kelp, left my skin noticeably glowy for days.

Le Spa's newest offerings— Janzu and Aquatic Tibetan Sound Healing—are unique-to-the-island offerings aimed at holistic well-being. During Janzu, a trained expert utilizes the weightlessness of water and the deep state of relaxation it encourages to guide guests through a series of rhythmic movements inspired by ancient Shamanic regression techniques. Paired with Janzu or a stand-alone experience, singing bowls are

placed on top of the water during Aquatic Tibetan Sound Healing, allowing the sound to transmit deep vibrational frequencies 4x faster than through air, creating a profound vibrational effect on the internal organs and energy system. Guests can experience these treatments in the Nature's Reserve in front of the hotel when the ocean is calm, in private plunge pools, the hotel's oceanfront infinity pool, or villa pools.

An all-encompassing destination, the on-site watersports program means that days are amply occupied by snorkeling or paddling in the lagoon, where you're nearly guaranteed to spot a sea turtle. In addition, the surrounding reefs are undergoing active restoration partly due to the hotel's partnership with Coral Restoration St. Barth.

After dinner, Le Barthélemy's rooftop bar, Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, cheekily named after the manager's reaction following the 2017 hurricane when he surveyed the space and found it nearly unscathed among the wreckage, is the place for inventive cocktails, live music, and buzzy DJ sets. "We've created a vacation experience that nurtures and reinvigorates the mind, body, and soul," said Maingourd. sl

For more information, visit www.lebarthelemyhotel.com or connect with them on social media @lebarthelemy, @amis_stbarth, and @lebarth_villas.

Entryway at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa Couple's treament room at Le Spa

Nordic baths at Le Spa

F1 RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS

Written by Bridget Williams

If you’ve ever been in the back seat of an Uber as it inched its way through the seemingly ceaseless traffic on the Las Vegas strip, it would seem hard to believe that in November of this year, a select few drivers will have the privilege of racing down the garishly grand boulevard in excess of 200 MPH as part of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and related events on November 16-19. The event marks the first time the unmistakable shrill whine of an F1 engine operating at max capacity will quicken pulses in Sin City in nearly four decades.

In 1981 and 1982, the F1 world championship was decided by the Caesar’s Palace Grand Prix and staged on a temporary anticlockwise street circuit curiously squeezed between concrete barriers in a coiled snake configuration within the Caesar’s Palace parking lot. Australian driver Alan Jones, driving for Williams-Ford won the 75-lap race in 1981, with Michele Alboreto taking the checkered flag the following year in a Terrell-Ford. The 1982 race marked the end of famed driver Mario Andretti’s F1 career. However, he would return to the site to race after F1 dropped Vegas from

its calendar and the circuit was reconfigured into a modified oval for Indy Car. In 1984, the last year of parking lot racing in Vegas, Andretti was crowned the Indy Car series champion.

The 2023 track design is 3.8 miles long from start to finish, with top speeds estimated to be over 212mph. Held on the evening of November 19 under lights in the heart of Las Vegas, the typical strip energy will be amplified with additional off-track entertainment before the drivers take on 50 race laps designed with three main straights and 17 corners. Drivers will zoom past iconic locations including Caesar’s Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian.

If attendance at kickoff events this past November is any indication, demand for tickets will far exceed the 100,000+ official spectator capacity. “Taking over the sports and entertainment capital of the world for almost an entire week is going to be a game changer for Formula 1 and has the potential to set the benchmark for all global sports and entertainment events in the future,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix will take over the strip with racing and scores of off-track entertainment from November 16-18

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes driving on track during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 launch party on November 05, 2022 on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Photo by Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Ticket prices will start at $500. Premium seating experiences include:

• Paddock Club

Enjoy the epitome of Las Vegas hospitality from the best seats in the house. The Paddock Club sits on a newly- purchased 39-acre parcel of land adjacent to Las Vegas Boulevard, serving as the central point of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

• Wynn Grid Club

Located inside the Paddock Club with a theme heartening back to the 1920s, the Gatsby-esque setting will offer the most indulgent and glamorous vantage point to watch the race.

• Skyboxes

Situated above the premium start/finish grandstand featuring excellent views of the start/finish and the pre- and post-race festivities.

• Suites

These private suites feature elevated views of the race action as the cars head into the Koval straightaway.

Through an initiative with the Las Vegas Grand Prix Foundation, in just 24 hours this past August, F1 fans interested in securing a spot in line for tickets donated enough funds to provide one million free meals to the local Las Vegas community. “While we are confident in the positive economic impact the Grand Prix will bring to the greater Las Vegas area, we are focused on making a difference for those most in need,” said Grand Prix’s CEO Renee Wilm." We are in Las Vegas for the long term and look forward to contributing to the community in many ways over the coming years. One million free meals is just the beginning.”

Charitable contributions will also benefit Green Our Planet, which assists “farmpreneur” and school garden programs at Clark County Schools and the Just One project to grow its no-cost Community Markets.

“A ticket to the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the hottest ticket in global sport,” said Domenicali. For more information, visit formula1.com/en/racing/2023/Las_Vegas.html. sl

Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, Steven Sisolak, Governor of Nevada, Jim Gibson, Clark County Commission Chair and pose for a photograph after painting the start line during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 launch party on November 05, 2022 on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

PAVÉ THE WAY

Meaning “pavement” in French, stones in a pavé setting create an unbroken line of continuous sparkle.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Louis Vuitton LV Volt One Pendant necklace ($6,000; uslouisvuitton.com) | Loree Rodkin Love pendant with black and gray pavé-set diamonds ($15,000; loreerodkin.com) | Ritique Orchid pendant necklace ($3,290; ritique.com) | Halo bangle from Georg Jensen x Sophie Bille Brahe ($11,000; georgjensen.com) | Misahara Icy chain bracelet ($12,100; misahara.com) | Walters Faith Lytton rose gold and pavé diamond bombe bracelet ($49,500; waltersfaith.com) | Rush Jewelry Design signature cleaved diamond ring ($4,600; rushjewelrydesign.com) | Lydia Courteille Paris bespoke diamond ring (lydiacourteille.com/en) | ITA Jewelry Acu pavé pinky ring ($3,200; itajewelry.com) | Pavé diamond ring with fancy pink diamonds set in rose gold from Albarre Jewelry in St. Louis (price upon request; albarre.com) | Rainbow K Handcuff ring ($4,000; rainbowkjewelry.com) | Brent Neale initial diamond pavé signet ring ($14,500; brentneale.com) | Ali Weiss square pavé diamond signet ring ($1,450; aliweissjewelry.com) | Ginette NY black diamond disc ring ($3,360; ginette-ny.com) Harvey Owen Hex necklace ($44,265; harveyowen.com) | Rae locket with pavé diamonds on 30" chain from Monica Rich Kosann ($5,230). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, and monicarichkosann.com. | Medium Infinity necklace from Phillips House ($1,999). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, phillipshouse.com. | Kwiat Swirl drop earrings ($7,300). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and kwiat.com. | Vhernier Aladino full pavé earclips (vhernier.com) | Azlee pavé and baguette diamond hoops ($7,290; azleejewelry.com) | Pomellato 18K rose gold Fantina earrings with pavé diamond accents ($13,500). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond

WILD AND WONDERFUL

at Mahali Mzuri.

"Hello lady...Are you awake?"

Written by Bridget Williams

Under any other circumstances, hearing an unfamiliar man's voice call out in the pre-dawn darkness to rouse me from sleep would have sounded an immediate alarm. But here, following my first night at Mahali Mzuri, during which I listened intently to an intermittent cacophony of animal noises so close I was certain that the Great Migration was taking place outside my tent, the endearingly low-tech wake-up call put a smile on my face as my brain navigated the fuzzy boundary delineating dreamland and reality.

Opened in 2013 and part of Sir Richard Branson's portfolio of luxury properties operating under the Virgin Limited Edition umbrella, Mahali Mzuri is one of just five safari camps in Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy, part of the larger Maasai Mara ecosystem. The result of a comprehensive and collaborative effort to provide a mutually beneficial arrangement for wildlife and the Maasai pastoralist community, there are only 94 beds allowed within its 33,000 protected acres, meaning that visitors get incomparable and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.

The five camps located in the conservancy make monthly rental payments to local tribes and donate $5 per night per guest to The Maa Trust (themaatrust.org), a research-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Maasai women,

youth, and children for the long-term sustainable conservation of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Mahali Mzuri takes its philanthropy a step further by supporting a local primary school. A visit here is a humbling experience, particularly when considering what conditions were like before the recent renovations. Resort guests can have a donation to the school added to their folio at checkout or request the school's wish list before their stay as part of their "Pack for a Purpose" program. Visits can also be arranged to the Maa Trust's beading shop and a local village, where 100% of the tour costs are donated back to the community.

At Mahali Mzuri, which means 'beautiful place' in Swahili, accommodations encompass 12 tented suites that cantilever over a valley bisected by something more precious than gold in this parched region: the Olkuroto River. Technically glamping, the spacious tented suites are far from roughing it. Outside, the colors of the canvas blend with the local stone and indigenous red oat grass. Inside, interior designer Yvonne Golds of Real Studio worked closely with Kenyan designers and artisans to source local fabrics, furniture, and artwork. A generous overhanging roof creates an oasis of shade on the tent's large terrace and makes an ideal spot for afternoon yoga during the time in-between game drives. It was surreal to come up from a downward dog to see a giraffe nibbling the treetops below my tent.

Culture, philanthropy, and camaraderie enhance the safari experience

Dinner under the starts at Mahali Mzuri

Mahali Mzuri's inifinity pool is nestled beneath the camp into a natural alcove of boulders.

Interior of a guest tent.

With only 94 beds in the 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, vistors get incomporable and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.

A lionness en route to chasing down her breakfast

When it's dark, guests must have a Maasai tribe member escort them from their tent to and from the common areas. One evening I asked my guide if he ever spots animals close to the walkway; a quick flick of his flashlight to the right illuminated a massive water buffalo chomping on grass. Smiling from ear to ear after seeing my surprise, he said, "No fences here."

Splitting the camp in two is a common area comprised of tents for dining and lounging and a large deck with ample seating for savoring the view. This centralized setup brings guests together at various points throughout the day to swap stories of what they'd seen and experienced, creating charming camp camaraderie. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the food is outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soup of the day – cold at lunch and hot at dinner. In-camp meals are complemented by experiences like campfire cocktails and a lavish buffet BBQ dinner in the bush. At the lounge tent, bartender Raymond serves up craft cocktails with Swahili names inspired by the animals and the landscape. My favorite was the "Dawa," an easily replicable chilled version of the hot toddy made with vodka, lime, and honey.

There are two game drives each day. The first departs just as the colors of the sky turn from bruised to blush. When asked what was on the itinerary, Jackson, our guide, responded, "a game drive

is like fishing…let us see what nature will provide us." Nature felt particularly peacocky on our inaugural morning drive, with the opening hours unfolding like the acts of a dramatic stage play. Fifteen minutes after leaving camp, we spotted a trio of impossibly cute lion cubs from the Iseketa pride languidly sunbathing atop a rock when the lionesses suddenly sprang into action. Jackson told us to hold on and gave chase in our 4x4 vehicle. Soon we were witnessing the lionesses taking down a trio of wildebeests a few hundred feet from our vehicle—close enough to hear flesh tearing and the lionesses' guttural grumbles of satisfaction.

Initially unsure of how we'd feel about a front-row seat to such a "circle of life" moment, in short order, our group acted like Romans watching a battle in the Coliseum and calling for more. Jackson soothed our sad feelings for the doomed quadrupeds after telling us that the Swahili term for the wildebeest is sifuri ubongo, translated as "zero brains." However, our bloodthirst was tested on a subsequent outing when a tiny leopard cub came dangerously close to being a hyena's lunch. Moments like this, and seeing a doe-eyed Jackal, who could have been ripped from the pages of a Disney storybook, carrying the head of a baby gazelle in its mouth, gave me a whole new perspective on life and the fact that my worries seem trivial when compared with constantly worrying about being eaten!

Maasai guide Jackson provding a warm welcome before a sunrise game drive.

Adumu, the Maasai jumping dance

A mother elephant and her offspring, the littlest just weeks old.

Picnic lunch in the bush.

A tense moment as a young lion eyes a water buffalo grazing beneath the pride in close proximity to our 4x4.

Raymond serves craft cocktails with Swahili names inspired by the landscape.

It was candy that drew Jackson, who grew up on the main road leading into the conservancy, to become a guide. Noticing that "little white jeeps" always had an ample supply of candy, he and his friends would run alongside, yelling, "give me sweets" (something we also heard at the primary school). "I told my friends I wanted to be a driver because I was sure I'd get lots of candy," he laughed. With fifteen years of experience, Jackson explained that becoming a guide is more than just learning to drive; he holds a specialty certification from the Koiyaki Guiding School. Book smarts and natural curiosity combine to make Jackson a wealth of knowledge about wildlife and the region's 43 distinct tribes. I quickly filled a notebook with his anecdotes, from Maasai burial practices to how fences and elephants have accelerated deforestation.

During our conversations with Jackson, it was interesting to learn how the culture of the Maasai continues to evolve as tourism improves their quality of life. Programs like Lighting Up Africa, which brings renewable, off-grid energy to remote communities, allow for access to the internet and the outside world, but traditions persist. For example, while the iPhone in his pocket signals success, Jackson said the measure of his personal wealth remains based on the number of cows in his herd.

Constantly scanning the horizon, eagle-eyed Jackson always spotted the next frame of our highlight reel from far away and jokingly referred to our many erroneous sightings as "ATLs," or

"animal-looking things." Unlike the Maasai Mara, where vehicles are limited to designated roadways, guides in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy are free to go off-road in a respectful pursuit of wildlife, who generally seemed unbothered by our presence, as long as we kept all of our extremities in the vehicle. Jackson said that while it would be common to have 20 vehicles crowded around a sighting in the Maasai Mara, in Olare, only five can congregate.

Like the wildlife who seek shade to sleep away the heat of the day, the afternoons at Mahali Mzuri are all about relaxation. Some guests retreat to the infinity pool, nestled into a natural alcove of grey boulders, or to the spa, located in a secluded spot close to the valley floor.

Making an appointment at the latter was a no-brainer following a blissful neck and shoulder massage offered during check-in, an amenity I'd choose over a welcome cocktail any day.

After dinner each evening, I'd settle into bed, grateful for the thoughtful addition of a hot water bottle under the sheets to avert the evening chill (along with one waiting in my seat in the 4x4 each morning). I was excited to drift off to sleep, not only because I was physically spent following the fullness of the day's itinerary but also because I knew my dreams would be splendidly saturated with the colors and culture of Kenya. sl

Rates at Mahali Mzuri start from $1,700 per person/night. For more information and reservations, visit virginlimitededition.com/en/mahali-mzuri.

Picnic lunch in the bush.

ARM CANDY

Daniel Craig wearing the 42MM Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition during a November 2022 black tie gala in London marking sixty years of James Bond ($9,200). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and omegawatches.com. | Bell & Ross Cyber Skull Bronze with BR-CAL.210 calibre, By turning the crown, the jaw of the skull comes alive. Limited edition of 500 pieces ($11,400). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and bellross.com. | Longines Dolcevita L5.512.4.92.2 with orange lacquered dial ($1,350). Available through Davis Jewelers in in Louisville, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and longines.com. | Anya Taylor-Joy wearing Jaeger-LeCouture’s Rendez-Vous Dazzling Shooting Star. The blue aventurine dial is surrounded by a ring of claw-set diamonds ($84,500). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en. | Nouvel Heritage Sunday in Miami limited edition mood bangle ($2,000). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in This page, clockwise from top left: Picchiotti reversible Xpandable diamond, coral and white ceramic bracelet ($36,700). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and picchiotti.it. | John Hardy Classic Chain pull through bracelet in a variety of birthstones (from $895). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and johnhardy.com. | Nouvel Heritage Sunday in Miami limited edition mood bangle ($2,000). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and nouvelheritage.com. | Arnold & Son drew on the year of the Water Rabbit to inspire the latest version of its Perpetual Moon ($61,800; arnoldandson.com) | Extensible 5ct rainbow sapphire stretch bracelet in 18k yellow gold ($9,400). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and extendluxury.com. | L’Atelier Nawbar Pillar diamond bangle ($4,500; lateliernawbar.com) | Sloane Street turquoise and diamond bracelet ($4,215). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville; Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and sloanest.com. | Gemstone bangles from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis (from $1,600; albarre.com) | Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold Paradise mixed gemstone three strand bracelet ($3,630). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St Louis and at us.marcobicego.com. | Bea

Bongiasca x ANANYA Fine Jewelry Rainbow Chakra bracelet ($6,380; ananyaxbea.com) | Valery Brenda Shea heart charm bracelet ($5,950; valerybrinda.com)

OLD WORLD, NEW TRICKS

Germany's Oberhofer winery works with some of the oldest vines in the world using the newest know-how.

Written by Claire Williams / Images courtesy of Oberhofer Winery

Looking out over the 62 acres of vines on the Oberhofer winery, you can see the terracotta-tiled roofs of the village of Edesheim and the local church's steeple. Piercing the horizon are the Haardt mountains, which protect the town from the frigid and wet weather blowing in from the Atlantic, giving this region the aptly named title "The Tuscany of Germany." Edesheim sits in the Pfalz region of Germany, also known as "the Palatinate," in southwest Germany just north of France's Alsace region and only an hour south of Frankfurt.

The Haardt mountains make it one of the warmer and drier areas in Germany, allowing almonds, figs, and lemons to grow here alongside wine grapes in villages whose home call to mind the structure of a cuckoo clock. With a favorable microclimate and extra sunny days compared to the rest of the country, the only thing brighter than the sun is the contagious smiles of the Oberhofer family.

The Oberhofer family first started making wine in 1754 in Alto Adige, Italy. Some 250 years later, after emigrating to Germany, Stefan and Heidi Oberhofer built the foundation for their own winery by merging their parents' vineyards on the Southern Wine Route to establish the Oberhofer winery in Edesheim. One could say the Oberhofers are one of the original "nepo babies" of the wine world. Now their children have a hand in the business (literally),

with their son Pascal as the resident winemaker at just 29 years old and their two other children helping out as well.

Contrary to most well-established and revered family wineries in the Old World, the Oberhofers don't believe in old practices and outdated traditions but instead evolving their winery for the modern age. Stefan and Heidi give their son creative freedom to try new techniques and styles of wine. Just 15 years ago, the Oberhofers switched to strictly organic winegrowing, way before "organic" became the buzzword it is today, and were leading the charge on organic viticulture in Germany.

One of the easiest ways to understand their approach is through one of the winemakers' favorite quotes from an unknown source: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." At its roots, organic winegrowing is about preserving biodiversity in vineyards and maintaining soil life so that the terroir of winegrowing areas doesn't deteriorate to a point where the cultivation of vines will no longer be possible.

The youngest of the Oberhofer children, Marlene, explains her family’s philosophy by saying, "The more you take care of your soil, you have more healthy vines and powerful grapes, and the less you have to 'add' anything during the winemaking process to compensate mistakes and illness from the grapes." Therefore, they don't use chemicals or pesticides and co-cultivate

Winemaker Pascal Oberhofer

various other plants within the vineyard's rows, which naturally adds nutrients to the soil and strengthens the vines.

The Oberhofer's production is primarily white grapes: Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer Just under forty percent of their grapes are red: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The climate, reminiscent of Northern Italy, makes their wines fresh and balanced, perfect for those who enjoy nice acidity and fruit components in their wine. Their Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of exotic fruits balanced with vegetal aromas. Their Riesling, susceptible to the soil and climate, thrives in this region with cool nights and warm days, resulting in notes of crisp apple, citrus fruit, honey, and minerality, all balanced by fresh acidity.

While the Oberhofers fully embrace modern methods, they're also proud to have the oldest vine in the world, known as "The Eldest ."Church documents record an unknown winegrower planted vines during the Thirty Years' War in the early-to mid17th century in "Rhodter Rosengarten ."Despite being one the most destructive and protracted conflicts in European history, four hundred of those ancient vines still exist today, growing in the rich limestone marl soil and producing a small yield of Gewürztraminer grapes. The grapes are hand-harvested, and after fermentation, wine from "The Eldest" is aged in oak barrels,

followed by a gentle filtration and another three months of aging in complete darkness. Due to the fragility and small yield of the vine, the only way to taste this vieille vigne is to get your hands on one of the 300 bottles produced in those years when yields allow cultivation.

The Oberhofer's have taken place in national and international competitions, such as AWC Vienna and the Meininger's International Spirits Award, where they have won both silver and gold, along with three different design awards for the packaging of their Eldest wine. Looking to the future, the Oberhofers want to continue their objective of growing their vines harmoniously with nature rather than fighting against it. Reminiscent of looking out across the Oberhofer vineyards, their bottles have a design that is a kaleidoscope of colors, different for each vintage. Marlene says, "The design of the labels reminds us of the many elements that make this genuine natural product possible: The family farm. The ecological care of soil and vines. The care of the harvest. The artisanal winemaking in the cellar. The patience during storage. The joy of the product. The harmony between the generations and how every single point works together,". The Oberhofers have found a balance between their vines and nature, work and family, the past and the future, to create a truly exceptional wine domain. sl

Marlene Oberhofer with her father Stefan

BOTTLED IN BOND

Written by Bridget Williams

January 15th marked 110 years since Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed a partnership leading to the creation of the first Aston Martin car, rising from humble beginnings in a small workshop in Henniker Mews, London, and becoming one of the world's most renowned automotive marques. To commemorate the milestone, Aston Martin commissioned a series of photographs bringing together two of its iconic models—the record-breaking 1923 racer Razor Blade alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar—highlighting the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and applying engineering from Grand Prix racing to the road.

One of the earliest cars to be designed explicitly with aerodynamics in mind and propelled by an Aston Martin Grand Prix specification engine, the trailblazing Razor Blade took numerous class records at Brooklands in 1923, a year on from Aston Martin's Grand Prix debut with TT1 – the car nicknamed 'Green Pea'. A century later, the era-defining Valkyrie embodies Aston Martin's role as an innovator with its high-performance models that modern Formula One engineering to the road.

2023 is already turning out to be a monumental year for the brand, which recently sent out a sweet swan song for its DBS with the unleashing of the DBS 770 Ultimate. Long associated with cars of exquisite style and intoxicating performance, since 2018, the DBS nameplate has stood at the pinnacle of Aston Martin's series production range: a Twin-Turbo V12 powerhouse endowed with ferocious power and unmatched style.

The DB moniker, named for English industrialist David Brown, came about after he acquired the company in 1947. While not an official DB model, the 2-Liter Sport, Based on Aston Martin's Atom concept car, is the first model to be produced under Brown's leadership and became known as the DB1. It secured a spot in the annals of racing with a decisive victory in its debut outing, the 1948 Spa 24 Hours.

A highly-collectible variant of Aston Martin's flagship Super GT, extensive design and engineering enhancements combine to make the DBS 770 Ultimate the fastest and most powerful production model in Aston Martin's history. Available in both Coupe and Volante variants, the DBS770 Ultimate is limited to 300 Coupes and 199 Volantes, all of which are spoken for.

Aston Martin, the marque of choice for James Bond, opens up a year-long celebration of its 110th anniversary.

DBS 770 Ultimate features a ferocious iteration of Aston Martin's quad-cam 60-deg 5.2-litre V12 engine. Developing 770PS at 6500rpm and a colossal 900Nm of torque from just 1800rpm to 5000rpm, it propels the hypercar to a top speed of 211mph. The engine benefits from both modified air and ignition pathways that provide a seven-percent increase in maximum turbo boost pressure. Precise tuning of power and torque curves gives the driver a sense of boundless performance, with an intoxicating blend of exceptional response, outstanding in-gear acceleration, and the authentic V12 soundtrack.

Aston Martin Chief Technology Officer, Roberto Fedeli, said of the DSB 770 Ultimate: "When an iconic model generation reaches the end of production, it is important to mark the occasion with something special. In the case of the DBS 770 Ultimate, we have spared nothing in ensuring the final version of our current series production flagship is the best ever in every respect. Not only is it the fastest and most powerful DBS in our history, thanks to a comprehensive suite of improvements to the transmission, steering, suspension, and underbody structure; it is also the best to drive."

Later this year, Aston Martin will unveil the first of its highly anticipated next generation of sports cars, teased via prototype as a more aggressive successor of the DB11, which will further enhance Aston Martin's focus on ultra-luxury, high-performance, and driving intensity. The milestone will also take center stage of this year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 7-9), Goodwood Festival of Speed (April 15-16), Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (August 20th), and other significant events as part of a global marketing campaign entitled 'Intensity: 110 Years in the Making'. Amedeo Felisa, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: "In 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford came together with a shared vision of racing cars and using learnings from the racetrack to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. One hundred ten years and little over 110,000 cars later, that spirit continues. Our 110th year promises to be just as exciting as our first, as we turn a new chapter in Aston Martin history with the launch of our next generation of sports cars and the reveal of an extraordinary special model later this year that will celebrate this unique milestone." sl

Bibliotaph...

Compiled by Victoria Chase

The story of bestselling food writer Nigel Slater’s life via 150 easy recipes based on his childhood food memories and culinary inspirations, interspersed with reflective personal essays. Nigel Slater—A Cook’s Book—hardcover, 512 pages, Ten Speed Press

In her first book, interior designer Betsy Wentz shares 12 fabulous family homes filled with exciting mixes of color and pattern. Betsy Wentz—Design Happy: Colorful Homes for the Modern Family— hardcover, 224 pages; gibbs-smith.com

Just in time for March madness, David Hollander, JD, an ssistant dean and clinical professor with the Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University, provides a thought-provoking exploration of how basketball—and the values rooted in the game— can solve today’s most pressing issues. David Hollander—How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Guiding Principles for Reimagining What’s Possible—hardcover, 320 pages, Harmony Press

Alex Prud’homme, coauthor of Julia Child’s memoir, My Life in France, invites readers into the White House kitchen to reveal the sometimes curious tastes of twenty-six of America’s most influential presidents, how their meals were prepared and by whom, and the ways their choices affected food policy around the world. Alex Prud’homme— Dinner With the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House— Hardcover, 512 pages, Knopf Publishing

From Jeff Benedict, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tiger Woods and The Dynasty, this is the definitive biography of basketball legend LeBron James. Jeff Benedict—LeBron— hardcover, 576 pages, Avid Reader Press

or hoards books

Until recently, the “Big Five” referred to the five big-game animals that were most difficult for colonial hunters to shoot and kill. For this book, wildlife photographer Graeme Green received feedback from 50,000 participants around the world who voted for the five animals they most wanted to photograph: the elephant, polar bear, tiger, lion, and gorilla. The resulting book brings together the world’s greatest wildlife photographers, conservationists, and advocates in a mission to not only celebrate the natural beauty of the animal world, but to raise awareness of the crucial issues facing these magnificent creatures. Available April 4. Graeme Green—The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project for Endangered Species—hardcover, 272 pages, Earth Aware Editions.

Using the science of neuroaesthetics, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. Available March 21. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross—Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us—hardcover, 304 pages, Random House Publishing

John Whelan and Oskar Proctor traveled throughout Europe visiting ateliers, some established during the Renaissance, where European artists work and teach their crafts. The profiles of these decorative arts workshops detail how artisans continue to maintain the highest centuries-old standards of workmanship and creativity. John Whelan (writer), Oskar Proctor (photographer)—Ateliers of Europe— hardcover, 288 pages, Prestel

'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who caches

Aerial photography of quintessentially Californian homes by renowned architects that emphasize the indoor-outdoor relationship and an intensive attention of landscaping. Available in May. Eva Hagberg—A View from the Top: The Viewpoint Collection—hardcover, ORO Editions; oroeditions.com.

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL

What’s new and notable for the home inside and out.

Tradeshows and markets have come roaring back across the globe in 2023, with companies using events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), and Maison & Objet/Paris Design Week to launch products aimed at both the trade and consumers. We’ve run the gamut of exhibitors, sorting through offerings ranging from wacky to wonderful, to share a few of our new favorite things.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Opposite page: Recently launched products from Castro Interiors include the Harp chair, Elea dining table and Teardrop suspension lamp (castrointeriors.com) This page, clockwise from top left: Jomo Tariku Ashanti stool/end table (jomofurniture.com) | Extruded Ribbon Console (2022) by Marc Newson and presented by Gagosian as part of Paris Design Week, is a work carved from a single piece of Azul Macaubas marble (marc-newson.com).| Designed by art director Antonio Citterio, and presented at Maison&Objet in Paris, Maxalto’s Lilum is designed specifically for convivial and intimate interactions (maxalto.com).| Tokasu is L’Objet’s newest collection, handmade and inspired by the Japanese technique of indigo dyeing ($325-$475; l-objet.com) | ISLABLANCA outdoor chair from GANDIABLASCO | Spinni is Division Twelve’s first product launch of 2023 and the brand’s first design collaboration with Canadian designer Thom Fougere. Available in 20+ powder-coated colors (division12.com) | The new Nooch modular outdoor seating system by Piero Lissoni for B& B Italia (bebitalia.com)

This page, clockwise from top left: A first for the brand, True Residential recently launched a 36” refrigerator with bottom freezer, available in both sold and glass door options and in several colors, including the company’s newest hue, Bluestone (true-residential.com) | Perlick debuted their brand-new Tobin Ellis Signature Series limited edition mobile bar, designed for homeowners to take entertaining to the next level. The ultimate bartending cockpit on wheels, it features luxury finishes such as eco-friendly “Toffee Crocodile” recycled leather on the exterior of the unit and a chic offwhite “Vanilla Sugar” solid surface bar top, and storage for everything from liquor bottles and garnishes to glassware and ice (perlick.com) | Forza’s 48-inch professional range top features eight full brass burners and is equipped with Forza’s continuous Infinito Grate System, the industry’s largest continuous usable cooking surface. Its fastback porcelain trim provides a seamless integration into a kitchen island while increasing the usable cooking surface even further for maximum efficiency ($4,199; forzacucina.com). | Fulgor Milano’s 48” Sofia professional induction range is now available for purchase in North America. Handcrafted in Italy and available with or without a griddle, the range’s premium technology delivers precise and responsive induction power using professional-style control knobs one might expect on a gas range. Available in six matte and glossy colors (fuller-milano.com). Opposite page: Häcker Kitchens, a leading German manufacturer of modern kitchen cabinetry recently introduced AV 6023 GL, an elaborately manufactured grooved front system available in oak, walnut and black oak. The intensity of the production process requires 129 square feet of veneer to create about 10 square feet of grooved front (hackerkitchens.us). | At KBIS Perlick launched their brand new Marine and Coastal Grade Undercounter Refrigeration with Perlick Armor, the first and only all-stainless marine-grade undercounted refrigeration line available today (perlick.com). | L’Atelier Paris has the ability to make an entire range that is electric or induction, without losing the perks of gas stoves. The double induction burner set consists of two 3.5 KW induction burners that excel in speed, control, safety, and energy efficiency. Other than the fun factor of cooking on an open flame, everything else is there for induction stoves (leatelierparis.com) | Skynest is Flos’ newest pendant made in collaboration with Marcel Wanders Studio. LED strips pass through recycled (and recyclable!) woven polyester fabric tubes creating a basket-like pattern. Micro-connectors keep each piece in place and make it possible for the pendant to easily be fully disassembled for repairs, replacements, and proper recycling. Available in four colors ($4,345; flos.com). | Users of the Miele CM6 MilkPerfection Coffee System can customize everything from the quantities of water, milk and even froth to suit their preferences. Further settings, such as the quantity of ground coffee or water, water temperature and pre-brewing option, can be stored (subject to the model) in four or eight custom user profiles ($2,799; mieleusa.com) | Top Knobs newly expanded range of more than 30 finish options aim to transform cabinetry and furniture into conversation pieces (priced from $9.90-$189.20; topknobs. com) | Kohler started its 150th year by showcasing its lineup of smart products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Among these was their Anthem Smart Showering Valves and Controls that can simultaneously deliver different temperatures, pressures, and spray settings for each water outlet with the touch of a button. Anthem digital smart showering systems control up to six water outlets and display how much water was used after each shower to help inform people about their consumption. Starting at $560 for valves and controls. Shown with Statement Showing Collection (kohler.com). | Robam R-Max-A678S range hood ($1,549; robamliving.com)

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Native Trail’s 48” Topanga Series vanity ($4,950) is crafted of solid walnut and offers full-extension drawers and soft-close doors. (nativetrailshome.com)

| FORIÙ matte ceramic rectangular basin and top with freestanding frame from Simas (simas.it/en) | Graham and Brown’s new Grizedale Dawn mural is inspired by Lakeland woodland often found in the UK ($7.50/foot; grahambrown.com) | Wabi bed by Alain Gilles for SABA ITALIA (sabaitalia.com). | Available in three widths, Primo II from Heat & Glo can seamlessly integrate into nearly any interior, with finishing materials able to be placed right up to the fireplace opening (starting at $10,912; heatnglo.com)This page, clockwise from top left: Pieces from Houston designer Benjamin Johnston’s debut furniture line for Chaddock, include the Titus cocktail table, Rocco stools, Ugo accent table, Terzo end table, Giacomo sofa, Dario dining chair and Benito drink table (chaddockhome.com). | The recipient of CES 2023 Innovation Awards in two categories, LG Electronics 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M (model M3), is the world's first consumer TV with Zero Connect1 technology, a wireless solution capable of real-time video and audio transmission at up to 4K 120Hz. The M3 and its integrated bracket sit flush against the wall with no visible gap, presenting a chic, art gallery aesthetic that augments the TV's self-lit picture quality (lg.com).| Untethered is a new print from Phillip Jeffries, inspired by abstract expressionism (phillipjeffries.com).

CONFESSIONS OF A FINE ART PUBLISHER

Written by Robert Lococo / Photography of artworks by Paul Takeuchi courtesy of Lococo Fine Art Publisher

As auctions in the worlds of contemporary art and modern masters reach new heights of popularity and prices, it's starting to become hard for people - even those of means - to get into that market. However, I would argue that the most exciting part of the art world is one that has been around for centuries—prints—or more accurately described as the multiples market, as each image is typically printed in an edition of six to 100, giving more than one buyer a chance to own a piece of history.

For someone interested in owning an original Andy Warhol, prices run in the millions, with the most recent selling for $195 million in 2022. Even Warhol prints that sold for a few thousand dollars 20 years ago are fetching hundreds of thousands. For example, an edition print of Queen Elizabeth II fetched $855,600 at an auction this past November. But fear not, as there are still many opportunities to buy exceptional works that will appreciate over time as you appreciate them today on your wall.

The print market has been growing forever. Pieter Bruegel was making multiples during the Dutch and Flemish Renaissance. Rembrandt didn't carve the copper used to make his prints. Instead, there were master printers that worked with him under his supervision. As time passed, the print process changed from woodcut to lithography to silkscreen and digital printing. Many artists can work in any of these mediums and prefer to switch around from time to time.

Suppose you're a new collector. Where you start all depends on your financial ability. The fact is that most people buy art to decorate their homes. They want a picture that's 36 by 72 inches over the sofa. So when they're coming in, they're just thinking about what will look best. While this is a perfectly fine approach, considering that you can still buy a print in the $5,000 range from blue-chip artists like Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg, or Jasper Johns, my decision would be based on more than just what matches the sofa.

For example, when we publish a print with Ugo Rondinone or Alex Katz, those prints go up in value as they sell out. And many of those prints are auctioned at Sotheby's and Christie's. So, that print in your living room has the potential to sell for more than you paid for it. In the meantime, even if you made your money back, you got to live with something beautiful for five years. Meanwhile, that sofa you were hoping to match likely didn't appreciate over the same period.

As a fine art publisher, I represent a group of 30 or so artists, and that artwork works together. Because of my design background, I have an innate sense of what will sell, and then I'll put the money into it. We finance our projects up front, and the artist is paid in full rather than as it sells, which is unique in the industry. If I believe in a project, I will go for it.

Some prints can take a year or longer from the artist's preliminary work to screen printing, proofing, and the final product. We don't do huge editions. It could be as small as six for

Donald Sultan, 2020. Poppies series. Large prints on 4-ply museum board.

a sculpture or as big as 100 to 150 for a print. If it's a real piece of 'candy,' meaning it's easy for people to digest, we'll print up to 150.

We recently did a portfolio by Alex Katz called Ada. It has ten prints in the portfolio. Eight of the prints are terrific. Two of the prints are tough, meaning that in my opinion, they might not be suitable for everyone. However, people who really know and follow Katz's work are the ones that will like them.

We like to publish a group of prints because often, like with the Ada prints, it's a canned exhibition for dealers worldwide. We're doing shows with this group of prints right now at galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Cologne, and Frankfurt, and because this is a brand-new release, we're just getting started. They'll be fighting for those prints before all those shows are over. In between these major projects, we'll maybe do a pair of prints, some woodcuts, linocuts, and a few digital prints, and then we'll go back to a silkscreen.

Sometimes an artist will give you a print that is a tough sell, but I never say no. That's the nature of the business. You take it, do it, and make the artist happy, then you're on to the next thing. If you're demanding and are slow at paying, artists can be hard to get on the phone. But, if you pay them fast to make a friend, have a good personal relationship, and don't complain, then you're okay.

Sometimes the prints are numbered, and sometimes it says AP for artist proof, which is exactly like the edition. In my opinion, having an artist proof instead of the main edition isn't a greater value because when these prints are made, you can't tell the first from the last.

Etchings can be a different story because they ink a plate each pass in an etching. So what happens with the etching at the beginning is that the plates are often darker. Then, as you go through the edition, the prints get lighter. A real pro etching collector who collects Picasso etchings from an edition of 50 usually wants to buy 24, 25, or 26 in that edition because they feel like that's its heart.

There are also monoprints, meaning an edition of one. For example, we did a woodcut project called Grace with Alex Katz of 50 prints. Katz added more cuts as the edition was printed, so each edition of 50 was slightly different. While these are not considered monoprints, if Katz were to take just one of these and add a colored background, then it would become a monoprint, and its uniqueness would make it more valuable.

When we had them, the Reigning Queen prints from Andy Warhol sold for $5,000 a piece and were tough to sell. The last one most recently sold for $450,000. Why? When it comes to buying prints from younger or older artists, it depends on how the artist has set up their estate. In the case of Andy Warhol, when he died, his career wasn't at the top but fluttering in the middle. So, for the first year after his death, his estate didn't sell anything, opting to figure out what they had in inventory, and then decide to whom they would sell. There were 4,000 prints in the estate, and they released them gradually. The Warhol Foundation spent 25 years selling prints, raising prices until they sold out, and never selling any themselves at auction.

Kenny Scharf, Paradis Perdu, 2022, Archival pigment inks with high gloss varnish and diamond , 42x54”. Photo by Paul Takeuchi

Most museums aren't focused on editions; they want originals. One exception is the Albertina Museum in Vienna, primarily a print museum. Next month the entire museum will be given over to Alex Katz prints with the publication of a new catalog raisonné. Based on the requests we're getting, European dealers are capitalizing on this spotlight by showing Katz's work over the next 90 days. So, for Katz, who was often underrated, the value of his work continues to rise.

Some of the new hot artists are doing prints and objects, but it's not the easiest thing to get a publisher. They may self-publish, but the headache of logistics and red tape often leads them to give up some money to have somebody with a good reputation take care of it. Unfortunately, many dealers and publishers like to short-change artists, which is a bad idea because you're not going to be rich on two extra prints. So when we're splitting prints with artists, the artist always gets the extra if it's an odd number.

Only a few artists make sculptures in editions. Some, like Donald Sultan, have a terrific print and multiples market. Many people aren't familiar with his work but fall in love with it when they see it. It works in both traditional and contemporary interiors. You look at it and smile, and you don't have to think any further.

David Salle is one of the 80's boys becoming very popular again, along with Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring’s roommate. While everyone doesn't like contemporary art, that market is becoming more significant daily. Check out one of the big art shows in Venice, New York, Miami, or even Chicago for proof. If you don't get tickets early, you may not get in.

While our business primarily sells to dealers, please call us if you have any questions. Check out our website (lococofineart. com), and if you are interested in one of our new editions, put your name on the waiting list before it sells out. But most of all, enjoy the process of collecting. sl

Alex Katz, Straw Hat Vivien, 2021, silkscreen print, 79 x 44”

Photo by Paul Takeuchi

David Salle, Over Under (Red), 2021, Archival pigment inks with hand-varnish.

Photo by Paul Takeuchi

Ugo Rondinone, Sun 6, 2019, silkscreen print on museum board

Photo by Paul Takeuchi

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

15 Chihuly Nights, Franklin Park Conservatory; fpconservatory.org

20-23 Art Brussels Contemporary Art Fair, Brussels Expo, Halls 5 & 6; artbrussels.com

27 YWCA Women of Achievement, Columbus Convention Center; ywcacolumbus.org

27-30 Art in Bloom, Columbus Museum of Art; Columbusmuseum.org

28 Alvis, Evening of Light, Bridge Park; Alvis180.org

28 NC4K Gala, A Night at the Safari; Heart of Africa Event Center at The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

28-30 BalletMet’s Swan Lake, Ohio Theatre; capa.com

5 Les Chapeaux dans le Jardin, Franklin Park Conservatory; fpconservatory.org/

6 Gallery Hop, Short North; shortnorth.org

6 New Albany Symphony Orchestra, Kentucky Derby Gala, Jorgensen Farms; newalbanysymphony.com

3-6 Cosi Science Festival; cosiscfest.org

6 Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com

12 Handbag Hullabaloo! Dublin (Ronald McDonald House) Crown Mercedes-Benz; rmhc-centralohio.org

17-21 Frieze New York, The Shed; frieze.com

18 Cocktails at the Conservatory; fpconservatory.org

19 Creative Living Bouquet of Flavours, Grange Audubon Center; creative-living.com

19 Wonderball 2023, Columbus Museum of Art; columbusmuseum.org

20 Oxford Wine Festival, Uptown Parks; oxfordwinefestival.com

20 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, Downtown; komencolumbus.org

20-21 48th Delaware Arts Festival, Downtown Delaware; delawareartsfestival.thecloudbizapp.com/

27 The Asian Festival, Franklin Park; asian-festival.org

29 Blooms and Butterflies, Franklin Park Conservatory; fpconservatory.org

1 Merry Go Round, Black and White Gala, Childhood League Center; merrygoroundgala.org

1-4 The Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village Golf Club; thememorialtournament.com

3 Gallery Hop, Short North; shortnorth.org

6 New Albany Lecture Series, McCoy Center; newalbanyfoundation.org

7 Recreation Unlimited’s Star Light, Star Night Event, Scioto Country Club; recreationunlimited.org

10 Tour De Grandview Bike Race, Grandview Heights; grandviewheights.gov

9-11 Columbus Arts Festival, Downtown; Columbusartsfestival.org

15-18 Art Basel, Switzerland; artbasel.com

Thank you to all who participated in these programs.

MAGICAL MOMENTS’ A NIGHT OF MAGIC

On October 16, “A Night of Magic” (the inaugural fundraising gala for the Magical Moments Foundation) was held at the new Carfagna’s Italian Market. With the theme of “Believe!” Magical Moments welcomed guests with their signature blue carpet and photo op leading into the pre-event VIP cocktail reception. The gala was emceed by Mindy Drayer, local television and radio personality, and featured entertainment by master illusionist Drew Murray, star of Hotel LeVeque’s “Rare Magic.” The event raised nearly $120,000 to help create magical moments for children with facial differences, including two magical moments that were granted to children live on stage, at the event. Magical Moments creates experiences to help restore hope and provide comfort, inspiration, and encouragement to children with facial differences that result from genetic disorders, congenital anomalies, cancer treatment, severe trauma and burns. To connect the gala attendees with the children that Magical Moments supports, stories and wishes of 15 children with facial differences were shared with the guests, who then had the opportunity to sponsor the wishes. Sponsors for the gala include Carfagna’s, Hard Rock Hotels, and co-founder husband and wife team Richard Kirschner, MD and Krista Schrader, Executive Director. Additional sponsors included Diamond Cellar, Fifth Third Bank, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Black Tie Moving, Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton, Germain Automotive Partnership, GBM Law, Friedman and Mirman, Keller Williams Premier Realty. For more information about Magical Moments, visit magicalmomentsfoundation.org.

slmag.net

Photos by Brittney Cottman

Photography.

1) Tim and Kitty Young, Susan and Mark Vasko 2) Renee Mougin, Lisa Gibbs, and Darcie Barton 3) Ashley, Raegan (center), and Boz Daugherty 4) Claire Hamilton and Molly Holland 5) Ed, Asher (center), and Stacy Taylor 6) Andrea, Natalie (center), David Smith 7) Pamela McVeigh, Valeriya Kryvokolinska, and Casey Ochoa 8) Alex and Julie Kemper 9) Boz, Ashley, and Raegan Daugherty; David, Andrea, and Natalie Smith; Nichol, Christopher, and Carter Butsky

Photos

10) Bob and Milena Hendrix 11) Pamela McVeigh and Trevor Wright 12) Diego and Eileen Martinez 13) Patrick and Megan Kidd, and Ava Johnson (center) 14) John Wirchanski (right) and Guest 15) Edward Barksdale, Jr., and Michele Barksdale 16) Lisha and Lauren Guminey 17) Herb Platt and Mitzi Hines 18) Adam and Jenny Barker

CHILDREN'S HUNGER ALLIANCE, MENU OF HOPE

The annual Menu of Hope luncheon benefiting Children's Hunger Alliance raised over $500,000 to help provide meals to Ohio’s hungry children. The event centered on the idea that the power of one person can make a difference in the lives of many in our community and featured keynote speaker Lauren Bush Lauren, the Founder and Chairman of FEED, who described how seeing hunger first-hand led her to create a social business dedicated to feeding hungry children through the sale of their logo handbags. Attendees also learned about the “Adopt-aSchool” program, launched just two years ago with financial assistance from The Champion Companies and now providing weekend meal boxes to children at six schools throughout the state who live in areas experiencing high food insecurity. The event included awards presented to American Electric Power and The American Electric Power Foundation, Columbus Metropolitan Library, and the Perry County District Library among others for their work supporting access to healthy food for Ohio's children. Children's Hunger Alliance partners with over 1,400 organizations throughout the state to provide millions of meals annually to at-risk children.

2)

(Chair

Alliance

3) Members

Hope Steering Committee: Nikki Scarpitti, Laurie Starner, Cindi Marshall, Lauren Bush Lauren, Masa Abdelhadi, Ann Whisler, Cassandra Binkley 4) CHA Governing Board Members: Steve Rigdon, Brett Radulovich, event speaker Lauren Bush Lauran, and Ryen Stewart 5) Staff from Maloney + Novotny LLC 6) Employees from Mansfield City Schools who were the Weekend Meals - Program of the Year honoree with event speaker Lauren Bush Lauren 7) Leadership from The Champion Companies (an event sponsor; co-founder and COO Michelle Yeager-Thornton spoke at the event and Kelli Berner is a Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board member) with Lauren Bush Lauren 8) Lauren Bush Lauren, Jeff Burt (Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board member), Sandra Burt 9) Katie Balderson, Lauren Bush Lauren, Jennifer Jarrell (Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board member) 10) Randy Mobley, Lauren Bush Lauren, Judy Mobley

13)

1) Tom Tepley, Lauren Bush Lauren, Ellen Berndt (Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board member)

Aaron Ockerman (Vice Chair of Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board, Melissa McHenry (Past Chair of Children’s Hunger Alliance GoverningBoard), John Kompa

of Children’s Hunger

Governing Board)

of the Menu of

(President & CEO of Children’s Hunger Alliance) 11) Besa employees Jessica Brewer and Hallie Bawel 12) Stacia Naquin (Menu of Hope Emcee and Anchor at ABC 6) and event speaker Lauren Bush Lauren

Menu of Hope attendees were invited to adopt a school for summer nutrition programs 14) Menu of Hope attendees were encouraged to make a difference with the Power of One message

NUTCRACKER BALL

The 2022 Nutcracker Ball was held at the Lower.com Field. A signature community event, The Nutcracker Ball has been a Columbus holiday tradition for over 30 years. Over 300 people including sponsors and community leaders joined Presenting Sponsor Beam Benefits to celebrate the season with dinner and dancing. Proceeds from the Nutcracker Ball support BalletMet’s professional Company and artistic productions, the BalletMet Dance Academy scholarships and community education and engagement programs. For more information visit BalletMet.com.

Liang,

1) Company Dancer Zachary Guthier and Tylor Stage 2) Pamela and Steel Hutchinson, Heather Smith and Austin Hutchinson 3) Kara Mundy and Christopher Santagate, Teresa Hardymon and Forrest Garrison 4) Company Dancers Miguel Anaya, Erica Alvarado, Cooper Verona, Victoria Watford, Johnathan Hart, TyLeigh Baughman, Alvin Tovstogray, Francesca Dugarte 5) Jeff Hensien, Gina Dunham, Garrett Dunham, Collin Emerick, Herb Bresler, Jonathan Poma, Whitney Poma, Brian Bernstein; seated: Priya Varma, Madeline McIntyre, Ian Rhoades, Amelia Gandara, Alex Frommeyer, Jordan Davis 6) Back Row: Sergio Soave, Michael Ibrahim, Richard Samuels, David Weinberg Front Row: Valarie Williams, Allie Hamilton, Charles Anderson, Lisa Florman, Dana Renga 7) Hisham Omardien and BalletMet 2 Associate Director Olivia Clark Omardien, Emily Webb and Company Dancer David Ward 8) Fred and Debra Hadley, Lee Ann and Tom Hadley 9) Board of Trustees Chair Herb Bresler, Executive Director Sue Porter, and Artistic Director Edwaard Liang with BalletMet Dance Academy Students 10) Event Chairs Elisa McCurdy and Cindy Lynch, Artistic Director Edwaard

Board of Trustees Chair Herb Bresler, Executive Director Sue Porter 11) Patricia Ziegler, Shauna Lehman, Cindy Lynch, Christine Auch, Brenda Jump

Photos courtesy of BalletMet.

31ST ANNUAL FLAVORS OF THE VINE WINE TASTING AND AUCTION

On February 10, 2023 hundreds of guests participated in an elegant evening at the Hilton Polaris for one of Recreation Unlimited Foundation's three major fundraising events held each year. Board Chair Charles Ruma, the Board of Directors, Presenting Sponsor Ginni Ragan, the John, Kevin and Arin McNamara Families, volunteers, and campers expressed gratitude during the program for the community of sponsors, individual ticket holders, auction donors and the nine wine distributors with 18 pouring tables who made the 31st annual Flavors of the Vine Wine Tasting & Auction the top charity wine tasting event in central Ohio. “We are pleased to announce that we had another record year raising over $264,000 in gross revenue in support of the 2023 Recreation Unlimited camp programs,” said Paul L. Huttlin, Executive Director & CEO. “The crowd was especially energetic and had a great evening enjoying the wine tasting and raising money for a fantastic mission.” For more information about how to support Recreation Unlimited's mission to provide a quality, safe, fun and healthy environment for individuals with disabilities and health concerns visit recreationunlimited.org.

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1) Brad and Tawny Hanf 2) Kelly Turley and Gary Estep 3) Collin and Amanda Castle and Lydia and Jeremy Ohlinger 4) Tasia and Zach Krichbaum and Robin and Cliff Larivey 5) Michelle and Frank Reinhard and Stacy and James Webb 6) Harry and Julia Farver, Danny and Tammy Aultman, Mike and Heather McColeman, Ralph and Amanda Butcher 7) Kevin and Andrea McNamara, Arin and Henna McNamara, Cindy and Larry Hilsheimer, and Ginni Ragan 8) Randy and Joyce Ayers and Paul Huttlin 9) Paul Huttlin and Karen and Bob Martin 10) Curt and Bethany Shondell, Sarah and Spencer Badger, Tom and Val Kokai, and Carol Huttlin

HAMILTON CAPITAL PARTNERS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Nearly one hundred guests celebrated the 25th anniversary of Hamilton Capital Partners at Revery Rooftop with a memorable event honoring Matt Hamilton and his team with specialty cocktails, phenomenal food by Milo’s Catering. One of central Ohio's largest fee-based financial planning firms, Hamilton Capital Partners has been recognized nationally and is known for a dynamic investment process pioneered by firm founder, Matt Hamilton. Attendees watched in awe as an on-site glass etcher etched their custom request onto 25th anniversary barware and gambled the night away at the blackjack tables, all with the backdrop of the most unique and truly incredible sounds of electric violinist from Columbus musicians. The event was coordinated by MMJ Events and photos are courtesy of Taylor Jo Photography.

1) Matt Hamilton, Jeff Loehis 2) Lucas Berger, Monnett Hamilton, Lindsay Conard, Tyler Conard 3) Matt Hamilton 4) Hamming it up are Jeff Loehnis, Mike Faieta, Matt Kirby, Jeff Wilkins, Bill Leuby, Matt Hamilton, Peter Geldis 5) Jeff Loehnis, Mike Faieta, Matt Kirby, Jeff Wilkins, Bill Leuby, Matt Hamilton, Peter Geldis 6) Jeff Loehnis, Mike Faieta, Matt Kirby, Jeff Wilkins 7) Hamilton Capital Celebrated 25 Years of business in central Ohio. 8) Lucas Berger, Matt Bartley, Tim Young 9) Vera Teri, Savun Phommalee, Mileah Hamulak 10) Matt Hamilton, Sybil Robinson, Taby Robinson, Maria Pelini, Kennedy Williams, Brianne Cronenwett

Photos by Taylor Jo Photography.

20TH ANNIVERSARY REMARKABLE EVENING

The New Albany Community Foundation’s 20th annual Remarkable Evening benefit featured Dr. Mark T. Esper, 27th United States Secretary of Defense and Dr. Richard Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations in a conversation moderated by ABC News Anchor Linsey Davis. More than 500 guests attended the event, which was held in the New Albany International Business Park at 8255 Innovation Campus Way West in a new building constructed by VanTrust. Proceeds from the evening benefit community projects and organizations. The event also included the announcement of the 2022 Jeanne & John G. McCoy Community Service Award recipient, Colleen Briscoe. Briscoe was elected mayor of New Albany in 1995 and served eight years as Mayor and another 18 years as a member of New Albany City Council. Sponsors who made Remarkable Evening possible include American Electric Power, Huntington, VanTrust Real Estate, LLC, Meta, The New Albany Company, Nickolas Savko & Sons, Inc., Turner, and the Wexner Family.

1) Dr. Phil and Sheryl Heit 2) Jack Kessler, Dr. Richard Haass and Craig Mohre 3) Lynne Smith, Neal Hauschild and Jeffrey Ramm 4) Emily Wieringa, Ryan Lidke, Phil Rasey, Brice Harrison, Dave Harrison, Andy Weeks, Brad Kendall, Pete Gray, and Raif Webster 5) Chris Suel, Josh Petraszak, Liz Morrison, Craig Bergman, Leslie Weibush and Caesar Campbell 6) Dr. Jonathan and Marcy Schaffir and Kimberly, Carter and Marc Minor 7) Mayor Sloan Spalding, Dave Harrison and Tom Rubey 8) Corrine Burger, Michael Triplett and Jack Kessler 9) Craig Mohre, Donna and Nick Akins 10) Marty Savko and Dr. Mark T. Esper 11) Dr. Andy Thomas, Jeri Block, Bob Schottenstein and Kenny McDonald 12) Don and Eydie Garlikov

Photos by James DeCamp

20TH ANNIVERSARY REMARKABLE EVENING

13) Chad Duplain and Janelle Coleman 14) Toby Thomas, Kristin and David Ferguson, Scott Smith 15) Paul Judge and Marc Reitter 16) Irv and Karen Dennis and Susan and Tom Pigott 17) Craig Mohre, Andy Weeks, Dave Harrison and Marc Minor 18) Latisha Woods, Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, Antonio Toledo and Tom Rubey 19) Lt. General Michael and Margie Ferriter and Stephanie and Mark Lorenz 20) Doug and Monica Kridler and Al and Barbara Siemer 21) Chris Suel, Bratati Lynn and Vanessa Jester 22) Tara Abraham and Shyra Eichhorn 23) Dr. Jeffery and Deborah Milks 24) Emily Smith and Laura Tenney 25) Vince Romanelli and Pat Tiberi

Photos by James DeCamp

10 Things I Cannot Live Without Monica Kridler

When Monica Kridler received an invitation from childhood friend Lori Klinger in 2001, she had no idea of the impact the conversation would have on her - and on thousands of central Ohio children. Klinger was heading to their hometown of Akron, Ohio to conduct a two-week training in an educational modality created at the National Dance Institute in New York City that she hoped would gather momentum across the country. Launched in 1976 by acclaimed dancer, choreographer and actor, Jacques d'Amboise, the National Dance Institute brings ballet into public school curriculum as a medium through which professional dancers and musicians support existing subject matter while also teaching children invaluable lessons about leadership, determination, and collaboration.

For Kridler, who had been forced by injury to abandon professional ballet aspirations in her teens, the opportunity struck at a unique trifecta of passion, resources, and connection. Revisiting her roots in ballet instruction (which had been nurtured in the studios of Klinger’s mother), Kridler saw the potential for the program in central Ohio and set to work identifying partners to help her prove the concept. By 2003, Momentum was created and twenty years later, a dream to dance that had once been shelved continues through Kridler’s leadership to be a dream come true for communities throughout greater Columbus. Today, Momentum serves more than 1600 children annually in more than 25 elementary schools and youth-serving organizations, primarily in under-resourced neighborhoods where children often have limited access to the arts. In addition to their weekly school-day curriculum, Momentum also offers Early Learner and Advanced Team programs - maintaining a connection with some of their kids through high school graduation.

Visiting the Momentum offices, it is hard not to soak up the pride, joy, and optimism exuded by Kridler (currently serving as

Interim Executive Director) and the entire team. For more information on how you can support Momentum programs, join the Momentum teaching staff, or attend the spring performances scheduled for May 10 and 12 at the Jo Ann Davidson Theatre inside the Vern Riffe Center downtown, visit momentum-excellence.org.

1. The ARTS. Especially ballet, as a once aspiring ballerina. Go BalletMet!

2. Second chances. Everyone needs the grace of understanding and forgiveness.

3. Swensons burgers, fries, and shakes! I grew up on them in Akron, Ohio.

4. The right tool for the job. From the wonder of a simple whisk to the MooMoo (car wash), there is joy in great form and function.

5. The children of our community and our partners in support of them. Every child deserves opportunities to reach their potential.

6. The garden. The full cycle from seed to herb or flower is a wonder and uniquely satisfying - as long as they survive the bunnies along the way.

7. Exercise. The fluid, whole-body movements of yoga, swimming, and Barre 3 are restorative, even when they push me to the limit.

8. One-time recipes. From Ina Garten to the New York Times, great dishes abound, and I love making them all, but just once; I seldom repeat a recipe.

9. Girls’ night out. I love my girlfriends and the times we can all gather to share, laugh, and support each other.

10. Saving the best for last: My family. Here’s to them all, here in Columbus, in Boulder, in Akron, in Coshocton, all those on this earth, and those now in the great beyond. It all starts and ends with them. sl

Photo Fred Kridler