VENU #29 Winter 2015 by VENÜ MAGAZINE

Contemporary Culture

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52 Contemporary Culture

Winter Issue_29

Spotlight

A Reenergized Abstract Expressionism - The Varied Style of Socrates Marquez

Master Painter Dario Campanile - Creative Liberation in Motion

Events + Gatherings

Parties, Art Exhibitions & Activities

TRAVEL + Leisure

Lake Placid Puts The Thrill In The Chill - It’s a real town with a long history, and winter sports are just a part of it...

APPETITE

STYLE

The Golden Palate by Fred Bollaci

ARCHITECTURE: An Englishman in... Greenwich... and Palm Beach

What Agriturismo Has Done for Tuscany - Culinary Tourism that Connects on All Levels

Feature

Washington West Film Festival - Story Can Change The World

Cover story

A Raw Look at Pamela Anderson and Emma Dunlavey - To the Manor... and the Mansion... Born

48 10

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ON THE COVER: Cover girls Pamela Anderson and photographer Emma Dunlavey give Venü Magazine a colorful “Raw” look at their 20-year friendship, page 52.

AD CHERIE GREENE

68 Contemporary Culture

Winter Issue_29

Philanthropy

Celebrities in The Hamptons Sited at Garage Sale

$4 Million Raised in The Hamptons to Benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation founded by Mike Milken

FILM + ENTERTAINMENT

PULSE

“Slow Lerners” – An IFC Release, Starring Adam Pally, Sarah Burns, Reid Scott, Catherine Reitman, Bobby Moynihan and Cecily Strong. Directed by Don Argott and Sheena Joyce

Decorative Arts

MUSIC: Crosseyed Heart - Keith Richards presents an eclectic mix of Rock and roll, reggae, folk and blues music STAGE: The Who, What, When and Where of W.H.A.T.

ON THE BLOCK: Cycle Fest. Slice of Italian. Shine On.

ART + OBJECTS

Venü Magazine’s marketplace for fashion, furniture, lighting, textiles, jewelry, art, antiques and accessories

GALLERY + MUSEUM GUIDE

Gallery and Museum directory

SOCIETY

The Daisy Column: Miami society, The powerful, The chic, The unique

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N e w Yo r k • M o n a c o • Pa l m B e a c h

Editor-in-Cheif Tracey Thomas Features Editor Cindy Clarke Film & Entertainment Editor Peter J. Fox Decorative Arts Editor Matthew Sturtevant Florida Content Editor Daisy Olivera Copy Editors Susan Sullivan, Marc J. Miller DESIGN & PRODUCTION J. Michael & Company Contributing Writers Susana Baker, Fred Bollaci, Cindy Clarke, Molly Canfield, Phillip James Dodd, Tammi Flynn, Peter Fox, Sean Granahan, David Green, Marianne Brunson Frisch, Linda Kavanagh, Janet Langsem, James McDonald, Daisy Olivera, Gwen North Reiss, William Squier, Matthew Sturtevant Publisher Circle Publications Vice President, Business Development Lauren Stever National Advertising Director Sabrina Sheth INTERN Gabriella Gonzalez Tiffany Visconti (Photography) Legal Counsel Alan Neigher, Sheryle Levine (Byelas & Neigher, Westport, CT) Distribution Thomas Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC Office 840 Reef Road, 2nd Floor, Fairfield, CT 06824 Advertising Inquiries advertising@venumagazine.com Editorial Contribution editorial@venumagazine.com Subscriptions subscribe@venumagazine.com

The small print: No responsibility can be taken for the quality and accuracy of the reproductions, as this is dependent upon the artwork and material supplied. No responsibility can be taken for typographical errors. The publishers reserve the right to refuse and edit material as presented. All prices and specifications to advertise are subject to change without notice. The opinions in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright VENÜ Magazine. All rights reserved. The name VENÜ Magazine is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without written consent from the publisher. VENÜ Magazine does not accept responsibility for unsolicited material. This is a bimonthly publication and we encourage the public, galleries, artists, designers, photographers, writers (calling all creative’s) to submit photos, features, drawings, etc., but we assume no responsibility for failure to publish submissions.

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SPOTLIGHT

Written by RUTH SUTCLIFFE

Tengo Derecho

A Reenergized Abstract Expressionism The Varied Style of Socrates Marquez

never thought I would meet anyone by the name of Socrates. But I did—almost 10 years ago when I worked in a corporate office on lower Park Avenue in New York City. I was planning a trip to the Dominican Republic that winter, and someone told me that there was a man in finance by the name of Socrates Marquez who I should speak to. What a name! I thought. When I ventured to the finance area to find his office, I was more than surprised to find this young man surrounded by original oil paintings on his walls versus the traditional corporate collection of assembly line prints. Socrates answered questions I had about the culture and food of his country, and even showed me a glimpse of his personal life with photographs of his beloved grandmother at her home in Santo

Stargazers – 2015 – Mixed Media on Canvas – 80” x 56”

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Life is Beautiful in Orange – Detail - 2015 – Mixed Media on Canvas – 84” x 56”

“Like life itself, everything has to evolve. And as such, I see my artwork evolving as I mature and master my craft.”

The Artist’s Journey – 2015 – Mixed Media on Canvas – 80” x 56”

Domingo. I peppered him with many questions about the DR, but kept diverting to the subject of the various styles of artwork he had on his walls. I truly loved his work and wanted to know more, and asked if he had ever shown in a gallery. Surprisingly, he mentioned that he had just begun to paint, and that his style was continuously evolving. The collection in his office ranged from Abstract Impressionism to hints of Surrealism, and Portraits of whom I believed were family and friends. All paintings varied in color from vivid island colors to soft, muted and subtle, but all had beautiful texture and sensuality. It is astounding and quite rare to find an artist who has just started painting to possess such a broad range of style. Since that year, Socrates’ style has evolved to what he calls “splatter” art using free flowing forms using a mop and inserting organic figures such as orbs and subjects of nature such as birds and flowers. This style was born out of sheer accident when he moved into a new apartment in New York City and was put to the difficult task of repainting the walls. He could not settle on what colors he wanted, and kept painting and repainting them. Finally, he resorted to buying some canvas for testing the colors, and after having painted his second canvas, he discovered something in him that lay dormant inside. Socrates continued to explore this new art form, but realized that the canvas was still not complete without added texture. He rummaged through his kitchen to find whatever he could experiment with – from glue, glitter and paper before he realized that corn meal was the perfect element needed to add the texture he was looking for. Since his splatter art was born, many

To Make a Long Day HAPPY, Acrylics, Enamel - Mixed Media, 56” X 76” 2015

say that his art shouts Jackson Pollock. And it does to a point, but Socrates has his own unique signature through forms that tell their own unique stories, and through his combination of vibrant, energetic colors of reds, yellows, and blues. When asked what inspires him, Socrates simply says “by life itself,” It is by nature and the elements and how these interconnect with each other in the universe. He is also inspired by a celebration of the macro and microcosms for which we are all a part of, whether it would be imagining a close up of the galaxies above, or a sample of matter under a microscope. His paintings are a celebration to the world for which we live, and his intention is to give the viewers a journey of their for their own special discovery through his art. In viewing his on line gallery, one can often feel the emotion and the soul behind the painting that extends to what is believed to be the soul of this young talented artist. Quoting Socrates: “Like life itself, everything has to evolve. And as such, I see my artwork evolving as I mature and master my craft.” I love the energy of the splatter series, and I would like to continue to push it to the next level but in the end, all what matters to me is that when viewers stand in front of one of my paintings, they can experience that energy and sense of connection without spoken words or images.” www.socratesmarquez.com

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Photo: Barb Colombo

SPOTLIGHT

Master Painter Dario Campanile Creative Liberation in Motion

but the medium, like the method, felt extraordinarily familiar to him. In the next five years, he would master an explosion of super realism techniques that launched him as one of Rome’s most sought after young artists.

His aptitude for oils was God given, not man made. His formal

training in the arts was short lived. He “hated art school,” finding the classes rigid, the instruction and authority too controlling. Dario wanted to discover the secret of painting himself, to find that sweet spot for

Written by Cindy Clarke

his expression without being told where to look. Before he was out of his teens, he was painting elaborate trompe l’oeils for important

He lives in constant motion, inspired by life and driven by passion

galleries in Rome, entering and winning shows, taking top honors

that transcends the ordinary. Without question, his talent comes from

in fine art competitions against artists much more experienced and

someplace deep within and his vision goes far beyond what the

older than him, garnering acclaim for his work and selling his paintings

eye can see.

to international collectors and art aficionados around the world. He

Dario Campanile was born in Rome, home to art and architectural

completed his two-year compulsory military service not as a soldier

treasures unequalled anywhere. Like so many children, he enjoyed

but as a commissioned artist, creating paintings specifically for the

expressing himself with a pencil and a paintbrush during his youth,

offices of the Ministry of Defense. Later, Dario headed off to London,

happily sketching, drawing and painting with the watercolors his artist

making inroads with his work and making a living with his talent. Not

uncle gave him. As a youngster, his artistic creativity showed promise.

surprisingly, in spite of the ever-growing accolades that ensued wherever

But it wasn’t until he was bedridden for several months at the age of

he painted, he was restless, ever in pursuit of his own signature style.

14 that his gift was truly recognized.

were impressed with Dario’s portfolio encouraged him to follow his

His parents, hoping to cheer up their ailing teenage son, gave

Chance meetings with influential art experts and gifted artists who

Dario a set of oil paints and a canvas to keep his mind off his illness.

heart and find his voice. His search led him, at age 22, to Cadaques,

What they did, in fact, was give him the keys to an adventure that

Spain, seaside home to Salvatore Dali.

would not only change his life, but would put him on a serendipitous

path to greatness few will ever achieve.

that played out in the surrealism style that had lingered unbeknownst

in his imagination. This was something he could relate to on so many

From the moment he first picked up his paintbrush, Dario parlayed

Dali’s surreal paintings struck a chord with the young protégée

his oils into realistic still life’s reminiscent of the works of Renaissance

levels, this was what he wanted to do.

masters, easily, effortlessly, expertly. His first painting of a candle and

lemon, richly detailed and perfectly presented, drew shocked delight

still in awe of the impression the artist had made on him. “He referred

from both his family and himself. He had never touched oils before,

to me as ‘the Roman Master.’ ”

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“Dali was impressed by my work,” Dario recalls, forty years later

1. Into the Depths, oil on canvas, 36" x 48" 2. Unearthed, oil on canvas, 36" x 48" 3. Morning Mist, oil on canvas, 60” x 48”

Conversations with Dali gave him the green light

to use a camera to take black and white photos. “You can use photography because it will transform through you,” he remembers Dali saying. “The moments you grab on camera give you the time you need to develop the paintings, to push the envelope and make the experience richer, warmer.”

Dario’s compositions, like Dali’s, are not accidental.

They are well planned with color, and multi-dimensional. They have energy, motion and magic. As Dario says, “They let people dream.”

Dario would leave his first meeting with Dali

reenergized and inspired, even though it would take him many more years to express himself in the moment and give himself fully to the mysteries of abstract expression.

His artistic journey brought him to many new

destinations, physically, artistically and spiritually. He traveled across the seas to California, where his work found a home and his first solo show in a Beverly Hills gallery. Dario’s private commissions grew as did his

reputation and he was regularly tapped to design logos and book and

original sits today in the office of the Chairman of the Board.

magazine covers. He also worked as a Hanna Barbera background

painter. Celebrities bought up his work as fast as he created them,

own gallery, followed by moves to San Francisco Bay Area and Hawaii,

with headliners like Carl Weathers, Valerie Harper, Cheech and Chong

where Lahaina Galleries has represented his art for over 30 years. He

and musician Herbie Hancock, loyally collecting his work.

expanded his work to include monotypes, etchings and bronze sculpture

In honor of one of the biggest movie studios of all time, Paramount

created with a traditional lost wax technique. His work headlined in new

His star continued to rise as he moved to Carmel to open his

Pictures chose Dario Campanile’s talent and ability to recreate the 75th

galleries, and was showcased in Hong Kong at a charity art gala that

anniversary logo. From his painting a three-dimensional version of the

attracted a personal thank you note from then President Bill Clinton.

studio’s iconic cloud-covered mountain doubled as the opening credit

for all of Paramount’s productions during that anniversary year. The

with 88 renowned artists called “Missing Peace: Artists Consider the

In 2005, Dario was invited to participate in an international exhibition

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

1. God’s Web, oil on canvas, 60" x 48" 2. Kaleidoscope of Life, oil on canvas, 48”x 60” 3. Nebula, oil on canvas, 40" x 30"

Dalai Lama.” This exhibition sent Dario to India for the rare personal Dalai Lama interview held in his home. The interview inspired a painting aptly entitled “Missing Peace” for which His Holiness happily posed. This piece traveled with the exhibition for four years in museums and universities around the world.

“The Dalai Lama ignited a passion in my soul. He taught me

about compassion, nobility and kindness – and how to be present in the moment. He affirmed the importance of connecting with your environment, with life, with yourself.

This experience is what inspires Dario every time he paints.

His work today has veered away from realism into the abstract,

which started in the 80’s in Los Angeles.

“The process of painting in the abstract is always a mystery.

I become the vessel and work flows to me from somewhere else as it transforms the canvas with color. It feels magical, almost therapeutic when it comes through me. It’s a direct connection between my subconscious and expression without any interference. When I paint, it’s one of the only times I can be fully present and connected.”

Watching people view his work, an extensive ephemeral collection

of life reimagined, further inspires Dario’s work. What really excites me,” he says, “is to see the viewer’s response. They get into the art and become engaged with its essence… and my passion.”

What Dario’s audience is also seeing is the culmination of an

impressive 50-year career as one of the world’s true art masters, a celebration of wisdom and warmth, of sensitivity and sensuousness, 3

of hope and humanity.

Dario Campanile is on the move again, relocating from Maui

to the Mainland to bring his art and his heart to the World. A realist, sculptor, filmmaker, abstract painter and musician in this life, yet he has experienced many lifetimes as an artist. After getting to know the man and his art, you’ll gratefully discover he has many more lifetimes yet to give.

Dario Campanile has exhibited his work in galleries worldwide. To view his portfolio online, visit www.campanilefineart.com and www.campanileabstract.com

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

events + gatherings

FCBuzz

Jennifer Bangser EDirector of Marketing & Public Relations Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Inaugural Progressive Gallery Tour of Coastal Fairfield County The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is pleased to announce that our Inaugural Progressive Gallery Tour of our member commercial galleries across coastal Fairfield County is underway! Stops are planned along the Fairfield County coast through the Spring of 2016. The tour, which is modeled on the neighbor “progressive dinner” concept, will travel from Greenwich to Bridgeport. Included will be a minimum of eight of the commercial galleries that are members of the Cultural Alliance. The Progressive Gallery Tour presents a celebration with refreshments at each gallery, happening once a month, progressively across the County. Often the gallery visit coincides with an opening reception for a new exhibit but may also be a specially crafted event by the Cultural Alliance. These events offer not only a chance to discover new artists and works, but to meet fellow art patrons, as well as the artists themselves. This inaugural Progressive Gallery Tour

Alice B, Oil on Canvas, the painting measuring 48 x 72 by Pat Laspino

launched on September 30, at the C. Parker Gallery, in Greenwich. Attendees were impressed by the exhibit “Orchids in the Realm of the Sublime,” paintings by Patricia Laspino, a contemporary American painter and founder of the “Orchid Alliance Project-Bridging Art & Science.” Laspino’s provocative large scale oil paintings use orchids as metaphor, to explore cultural and biological evolution, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Said gallery owner, Tiffany Benincasa, of her decision to participate in the Cultural Alliance’s Gallery tour “We are delighted to support the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

and its mission. It is exciting to be part of an initiative that connects and promotes our art community”. Second stop on the tour was the The Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery, located at 96 Bedford Street, in Stamford, on October 17th. Gallery owner and founder, Fernando Luis Alvarez stated, “We founded our gallery under the premise that from the doors in, we build artists’ careers, and from the doors out, we build community. We’re happy to support the Cultural Alliance that works to enrich the culture of our state and make the arts a priority for our citizens.” The Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery stop at this imForeground - Shelby Head- Atoneportant contemment , Wood, paper, copper flashporary art galing, LED lights, 72 x 72 x 5.5, 2015. Middle - a rare sculpture by Robert lery coincided Longo, a permanent feature with the opening of “In Measured Line: Shelby Head Solo Exhibitions.” Head’s work is influenced by the practicalities of minimalism as integrated with elements of light and architecture, balanced by her chosen medium: paper. Next on the tour, on November 12th, was the Heather Gaudio Fine Art Gallery, recently relocated to a beautiful new spot in the heart of downtown New Canaan. Attendees were able to view the show “New Arrangements: Contemporary Reimagined,” an all-women

Looking for something different to do? FCBuzz.org is the place to find out what’s happening in Fairfield County any day of the week—featuring theater, exhibits, music, history, science, family fun, classes and local artists. Click on FCBuzz.org. Pick a great event to attend. Then Go—bring your family, meet your friends or fly solo. FCBuzz.org™ is presented by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. For more information contact the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County by emailing info@CulturalAllianceFC.org, calling 203-256-2329, or visiting the Web site at www.CulturalAllianceFC.org. 26

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show consisting of works by Jaq Belcher, Cassandria Blackmore, Ann Gardner, Madeleine Keesing and Jae Ko. The work chosen for this show illustrated intriguing relationships between form and materiality as they come together in reimagined processes, using industrial materials in unexpected ways. Subsequent shows on the tour are planned as follows: LeClerc Contemporary Gallery, on December 9th. This gallery, located in Norwalk, exhibits work of both established and emerging contemporary visual arts professionals. Then, stops will occur at The Nylen Gallery at Picture This, in Westport on January 13; Southport Galleries, in Southport

FC Buzz at browngrotta, from left to right works by Lenore Tawney, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Deborah Valoma, Jiro Yonezawa, Mariette Rousseau-Vermette, Debra Sachs

A View of the Framemakers Gallery in Bridgeport.

on February 17; and Framemakers Gallery on March 16th, in Bridgeport. Finally, the tour concludes at Browngrotta Arts in Wilton on May 4. The show on view at that time will be “Artboom: Celebrating Artists Mid-Century, Mid-Career.” Gallery owner Tom Grotta stated this show of work by international artist/Baby Boomers, is reflective work “… that tells us where they’ve come from, where they hope to go, roads not taken, thoughts of legacy and the like.” And we know that by the end of the Cultural Alliance’s Progressive Gallery Tour 2015-16, those that have attended some – or all - of the stops, will have been glad to have taken a progressive road to new art discoveries and new friends.

events + gatherings

By Janet Langsam CEO, ArtsWestchester

Celebrating 50 Years of Cultural Leadership

n many ways, it’s been all about the people - - five decades of forwardthinking arts advocates, civic and business leaders, arts patrons, individual artists, volunteers and arts professionals-coming together to create a one of a kind organization--ArtsWestchester. It began as a conversation among volunteers in a living room in1965. Now it is a nationally recognized private arts council, the largest of its kind in New York State. ArtsWestchester celebrates 50 years of service to the region at a golden gala on November 20th at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains. “Working with ArtsWestchester over five decades, thousands of dedicated individuals have contributed to the growth of the cultural industry in Westchester to an economic impact of more than $156 million,” said Janet T. Langsam. ArtsWestchester itself distributes more than $1 million annually to cultural organizations and artists. The organization’s mission came full-circle in 1998 when it acquired and renovated a historic ninestory bank building in downtown White

4 2

Plains which is now filled with the creative energy of artist studios and a gallery and performance venue. Today, the arts continue to thrive in Westchester County in part because ArtsWestchester has put the arts on the public agenda and invested more than $35 million over the years in arts and culture in the County. Nineteen past presidents will be recognized at the gala themed “Through the Decades”. Gala ticket and event information is available at www.artswestchester.org.

1. Seven of ArtsWestchester’s past presidents at a 50th anniversary kick-off event in the gallery. (left to right) John Peckham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Jacqueline Walker, Immediate Past President; Maren Hexter; Joseph Oates; Dr. LaRuth Gray; Betty Himmel; Jamie Shenkman with ArtsWestchester CEO Janet T. Langsam and current ArtsWestchester President of the Board of Trustees Froma Benerofe. (photo credit: Leslye Smith) 2. (l-r) Host of ArtsWestchester’s 50th Anniversary Gala and board member Jeff Dziak, General Manager of The RitzCarlton, Westchester with former president and gala honoree Joseph Oates of Con Edison. 3. Founding President of ArtsWestchester George Newlin with one of his six grandchildren. Newlin and 18 other past and current board presidents will be honored for their leadership in the arts at ArtsWestchester’s 50th anniversary gala on Friday, November 20th. 4. Corwin Frost, ArtsWestchester’s Third President and Gala Honoree with wife, artist Randy Frost at a Ritz-Carlton anniversary reception.

ArtsWestchester is privileged to have been selected by BNY Mellon to show these works. For more information about the exhibit and ArtsWestchester, visit www.artsw.org or call (914) 428-4220. ArtsWestchester is located at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, NY. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 12-5pm.

For more of Janet Langsam’s cultural musings, be sure to visit her blog at www.ThisandThatbyJL.com. For a full calendar of arts events visit: www.artsw.org. 28

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events + gatherings

Kevin James Bennett - world renowned makeup artist

Lisa and Adam Dunn - novelist

Bidding for success

Ron and Cynthia Rose - fashion designer

Andrew Pite - Broken Shed Vodka

Diane Roth - Owner

30 Years Celebrating Fashion & Form So many pictures were taken from L’Armoire’s 30th Anniversary Party. Special thanks to all their guests for making the journey. A Thank you also to Baldanza Organic Cafe for the bites, Broken Shed Vodka, Walter Stewart’s Spirits for bubbles, Lisa for her decadent chocolate truffles. Venü Magazine was proud to be a media partner for the event. L’Armoire’s party / fundraiser for the Glass House – a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation – was their chance to give back to the community. They supported something they believe in and showcased a retrospective of fashion over the past 30 years. L’Armoire being the leading purveyor of fashion did it in style – raising $30,000 in the process.

The helpful Walter Stewart Market crew

The perfect hat

Left to right - Jerry Lopez, makeup artist; Maggie Norris, designer; Victoria Kaplan, model; Mr. and Mrs. Marks of NYC

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Stunning Maggie Norris Outfit

Jerome Hershey - Lancaster Artist

DANCE

Marc Mellon • Jane Sutherland • Philip Trager September 18, 2015 – January 15, 2016

©Marc Mellon, Aloft, 2014

©Jane Sutherland, Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer with Text, 2012

©Philip Trager, The Second Hand Dance Company, Improvisations, 1989

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University • 1073 North Benson Road • Fairfield, CT 06824 • fairfield.edu/walshgallery

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February 11 - 14, 2016 palmspringsfineartfair.com

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Produced by Urban Expositions CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL + LEISURE

Lake Placid Puts the thrill in the chill It’s a real town with a long history, and winter sports are just a part of it... By Jeff Blumenfeld Photo: ROOST/adirondacksusa.com

Humans crave warmth. They retire to Boca Raton for warmth. They

you’re kind of getting ripped off. Lake Placid in winter combines

insulate their windows with shrink wrap and spray cans of foam,

the friendliness of its locals and its wide variety of hotels and B &

again for warmth. At the slightest chill, they flock to outdoor

B’s, with so many outdoor activities you barely feel the cold. It’s

outfitters for the latest waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex down-filled

here in the Adirondacks, at the site of both the 1932 and 1980

parkas suitable for Everest Base Camp.

Winter Olympics, that one can thrill in the chill – this bustling

authentic lakeside village takes its winter fun seriously.

Me? I wait until the coldest week of the coldest month on the

Connecticut shore to drag my long-suffering wife to an even colder

place in winter, 300 miles closer to the North Pole, to the iconic

part of it. Rather than going south to the beach, here’s where you

four-season resort town of Lake Placid. That’s like moving from the

learn how to have fun in the snow,” said David Reiss, a business

refrigerator to the freezer. Or if you remember how brutal it was

development executive from Fairfield, Conn., who has a second

last winter, from the freezer to the ice cube tray.

home in the area.

The cold is actually a selling point in these parts. If you travel

to Lake Placid in winter and it’s not downright frigid up there, 34

“It’s a real town with a long history, and winter sports are just a

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Our base camp for the weekend is the AAA Four Diamond

Mirror Lake Inn, which recently completed a $4 million renovation.

Photo: ROOST/adirondacksusa.com

This classic lakefront resort and spa is so meticulously decorated in the Adirondack style that chess pieces in the lobby are trimmed in bark. Next to the fireplace is the most perfect firewood ever seen, as if they were laser cut, dusted with South African ostrich feathers, and picked clean with dental tools.

There are free cookies at the front desk, beneath silver and

Photo: ROOST/adirondacksusa.com

bronze Olympic Super G medals won in 2010 and 2014 by the son of the inn’s owners, Andrew Weibrecht, nicknamed “Warhorse” for

A far tamer experience is something many of us have done

his propensity to keep racing despite his many injuries and surgeries.

since kindergarten: snow tubing, except here you’re not dodging

cars and trees like in the old days; instead you’re speeding down a

Best of all, the lobby of this time-honored 1920s property is

a cell phone-free zone. So if you find it necessary to loudly blab

700-ft. snowy chute.

in public about your Botox injections, then sorry, this isn’t the

Should the precip turn into immature snow (i.e. rain), you

hotel for you.

won’t be stuck playing with the wood in the lobby. The town is

virtually weatherproof – you can skate indoors at the Olympic

But if your family enjoys experiencing winter activities out-

doors, then return to luxury accommodations with a crackling fire-

Center, adjacent to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval where Eric

place, dining in three restaurants, and a romantic ambiance, then this is the place for both parents and their kids. Speaking of your

Photo: ROOST/adirondacksusa.com

little snow sprites, your children can make snowmen using a toocute “snowman kit” that comes with a hat, scarf, top hat, buttons and a carrot for the nose the chef will cart out from the kitchen.

While other winter resorts concentrate solely upon skiing or

snowboarding, Lake Placid embraces the season with a portfolio of cold weather sports: downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, toboggan rides, snowshoeing, pond hockey, snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, ice fishing and skating. Have some energy left? At the Olympic Sports Complex you can be a biathlete for the day and learn cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship under the watchful eyes of an instructor.

Experience bobsled rides at freeway speeds on the Olympic

course with a professional driver and brakeman; skeleton rides on what look like a childhood sled on overdrive; and the opportunity to experience luge, which differs from skeleton in that you race down an ice chute on your back feet first, rather than head first. Either way reminds you to update your life insurance policy once you return home. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

TRAVEL + LEISURE Photo: Courtesy Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Heiden won five gold medals in 1980 and another local Olympian, Jack Shea, won two gold medals in 1932.

Enjoy a variety of restaurants and shopping for quintessential

Adirondack décor, such as birch bark lampshades for $90, or our favorite: pine cone lampshade finials for $12.

We woke up Friday morning in a cozy lakeview room with the

thermometer reading minus 10 degrees F. Undaunted, we head for a day of skiing at Whiteface. The bitter morning cold and wind makes us think this New York State-owned resort is aptly named so we pack a facemask which looks like something Willie Sutton, the famed “illegal withdrawal specialist,” would have worn.

This is one serious ski mountain. At 3,430 feet, Whiteface

offers skiers and riders the greatest continuous vertical drop in eastern North America – even more vertical than Aspen in Colorado and Snowbird in Utah. Photos from the 1960s show such luminaries as Bobby Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy in fur, and emcee Ed McMahon enjoying their stay.

Photo: Courtesy Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The skiing that Friday – partially on runs used during the 1980

Games – was, well, brisk. But the cold tends to preserve the snow surface, especially during a winter like last year which saw little

feet. Some years the lake freezes to a depth of four feet and semi-

rain, but consecutive below freezing temperatures. In fact, the cold

trailer trucks park on the ice for special events.

winds on the summit now striking my sorry self, have arrived after

traveling unfettered over a protected park larger than Yellowstone

who arrived in 1984 and today serves as marketing manager of

and Yosemite combined.

USA Luge, which has won five Olympic medals since 1998.

Saturday we wake for a breakfast buffet featuring English muf-

A bear of a man with a face like a bearded cherub, he’s emi-

fins the size of saucers, and homemade jam. We sit there eating

nently likeable. I’ve seen him introduce a room full of 20 strangers,

smoked beef tenderloin hash while we watch a small snowplow

telling warm and humorous stories about each one. In an Illya

throw a plume of snow as it clears a ring around Mirror Lake – one

Kuryakin accent that he still sports from his days growing up in

section of squeaky hardpack snow for walkers and cross country

Kamchatka, Russia, he tells me he’d love to see the 2026 Winter

skiers, the other slick ice for skaters.

Olympics return to Lake Placid, but is realistic enough to know the

Games have outgrown this three-stoplight town. Even the 7,700-

There’s a stillness to the cold. Smoke rises straight up from the

chimneys of numerous homes and “camps” ring the lake, which look like rustic mansions to us flatlanders. We can hear conversa-

We meet with long-time friend Dmitry Feld, a Russian émigré,

seat Herb Brooks Arena in the Olympic Center, site of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” is far too small.

tions from far out in the lake. A solitary dog barks along the far

shore. Out in the distance are the Adirondack High Peaks, so

splits the Games between Albany and Lake Placid, as unlikely as

named for the approximately 46 mountain peaks higher than 4,000

that sounds.

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Dmitry dreams that the USOC would suggest a plan that

Trip Tips For more information, visit: LakePlacid.com LPOM.org – Lake Placid Olympic Museum ORDA.org MirrorLakeInn.com Whiteface.com

The tracked X-C trails are perfectly beveled and sprinkled with

pine cone seeds spread by the wind. The tracks lock us in so we can concentrate on kicking and gliding – our skis slide straight and true, as we proceed along trails with names like Peggy’s Puddle, Dog Bone Cutoff, and Harry’s Hill that beg for an explanation as to their origins.

The newer bindings on our feet, called New Nordic Norm

(NNN), feature two thin raised ridges that fit into matching grooves in the soles of compatible ski boots. They are a vast improvement over wider 75 mm three-bin boots that used to mangle toes. Photo: Courtesy Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Above left: The Cottage Café is Lake Placid’s hip apres ski spot. Above: 100,000 lights on display every night all winter long, photographed from frozen Mirror Lake. Left: The AAA Four Diamond The View Restaurant in the Mirror Lake Inn.

a Stella as a folk singer performs in the lodge. There’s a Vermont Castings Defiant wood stove cranking out heat as incongruously, fish glide lazily in an aquarium, no doubt wondering what crazy humans these are in their DayGlo Spandex cross-country outfits.

“It wouldn’t be much different than the Vancouver 2010

Afterwards, we sit on rustic Adirondack twig chairs drinking

Coincidentally, we run into a friend, Wall Streeter Phil Erard,

82, former president of the New York chapter of the American

Olympic Winter Games which held alpine skiing events almost a

Alpine Club. Phil travels to Lake Placid regularly, preferring to take

two-hour drive away at the Whistler Creekside in Whistler, British

a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Albany, then renting

Columbia,” he tells us.

a car for the 2-1/2 hour drive north. The next day he finished a 25

km race in a respectable three hours.

Our $35 Olympic Sites Passport provides access to the 1932

Jack Shea arena where we find hockey parents from throughout

the northeast sitting in red plastic seats shouting encouragement

refreshing Adirondack mountain air stings slightly as we breathe.

Sunday morning arrives with temperatures in the 20’s. The

to their young pucksters. Lining one passageway is the Lake

We celebrate this relative heat wave with a brisk walk around the

Placid Hall of Fame which honors local luminaries including famed

compact 122-acre lake. A woman dressed in thin skintight athletic

singer Kate Smith, best known for her rendition of Irving Berlin’s

tights straps on her ice skates while her Labrador barks excitedly in

God Bless America. She summered on a nearby body of water

anticipation of a morning run.

called Lake Placid, for which the town is named, and is buried in

the local Saint Agnes Cemetery.

frozen lake covered in two feet of snow, full of locals and visitors

alike, skating, skiing, walking and dog sledding in this frosty winter

The passport is also valid at the Olympic Museum, where

We prefer a far slower pace so we can soak in the scene – a

you’d think 1980 was just last year. The “Miracle on Ice” game

destination.

plays on a continuous loop, and there are examples of Olympic

torches and uniforms from over the years.

for any open zipper, for stitching not quite seam-sealed. The gap

Tired Yet? Shudder the Thought

Anyone can learn to love winter here. As the temperature goes

Next up is a toboggan ride located downtown and built on a

envelops us in its warmth.

The cold is ever-present. It rears its frosty head and searches

between sunglasses and knit hat starts to ache. But we don’t mind. down, this friendly village with its abundance of winter activities 30-foot-high converted ski jump trestle. Signs warn that the sleds go so fast, they can burn nylon ski parkas from the friction against wooden chute. The sleds look barely changed from the 1930s and

About the Author: Jeff Blumenfeld, a frequent contributor to

glide another 1,000 feet once they reach the frozen lake surface.

Venu Magazine, is editor of ExpeditionNews.com, and author of

an adventure sponsorship book titled, Get Sponsored: A Funding

We head to the Mt. Van Hoevenburg Ski Center and its world

class cross country ski trails that range over 50 km (31 miles) of

Guide for Explorers, Adventurers, and Would-Be World Travelers

rolling Adirondack terrain. Rather than select waxable performance

(Skyhorse Publishing, 2014). He recently relocated to Boulder,

skis, we choose instead to rent a pair of Rossignol Positracks with

Colorado, where he reports it doesn’t get quite as cold as northern

waxless fishscale bases.

New York State. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Architecture

Photographs by: Jonathan Wallen

An Englishman in... Greenwich... and Palm Beach By Tracey Thomas

Usually in our Architecture section, designer and author Phillip James Dodd writes about the history and architecture of some of New York’s most recognizable landmarks built during America’s Gilded Age. However this month we thought that we would give Phillip a much deserved rest from his writing assignment with Venü, and instead give our readers a behind the scenes look at our very own resident architectural expert. We visited Phillip in the Greenwich Office of his own eponymous design firm – Phillip James Dodd Bespoke Residential Design. Much like the architecture that he writes about, his design studio is housed in a landmark building on East Putnam Avenue. Tall ceilings with antique tin panels and crown, as well as an oversized arched window that lets in plenty of natural light, add even more to the character of the space. Yet the first thing we noticed was the large antique drafting table – something that not too long ago you would have seen in any architects office, but a sighting that nowadays (due to the proliferation of computer generated drawings) is few-and-far between. “That’s how I got into this”, explains Phillip with his English accent, 38

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“growing up, I loved to draw – especially buildings – so it’s only natural that I would end up doing this.” But this simple and modest answer doesn’t tell the full story, nor does it explain the journey that has now made Phillip one of the most sought-after young residential designers practicing today. Add to that, his hugely successful first book The Art of Classical Details: Theory, Design and Craftsmanship (featured in issue #20 of Venü) and the recent release of his follow-up An Ideal Collaboration: The Art of Classical Details II, we consider ourselves lucky that he finds time to actually write for us as well! Phillip was born into a working-class family in the industrial north of England, a far cry from Greenwich and Palm Beach, where he now calls home. He tells us of how he was the first in his family to attend University, in this case Manchester School of Architecture, where he received his under-graduate education. “It’s not what I expected”, notes Phillip. “Despite being surrounded by some of the finest examples of classical architecture in England, classical and traditional designs were frowned upon. I was simply told, in a very matter of fact manner, that no one did that anymore.”

“It was so bad, that when I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on Quinlan Terry, the school refused to grade it. Instead they passed it along to the art history department”. Phillip pulls out the report sheet that he has kept all these many years: This dissertation contains all of the things that I normally object to. It is personalized, it is biased, and it is opinionated. But what an excellently mature and convincing piece of writing in defense of an architect. I have become a confirmed Terryite and find much of this dissertation is of publishable quality.

Left and above: Phillip (with his dog Dexter)in his Library, sketching up the design of a new home in Palm Beach, Florida. Both of his books can been seen on his desk, along with proportional dividers - a gift from his mentor Richard Sammons.

As luck would have it that all changed when in 1984 HRH The Prince of Wales challenged the modernist doctrine that was being taught in the architecture schools, by publically voicing his feelings about architecture for the first time in a speech to the RIBA. His concerns’ then led him to write and present a 75 minute TV documentary that aired on the BBC in 1988. Viewed by millions, it attracted overwhelming support from the British public. A year later The Prince would publish A Vision of Britain, where he stressed the need to preserve the character of England’s towns and cities, and above all, noted the importance of providing the type of architecture that people really want. “Everywhere I go, I get a strong impression that most people know the sort of buildings that they like. They are buildings that have grown out of our architectural tradition and that are in harmony with nature”. It was set amongst this backdrop of a reawakening in classical and traditional design that Phillip started his architectural education. In his book, Prince Charles had highlighted the work of contemporary classical architects such as Quinlan Terry. “Despite what I was being taught, I could see how relevant classical architecture was”, explains Phillip. Other books were published showcasing the work of other architects such as John Simpson, Robert Adam, Julian Bicknell, and American classicist Allan Greenberg, and yet classicism was still persona-non-grata at architecture schools in the UK, and in the USA.

It is a source of great pride to Phillip, that when over 20 years later he would write The Art of Classical Details, the first person he contacted, and who agreed to participate in the book, was no other than Quinlan Terry. Phillip’s debt to his future King doesn’t end there though, as soon after Prince Charles would found The Prince of Wales’ Institute of Architecture (now known as The Princes’ Foundation), the first school to specialize in the teaching of traditional and classical architecture. Housed in the historic neoclassical Cumberland Terrace designed by Sir John Nash, and overlooking Regents Park in London, Phillip was one of a select group to be admitted into its graduate program. Taught by leading classical architects, historians and craftsmen, this vocational curriculum not only included design, but also art, life drawing, and the crafts – bricklaying, mixing mortar, applying stucco and stone carving. In essence the theory, art, and craft of classical architecture, something which Phillip would expand upon several years later when writing The Art of Classical Details. Upon graduating in 1996, an American professor at the Institute gave Phillip some advice that would change his life. Rather than taking a position in the office of one of London’s leading classical architects, he should instead travel to New York and intern with his friend Richard Sammons, who had just started his own firm. “And so that’s just what I did. I didn’t know anybody over here. I came over with one suitcase. I was getting paid $10 an hour, which was just enough for me to rent a room in a townhouse, with a shared bath. And pretty much all I could afford to eat were bagels.” “My first full day in America, Richard drove me up to Greenwich to visit a house that he was designing in Conyers Farm. We had lunch at the Oyster House on Elm Street, and the people sat next to us caused a scene. It’s funny the things you remember”. On his second day, the pair skipped the office and instead Richard took him on a tour of the City’s great Beaux Arts buildings, something which started Phillip’s love affair of a subject that he is now one of the foremost experts on. And so for the next year Richard Sammons, who would become Phillip’s mentor, sat down with him on a daily basis and personally trained him. “I’m so fortunate – a year earlier Richard would not have had his own design firm – and a year later, the office had expanded to a dozen people and Richard no longer had the time to personally train anyone.” During this time Phillip worked on projects in Manhattan, Greenwich, and most importantly Palm Beach. “I was responsible for much of the interior architecture of a large waterfront estate property. It meant that for a couple of years I had to fly down to Palm Beach on almost a weekly basis to oversee construction. I fell in love with the town, well what’s not to love?” And although working for others, Phillip was also receiving individual recognition form his peers, being CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Architecture

Left: The front cover of Phillip’s latest book An Ideal Collaboration: The Art of Classical Details II. This volume features a foreword by renown decorator Ellie Cullman, as well as the work of several leading designers from the USA and UK. Below: A watercolor rendering a of a Spanish Mediterranean style home designed by Phillip.

named a Fellow at the Institute of Classical Architecture (at the time he was the youngest person elected to this position), and receiving invitations to teach at the interiors programs at FIT and Parsons School of Design. Not surprisingly it was only a matter of time before Phillip was head-hunted by another firm, although it was surprise to all that he chose to relocate to Fairfield County to take up the position of Senior Design Associate at Wadia Associates, based in New Canaan. Although known in the local community, the firm had never been published and was relatively unknown nationally, especially within the classical community. That would change in spectacular fashion, as Phillip took over the marketing of the firm, transforming it into one of the most recognizable and sought after proponents of classical architecture. Much of this can be attributed to the firm’s monograph New Classicists: Wadia Associates, the first book that Phillip would write. “I researched publishers, and pitched the book to Images Publishing Group based in Australia who had a series on classical architects. It also helped that the owner was originally from Manchester – just like me.” For the foreword to the book, Phillip reached out through intermediaries to HRH The Prince of Wales who was more than willing to help. He points out the letter that the Prince wrote to him, that now takes pride of place in his office: “I can’t tell you what pride and joy it gives me to see what my alumni are up to. Your example merely makes it even more imperative for my Foundation to push forward with its education program so that we can continue to produce more practitioners like yourself for the future.” The publisher was so impressed with Phillip’s efforts, that they hired him (a rarity in modern day book publishing) to write what

would become The Art of Classical Details – one of the bestselling books on residential architecture in the past few years – as well as its recently released follow-up, An Ideal Collaboration. The success and popularity of the first book led to numerous lecture requests; Boston, Charleston, Houston, New York, Palm Bach, Salt Lake City, and Washington DC, to name just a few destinations. Remembering his roots, Phillip always slips into each lecture images of some of the great classical Victorian buildings found in his home city of Manchester. Now Phillip has his own prospering business that reflects his many experiences. However, although based in Greenwich, and with projects in Fairfield County and Westchester, his main focus is Palm Beach – the town he fell in love with almost 20 years ago. On his drafting table are beautiful hand drawn sketches of a new Spanish Mediterranean style home that he is designing on South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach. “These clients live in Greenwich, and work in the City. It’s so much more convenient for them for their design team to be where there are, and readily available to meet on evenings or at weekends. My work may be in Palm Beach, but I am based where my clients are based”. With an entire team of consultants and professionals on hand in Florida, people that Phillip has known and worked with for many years, he is trying to position himself as the go-to designer for those residents of Westchester and Fairfield County that also have homes, or are looking to buy homes, in Palm Beach. “I was down there last week”, adds Phillip. “I took the 7am flight back to Westchester on Saturday morning, and was sat in my Kitchen drinking coffee by 9:45am. It’s the easiest place in the world to get to, especially when trying to escape the winters up here.” And, by-the-way, did we mention the framed photo of the Queen that he has by his desk...

Phillip’s new book An Ideal Collaboration: The Art of Classical Details II is available for sale on Amazon and other online and retail bookstores. For more information on Phillip James Dodd: Bespoke Residential Design please visit pjdbespokedesign.com or telephone 203 900 1030.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

The Golden Palate by Fred Bollaci

Golden Palate Meets Florida’s Gold and Gulf Coasts

APPETITE

Beach Bistro dining room and sunset; Proprietor Sean Murphy; Signature beef dish

With winter fast approaching, it is time to start making plans to escape the cold! Living in Florida for more than 15 years, there is no better place in the continental U.S. to enjoy beautiful warm winter weather and excellent cuisine! My Winter column features the best healthy gourmet cuisine in four top destinations: The Palm Beaches, Naples, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay. Each area is unique and offers fabulous dining options! Fasten your seatbelts: it’s time for a whirlwind tour of Florida’s best! First, I am proud to introduce my three new Charter Members in Florida, all on Florida’s West Coast: The Beach Bistro (Chef Owner, Sean Murphy) on Anna Maria Island, Get Loose Tea & Art, LLC (Lisa Feistel & Doreen Birdsell) in downtown Sarasota, and Villa Bellini (Chef Owner, Ciro Mancini and partners) in Clearwater. The Beach Bistro, on stunning Anna Maria Island overlooks the white sandy beach and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sean Murphy, a Nova Scotia native, is celebrating his 30th anniversary this year as one of the top dining destinations in America. The Bistro combines classic French with New Orleans and contemporary influences. Favorites include the Bouillabaisse, Colorado Rack of Lamb, and Butter Poached Lobster, in addition

to an excellent wine list and outstanding desserts. Murphy has hosted two dinners at New York’s James Beard House. With spectacular sunsets and stellar service, and “The Bistro” makes any occasion exceptional. Also, visit Sean’s more casual “Eat Here” restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key. www.beachbistro.com Tea expert, Lisa Feistel, and her partner Doreen Birdsell, recently opened Get Loose Tea & Art, LLC on 136 S. Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota. After years of selling tea online, in specialty stores, and at farmer’s markets, Lisa has established a place in her community to share her passion for tea as a healthy, enjoyable part of life. Get Loose Tea, LLC features

For more information please visit www.fredbollacienterprises.com CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Appetite Tea expert, Lisa Feistel and Get Loose Tea

Now let’s visit other top Golden Palate Partners around the state. The Palm Beaches, America’s wintertime playground for the elite for over a century, also offers an incredible dining scene. In Palm Beach: Bistro Chez Jean-Pierre (Normandy native Jean-Pierre Leverrier) specializes in excellent French cuisine in a comfortable, elegant setting since 1991; Café L’Europe, is still renowned as Palm Beach’s Grand Dame of fine Continental dining with exceptional Old World service by Norbert & Lidia Goldner. Renato’s (Arlene Desiderio and son Louis Durant), boasts great regional Italian cuisine and a Capri-esque courtyard, with its casual sibling Pizza al Fresco tempting with excellent pizza and Italian cuisine in the beautiful courtyard of architect Addison Mizner’s former villa. Bice, founded in 1926 by Beatrice Ruggeri in Milan, is now a global “minichain,” whose Palm Beach location expertly blends Milanese chic ambience and cuisine with al fresco dining reminiscent of Positano. Also visit Bice in Naples. Cucina Dell’Arte (Frank Coniglio) is an Italian-American favorite for breakfast and night owls (open daily until 3am).

two exclusive lines of the highest quality organic and natural responsibly sourced loose leaf teas from around the world: Triangle Tea and Where Elephants Roam Tea. Lisa takes pride in demonstrating what sets her teas apart from others and invites you to visit her downtown boutique and begin your journey into the world of tea and art. The boutique’s art gallery is a showcase of fine art photography by Lisa’s partner, Doreen. Lisa is equally passionate and committed to helping elephants and rhinos and has earmarked a percentage of her profits to help stop the illegal ivory trade, including the adoption of orphaned baby elephants whose mothers are killed by poachers. www.getloosetea.com

In West Palm Beach: Marcello’s La Sirena by Marcello & Diane Fiorentino features distinctive Italian cuisine since 1986, and is one of only four Wine Spectator Grand Award Winners in the entire state. Café Sapori (Chef Fabrizio Giorgi from Lake Como, Italy, and Francesco Blanco), entices with always delectable Milanese and regional Italian cuisine as does its sister restaurant Osteria Sapori in Deerfield Beach. In Palm Beach Gardens: Café Chardonnay by Frank & Gigi Eucalitto has been food aficionados go-to choice for excellent globally inspired cuisine since 1986, and in Lake Worth, Paradiso, owned by Sorrento (Massa Lubrense) native Angelo Romano, is a 20-year favorite featuring authentic Neapolitan cuisine. In Delray Beach on trendy Atlantic Avenue, visit 32 East, a “foodie favorite” featuring inspired American cuisine by CIA graduate, Chef Nick Morfogen and Tramonti, sibling of NYC’s renowned Angelo’s of Mulberry Street (Gino Silvestri) (Neapolitan and Italian-American cuisine). Are you looking to own a piece of paradise in Delray Beach? The exclusive members-only Addison Reserve Country Club is the ultimate address. Featuring Arthur Hills Golf, tennis, a world-class spa and fitness center, and

Ciro Mancini, Villa Bellini’s chef and owner in his Don Michele Wine Room; Salmon Strawberry Caviar; Villa Bellini exterior

Villa Bellini Restaurant & Lounge, owned by Naples, Italy native, Ciro Mancini and his partners, Marco Marzocca, Vincent Addonisio, and Dr. Russell Quaglia, features outstanding authentic Neapolitan and regional Italian cuisine in a beautiful, impeccably restored circa 1927 Mediterranean villa. Chef Ciro is passionate about classical and innovative Italian cuisine and procuring the freshest local and finest imported ingredients from Italy. The extensive menu features homemade pastas, delicious antipasti, fresh seafood, veal, and homemade desserts. Combine excellent food, service, an outstanding wine list, full cocktail bar, and elegant, comfortable ambience with several private dining rooms, including the popular Don Michele Wine Room, and you’ll find that Villa Bellini is the perfect venue for any type of celebration, as well as business meetings. www.villabellinirestaurant.com

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

excellent cuisine by James Beard finalist and alum of Café Boulud and Le Cirque, Zach Bell, all in a beautiful, private, gated community.

Robuchon); its elegant French cuisine and chic décor transport you straight to Paris!

In Boca Raton, visit Sapori, a favorite since 1993 (Abruzzo native Marco Pindo) if you want to enjoy authentic and innovative Italian cuisine and seafood, and Kathy’s Gazebo Café (Claudio Pedron), when you crave Old World French-Continental cuisine. South to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, visit – by land or boat – Blue Moon Fish Company, (Bryce Statham & Baron Skordish) for fresh seafood served directly on the Intracoastal.

On St. Armand’s Circle, visit Café L’Europe (Betsie Coolidge) where diners have indulged in Continental cuisine and white glove service since 1973; seafood lovers will want to cast their appetites to Crab & Fin where fresh seafood and an excellent raw bar are a sure bet, and Shore Diner (Mark Caragiulo & Tom Leonard), a haven for fresh, organic, American cuisine cooked up above their hip surf shop. In South Sarasota, visit Andrea’s (Andrea Bozzolo, from Piemonte, Italy) for authentic Italian cuisine and a daily menu that reflects fresh, seasonal offerings. Vegans won’t want to miss Simon’s Coffee House (U.K. natives Simon & Michelle Kirby), serving vegan, vegetarian, and raw food, with daily specials prepared by their son, Chef Tyler Kirby. Fine dining with overlooking the pond and gardens at Roessler’s (Klaus Roessler) with excellent classic Continental cuisine. Try Bologna Café (Bologna natives Claudio & Barbara Ronchi) for truly authentic Bolognese cuisine in Osprey.

In Naples, an elegant city on the Gulf of Mexico, visit Bleu Provence (Jacques and Lysielle Cariot), an outstanding French bistro since 1993, and Naples’ only Wine Spectator Grand Award winner; Osteria Tulia/Bar Tulia (Chef Vincent Betulia worked at Tony Mantuano’s renowned Spiaggia in Chicago with Michael White and Paul Bartolotta) featuring rustic Italian cuisine; U.S.S. Nemo specializing in excellent seafood by Montreal natives Chef Nicholas Mercier & wife Natalie Savoie, and K.C. American Bistro, a must for fantastic regional American cuisine by New England native Keith Casey. At The Continental (the D’Amico family) you’ll find Naples’ best prime, Piedmontese, and Japanese Wagyu steaks in a trendy, elegant setting. The Inn on Fifth, in the heart of fashionable downtown, is the ultimate luxurious and sophisticated place to stay—a walk to great dining, shopping, and the beach! Avenue 5, the Inn’s signature restaurant, features excellent seafood, and prime beef (owner of the Inn and restaurant, Phil McCabe and Chef John Welch, are both from Kennebunkport, Maine). M Waterfront Grille serves lunch, Sunday Brunch, and dinner overlooking Venetian Bay (brothers Peter & Christopher Sereno, also own the National Hotel on Block Island). Sarasota is the cultural capital of the Gulf Coast, with museums, galleries, theater, ballet, and white sand beaches, and excellent food. In Sarasota, visit Mediterraneo (Daniele Baroni & Giovanni Migliorini) serving up authentic Italian fare since 1996, and its casual sibling, Café Epicure. Next, visit Bijou Café, owned by South African native Jean-Pierre “J.P.” & Shay Knaggs, a favorite for excellent continental cuisine since 1986 and located near the Opera House; Indigenous (by James Beard finalist Steve Phelps) features seasonal, sustainable cuisine and fresh local seafood. State Street (Chris Volker) serves the best cocktails in town with inspired “southern” cuisine. If you are going to have one drink while you are in Sarasota, have the Bramble at State Street. For lighter daytime fare, head to C’est La Vie (by Parisians Christophe & Geraldine Coutelle) – this authentic patisserie and café serves breakfast and lunch. Michael’s on East (owned by Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini) has been a local favorite since 1987 by. Join the Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club where Michael annually takes one very lucky group to top food and wine destinations around the world, and be sure to try their “City Lite Lunches,” epitomizing healthy gourmet! Also, visit Michael’s Wine Cellar for a savory taste of the grape. For locals and snowbirds, White Picket Produce delivers fresh organic produce to your door, “farm to fork” on wheels! In Lakewood Ranch, visit Polo Grill, “Lakewood Ranch’s living room” and on Longboat Key head straight for bayfront Pattigeorges, both owned by Tommy Klauber (Michael’s brother) and known for excellent global cuisine. Also on Longboat, try Euphemia Haye (Chef Raymond & Darcy Arpke) a swoon-worthy romantic oasis (and visit the upstairs Haye Loft with lighter fare and live music), and elegant Maison Blanche (Parisian Chef Jose Martinez, James Beard Semifinalist who apprenticed with Joel

On Siesta Key, enjoy Ophelia’s on the Bay (The Ferro family & Chef Daniel Olson) which specializes in Florida seafood with global influences overlooking Little Sarasota Bay (come by boat or water taxi and watch the dolphins and manatees while you dine). In the University Town Center Mall, visit Sophie’s Restaurant, named for fashion icon Sophie Gimbel (and all dressed up in the new Saks Fifth Avenue), serves inspired American cuisine, combining gourmet and haute couture. In Bradenton, visit Ortygia for a dining invitation you won’t want to refuse, located in the Bohemian Arts Village, and featuring authentic Sicilian cuisine (Chef Gaetano Cannata). In the Tampa Bay area, visit Donatello, Tampa’s top Italian restaurant since 1984, (Venice native Guido Tiozzo and son Gino) and featuring gracious Old World hospitality and excellent cuisine in a romantic setting – don’t miss the monthly “Opera Night.” Mise en Place (Chef Marty Blitz and Maryann Ferenc) has featured an extensive menu of excellent globally inspired cuisine and an excellent wine list since 1986. (Also visit First Flight Wine Bar in Tampa Airport scoring high marks with traveling taste buds and Sono Café in Tampa’s Museum of Art, where the art of living really comes alive.) Vietnam native B.T. Nguyen’s Restaurant B.T. features elegant, fresh, beautiful “Vietnamese-French cuisine” chef inspired and creatively presented by the chef who worked culinary stars Roy Yamaguchi and Masaharu Morimoto. In Pinellas County, visit Mystic Fish (Chef Doug Bebell & Eugen Fuhrmann), a Palm Harbor insider favorite for 15 years for excellent seafood with Bermudan flair. Massimo’s (Palm Harbor) serves regional Italian cuisine and great wine dinners by Bari native Massimo Patano, who worked as Sophia Loren’s private chef. Café Ponte in Clearwater (Cordon Bleu graduate Chef Christopher Ponte) features innovative, top quality American classics with global influences in a sophisticated, elegant setting. And plan a mouth-watering picnic at Felice Italian Pork Store & Deli in Clearwater (Amalfi coast native Felice D’Elia and famiglia); they prepare excellent fresh mozzarella, Italian sausage, and sandwiches. www.fredbollacienterprises.com As you can imagine, the culinary scene in Florida is really heating up, so we are looking forward to seeing you in Florida this winter! For more information about Fred Bollaci Enterprises and for a full list of Golden Palate Partners™ in Florida and worldwide, visit www.fredbollacienterprises.com.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Appetite

What Agriturismo Has Done for Tuscany Culinary Tourism that Connects on All Levels By Linda Kavanagh

Cooking with Pamela Sheldon Johns

Whether it is romanticized in the pages of a book or visualized on the

refurbishing an old villa, the notion of following one’s dream and

big screen, there’s no denying one’s desire to eat drink, love and live

leading such a fulfilling life is palpable.

– and do it all well. In the United States this is something we strive to

My recent trip to Italy with my food and wine enthusiast friends

achieve. In Italy, it is simply a way of life. My travels throughout this

took us to Italian Food Artisan and renowned cookbook author

picturesque and delicious country over the years have spoiled me to

Pamela Sheldon John’s “Poggio Etrusco”, her charming agriturismo

the point of no return. Though, I do return home to my Metro-New

farmhouse which was constructed in the late 1600s. The now multi-

York suburb, a piece of Italy, its cuisine and connection to the land’s

villa retreat sits atop a five-hectare (over 12 acres) working olive

bounty, and its love and appreciation for family and the time we

farm and Sangiovese wine grove and is home to Pamela’s culinary

have to enjoy all of life’s great (and simple) pleasures, I am forever

workshops and guided tours throughout Tuscany, coastal destina-

effected by the raw and innate way life is enjoyed in the Italian culture.

tions and historic cities in Italy. www.foodartisans.com

As depicted in author Frances Mayes’ memoir Under The Tuscan

Sun, and actress Diane Lane’s embellished portrayal of the author’s

Pamela is an active, as well as a crusading participant in the travel

self-revealing years she spent in Cortona Tuscany upon buying and

phenomenon developed in the Italian Countryside referred to as

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

The house from Under The Tuscan Sun

Pamela discusses the art of balsamic vinegar

“Agriturismo”. The preservation of deep rooted farms, particularly throughout Tuscany, are made possible through funding from the government, organic agriculture practices, traditional food preparation, and by functioning as a bed and breakfast or food destination, therefore, achieving environmental sustainability as well as financial grounding. Upon our rendezvous in Chiusi, the heart of the ancient Etruscan civilization, circa 800 BC, we toured the Etruscan Museum and strolled the modest town as we decompressed from our hurried train ride in from Rome. A stop for lunch at Pesce d’Oro, situated along the Lago (lake) di Chiusi, was a sign of good things to come. We were presented with fresh perch from the lake; “brustico” as it is called, flame roasted until the skin is black with char. The skin is peeled away to reveal a sweet, white flaky fish, only to be drizzled with fruity olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. And so the tone was set. We began a love affair with the natural resources the Tuscan landscape would have to offer throughout our trip. www.ristorantepescedoro.it Sangiovese grapes at Poggio Etrusco

“Are you guys hungry?” asked Pamela. It was a unanimous YES! “It will be the last time you are hungry during your time here,” she assured. It was Game On!

Our villas at Poggio Entrusco, complete with living and dining rooms, full kitchen, large bathrooms and king size beds wrapped in fine embroidery laced Italian linens, are a welcome site at the end of each busy day. The villas become part of the Tuscan country experience,

Our culinary adventure took us to La Porta Osteria in the medieval

articulated by hand crafted wood, terra cotta flooring, and antique

village of Monticchiello, a charming town with pristine flower gar-

furnishings. The property is meticulously and artistically kept by Pamela

dens accentuating the grand stone dwellings. Here we were treated

and her husband, artist Johnny Johns. The duo, a west coast gal and

to a cooking demonstration by Chef Morena and a Tuscan wine

mid-western rocker dude / artist, have masterfully crafted their own

tasting with proprietor, sommelier and wine maker Daria Cappelli.

version of a life abroad, telling their story through food, wine, art and

Memories of the warm summer sunset, robust wine, and the silky

the land around them. www.poggio-etrusco.com

Timballo di Pecorino (a warm cheesy custard of sorts) topped with sautéed earthy wild mushrooms still play over in my mind and on

Cooking classes in Pamela’s kitchen are a wonderful and warm blend

my taste buds. www.osterialaporta.it

of hands-on, dough between your fingers tasks, and a virtual tour CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Travel + Leisure: Destination NorwaY Appetite

Chestnut Pasta

Now THIS is a bottle of wine!

of Tuscany - all the while with a glass of prosecco in one hand and a

Michael’s fig jam tart

Intertwined with culinary workshops at home, an active itinerary

fried zucchini blossom in the other. Pamela has written 17 cookbooks

ensued daily. We visited Montepulciano, home of the DOCG wine

to date. Her wealth of knowledge about the Tuscan region and its

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano which is one of three great Sangiovese

bounty is driven by her passion. Her nurturing manor is matched

DOCG zones in Tuscany, along with Chianti Classico and Brunello di

by her desire to educate people to not only cook, but to have an

Montalcino. Dinner at La Grotta included a mouthwatering panzanella

understanding and appreciation of the ingredients, sustainable food

salad made with soft moistened bread, tomatoes, red onions, cucum-

practices, and recipes steeped in tradition. Cooking in Pamela’s

bers and capers, and boned quails with rosemary, simply grilled. La

kitchen is an honor.

Grotta is located directly across from the church of the Madonna di

We hand-rolled an eggless pasta dough into long strands to

San Biagioi, circa 1500, a Greek-cross plan structure surmounted by

make pici; picked figs from the tree out back and stuffed them with

a dome and with four geometrical wings. The church was built on the

walnuts and gorgonzola, wrapped them in fig leaves, and steamed

remains of the ancient parish church of St. Blaise where, according

them into a sweet and pungent pudding like consistency. Michael

to folklore, a painting of Our Lady was seen moving her eyes.

made a fig jam tart using olive oil instead of butter; and Marie shaved

www.lagrottamontepulciano.it

the fennel and juiced the oranges for our fennel and blood orange

salad. I rubbed organic chicken with house made herb salt and we

A trip highlight was the hilltown of Pienza, a magnificent place to shop

grilled the tender free range birds to perfection, surrounding them

for quality linens and view the work of local artists. A farmhouse

vibrant grilled vegetables we picked from the garden or foraged

lunch was enjoyed at an organic artisanal cheesemaker, Podere il

from the famers’ market. We ate our masterpieces and drank our

Casale, famous for their Pecorino Toscano cheese. The 61-hectare

Poggio Etrusco Sangiovese wine on the patio. We didn’t die, but

(170 acres) estate farms goat, sheep, pigs and cattle, as well as a

this was indeed heaven.

beautiful wine vineyard and wheat field. Dining at Podere il Casale

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“There is no technique; there is just the way to do it. Now, are we going to measure or are we going to cook?”

Organic artisanal cheesemaker Podere il Casale

– Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun

is a multi-sensory experience where the term farm-to-table is still not enough to convey the connection to the countryside one experiences there. Our chestnut linguini tossed with fresh herbs and extra virgin olive came with a lovely view of deep green pastures and this active working family farm. www.podereilcasale.com While visiting the town of Cortona, Pamela introduced us to family-owned and operated Cantina Palazzo Vecchia, a stunning vineyard, cantina and garden set upon the ancient Farm of Valiano, circa 1300. Here we met Maria Luisa Sbernadori, who spoiled us throughout our afternoon visit. Greeted with hot tea infused with fragrant sage and rosemary,

Grilled free range chicken with famers market vegetables

and fresh garden tomato and basil crostini, we toured their vineyard consisting of old and new vines and were able to taste each grape varietal. Palazzo Vecchia is famous for their award-winning Vino Nobile

that we poke, prod and produce foods in an unnatural, unhealthy,

di Montepulciano and Vino Cortona DOC - lush fruit forward wines.

and inhumane way just to achieve abundance. So sad for us.

Lunch consisted of a cooking class where we rolled out pasta dough

“There was no olive oil produced last year, “Pamela informed

and did a free form cut which was then cooked al dente and tossed

us when we wanted to purchase a bottle of Poggio Etrusco oil from

with milky ricotta, extra virgin olive oil, and those wonderful sweet

her, “Most of the region was plagued with a nasty insect. Since we

tomatoes and basil. The property boasts a breathtaking panoramic

are 100% organic, we tried some natural bug deterrents but the

view of Montepulciano and Cortona which towers in the distance.

crop season was already too far in for anybody to recoup what had

www.vinonobile.it/index.php/it

already been infested.”

Whether cooking, touring, eating or drinking, our Tuscany adventure

not get utilized. But if you are truly living off the land (and sea), you

And so it is. What can’t be produced by natural means, does brought us all back down to earth – literally. The use of the word

can never go hungry. Upon our return home, armed with Pamela’s

“organic” here in the states is presented as almost an added bonus if

cookbook Cucina Povera, Tuscan Peasant Cooking, and a new found

our food is able to be farmed that way, not to mention for those who

appreciation for the ingredients themselves and the techniques we

are fortunate enough to even be able to afford it. We are so obsessed

learned, we created quite the feast for our friends and family. More

with the idea that we must have access to all foods and at all times,

importantly, we created it together. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Wine + Spirits

vintage rockefeller wine & spirits group

FAMILY HERITAGE

Vintage Rockefeller Wine & Spirits Group is committed to continuing the tradition of their French forefathers by bringing to market the finest champagnes and spirits.

n 17th century France, the Roquefeuille Family was celebrated for the quality of their wines. For generations, they were one of the biggest and finest wine producers in France. Religious persecution forced the Roquefeuille’s to leave their beloved country and vineyards, eventually migrating to the United States. As many immigrants before them, by rights of passage, they inherited a new rendition of their name, Rockefeller. Over the next century, the Rockefeller’s climbed to prestige in their new country by becoming one of the most powerful and renowned families, with interests in oil, rail, real estate and philanthropy. Today, the world renowned Rockefeller name represents prestige, excellence and respect. Vintage Rockefeller Wine & Spirits Group, an ultra-premium wine & spirits company, is committed to continuing the tradition of their French forefathers. They remain true to their heritage creating the finest champagne, vodka and cognac in the world, all imported from France. Recognizing the value of patience, they allow their bottles to mature over months and years deep within their cellars before they are finally offered to the market. In October, Vintage Rockefeller Wines & Spirits Group signed on superstar music artist Flo-Rida as the brands global ambassador for Empire Rockefeller Vodka in a multi year marketing & promotional deal. Empire Rockefeller Vodka will be featured in his music videos and the backstage VIP sections of his tours. Flo-Rida said, “Empire Rockefeller Vodka represents the same vision I have, excellence, excitement and lifestyle.”

F. Rockefeller and Son’s 2004 Vintage Brut Champagne is composed of 57 percent Chardonnay and 43 percent Pinot Noir. The result is a perfectly balanced, gentle, yeasty flavor caressed with hazelnuts and a thick stream of bubbles. The term vintage in Champagne refers to the grapes harvested together from the same vintage or exceptional year. The Wholesale Wine and Spirits Association of America gave the ’04 Vintage the highest marks of all champagne at their spirits and wine competition. Produced in the Cognac region of France, Empire Rockefeller Vodka is crafted by using organic winter wheat and distilling it 6 times in a copper cognac kettle, thus making the vodka the most uniquely distilled vodka on the planet. Empire Rockefeller Vodka has been called the smoothest vodka ever tasted by the judging panel of the TOP 50 Vodka’s of the world. Three lines of Signature Rockefeller Cognac, VS, VSOP and XO exemplify fine French cognac. World renowned wine and spirits author, Richard Carlton Hacker, has called all of the cognac expressions “legendary and remarkable!’ VS is crafted with a blend of Fin Bois and Borderie crus aged in French oak casks. The VSOP has a unique personality. It’s a 9 year old fruity Fin Bois blended with Petite and Grand champagne that gives an extraordinary vanilla taste. The mature XO, is a meaty assemblage of 27-year-old eaux-de-vie that is just extraordinary.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

Washington West Film Festival Story Can Change The World By Cindy Clarke

As documentary filmmakers, the team behind Living on One, a Los

that inspires people to behave differently… and change the world.

Angeles-based production and social impact studio, makes visible

Storytelling as a change agent is not a new concept. Story is an

what might not have ever been seen by those of us who are floating

inextricable part of our DNA. Since the beginning of time, storytelling,

unaware in the mainstream. They use immersive storytelling to create

a uniquely human trait, has chronicled the history of humanity, good

films to move people not only to react but to act. They tell stories, raw

and bad, in painted, oral and written narratives. It goes without saying

and real. They want their audiences to be inspired by the stories they

that stories have the ability to entertain and inform. But what resonates

see and hear and realize that they too can change the world, not just

with us intuitively as well is their ability to alter our thinking and the

redecorate it. Through the uncoached candid commentary of their

way we engage with the world.

uncommon stars, common folk trying to defy the odds, they turn the

Having just returned from a cruise in Greece, storytelling brings

spotlight on pressing global issues and struggles of the third world kind,

to mind those ancient Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, and

including intense hunger and hungry parasites, inconceivable poverty

the trials and tribulations the hero Odysseus faced as he navigated his

and incomplete educations, rape and rejection, hope and heroism.

own painful and protracted journey through the ports I paused in. One

Living on One grew out of the eye-opening, on-camera experiences

reason these epics have such staying power is they that instill values,

of four university students who traveled to Guatemala in 2010 with

like grit, sacrifice and selflessness, through heroes who faced hardship

two cameras and a living budget of $1 a day. Explained co-founders

head on and persevered against great odds. They help us imagine other

Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci, and Sean Leonard, “Our academic and

people’s thoughts and emotions, while evoking our own emotionally

professional understanding of economic development didn’t prepare

driven, morally motivated responses. We tend to identify with stories

us for what we would go through. We battled intense hunger, parasites

and characters on a visceral level; our hearts pound when the charac-

and the realization that there are no easy answers. But the strength of

ters face a heart wrenching situation. We argue with stories, we praise

our neighbors and friends gave us hope that there are effective ways

them, denounce them. We talk back, we cheer, we cry. Every story is

to make a difference.”

the beginning of a conversation that can literally spur us to action.

How they felt, what they endured and learned, where they lived,

Stories allow us to travel to the unfamiliar, to the unknown, to

and why they filmed their story, now an award-winning feature film called

places we didn’t know existed. It is the characters and their journeys

Living on One Dollar, is where this story begins and is at the heart of a

that inspire and steel us to navigate uncharted territories in real life.

growing movement that many other filmmakers and storytellers share:

That’s what happened when Venü attended the Washington West

a desire to tell stories that will motivate others to reevaluate the world

Film Festival in October on the anniversary of the movie classic, Back

and their place in it, and that will evoke a gut-level empathetic response

to the Future. Doc Brown, aka Christopher Lloyd, was in attendance, as

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Facing page, David Darg and Bryn Mooser, whose award-winning film Body Team 12 is short listed for the Oscar’s, demonstrating their 3-D virtual reality goggles; pictured above, Christopher Lloyd AKA Doc Brown of Back to the Future at the Washington West Film Festival; and (left) writer / director Bob Gale signs an autograph for Back to the Future fans.

one of the world’s most influential and wealthiest metropolitan regions with a mission to screen and premier outstanding independent films from across the globe in three in-competition categories: dramatic features, documentary features, and short films. Their goal is “to connect artists - emerging and renowned - with audiences who are eager for a unique cinematic experience, and together, make the world a little bit brighter.” And their promise is to give back 100% of the box office proceeds to a charity that has effected a positive change and aids a community in need. To date, they have been recognized as the only festival in the world to do so. Talking with Samantha Dols, who joined Washington West in its was television legend Ed Asner and the best selling author Nathaniel

infancy as Director of Operations after working with Sundance and

Philbrick, whose novel, In the Heart of the Sea, is being released in

Tribeca film festivals, I learned that in the five years since Washington

December as a feature film, produced by award-winning filmmaker Ron

West first debuted their selection of good-for the-world multi-genre

Howard. They, like us, were on hand to see the storied films that are

films, they have helped the homeless and the hurricane battered and

making a difference on the global stage, films that honor modern-day

served the underserved with music, arts and opportunities to feed body

courage, resilience and survival on the part of unsung everyday heroes,

and soul. This year, box office proceeds were earmarked for Robert

films like the ones produced by Living on One.

Duvall’s Children’s Fund. Festival founder Brad Russell hopes his Fairfax-county, Virginia,

The brainchild of philanthropist pastor Brad Russell, the Washington

festival, proudly bearing the banner of Story Can Change the World,

West Film Festival is a 5-year-old 501(c) (3) charitable organization

becomes a catalyst for change. He’s hoping to grow it into an annual

founded “to celebrate innovative and impassioned film that will both

100,000+ plus attendee festival that would net about a million dollars

comfort and challenge audiences who, in turn, can make lasting, tangible

in box office proceeds for a community in need. One of his dreams

differences in our world.” Theirs is a unique festival that emanates out of

is to see this region, one of the wealthiest counties in the country, CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

Photo: Christy Kosnic

Photo: Washington West Film Festival

Pictured above, TV star Ed Asner with his friend Louisa; (top right) Rosa and Living on One filmmaker Sean (Kusanagi) Leonard; and (right) Rosa and Katy Morris, Communications & Marketing Manager from the Guatemalan-NGO Mayan Families.

become known as the most generous. As he said in a recent interview, “We’re connecting our audience members to the idea of creating a Photo: Courtesy Living on One

story. It’s not just the filmmakers who are creating a story, our audience members are as well.” Brad Russell’s big picture vision is to bring philanthropy to the big screen. From the short films we previewed at this year’s festival, among them Living on One’s Rosa – These Storms, about a rural Guatemalan woman’s determination to make her seemingly impossible dreams come true, Body Team 12 focusing on the dangers of the body collectors in Ebola-infested Liberia, and Birthday, starring a wounded warrior and

his wife and some pretty amazing green screen technology, he is well

listed’ by the Academy (which means of the thousands of short films

on his way. We were moved. We winced. We smiled. We cried. And as

around the world, they have made the final list of ten; out of which

we wiped tears from our eyes, we applauded louder, longer, and more

the five nominations will be announced later this year. Body Team 12

genuinely than we have for films playing at movie theaters today.

mentioned above is one of the two.) The quality and way a story is

With the support of the festival’s presenting corporate sponsor,

told is almost as important as the story itself, which is why when we

The Boeing Company, celebrating its own amazing 100-year story of

program at Washington West we choose quality over quantity. When

aerospace innovation this year, Washington West showcased a selection

we select and screen incredibly well told stories, audiences are more

of 56 international and domestic films at venues around the greater DC

likely to respond and become part of the story; part of our story of hope

region, including The National Press Club, Wolf Trap Foundation For

for many in need. Almost a secondary mantra of Washington West is

The Performing Arts, George Mason University, the Lorton Workhouse

one I’ve been saying quite a bit lately - One great story should lead

Arts Center, Loudoun County, the Angelika Film Center, USA TODAY

to another. The films at Washington West are selected not merely to

headquarters and its flagship venue, Bow Tie Cinemas in Reston Town

entertain or educate, but mostly to inspire every audience member

Center. The seven-day event culminated in a sold-out awards recep-

to see themselves in the characters and as contributors to hope in a

tion and party.

world with solvable problems.”

“We believe the quality of our films is a standard we cannot com-

There were lots of winners at the festival, all deserving of accolades

promise,” said Brad Russell. “Just yesterday we learned that two of

for their head and heart turning productions, but it was the short films

our twenty-one short films from our 2015 program have been ‘short-

that made headlines for us. Taking home festival honors for the Best

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Photo: Courtesy of Living on One

Photo: Living on One

Photo: Courtesy of Living on One

Short Film 2015 was David Darg and Bryn Mooser’s Body Team 12 featuring the death-defying front-line courage of ostracized Liberian health workers charged with removing the bodies of Ebola victims from their homes and grief-stricken families. Darg, whose acclaimed short film also made the short list for the Oscars, introduced an innovative 3-D virtual reality headset that lets viewers experience a hands-on look at the humanitarian experiences profiled in his films, putting them in the heart of the action. Festival attendees got a taste of the front line action for themselves when they donned the goggles at the awards party.

Rosa, like many indigenous Mayan women, makes fabrics, by hand, on a back strap loom. Wearable art bursting with color, the fabric is used for their traditional clothing called huipils, along with other artisan products like purses, pillows, placemats and more which they sell in local markets to help to support their families and improve their living conditions. The weave or design of each huipil can identify her individual personality and the village she is from, as well as her marital, social, wealth, and religious status. The patterns and meanings on the huipil have remained the same over the years since the ancient Maya civilization. To help support the efforts and work of artisans like Rosa around the world, Fairfield, Connecticut, native son, Ryan Westberg and friends from his college experience on Semester at Sea, set out to create a new kind of clothing brand with a simple mission: to connect people to the globe through fabric while giving back to the communities that inspire our products. Serengetee has since become one of the fastest growing clothing brands in the world, incorporating handmade fabrics from around the world on t-shirts that enable supporters to “Wear the World. Change the World” and donating a portion of the proceeds to the non profits they help to support. For more information, visit www.serengetee.com.

It reminded us of the back to the future innovations that the movie of the same name awed us with 30 years ago. Only this time it made what we were seeing not only possible but very real and attainable.

After stepping off her first plane ride to take her first steps in the United

Awarded the Audience Choice for Favorite Short Film was

States, she stood before the packed house with a poise and a presence

Living on One’s intimate short film, Rosa – These Storms, starring a

that awed the professionals. She spoke with a confidence and a pride

shy yet resilient Guatemalan woman born to poverty but destined for

that reverberated through the theater, giving credence and testimony

a better life through the educational opportunities she fought so hard

to the power of giving back to those is need.

to achieve. “This film was inspired by Rosa and all the other women

“Her heart,” she told the audience through her Mayan Families

who pursue their dreams with strength and grace despite incredible

representative / interpreter “was overflowing with all the kindness she

hardships,” explained filmmakers Hannah Gregg and Sean Leonard,

experienced by those who had helped her and by everyone who was

thrilled that their films are making an impact on the international stage.

here to greet her at the festival.” She couldn’t thank everyone enough

In spite of all the roadblocks Rosa has encountered, she is studying

for their support. She said it was important that people knew of the

be a nurse and is on track to make that dream come true with the

difficulties faced by Guatemalan women in trying to get an education

help of a scholarship through a Guatemalan non-profit called Mayan

and bettering their lives. She hoped her story would make a difference

Families, located in Panajachel.

in the lives of others. Again we felt warm tears of compassion, caring

Thanks to her supporters, the diminutive Rosa, wearing a traditional dress she made from her own hand-woven fabric and who also appeared

and pride trickle down our smiling faces as we saw how far she had come and imagined how far she would go in the future.

in the film Living on One Dollar, was on hand to personally share her

Thanks to the efforts of philanthropic filmmakers like Living on

story and gratitude with the filmmakers and the festival and brought

One and the Washington West Film Festival, story really can change

the house down with her heartfelt comments and spirited personality.

the world. Just ask Rosa.

For more information about Washington West Film Festival, visit www.wwfilmfest.com. To view films created by Living on One, including Living on One Dollar and Rosa – After the Storms, visit livingonone.org/Rosa CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Cover Story

A Raw Look at Pamela Anderson And Emma DunlAvEy To the Manor... and the Mansion... Born Written by Cindy Clarke

They look and act like sisters. Two blonde beauties, one from Canada, one from the English countryside, met in California where their shared story and book begin. Pamela Anderson needs no introduction. A best selling author, TV star, model, outspoken animal and human rights advocate and frequent guest at the Playboy mansion where she shot some 14 head-turning covers for Hugh Hefner’s magazine, Pamela’s face and figure have been idolized and immortalized ever since she was first discovered in 1989 in Vancouver.

Emma Dunlavey has until now put her talents to the task behind

the scenes. She grew up in England in the quintessential manor house before a series of happenstances brought her across the pond to work as a temporary assistant for a California photographer. A few years later, in one of those life-changing moments, she had the opportunity to serve as a make-up artist for Pamela Anderson. That’s when the stars aligned. What happened next and what evolved throughout their 20+-year relationship is documented, artfully, sensually, and fearlessly, in their collaborative new coffee table book, Raw. Published in warp speed by BenBella Books, Raw is part scrapbook, part diary, part photography book and all art, a personal journey by two very strong women who share their voice and vision on behalf of the vulnerable. The pages are revealing. Although it is comprised of candid photos of Pamela, posed, pensive and playful in different states of dress and undress, the book is not just skin deep as a first look might suggest. Each page is layered with handwritten entries from Pamela’s private journal and photos, etched with turquoise paint, taken and designed by her photographer and friend Emma Dunlavey. Not surprisingly, Pamela bares her all in Raw. “There are no secrets here. I have nothing to hide. I have always been an open book,” she tells me when I ask if her celebrity has made her keep some thoughts

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Pamela is no stranger to being on the front lines, a characteristic she honors in those who put themselves out there to protect human, animal and environmental rights. For her it’s a daily calling.

and feelings off limits from the public, in essence guarding her vulner-

trafficking or petitioning Russia to stop harmful practices that are

ability. By vulnerability, I explain, I mean showing your true self without

threatening endangered whales, she is determined to share the atten-

fear of failure or reprisal, of being who you are honestly, intimately

tion she gets with the organizations who stand to benefit by it the most.

and wholeheartedly, of feeling worthy of making a connection and

In 2014, she founded the Pamela Anderson Foundation (PAF) to sup-

having the courage to be imperfect. “I am always me,” she said. “It’s

port and fund “organizations and individuals that stand on the front

not in me to manipulate an image,” adding that she’s been fueled

lines in the protection of human, animal and environmental rights.”

by her experiences and feels “blessed with strength and the ability

She is grateful that a portion of the proceeds from Raw is earmarked

to help others.” That in fact is what she has done all of her life and

for her philanthropic efforts.

it’s an integral part of her mission and message as a champion of the vulnerable.

Through all of her work and appearances, she hopes to inspire others “to give back. To consider the planet and all its inhab-

Pamela is no stranger to being on the front lines, a characteristic

itants. To live selflessly, encourage art, beauty. Love relentlessly.

she honors in those who put themselves out there to protect human,

Never withhold. No bullshit. To live – what a blessing. That’s the gift.

animal and environmental rights. For her it’s a daily calling. Whether

If you live with or without, you have the greatest gift of life and that’s

she is campaigning for PETA, speaking out against poaching and rain-

our responsibility.”

forest deforestation, cleaning cages for rehabilitated birds and squirrels

Co-author, friend and photographer Emma Dunlavey concurs.

at the California Wildlife Association in her spare time, exposing human

She knows firsthand how genuine – and real – the words of her friend

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

MODEL: EMILY ROSE MADDISON AGENCY: LEXINGTON MODELS LASHES: ENLIGHTENED LASHES HAIR/MAKE UP: ERIC YIWANG

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Cover Story

MODEL: DANIELLE TAYLOR AGENCY: RICHARDS INTERNATIONAL MODELS LASHES: ENLIGHTENED LASHES HAIR MAKE UP: LAUREN TAYLOR

are. “Pamela has not only shown me the importance of taking care of others and giving back, she has been my cheerleader ever since I first met her.” Ambitious by nature and born to drive, Emma was weaned on the storied tennis courts of Wimbledon, took home blue ribbons in English equestrian events during her idyllic gentrified childhood, briefly trained MODEL: EMILY ROSE MADDISON AGENCY: LEXINGTON MODELS LASHES: ENLIGHTENED LASHES HAIR/MAKE UP: ERIC YIWANG

to be a racehorse jockey and modeled some, all before she turned 18. An unexpected turn of her family’s fortune, culminating with the loss her father’s business and later his early death, turned her world upside down. What it didn’t do was break her – or her spirit. Emma believes in the ethic of hard work, in listening for the messages, in asking for what you want, then going after it with a focused determination. “You have to keep trying until you get what you wish for,” she told Venü. It’s a credo that she has lived by and what made her friendship with one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities possible and palpable. Her unrelenting fearless determination brought Emma to the United States on a wing and a prayer. Acting on a casual invitation during a chance meeting with the owner of a California modeling studio, Emma packed her bags in England and landed on the woman’s door step on a Sunday afternoon in 1989. As Emma recalls, the agent was having lunch with her family when Emma arrived and was rather surprised to see the young English girl.

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MODEL: EMILY ROSE MADDISON AGENCY: LEXINGTON MODELS LASHES: ENLIGHTENED LASHES HAIR/MAKE UP: ERIC YIWANG

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Cover Story

MODEL: SARAH DeANNA AGENCY: LA MODELS

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“Pamela would contact me from time to time to ask if I would do her hair and make up,” Emma said, always thrilled by the opportunity. In the meantime, Emma learned and excelled at photography, soon striking out on her own.

“I told her that I had written her a letter explaining that I was

Her make up looked great after Emma “got her hands on her”

coming to the US to take her up on her offer of a job. I was a bit

and Pamela soon asked her to accompany her to New York and

confused by her reaction, as I don’t believe she had really expected

other places as her personal make-up artist.

to see me at her home.”

“Pamela would contact me from time to time to ask if I would do her hair and make up,” Emma said, always thrilled by the opportunity.

Timing is everything. Emma soon stepped in to look after her new

In the meantime, Emma learned and excelled at photography, soon

boss’ horses and studio while she travelled abroad with her fam-

striking out on her own.

ily. Already familiar with modeling from her own photo shoots in

“I took some time on taking that big step of picking up a profes-

England, Emma proved a quick study – and ever ready hands-on

sional camera because I didn’t want to fail,” she told me. “But once

volunteer – in her new role. She learned about photography, assisted

I did and had my first shoot, it was one of the most exhilarating days

in shoots, interacted with models on behalf of the studio and became

of my life.” Practice made her pictures perfect, and Emma was soon

quite adept as a make-up artist. Her first meeting with Pamela came

working with models as a budding fashion photographer.

about a few years later after she enthusiastically agreed to do her make up for a shoot with another photographer she was working

“I learned how to communicate from behind the camera, channeling

with at the time.

from somewhere inside a confident voice and energy as I made an

Although shaking from a case of star-struck nerves, Emma tried

authentic connection with the models.” That connection has made

to stay calm when she first met the Baywatch star. “I had bright red

all the difference in her photography and today she finds her fire and

hair then,” said Emma “and looked rather like a volcano. My first

passion ignited through the lens of her camera.

line to her was just as bad. I said ‘gosh, I am so excited. I have been

Over the years, Pam and Emma travelled together as make-up

dying to get my hands on you!’ Then I went completely red. Pamela

artist and model for many different occasions. Emma began to bring

just laughed. She thought it was hilarious. She was so cool about it

her camera with her, snapping photos of Pamela along the way. It is

and gracious, even making a joke out of it to put me at ease.”

these random, behind the scenes photos… shot quickly, spontane-

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ously, some salaciously, all celebratory of their sisterhood... that star in their book. “We talked about the book for the last five years,” explained Emma, both of them envisioning an unfiltered scrapbook that tapped into both of their passions. Said Pamela, “I have known Emma for 20 years. There were many of those years we didn’t see each other. Emma is very ambitious. She has taken photos of me while she was with me doing my make up as well as shooting bigger glossy jobs. I really like her photography. She is a naturally talented photographer. And I thought this would showcase her in a way that might help her career. I’ve always encouraged her to do her art. I could tell from her artwork that I’ve seen here and there that she is more than meets the eye. I encouraged her to be brave and not limit herself because of her circumstances or to live a lie. I encouraged her to become her art and not wait any longer.” Encouraging others to be all they can be has become Pamela’s legacy. I asked her what was the one take away, one message she hoped to impart through her book and ultimately her life. “I think it’s to give each other a break. Not to hold each other to some unattainable ideal. Stop pretending to be someone else. Wrap your arms and legs around the imperfect. That’s sexy. Being real and committed. And trustworthy. It’s everything.”

British-born and based in Los Angeles, Emma Dunlavey is an international photographer and artist well known for her fashion, celebrity and advertising photography. Her work has been published in leading consumer publications worldwide… Vanity Fair Spain, and SModa Magazine among others… and includes high profile advertising and editorial campaigns for a wide range of industry leading clients including Ford Motor

She lives the legacy she hopes to be remembered by.

Company. The secret to her success as a professional

“That I did my best to make the world better. That I took action.

photographer is her innate ability to not only click the

That I lived honestly.”

camera for the perfect picture, but to click with people

You’ll find more of Pamela’s thoughts and views inside the book,

she is photographing. She connects with her models

each complemented by Emma’s “fly-on-the-wall, ninja-style pho-

emotionally and intuitively, capturing moments in time

tography,” beginning with the heartfelt foreword written by fashion

that illuminate both mood and movement. Her photo

photographer Raphael Mazzucco, who, coincidentally also appeared

art communicates feelings, expresses sensitivity and

on the cover of Venü Magazine’s 25 issue in September of 2014. th

Not only is he a dear friend of Pamela’s – “I love him. He is a beautiful dreamer – a talent like on other. The foreword he wrote for us was very moving, He encourages anything beautiful. He does not judge” – Raphael has been a huge influence on Emma whose painted commentary reflects his photo-finishing techniques and enhance the art-full photos of Pamela in the book. “He has inspired me to become more expressive with my work,”

celebrates beauty. She finds inspiration in the details and believes in those unexpected synchronicities that enrich experiences meant to be. Her camera work includes photo-finishing techniques that layer art with imagery; she blends resins with mixed media, often incorporating three-dimensional objects into the piece to elevate it with striking visual and tactile elements. Painted photos that evoke a poetic essence and give a voice to her inherent spiritual connection to the universe, Emma’s

Emma shared, adding that her photography, morphing of late into

work continues to evolve with her creative vision, making

larger-than-life pieces that include three dimensional objects such as

her Venü’s choice for an artist to watch!

blue butterflies and individually placed feathers that became a huge pair of wings… like a fallen angel… one of Emma’s visions. Her pieces have become more spiritual with every new image.

All of the photographs featured in this article are original images and works of art by Emma Dunlavey.

Of his two friends, Raphael writes, “Pamela is a beautiful soul with an amazing mind. She has the depth, mystery, beauty and everything one truly desires. On every organic level. The ability to become completely raw… Emma’s photographs give you a serene feeling to rise above the many challenges we face in the real world. Her effortless visual ability allows the reader to dream and only want to feel the beauty… When true artists like Emma and Pamela integrate, the magic blossoms.”

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Philanthropy

Clockwise from top left: Miss USA Olivia Jordan, Brooke Shields and Sara Herbert-Galloway, Peter Thomas Roth and sons, Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Thomas with daughter Carmen Gabriela, Jonathan Cheban

Celebrities in the Hamptons Sited at Garage Sale Written by Sara Herbert-Galloway Photographs by STEVE MACK/S.D.MACK PICTURES

uper Saturday aka The Rolls Royce of Garage Sales, Donna Karan’s brain-child to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) took place for the 18th year in the Hampton hamlet of Water Mill, N.Y. this summer. Celebrities from film, fashion and philanthropy came to support the charity, shop and have fun while enjoying a multitude of festivities. I was particularly glad to catch up with Brooke Shields who was enjoying the bargains and chatting with Alec Baldwin and his lovely wife Hilaria Thomas. It’s always nice to see celebrities who are usually in the limelight be able to relax, shop and enjoy themselves. Super Saturday provides just that atmosphere with a large air conditioned private tent with a beautiful luncheon where guests can rest in privacy. Outside the private luncheon tent, is another huge open air tent with all of the designer wares at discount prices. In fact, the prices gradually go down as the day progresses. Many bargain hunters show up at the last minute to pick off amazing pieces with the price slashed below wholesale. Some VIP’s spotted on the red carpet and shopping were Fern Mallis, Kelly Klein, Gayle King, June Ambrose, Alec & Hilaria Baldwin, Dennis Basso, Joy Behar, Jonathan Cheban, Mark Feuerstein, Judith and Rudy Giuliani, Miss USA Olivia Jordan, Valisia LeKae, Cathy Moriarty, Kelly Rutherford and kids, Beth Shak, Rebecca Minkoff, Brooke Shields, Molly Sims, Jordana Spiro, Kristen Taekman, Aida Turturro, Joe Zee and Rachel Zoe, Shoshanna Loenstein Gruss, Caroline Hirsch, June Ambrose and children, Peter 66

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Thomas Roth and family and many others. I was welcomed by waitresses holding trays of cold FIJI water bottles complete with straws after walking through the beautiful field at Nova’s Ark. As I sipped my water a young girl asked me if I would like a floral crown. This was an offer I could not turn down, she escorted me to a small tent to have a floral crown fitted to my head as I chose from a selection of beautiful flowers by B Floral. Guests were made to feel welcomed and special the minute they walked in. The tent this year, seemed larger than ever complete with a huge stage forQVC to film live. OCRF and QVC united once again for “QVC Presents Super Saturday Live,” to broadcast on-site and offer viewers nationwide the chance to purchase premier fashion, beauty, jewelry, accessories and home items for half the suggested. There was something at Super Saturday to entertain everyone including a kids carnival and activities such as a Hasbro interactive tent and Micro Kickboard obstacle course, a luxury raffle and gourmet treats. I must admit that once I saw Sant Ambroeus delicious spread of desserts that it was time to go off my diet. The catering and food selection was impeccable. The most anticipated element of Super Saturday was the fashion garage sale, that featured discounted merchandise from nearly 150 prominent participants including: Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Vince, Alexis Bittar, Bonpoint, Henri Bendel, Milly, Theory, Elie Tahari, alice + olivia, Scoop NYC, Vilebrequin, Kiehl’s Since 1851, L’AGENCE, Shoshanna and Zimmerman. For the eighth consecutive year, the “Designers

A to Zoe” booth by Rachel Zoe featured a compilation of pieces from her favorite luxury designers including DSQUARED2, Giambattista Valli, Prabal Gurung, Jenni Kayne, Calvin Klein and Stella McCartney Kids, Zac Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs. Guests were kept looking glamorous by having manicures at Alex and Ani Charity by Designs tent, beauty touch-ups by Tre’StiQue, Caresshand treatments, even Brancoff Estate’s Flight Song had a wine bar and massage parlor. Some ladies chose to visit Priv’s Braid Bar for a new look. I wanted to do everything but just couldn’t. I managed to make some nice purchases, enjoy amazing food and beverages and schmooze with friends, many of whom are celebrities. Ironically, the longest line seemed to be at Betsy Wahmann’s Psychic Bar, I wondered what attendees could be asking about. What could be more important than shopping? I asked a couple of guests who wanted to remain anonymous, one lady said that she was asking the psychic if her boyfriend was cheating on her, another wanted to know if she would meet the man of her dreams this weekend. As I was leaving, I had the pleasure of being introduced to Olivia Jordan, newly crowned Miss USA. She was wearing a different crown with her sash having also received a floral headpiece as she entered Super Saturday. We enjoyed a few laughs that there were many newly crowned women at the event, floral crowns that is. All kidding aside, I can’t wait to attend next years 19th Annual Super Saturday event. For more information go to www.ocrf.org.

Photo: Rose Billings

Philanthropy

Photo: The HerbertCollerction.com

1st Row Glenn Myles and Michael Milken, Natalie Cole Joe Torrie, Ali Torrie, David Foster, Sara Herbert-Galloway and Michael Milken 2nd Row: Nathan Gunn, Bonnie Pfeifer-Evans, Isabel Leonard, Richard Kind, Larry Wohl and Leesa Rowland, Alex Adler, Michael Milken, Justin Galloway, Elaine Wynn

$4 Million Raised in The Hamptons to Benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation founded by Mike Milken Written by Sara Herbert-Galloway Photographs by Rob Rich/Societyallure.com

he Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eradicate prostate cancer, which affects one in seven men. The PCF raised a record breaking $4 million at its annual event in the Hampton’s during the Charles Evan’s PCF Pro-Am Tour August 28-30. PCF is the worlds leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research programs, therefore saving millions of lives. Michael and Lori Milken founded the PCF in 1993 and raised more that $615 million, provided funding for over 2,000 research programs at nearly 200 cancer centers and universities in 19 countries. All funds raised throughout the weekend went toward supporting groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research. In 1988, Charles Evans founded the Charles Evans Foundation to carry on his wide range of interests in charitable giving. Bonnie Pfeifer-Evans, Charles Evans widow teamed up with Mike Milken several years ago. The Charles Evans PCF Pro Am Tennis Tour consists of four weekendlong events combining tennis, philanthropy and education. The events take place at peak season each year in Indian Wells, CA, Westchester, NY, the Hampton’s and Palm Beach, FL. The

primary goals are to raise awareness and funds. The combined effort of both Foundations has raised over $12.5 million in over 13 years. The elegant gala evening at the Parrish Art Museum was a celebration featuring cocktails, dining and performances by Natalie Cole and David Foster. Special guests included American Idol Winner, Ruben Studdard. Many guests had already hosted or participated in tennis matches with pros throughout the day. The evening gave them the chance to enjoy a bit more of a formal, but fun, time. Natalie Cole performed several songs. The crowd burst into applause when she performed her version of “Unforgettable,” the Grammy award-winning duet she created with her father, Legendary Singer Nat King Cole, in 1991. “Unforgettable” was also the first song she pr duced with David Foster. Foster kept the crowd excited and dancing in their seats as he invited Emily West, Forte, Nathan Gunn, Shelea Frazier, and musical friends from America’s Got Talent, to join him on stage. Notable attendees to the gala included: Founders Michael & Lori Milken, Hosts Jim Coleman & Cynthia Ott, Bob & Deanna Adler,

Seth & Marie Bernstein, Jeff & Mei Sze Greene, Mitchell Modell, Glenn & Jennifer Myles, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans (Host; Chair, Charles Evans Foundation), Stewart Rahr, Artie & Selma Rabin, Dean Palin, Dr. Joel Pashcow, Leon & Leeza Wagner. Guests included John Paulson, Joe Torre, Jason Binn, Frank Luntz, Richard Kind, Former New York Governor David Patterson, Dr. Jonathan Simons (CEO, PCF), Larry Leeds, Jerry Cohen, Brian Reynolds, Chris Oberbeck, Don Marron, Barry Sternlicht, Elaine Wynn, Neal Sroka, and Lee Fryd. The weekend-long event began with a cocktail party on Friday evening. On Saturday, thefirst three rounds of the Pro-Am took place on private courts at estates throughout the Hamptons, followed by a private luncheon. That afternoon, Michael Milken led a discussion on “The End of Cancer and Other Life-threatening Diseases” at the Villa Maria in Water Mill. Saturday’s events culminated at the gala featured in this story. On Sunday, guests enjoyed lunch and the final rounds of the Pro-Am at Shinnecock Tennis Club in Southampton, N.Y. An award ceremony concluded the weekend-long event that afternoon. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PULSE:

Music

Crosseyed Heart Richards presents an eclectic mix of rock and roll, reggae, folk and blues music with the calm, steady hand of an experienced pilot navigating a storm By Peter Fox

Keith Richards has a well documented reputation for saying exactly what’s on his mind. In previous years, he’s been quoted as referring to eighties pop-star George Michael as “a wimp in disguise. Shave and go home... “ Gloria Estefan as “ a Holiday Inn lounge-act who got lucky.” The list goes on... In recent months, he has come out with very harsh observations on Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead and Metallica, as well as hiphop artists and more. Not even the Beatles were spared his wrath. At first glance, it would appear that Richards was lashing out in a desperate attempt to boost sales of his first album in over 20 years, Crosseyed Heart (Republic Records). But as it turns out, Crosseyed Heart delivers an argument to support every one of his observations in the stripped-down, no-nonsense manner which has become his signature. As with his two previous solo efforts, Richards presents an eclectic mix of rock and roll, reggae, folk and blues music with the calm, steady hand of an experienced pilot navigating a storm. Begun over twenty years ago as a weekend project with dependable X-Pensive Winos drummer and songwriter Steve Jordan , the songs were built over a two decades-long process. The first songs were born in a Manhattan studio, and then the remaining Winos band members reconvened with Richards and Jordan between several Rolling Stones albums and tours. The entire recording process existed only as a rumor for almost the entire period; titillating the devoted army of Keith fans with hopes of a new album or perhaps, a tour. The project was only made official in June of 2015, while the Stones were still on the road. As with both of Richards’ previous albums, there are always two questions that come with the release of a new Winos project: “Can he still do this? “ And, “Will there be a tour?” The answer to the later question remains sketchy (Rumors abound as to the state of Richard’s health). But the answer to the first question is an overwhelming Yes. After the long wait, most aficionados of Richards’ solo work will find that this collection of songs, as a whole, do lack the energy found on Talk is Cheap and Main Offender. But on the second pass, I was struck by the fact that the work comments on Keith’s evolution as a musician and poet, as opposed to an effort to maintain and reproduce sounds from yesteryear. Unapologetically, he leads us down several new paths, as well as some older ones. On the title song which opens the album, Keith and his folk guitar gently opens the door just a crack 68

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

without further accompaniment. Clocking in at just under two minutes, this Delta blues number casually invites you in, and then unexpectedly halts; Keith’s voice abruptly tells us at the end of the song, “That’s all I’ve got.” The joke is pleasantly on us, because he’s just getting warmed up. Heartstopper comes next and will be most appreciated by die-hard Keith fans. The song sounds much more like something that could have been included as the obligatory Keith addition to a Stones album; perhaps Bridges to Babylon. “She’s a vegetarian. I like my meat.” The most hard-driving song on the album, Trouble, is where Keith and the Winos truly flex their muscles and prove to the world that even at this late stage of the game-if such a term could ever be applied to any member of the Rolling Stones-that he is still the leader of the tough guys, standing on top of the hill, daring you to try and dislodge him. It’s during this song that one envisions how an upcoming live show might look and sound. Jordan’s dependable drum beat is as close as anyone can come to duplicating Charlie Watts, and never disappoints. Just as the second stanza prepares us for what comes next, Richards crashes in with a scorching solo as if to tell us that he still wields one of the mightiest axes in rock and roll, even if he doesn’t pull it out quite as frequently. Robbed Blind is a country-ode to infidelity and reasserts Richard’s command of any genre that he choses to explore. Again, while the total experience of the album is not as supercharged as his previous solo efforts, the prowess of the band is found in the details. “The cops y’know, I can’t involve them. They’d only interfere. So I hit the usual suspects. but I drew a blank ‘round here.” Heartfelt, powerful lyrics supported by Nashville session veterans Larry Campbell on pedal steel and Charles Hodges on piano. Nothing on Me, another rocker, cuts right open with signature Keith riffs and lyrics. “They laid it on too thick. They couldn’t make it stick.” The syncopation between Jordan and Richards, much like that between Richards and Watts; the unmistakable breaks, rests, and pauses, just long enough to heighten our anticipation before arriving back, delivers as well as anything found on Sticky Fingers or Let it Bleed. Sadly, Blues in the Morning, a straight-up rhythm and blues anthem that stands on its own, will not be remembered for its homage to the golden days of the genre, but as the very last recorded performance of Stones/Winos sax player extrordinare Bobby Keys, who passed away from liver failure before the album was released.

“I’m hanging round in bars, with a lot of shooting stars. And they bore me.” From Just a Gift, by Keith Richards on Crosseyed Heart. Republic Records, 2015

Illusion, with a lovely contribution from Norah Jones, has a bluesy, jazz-club feel, reminiscent of the classic Hate it When You Leave from Richards’ Main Offender album. Again, Richards’ virtuosity and comfort level in exploring just about any genre is evident. Just a Gift, seemingly, is a look back at years on the road and recording studios. “ I’m hanging round in bars. With a lot of shooting stars. And they bore me. Nothing’s what it seems. It must all be a dream.” Near the album’s finish, a downright haunting rendition of Goodnight Irene eerily tells us that some ending is very near; its strings linger just long enough after the verse has ended. As previously noted in this column, most of us probably don’t remember much of a world without the Rolling Stones. Richards is

the unmistakable author of their sound. After listening toCrosseyed Heart, Richards’ legacy seems deeper and more mysterious than previously imagined. The question of how someone over the age of seventy can make rock and roll is rendered meaningless. The final line of the song Crosseyed Heart- “That’s all I’ve got” - is more of an ironic punchline to the joke that the aging rocker is all washed up. Crosseyed Heart offers an explanation to Richards’ ferocious criticism of his contemporaries (See the lyrics to Just a Gift). While those opinions might not be universally true, after listening to this album, it is easy to how Richards arrived at those conclusions. “That’s all I’ve got...” CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PULSE:

Stage

The Who, When and Where of W.H.A.T. “Thought-provoking programming is not just a slogan,” WHAT’s Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey George wrote in this year’s season brochure. “It is who we are.” By William Squier Julie Harris at the building site

We live in times that have shaken the foundations of the sturdiest arts institutions. And the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, is no exception. In the past decade WHAT has faced just about every challenge that a non-profit can: from dwindling funding and mounting debt to changes in leadership and debate about their artistic mission. But, happily, the theater has entered its’ thirty-first year leaner, better positioned to serve the community and recommitted to presenting adventurous theater. “Thought-provoking programming is not just a slogan,” WHAT’s Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey George wrote in this year’s season brochure. “It is who we are.”

WHAT makes its’ home in a small town of about 3,000 people on the

outer part of Cape Cod. But, like many of the resort towns on the Cape, Wellfleet swells to more than six times the number of permanent inhabitants during the warm weather months from May to October. What is unique about that population, however, is its’ composition. “This area is made up of doctors, lawyers, financial investors and psychiatrists – there are a lot of them,” George explains. “There’s also a large political contingent and the wealthy folk who contribute to their campaigns.” Among the town’s notable residents have been Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Mary McCarthy, Noam

I Am a Camera

Chomsky, Anthony Perkins, Edmund Wilson and, significantly, historian Howard Zinn – for it was a suggestion from Zinn that greatly benefited the theater.

by Mamet, Ionesco, Joe Orton, Christopher Frye and David Rabe! But,

WHAT opened its doors in 1985 when a small group of theaters artists

the theater’s heady productions were paying off because they appealed

who had been performing at a nearby church lost their space and were

to the area’s abundance of academics and other intelligencia. “Anything

forced to move their operation into a waterfront commercial building. “The founders just really wanted to get together to do a show,” George

and drag shows, Wellfleetians were being treated to challenging works

that gave them cause to have a conversation with their friends was a very good piece of programming,” George says.

says. “So, they did it.” Fortunately, WHAT was in the same building as

Uncle Frank’s, a popular local diner, and it wasn’t long before the folks

home. Under Jeffrey Zinn’s leadership as Artistic Director, the theater

For the next two decades WHAT flourshed in its’ ramshackle 90-seat

who dropped by for coffee and doughnuts took notice. One of them was

added Regional Premieres by the likes of John Patrick Shanley, Paula Vogel,

Zinn, who urged this son, professional actor Jeffrey Zinn, to check it out.

Mac Wellman and Tracy Letts to its’ list of successes, along with World

By then, Jeff Zinn had appeared Off-Broadway in a play by David

Premieres by Rabe, founding playwright Gip Hoppe and even Clinton

Mamet, starred opposite Derek Jacobi in another drama and, perhaps most

era Labor Secretary, Robert Reich. “Their shows would run Wednesday

infamously, had served as John Travolta’s stand-in on the film Saturday

through Sunday,” George recalls. “And then they would do what they

Night Fever, providing the strutting feet for that movie’s famous “Stayin’

called ‘plug-ins’ on Monday and Tuesday. That allowed them to do a

Alive” opening sequence. It was 1987 when Zinn attended the first show

variety of different one-offs.” And the theater’s admirers ran from the

of WHAT’s season and found himself immediate drawn to what he saw on

Massachusetts press – at one point Boston Magazine even singled WHAT

their tiny stage. By the end of that same season, Zinn had not only joined

out as “Best Theater” in their “Best of Boston” issue, even though they

the theater’s company, but was directing the closing show, Sam Shepard’s

were well outside the city limits.

A Lie of the Mind.

What caught both of the Zinns’ attention was WHAT’s risk-taking

And it happened thanks to the actress Julie Harris. Harris had been an

approach to producing summer stock. Where most of the Cape’s standard

enthusiastic supporter of the theater’s productions from the moment that

fare consisted of what Jeffrey George sums up as full-fledged musicals

she bought a home in the neighboring town of Chatham. Beginning with

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Jeffrey George joined the WHAT family a little over 15 years ago.

their staging of Mamet’s American Buffalo is 1985, Harris could be found

allowed the theater to supplement its theatrical programming with the

sitting in the center of the first row and often remained after the perfor-

Metropolitan Opera’s live broadcasts.

mance to chat with the cast. Then, she upped the ante by contributing a

one-night performance of the play Love Letters opposite George Grizzard in

Stage – though the actress was reportedly reticent about having an entire

1991. And finally, Harris took on a role that she described as “that horrible

arts complex named after her and only relented when it was agreed

woman” when she appeared in Martin McDonaugh’s The Beauty Queen

that her name would be affixed to the stage. Though she had suffered

The new theater was dedicated in June of 2007 as the Julie Harris

a stroke and was somewhat frail, Harris couldn’t resist dropping by the Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

construction site. “There was a magical day when she came to visit,” George remembers. “She was having trouble walking and bent down. We were all concerned that something was happening to her. But, she picked up a piece of electrical conduit, clutched it in her hand and said the word ‘home.” Harris was also on hand for the theater’s dedication and surprised the standing-room-only crowd by springing from her seat, kissing the palm of her hand and slapping it on the stage deck to christen the space!

Despite a promising start, the first several years that WHAT spent in

its’ new home were challenging. After leading the theater for a quarter century, Jeffrey Zinn decided to step down as Artistic Director. A year after opening the new building, the American economy took a downturn, causing traditional funding sources to dry up and WHAT’s loyal patrons to be a bit more cautious about where they spent their disposable income. And better $2 million in outstanding mortgages needed to be repaid.

When Jeffrey George accepted the staff position of Executive

Director in 2012 he set to the task of solving those problems. But, he noticed something else: that programming at WHAT had strayed from of Leenane – a production that Jeffrey Zinn quickly slotted

the provocative fare that had been their mainstay. “The company tried

into the 2000 season after he Harris was asked if there was

a variety of different things,” George says. “Like presenting more light-

an intriguing character that she hadn’t had the opportunity

weight comedies and they floundered for awhile. I came back to try

to play. News of Harris’s appearance at WHAT caused a

and hone in on how the theater could best serve the community and

stampede at the box office, extra performances where

provide the quality of experience that our old patrons had experienced

added and Jeffrey George turned up in the audience.

down at The Harbor.”

“Being a jaded New Yorker I thought, ‘How could there

George began to make sweeping changes. The annual budget was

possibly be decent theater out here on the Cape?” George

cut by nearly $400,000. Then, he began to reach out to other non-profits

recalls, with a laugh. “Then, I went to see the show and it was the most

in the area to offer them use of the theater. “I discovered that there were

powerful thing I’d ever seen. Julie was magical!” And so George, who

a lot of people in the area that had never set foot in the building,” he

owned a vacation condo and a retail business in nearby Provincetown,

explains. “So, I thought, ‘Why don’t we just open the doors for free?”

turned up in Zinn’s office days later to offer his services as a Stage Manager.

The foot traffic those organizations brought in began to translate into

That began a relationship that eventually blossomed into his becoming

tickets sold for WHAT’s productions. He also lengthened the season,

the Executive Artistic Director.

first by establishing a relationship with a local public middle school to

George returned to WHAT in August of 2006 when he was asked

present a Spring productions, like this past season’s Around the World

by Zinn to oversee the construction of the theater’s new space: at $6.8

in 80 Days, and then experimenting with a Fall show.

million performing arts complex designed for year-round use. In years

previous, he’d been involved in a similar project in Florida. “I’d learned

to the theater’s future. So, most of the shows include ‘Playmaker Talkbacks’

It is the experience of WHAT’s patrons that Jeffrey George sees as key

about all the things it takes to make a building,” he recalls. “I guess it’s in

where the audience can discuss the piece with either the creative team

my nature – I love to figure out how things work.” The resulting theater

or an expert on the subject matter. The theater has also commissioned

maintained the intimacy of WHAT’s first home, while offering patrons 130

a play about drug abuse on Cape Cod, increased the commitment to

additional seats, a larger performing area with a fully trappable stage floor

their popular series of family shows and George is particularly proud of

and air-conditioning. “It’s a space that has almost limitless possibilities,”

WHAT’s new education program for young artists. “We drawing interns

George feels.

from across the country,” he says. “It has grown into something that’s

George’s reports that he was able to trim the construction budget

in ways that not only saved WHAT money but also led to additional

ready to explode.”

“Our byline is ‘Thought-provoking programming all year round,”

revenue opportunities. “There were elements that I took away that

George says. “That has been the guiding factor to getting WHAT back

resulted in coming in under budget by about $100,000,” he reports.

on track. When the bar gets raised you have to work even harder at get-

“I used that money to buy a really high tech projection system and a

ting a bigger, deeper, richer experience. This summer I think we began

fully motorized movie screen that covers the entire proscenium.” That

to hit our stride.” CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Film + Entertainment

Fox on Film by PETER FOX: about.me/foxonfilm

“Slow Lerners” Starring Adam Pally, Sarah Burns, Reid Scott, Catherine Reitman, Bobby Moynihan and Cecily Strong. Directed by Don Argott and Sheena Joyce. This film has not yet been rated. An IFC Pictures release. 96 minutes. (This film has not yet been rated.)

Jeff Anne Principal Miller Hallway

Rating:

very once in a while, an independent film arrives from outside of the Hollywood system and provides moviegoers with an unexpected jolt in the funny bone. Slow Learners is one of them, and is the best independently produced romanticcomedy of 2015. Raucously funny and intelligently delivered, Slow Learners was quietly produced in the toney Philadelphia suburb of Media, Pa. It is the story of two nerdy thirty-something friends, Jeff Lowry (Adam Pally) and Anne Martin (Sarah Burns) who work in a public school, and whose

mutual insecurities with dating, relationships and self-esteem reach the point to where something must be done. The laughs come charging out of the gate in the film’s opening sequence while Jeff is on one of the most awkward blind dates I’ve ever seen on film. His cringe-inducing nerdyness is expertly served up by Pally. As the disastrous lunch stumbles along, Jeff asks his date: “What is it about me that makes you not want to sit here?” She answers: “Honestly? Like everything. Its like you’re smelling something that doesn’t smell good.

Like you don’t have any bones under your body at all, you’re just sort of like an old baby.” Meanwhile, Anne, at

her doctor’s office, responds to a question as to whether she is abstinent, or not: “No. It’s much more like...Oh gosh...is it March already?” Shortly after finishing up the final day of the school year, the pair commiserate and decide that immediate action is necessary. They mutually declare that their summer vacation’s mission will be to makeover just about every aspect of their identities. Says Jeff: “I want to be a guy that no matter where they are, there’s a possibility that they could have sex in a bathroom. Anne replies: “That’s so cool! Sex in the bathroom people. I want to do this. How is it done? Their summer begins; and so does the belly laughter. The pair huddle separately with their friends. Jeff meets with his book club buddies, the hunky, but affable Max (Reid Scott), the chubby and wide-eyed Lenny (Bobby Moynihan) and nerdy Dan (Gil Ozeri). Though we can see where we are headed fairly early on, the ride is still well worth it, as each scene of the film stands on its own;

Jeff Anne Party

All photos courtesy of Chase Bowman, BBCG Films, LLC 72

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

each one delivered with the energy, tone and tension of a well-delivered Saturday Night Live skit. At the local bar, Anne meets with her best friend and mentor, Julia (Catherine Reitman) who fills her in on

will happen to Jeff and Anne along the way? As they rack up one night stands, barroom brawls and impromptu strip-tease dances over the summer break, their attraction to one another begins to grow. But, what to do then?

America) seemingly knew when to allow the actors to run here and there, but without losing control of the story. The couple have produced a significant number of documentary films; Slow Learners is their first narrative feature.

Jeff Anne Cursing in Car

the ins and outs of dating and relationships-as well as vaginal exercizes- over drinks. Sporting new hairdos, leather clothing and their newfound obsession with sex and booze, (no drugs; this isn’t that kind of movie) the newly made-over, and now totally unbridled pair set out to conquer their mutual insecurities, come hell or high water. Again, the entertainment value of Slow Learners is found not by exploring how the story ends, but what

Is it possible for them to turn back, give up their new identities and become a couple, and if so, then why? Ultimately, the film explores those questions with humor, economy and stellar performances from this expertlycasted and directed group of actors. Veteran casting director Allison Jones (a 2 time Emmywinner whose credits include The 40 Year Old Virgin, Stepbrothers and Bridesmaids as well as television shows including Freaks and Geeks, and The Office), brought the screenplay to the attention of top agents, and the project quickly gained momentum. Said Producer Tiehel-Stedman: “Really, she is how we were able to attract known actors and once we had Sarah Burns and then Adam Pally on board, all of the rest were very interested.” Co-Directors Dan Argott and Sheena Joyce (Rock School, The Art of the Steal, The Atomic States of

The filmmakers squeezed maximum value out of the production’s locale, which resembles a well constructed Hollywood movie set. Producer Tammy Tiehel-Stedman is a native of the Philadelphia suburb where the film was shot. Her previous work as a Producer includes My Mother Dreams the Satan’s Disciples in New York, which garnered her an Academy Award for Best Feature Short in the year 2000. “Since all four producers and the two directors are based here in Philly, we knew from the get-go that we wanted to shoot the film here. The feeling of the script was that the main characters lived in the suburbs...that there were people for whom a night out in center city Philadelphia would be a really big deal. There were characters who felt more comfortable in their own small world. We looked at several small towns outside of Philadelphia: Ambler, West Chester, Media and ultimately,

Media won us over. Everyone there was wonderful to work with and we had incredible cooperation from location owners and the local government officials.” The advantages of making the film in their own backyard were obvious, right from the start. “People there (in Media) aren’t jaded by the presence of a film crew like I had experienced in LA, and the enthusiasm the townspeople brought to the project was contagious. We housed the actors at a hotel not far from Media, we were offered a free production office there and even found free space for our production designer to work. Also, the quaint town became like a “character” in the film. Actor Peter Grosz (who plays the doctor in the opening sequence) arrived from New York very early one Sunday morning to shoot his scene and when he stepped out onto the street and looked around, he said, “This town is so cute it looks like a set”. When asked how the production was able to attract known actors such as Pally, Burns, Moynihan and Strong, Tiehel-Stedman replied: “Getting that first known actor on board gives a project (especially one being done outside of NY and LA) a real sense of legitimacy. Also, it’s amazing how once you have that first person “into the pool”, others are more likely to commit. Or, I should say, that agents and managers of other actors are more likely to encourage their clients to take a look.” Despite its indie-budget, Slow Learners is a smart looking, fun movie that delivers big-budget laughs. See this one. (Available OnDemand).

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

DECORATIVE ARTS

On The Block:

Cycle Fest. Slice of Italian. Shine On. by Matthew Sturtevant

Cycle Fest Bonhams London motorcycle department enjoyed an incredible two-day Stafford Sale, grossing more than $5.5 million, the highest figure ever achieved for a European and UK motorcycle auction. The hotly-anticipated single-owner Lonati Collection achieved excellent figures on day one of the sale, with 91% sold, and a new world record set for an Indian Four, as the 1930 Indian Model 402 Four Motorcycle Combination smashed its pre-sale estimate, soaring to $149,395. Another amazing 1934 Indian Sport Scout 750cc owned previously by Steve McQueen, an avid motorcycle enthusiast sold for $92,296 Great British marque Brough Superior led day two of Stafford, with a duo of Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport projects selling well, with the 1926 model sold for $363,476., and the 1927 model sold for $399,054.

Slice of Italian Sotheby’s London Italian Art sale realised $62,534,788 - just shy of Sotheby’s $63,762,000 recordbreaking Italian sale last year. Over 80% of The Italian Sale had never been offered at auction

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

before 78% sold by lot 15 years after Sotheby’s introduced dedicated sales of 20th century Italian Art in 1999, auction sales have grown eight-fold from $8.4 m. The evening was led by

Fontana’s La Fine di Dio which sold for $24.7m / (est. $23-30m) establishing a new auction record for the artist (previous record: £13.1m / $20.9m, set in November 2013). 10 years ago, Fontana’s record stood at just $2.3m. La Fine di Dio was last exhibited over 30 years ago and the work had never been offered at auction before adding to the excitement surrounding the piece. This was one of 10 works by Fontana sold by Sotheby’s that night. All the ingredients for a successful sale.Quick-fire bids from seven collectors drove the golden Concetto Spaziale, Attese (1963-4) from the collection of Japanese artist Yoshihara Jiro (founder of the avant-garde Gutai group) to nearly $1.5 million (est. $300,000-500,000)

Shine on On September 16, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers conducted a single-owner auction of Important Jewelry from the Estate of Rita Dee Hassenfeld. International dealers, collectors and institutions took note early on, many traveling to Chicago to view the impressive collection. Preview events in Chicago and New York showcased the sale, presenting highlights of signed pieces from designers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Belperron, David Webb, Harry Winston and Seaman Schepps. The collection of 250 lots outperformed presale estimates, with sales totaling $3.5 million. Stealing the show was an extremely sought after Art Deco platinum, emerald, diamond, onyx and enamel lapel watch / necklace by Cartier. Signed E.W.&C. Co., it sold for $473,000, tripling its presale estimate of $100,000 150,000.

Photographs: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2015

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Gallery + Museum GUIDE

CT Bridgeport

City Lights Gallery 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport Tel: 203.334.7748 Web: citylightsgallery.org Hours: Wed - Fri 11:30am-5pm; Sat 12- 4pm, or by appointment City Lights Gallery presents local, regional and emerging artists to Bridgeport and its visitors. The gallery hosts various community-based exhibits and events such as: Artists’ Receptions, Arts/crafts classes, Open Studio Workshop, Lunch Time Art Demonstrations, Movie Night Series, Concerts and Music, Private and Corporate Rentals. _______________________________________ Housatonic Museum of Art 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport Tel: 203.332.5052 Web: hctc.commnet.edu/artmuseum Hours: Sept-May, Mon - Fri 8:30am-5:30pm; Thurs until 7pm, Sat 9 - 3 pm The Museum has one of the most significant collections of any two-year college in the country and includes works by master artists such as Rodin, Picasso, Matisse, Miro and Chagall. Both art enthusiasts and casual observers have the rare opportunity to engage daily with original works of art and artifacts on continuous display throughout the College and campus grounds. The Museum also presents lectures, programs and changing exhibitions in the Burt Chernow Galleries for our students and the community at large, serving as a rich cultural resource for the Greater Bridgeport area. _______________________________________ Schelfhaudt Gallery University of Bridgeport 84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport 203-576-4696 The Schelfhaudt Gallery at the University of Bridgeport produces a varied and eclectic number of shows each academic year. Exhibits include works from students, alumni, local, regional and nationally known artists and associations such as the New York Type Directors. The Schelfhaudt Gallery is also host to the Innovators Entrepreneurs events, film screenings and multiple symposiums.

ESSEX Cooper & Smith Gallery 10 Main Street Tel: 860-581-8526 www.coopersmithgallery.com Hours: Wed-Fri, 12–5; Sat-Sun, 11–5 Fine art on a grand scale. Nov: Natural Impressions, James Coe. Reception, Dec 5: Color Forms, Judith Pond Kudlow, 4:30-7:30.

Fairfield Art/Place Gallery 70 Sanford St Tel: 646-258-6912 or 203-374-9720 Web: www.artplacegallery.com Hours: Thur-Sat 12 - 4pm & Sun 2 - 5 PM Art/Place Gallery celebrates over 30 years as a not-for-profit artist run gallery, located in the center of downtown Fairfield, Connecticut. The Bellarmine Museum of Art Fairfield University, Bellarmine Hall Tel: 203-254-4046 www.fairfield.edu/museum Hair in the Classical World Now through Dec. 18, 2015 Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery Fairfield University, Quick Center for the Arts Tel: 203-254-4062 Web: fairfield.edu/walshgallery DANCE: Marc Mellon • Jane Sutherland • Philip Trager Now through Jan. 21, 2016 Hours: Mon - Fri 11-4pm Fairfield University 1073 N. Benson Road _______________________________________ The Fairfield Museum + History Center Explore the Past, Imagine the Future 370 Beach Road, Fairfield Tel: 203.259.1598 Fax: 203.255.2716 Web: fairfieldhistory.org Hours: Open daily 10am - 4pm _______________________________________ Southport Galleries 330 Pequot Avenue Tel: 203.292.6124 Web: southportgalleries.com Presenting a selection of enduring American Masters and Contemporary artists, we invite new clients and seasoned connoisseurs to explore the values of fine art collecting. _____________________________________

Greenwich Bruce Museum 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich Tel: 203.869.0376 Web: brucemuseum.org Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5pm Sun 1-5pm _______________________________________

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A regionally based, world-class institution

highlighting art, science and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences that encompass regional to global perspectives. _______________________________________ C. Parker Gallery 17 E Putnam Ave Tel: 203-253-0934 Web: www.cparkergallery.com Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5:30pm, Sun 11-5pm Over the last decade, C. Parker Gallery has cultivated an impressive array of original works created by highly collectible and distinguished artists. The gallery’s extensive collection ranges from 19th century masters to rising stars who have exhibited in major salons, museums and galleries around the world. _______________________________________ Flinn Gallery Greenwich Library, 2nd Floor 101 W. Putnam Avenue Web: flynngallery.com Tel: 203.622.7947 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Thur 10am-8pm Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm The Flinn Gallery is a non-profit, education oriented exhibition space that presents art in all mediums from a wide range of periods, visions and techniques. _______________________________________ Michael Florio Gallery 135 Mason Street, Greenwich Tel: 203-858-5743 Web: michaelflorio.com Hours: Mon-Fri by chance or appointment Michael Florio Gallery brings thirty years of expertise to collectors of emerging artists, contemporary art, investment grade marine art, and rare curiosities. The gallery hosts regularly scheduled artist receptions and works closely with major collectors and museums in helping build their collections and acquiring precious objects of great historical value. Located in downtown Greenwich with free and easy parking.

Gallery + Museum GUIDE

F e atur e d G all e ri e s , M us e ums & C r e ati v e S e r v ic e s

150 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor Providence, RI | 401 641 5182 See website for current exhibit

ArtProvidence.com

WED-FRI 11am-2pm & by appointment Showing at SPECTRUM Miami Dec. 2-6

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Gallery + Museum GUIDE

MADISON

The Gallery is free and open to the public.

Susan Powell Fine Art 679 Boston Post Road Tel: 203.318-0616 Web: susanpowellfineart.com Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-5pm Sun: Anytime by appointment

Norwalk

The gallery specializes in Contemporary Realism, and Impressionism, with monthly exhibitions featuring nationally-known and emerging artists.

New Canaan Handwright Gallery & Framing 93 Main Street, New Canaan Tel: 203.966.7660 Fax: 203.966.7663 Web: handwrightgallery.com Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5:30pm Handwright Gallery & Framing provides a full range of framing and installation services for the Fairfield County area. The gallery offers original paintings including watercolors, oils, and pastels along with sculpture from traditional to contemporary. Our gallery represents emerging and award-winning regional artists. _______________________________________ Silvermine Arts Center 1037 Silvermine Road New Canaan, CT 06840 Tel: 203.966.9700 Web: silvermineart.org Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm Extended Gift Shop: Nov 8- Dec 23

New Haven Fred Giampietro 1064 Chapel Street New Haven, CT 06510 Tel: 203.777.7760 Web: giampietrogallery.com Hours: Mon-Sat 11-6pm, or by appointment _____________________________________ Reynolds Fine Art 96 Orange Street, 9th Square New Haven, Connecticut 06510 Tel: 203.498.2200 Web: info@reynoldsfineart.com Hours: Tues-Thurs – 11-5pm, Fri – 11-6pm, Sat – 11-5pm Reynolds Fine Art is part of the vibrant arts community in New Haven, Connecticut. The mission of Reynolds Fine Art is to promote contemporary art by emerging and established artists. _____________________________________ Yale Center for British Art 1080 Chapel Street Tel: 203-432-2800 Web: britishart.yale.edu Temporarily closed for building conservation . REOPENING SPRING 2016 ______________________________________ Yale University Art Gallery 1111 Chapel Street (at York Street) Tel: 203-432-0600 Web: artgallery.yale.edu Hours: Tue-Fri 10am–5pm Thu (Sept–June) 10am–8:00pm Sat–Sun 11am–5pm

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Center for Contemporary Printmaking 299 West Avenue, Mathews Park Norwalk, CT 06850 Tel: 203.899.7999 Web: contemprints.org Hours: Tue-Sun 9- 5pm Serving the tri-state area for twenty years, CCP is a non-profit gallery and world-class printmaking studio. The art of printmaking can be explored through workshops, edition printing with master printers, exhibitions, community programs, and an Artist-in-Residence Program. _______________________________________ Leclerc Contemporary At Fairfield Co. Antique and Design Ctr. 19 Willard Road, Norwalk, CT 06851 Tel: 203.826.8575 Web: leclerccontemporary.com Hours: Mon - Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 and by appointment. Brand new upscale contemporary art gallery located just off Westport Avenue. Featuring new art exhibits every 6 weeks.

Stamford Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery 96 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT Tel: 888-861-6791 Web: flalvarezgallery.com Hours: Mon by appt. Tue-Sat 10am-6pm Sun closed The Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery was founded by contemporary artist Fernando Luis Alvarez with the goal of providing other artists with what he always yearned for from a gallery, yet which he never received. _______________________________________ Franklin Street Works 41 Franklin St, Stamford, CT Tel: 203-595-5211 Web: franklinstreetworks.org Hours: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 12 -5:00pm Thurs: 12-7pm Franklin Street Works is a new, not-for-profit contemporary art space, café, and social gathering place in Stamford, Connecticut. It produces original on-site and off-site exhibitions, artist projects, and related programming. Located in renovated row houses on Franklin Street, the two-story space includes three galleries and a café.

Old Lyme Chauncey Stillman Gallery Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts 84 Lyme Street, Old Lyme Tel: 860.434.5232 Fax: 860.434.8725 Web: lymeacademy.edu Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4pm Exhibitions, free and open to the public, include a broad spectrum of professional, student and alumni artwork throughout the year. _______________________________________

The Cooley Gallery 25 Lyme Street Old Lyme, CT Tel: 860-434-8807 Web: cooleygallery.com Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm _______________________________________ Diane Birdsall Gallery 16 Lyme Street, Old Lyme 860 434 3209 Web: dianebirdsallgallery.com Hours: Wed-Sat: 12-6 pm Sun: 1-4 pm _______________________________________ Florence Griswold Museum 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme Tel: 860.434.5542 For hours, admission, special events visit: FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org “Home of American Impressionism.” Historic boardinghouse of the Lyme Art Colony, modern gallery with changing exhibitions. Gardens and grounds to enjoy.

Ridgefield The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 258 Main Street Tel: 203.438.4519 Web: aldrichart.org Hours: Tue-Sun 12-5pm The Aldrich is dedicated to fostering innovative artists whose ideas and interpretations of the world around us serve as a platform to encourage creative thinking. The Aldrich, which served an audience of over 37,700 in 2011, is one of the few independent, non-collecting contemporary art museums in the United States, and the only museum in Connecticut devoted to contemporary art. _______________________________________ Ridgefield Guild of Artists 93 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield Tel: 203.438.8863 Web: rgoa.com Email: rgoa@sbcglobal.net Hours: Wed-Sun 12-4pm For a complete calendar of events and offerings, please visit our web site at rgoa.org. _______________________________________ Watershed Gallery 23 Governor Street, Ridgefield Tel: 203.438.44387 Web: watershedgallery.com Hours: Tue-Fri 11-6; Sat 11-5; Sun 1-5 _______________________________________

Gallery + Museum GUIDE

F e atur e d G all e ri e s , M us e ums & C r e ati v e S e r v ic e s

HANDWRIGHT GALLERY & FRAMING

Small Works Show November 5 - January 2, 2016

93 Main Street, New Canaan CT • 203-966-7660 • handwrightgallery.com

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Gallery + Museum GUIDE

Westport

Amy Simon Fine Art 1869 Post Road East, Westport Tel: 203.259.1500 Fax: 203.259.1501 Web: amysimonfineart.com Hours: Tue-Sat 11-5:30 and by appt. Amy Simon Fine Art specializes in work by mid-career and emerging artists, contemporary blue chip editions and Asian contemporary art. The gallery’s inventory and exhibitions reflect its eclectic interests and expertise in these areas. Amy Simon works with collectors worldwide. It is our mission to introduce clients to work that we are passionate about. _______________________________________ Picture This Custom Framing & Fine Art and Nylen Gallery 772 Post Road East, Westport Tel: 203.227.6861 Web: picturethisofwestport.com Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm Sat 10am-5pm Framing: Creative presntation and preservation solutions for every kind of art. Digital art services offred as well. _______________________________________ Westport Art Center 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport Tel: 203.222.7070 Fax: 203.222.7999 Web: westportartscenter.org Hours: Mon-Fri 10-4; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-4

NY _______________________________________

BROOKLYN

A.I.R. Gallery 111 Front Street, #228, Brooklyn, NY Tel: 212-255-6651 Web: airgallery.org Hours: Wed - Sun 11 am - 6 pm A.I.R. Gallery’s goal is to provide a professional and permanent exhibition space for women artists to present work of quality and diversity.

Castle Fitzjohns Gallery 98 Orchard Street, NY, NY Tel: 212-260-2460 Web: castlefitzjohns.com Hours: Mon-Sun 12-7pm Located in a 3,000 square foot two story locale situated in Manhattan’s Lower East Side (LES), Castle Fitzjohns Gallery represents a wide range of emerging and mid-career artists, as well as select secondary market pieces from our collection.

Larchmont Kenise Barnes Fine Art 1947 Palmer Avenue Tel: 914.834.8077 Web: kbfa.com Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5:30pm and by appointment. We are a gallery and consulting firm that represents emerging and mid-career investment-quality artists. Our program includes over thirty artists working in a variety of mediums. The gallery mounts seven exhibitions annually, and participates in art fairs in Miami, Santa Fe and New York.

Pound Ridge The Lionheart Gallery 27 Westchester Avenue Pound Ridge, New York Tel. 914-764-8689 Web: Thelionheartgallery.com Hours: Wed-Sat 11am - 5pm; Sun. 12- 5pm and by appointment.Those traveling a distance would be advised to call ahead, as the gallery is occasionally closed for private viewings with collectors. The Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge, New York is located in Northern Westchester’s Hudson River Valley on the border of Stamford and New Canaan, Connecticut. The Lionheart Galley has beautifully lush grounds with a pond and a aviary garden. Gallery Director Susan Grissom curates each exhibit from work chosen from the artists’ studio. Our hours are Wednesday thru Saturday from 11 to 5 and Sunday from 12 to 5. and by appointment. December 9th- February 29, 2016- Paintings by Betsy Podlach

Purchase Neuberger Museum of Art 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase Tel: 914.251.6100 Web: neuberger.org Hours: Tue-Sun 12-5pm; Closed Mon and Holidays. Admission: Adults $5, Students $3, Seniors (62+) $3. Westchester County’s premier museum of modern, contemporary, and African art and an integral part of Purchase College. From the mid-century American art and African art that form the core of the collection to the presentation of about ten changing exhibitions each year that range from retrospectives of the work of one artist to thematic surveys of contemporary art to newly-commissioned artist projects, we continue the commitment of founding patron Roy R. Neuberger (1903-2010) by championing the art of our time.

RYE The Rye Arts Center 51 Milton Road, Rye, NY Tel: 914-967-0700 Web: ryeartscenter.org Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 -7:00pm Sat 9:30-1:00pm _______________________________________

RI Providence

ArtProv Gallery 150 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 401.641.5182 Web: www.artprovidence.com Hours: Wed -Fri, 11am-2pm or by appointment Dec. 2-6 ArtProv Gallery will showcase its artists at Booth #104 at the Spectrum Miami Art Show in Midtown Miami

ManhattAn Agora Gallery 530 West 25th Street New York, N.Y. 10001 Tel: 212.226.4151 Web: www.agora-gallery.com Hours: Mon-Sun 12-7pm Artist, L.A. CLINE will be showing four unique work of art entitled “The Beauty of Nature Unfolds” will be in the group exhibition, from Dec. 1-22. Artist Reception Thursday Dec. 3rd 6:00-8:00 PM _______________________________________

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Cinnamon, 2015, by Daniel Koterbay, oil on canvas, 14” x 28” “Angel,” 54” x 54”, Oil and Egg Tempera on Linen

Gallery + Museum GUIDE

F e atur e d G all e ri e s , M us e ums & C r e ati v e S e r v ic e s

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Gift of Art from BNY Mellon at PAMM Corporate Luncheon

Left: Ball chairs Eilah Campbell Beavers and Ben Beavers. Right: Nicholas Lopez-Morillo, Lucy Morillo, Jorge and Marile Lopez, Armando Perez “Pitbull,” Amanda, Dr. Narendra Kini.

MCHF’s Diamond Ball: Diamonds Are Forever The Miami Children’s Health Foundation gala raised more than $3 million, including announced gifts, for the children and families of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (formerly Miami Children’s Hospital) in a Diamonds Are Forever-them ed black-tie affair that brought together more than 800 guests. Global music superstar, Miamian Armando Christian Pérez, “Pitbull,” was inducted into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame for helping children throughout the world. Past honorees include Beyoncé Knowles, Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Walt Disney. VIP guests had exclusive access to Bvlgari Privée, a showcase of unique jewels sponsored by Kaufman Rossin. Diamond Ball chair, the glamorous Eilah Campbell Beavers, wore a one-of-a-kind Bulgari diamond necklace from the Fireworks Collection, once worn by Naomi Watts. We think Eilah wore it better. www.mchf.org

The Pérez Art Museum Miami’s (PAMM) Eighth Annual Corporate Luncheon, presented by South Motors Automotive Group and Starr Events, was a who’s who of over 250 business and community leaders. It was a stellar afternoon of art, networking and outstanding cuisine by Starr. PAMM Corporate Honors were awarded to the legacy of philanthropist R. Kirk Landon with a memorial gift in his name to the museum’s education programs. Also spotlighted were three of South Florida’s top corporate collections: BNY Mellon, Greenberg Traurig and Bacardi with BNY Mellon announcing a gift to the museum’s permanent collection. www. pamm.org

Jorge Perez, Pamela Garrison, Aaron Podhurst

Julian, Maria and Andres Asion

Andrés Asion Honored at St. Jude’s “It’s All About The Kids” Gala The young professionals group dedicated to raising awareness and funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ) Miami, chaired by Jeb Bush Jr., invited the South Florida community to its eighth annual International Dermatology “It’s All About the Kids” signature event, sponsored by the Andrés Asion Foundation. The “St. Jude Stephan Gutierrez Award” was presented to Andrés Asion for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. Asion, who is VP of Sales of Fortune International Group, got involved with charities at age 16. At 40, he is one of the youngest Miamians to have personally donated over $100,000 to a local charity, setting the bar high for this generation of philanthropists. All of the evening’s proceeds benefit the children and families served by St. Jude. www.stjude.org Follow Daisy on Twitter @DaisySociety, for more on Miami society TheDaisyColumn.com

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Celebrity Chairs Luis Alfonso Borrego, Alina Mayo Azze, Maria Elena Salinas and Elizabeth Gutierrez; AFK Chairman Emeritus Jorge Plasencia, AFK Board Chairman Pedro Capo, AFK Pres./CEO Rosa Maria Plasencia

Dining and Dancing at 13th Celebrity Domino Night Nearly 1,700 supporters gathered at the Amigos For Kids (AFK) 2015 “Miami Celebrity Domino Night,” the event that’s become Miami’s most popular annual fundraiser at Jungle Island. It featured celeb domino players, the bar courtesy of presenting sponsor Bacardí U.S.A., dinner bites from South Florida’s best restaurants and dancing into the night. AFK is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. Funds from the event go to diverse services throughout our community. www.amigosforkids.org

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