VENU #37 WINTER 2017/18 by VENÜ MAGAZINE

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

Issue_

Still Life with Cake, oil on canvas, 32” x 24”

www.julieleff.com

203.434.8655

julie@julieleff.com

VILLA TOSCANA - A piece of Tuscany in Miami Beach

5940 Alton Road Miami Beach VILLA TOSCANA - A Luxurious Gated Pool Home in desirable La Gorce/N. Bay Rd Area. Exquisite and totally renovated 5/5 residence (approx 3,650 S.F) 1935 Mediterranean with private gardens, Guest House, and 2 Car Garage. This jewel features a breathtaking pool with outdoor shower, interior 2 story skylight courtyard with fountain, exposed brick and Marble Mosaic Floor details, Gourmet Kitchen, stunning interior, Travertine Marble Bathrooms, enormous Master Bedroom with 15 ft. vaulted cathedral ceiling and decorative fireplace, Large Whirlpool in Master Bath, Custom Cedar closets, Beautiful Oak Hardwood Floors on 2nd floor, etc. High end fixtures give the modern conveniences we all desire with all the charm of a Tuscan Villa.

Fluent in Italian, Spanish, Slovene,and some French and German. With over 25 years of experience in all facets of Real Estate - whether Buying, Selling, or Leasing. In all stages from Planing, Zoning, Renovation and Project Management, Interior and Exterior Design, Property Management, Contract Negotiations, Commercial, Residential, or a Sale of a Business, you can feel confident and secure that I will represent your best interests, and want to be your trusted Real Estate Advisor and Professional.

IGOR ANDREW COK Realtor - Associate 786-229-7879 Italian.IGOR@gmail.com Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1111 Lincoln Rd. PH # 805 Miami Beach, FL 33139

Like my Face Book Page: IGOR Sells! - Real Estate, Design, and Related Services

Alexander Calder, Untitled, 1956, Signed & dated lower right; 1956, Gouache & ink on paper, 22 x 30 in, Waterhouse & Dodd, New York | London

INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY + MODERN ART FAIR Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Pavilion 825 S Dixie Hwy @ Okeechobee Blvd In the heart of downtown West Palm Beach

Tickets + Event Details:

WWW.ARTPBFAIR.COM

OFFICIAL LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPONSOR

VIP PREVIEW BENEFITING

Winter Issue_37 Photo by Trevor Traynor

SPOTLIGHT 16

Investment Art vs Stocks How Do They Stack Up?

Philanthropy About the Perry J. Cohen Foundation

Astrology What’s in Store for 2018?

18 FEATURES

Cover Story Zaria Forman: The Wonder of What We Stand to Lose

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

A Q&A with Jonathan Goldsmith: The Most Interesting Man in the World

Travel Finding heaven at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya ON THE COVER Detail of Zaria Forman’s artwork, see page 52 6

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FCBUZZ Designer’s Celebrate The Arts

ArtsWestchester A Spectacle of Sculpture on View at the Katonah Museum of Art

Highlights Dianne Bernhard & Art Spirit Foundation Host Private Salon

Experience and Acquire Art from 50 International Art Galleries

Representing 200 Leading Artists

VIP PREVIEW & CELEBRATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 FAIR DAYS FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 THRU MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2018 Saratoga Springs, New York www.revealartfair.com | discover@revealartfair.com

Winter Issue_37

Highlights SeaKeepers 17th Founders

Highlights Boston International Fine Art Show

Arts Arena Playing for a Civil Society

STYLE 32

Design Designed to Delight in Naples, FL

70 WELLBEING

Water Wellbeing: Drift Dream and Float

PULSE

62 36

Stage When Broadway Comes To Main Street

Film Peter Fox reviews Denzel Washington’s latest film, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

DECORATIVE ARTS

Jewelry Anna Michielan: Jewelry Designer of a Higher Calling

Gift Guide Give the Gift of Style this Season

APPETITE 41

The Golden Palate Q&A with Fred Bollaci CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Venü Vines Celebrating 11 Years as the #1 All-American Wine Competition Venü Vines A Venü Holiday Wine Tasting Fearless Chef Pursuing Culinary Perfection with Michelin Star Chef Gabriel Kreuther

ART SPIRIT 62

The Societies Behind the Art of Pastel

YACHTING 68

Ferretti Group: A Question & Answer with Venü

On the Block A Selection of Fall Sales

VENÜGRAM 80

Featured Photograher Lisa Mikulski

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Publisher’s Letter

strictly limited engagement thru jan 28 strictly limited engagement thru jan 28 four women. four women. forty years of friendship. forty years of friendship. one afternoon afternoon thatone could end it all. that could end it all.

a new play by ® two atime newobie playwinner by ® two time obie winner

® Directed by two time obie winner ® ® & tony award nominee Directed by two time obie winner ® & tony award nominee

susan miller emily mann susan miller mann TicketCentral.com | 212-279-4200emily | 20thCenturyBlues.com

The AliceTicketCentral.com Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at|The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd St, NYC 212-279-4200 | 20thCenturyBlues.com The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd St, NYC

As we were gathering our stories for this, our last issue of 2017, we had the great fortune to

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

designer Anna Michielan shared secrets of stones blessed with healing powers and

speak with astrologer Katharine Merlin about

art experts revealed why exceptional works

what’s written in the stars for us next year.

make wise investments and are worthy of

She’s been keeping track of celestial soirées

our support. And Pamela Cohen and Nick

for some 40 years now, checking and chart-

and designs that transport us to someplace

Korniloff, brave and beautiful, showed us

ing planetary movements that influence our

happy. We remain blessed and awed by the

how to restructure adversity and unbeliev-

lives from on high with impressive accuracy

possibilities our adventures reveal.

able loss into a legacy so others could be

and acumen. And while we’ve been fans

Katharine Merlin told us that 2018 would

from afar – we knew Katharine only through

be a year of restructuring and revealing

Of course, we are big advocates on restor-

her books and long-time monthly column in

hidden secrets. We’ve already seen this in

ative journeys to help position us for future

Town & Country magazine – it wasn’t until the

the stories we’re featuring in this issue and

success, like spending time at the world-class

stars aligned somewhat serendipitously that

we’re excited to share them with you.

spas, restaurants and resorts we visited this

we connected from out of the blue.

spared tragedies in the future.

Our cover artist Zaria Forman is taking on

past year. There’s nothing quite like take

That happens frequently here at Venü. We

critical global issues through fleeting works

caring of yourself so you can be prepared to

admire a painting and bump into the artist at

of art that call attention to the urgency that

tackle any eventuality that comes your way.

a random party. We meet an old friend who

climate change is having upon some of the

We are fortunate to showcase people,

introduces us to a new friend who turns out

world’s most vulnerable regions, like the

places and passions that each offer valuable

be involved with a passion or profession we

Antarctic. Our story on the “Most Inter-

insights for a better life ahead and thank

want to learn more about. We hear about

esting Man in the World” comeback actor

each of them for allowing us into their lives.

a great new restaurant or fabulous resort

Jonathan Goldsmith illustrates the rewards of

We also want to thank you our readers for

and somehow we’re seated at the table or

self-transformation. When our global gour-

your steadfast support this year and years

on the beach with people behind the ideas

met, author and columnist Fred Bollaci met

past. Your continued belief in us portends a

that impressed us most. We discover jewelry

fearless chef Gabriel Kreuther, tastes were

great future for everybody who has partici-

that heals, art that demands our attention,

transformed and culinary excellence soared

pated in Venü!

societies that give voice to a worthy mission

to a new stratosphere. Bali-based jewelry

We wish you a happy and healthy New Year!

Tracey Thomas Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Cover Story - Pg. 48 Zaria Forman Errera Channel Antarctica, No. 2 40x60”, 2017 10

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“ONE HECK OF A FUN RIDE! Fantastic - A Winner!” - Broadway World

“Hysterical!” - LA Times

sical

A New Mu

rothy o D y b n e t Writ

Marcic

From the Soundtrack of Your Life

A high energy celebration of women featuring Top-40 songs like RESPECT, Stand by Your Man, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, These Boots are Made for Walkin’, I Will Survive, Greatest Love of All…

St Luke’s Theatre, 308 West 46th Street - Telecharge.com 212-239-6200

ForTheGirlsTheMusical.com

LANCE WOVEN LEATHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Tracey Thomas CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nichole D’Auria I Nisu Creative FEATURES EDITOR Cindy Clarke FILM & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Peter J. Fox DECORATIVE ARTS EDITOR Matthew Sturtevant MANAGING LIFESTYLE EDITOR Sandra Guibord COPY EDITORS Susan Sullivan, Marc J. Miller

LONDON PARIS

H O N G KO N G N E W YO R K

C H A R L E S TO N

LOS ANGELES

@ l a n c ewove n l e a t h e r

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susana Baker, Fred Bollaci, Annelien Bruins, Judy Chapman, Cindy Clarke, Sandra Guibord, David Green, Janet Langsem, Lisa Mikulski, William Squier, Matthew Sturtevant DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Rolise Rachel

Sara DiOrazio Watercolor and Acrylic Paintings

PUBLISHING PARTNER circle SALES Susie Earls - Design Markets, National Rolise Rachel - Hamptons, NYC ADVISORY BOARD Nona Footz 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

December 19, 2017 6-10pm The Highline Loft 508 West 26th Street New York City sdiorazio.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 quarterly 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.

Miracle on 41st Street. With hundreds of new and brokerage yachts ďŹ nely orchestrated along a one-mile esplanade of illustrious Collins Avenue, the Miami Yacht Show truly is a miracle to behold.

FEBRUARY 15-19, 2018

MiamiYachtShow.com

ART MIAMI PARTICIPATING GALLERIES

CONTEXT ART MIAMI PARTICIPATING GALLERIES

FOR TICKETS + INFORMATION:

ARTMIAMI.COM | CONTEXTARTMIAMI.COM

Enrico Castellani “Superﬁcie bianca”, 1990, acrylic on shaped canvas, 47.2 x 39.4 in (120 x 100 cm) Jerome Zodo Gallery, London

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION FOR ART BASEL, UNTITLED, NADA AND DESIGN MIAMI VIP CARDHOLDERS.

SPONSORED BY:

VIP PREVIEW BENEFITING:

EXCLUSIVELY AT

263 Riverside Ave., Westport CT, 06880 www.xpozur.gallery - info@xpozur.gallery

MEKASSO

Â© akg-images / Denise Bellon

Extraordinary moments happen on ordinary days. Every day can be extraordinary. With bulthaup

bulthaup.com

SPOTLIGHT:

Investment

The Challenges of Art Wealth Management Art vs Stocks - How Do They Stack Up? Written by Annelien Bruins

IS ART REALLY A GOOD INVESTMENT OPTION WHEN COMPARED

Do wealthy collectors buy art for pure investment purposes?

TO STOCKS AND BONDS? Maybe. For certain sophisticated inves-

In my experience, the answer is more nuanced than that. Most

tors. In certain circumstances. Investing in a painting or sculpture

collectors like yourself still buy art primarily because they love it. They

is certainly not the be-all and end-all that many art fund managers

connect with an artwork on an emotional or intellectual level, or they

claimed it to be in the earlier years of this millennium. Not surprisingly,

simply want to decorate their home with a statement piece, in the same

many of those funds are no longer around today.

way that they would enjoy owning an antique car. That said, these days

That’s not to say that a knowledgeable collector can’t do well in

investment is certainly a strong secondary motive for collectors. They

the art market. Art does have advantages when compared to other

simply want to buy smart (which means at the right time and at the right

financial assets. For a savvy collector, for example, the asymmetry of

price) with the hope that their acquisition will increase in value over

information in the art market may actually work to their advantage.

time - preferably while enjoying the art in their home.

Quality art tends to hold its value, which makes it, in principle, a good inflation hedge. And of course, unless you store it in a vault in

Changes in the art market: art as a financial tool

Geneva’s free port, a painting has the benefit of looking good above

What helps is that collecting art is easier for collectors today than it

your sofa, as opposed to a stock certificate.

was a generation ago. International art fairs and online buy and sell

But when viewed from an investment angle, art also has disadvan-

platforms make art more accessible and easier to sell. The market

tages that are often brushed over in the rush to sell a painting or to

is more transparent. Auction data is available to the general public,

push an art finance product. For example, art is highly illiquid, which

providing a collector with access to roughly 50% of price data (transac-

means that an investor may not be able to sell at the right time of the

tions through dealers and galleries, as opposed to art sold at auction,

market cycle in order to cash in on his investment. Art has exorbitant

are not recorded). This data is usually not enough to trade confidently

transaction and ownership costs. And lastly, the valuation of art is

on their own but certainly helpful in negotiations with insiders.

complex and comprises a large subjective component, commonly referred to as the ‘passion premium’. 16 16

CONTEMPORARYCULTURE//MAGAZINE CULTURE//MAGAZINE CONTEMPORARY

Additionally, the increased transparency of the art market has allowed the art finance sector to grow significantly. Provided the art

collection meets certain criteria, many private banks and specialty

What art expertise is required and how to find the right

lenders allow their clients to use art as a financial tool: as collateral

professional?

for bridge or longer term loans, for example. In certain circumstances,

For estate planning purposes, a T&E attorney with experience in

1031 exchanges (a real estate mechanism to defer capital gains tax)

handling art is indispensable for a collector. So is the right appraiser,

may be suitable for art collectors.

with expertise in the area of the market that the collector is invested in. Conservators are invaluable to collectors in order to help them

The challenge for wealth managers and private bankers

protect their art collection. Lastly, if a collector wants to acquire or

Whether art was bought for pure investment, out of passion or a

sell a piece, their wealth manager needs to refer out to a reputable

combination of both is perhaps not even that relevant for our pur-

art advisory firm.

poses. Simply by virtue of having been purchased, the art collection

The art market is not only opaque and fragmented. Professions

of many collectors is now a part of their overall portfolio, which could

nor transactions are regulated, which means that determining which

also include stocks, a private busi-ness or an investment property.

firm or expert is best suited to assist their clients is a major challenge

Even though art may not be an ideal investment asset, it certainly

for wealth managers and private bankers. It’s not always clear, for

is a financial asset. Buying, owning and selling art, for example, all

example, how art advisors and private dealers are remunerated

have the potential to generate tax consequences for a collector.

or whether an appraiser has a conflict of interest in appraising a

Increasingly therefore, collectors are asking their wealth managers

collector’s artwork (for example because they would like to have the

and private bankers for impartial ad-vice on transactions, art asset

piece on consignment further down the road).

management (which includes the administration of the collection and ar-chives), appraisals and estate planning services.

Therefore, it benefits a wealth manager to understand the basic tenets of the art market. By being informed about the issues that come up with the ownership of art, they are better able to ask the right questions on their clients’ behalf, successfully vet art service providers and refer out to the most suitable art expert for any given situation. Art Wealth Management: the new online program by Tang Art Advisory and One Art Nation In addition to educating art collectors and art advisors, One Art Nation and Tang Art Advisory have teamed up again - this time to educate wealth managers and private bankers. Available online April 2018, Art Wealth Management will dive into art as a financial asset class. We will cover the idiosyncrasies of the art market (supply-driven, unregulated, opaque) and how it compares to the financial markets. We’ll discuss the pro’s and con’s of art investment when compared to other asset classes. For example, what are the risks associated with

Opposite page: Sari Goodfriend Photography, Courtesy Fine Art Print Fair Above: Trends of the Art World from an Investment Perspective at Art New York 2016

buying and selling art? How likely is it that an artwork is a forgery? How to minimize transaction costs to avoid eroding an investor’s rate of return? How do taxes affect a collector’s investment? We will discuss concepts such as behavioral finance and investor

Art is a complex asset, which requires not just financial expertise

confidence and how they affect collectors in the art market. We will

but also a deep understanding of the idiosyncrasies of any given

also discuss drivers of value and price data. For example, auction data

artwork and of the supply-driven art market itself. A painting, for

and the price indices that can be computed from them, are making

example, does not have an intrinsic value nor does it generate an

certain categories of the art market more efficient. But how should a

income, as opposed to stocks or bonds. The drivers of value in art are

wealth manager read those numbers and how helpful are they to their

largely aesthetic, cultural and art-historical. Art values are also subject

collector clients? Other topics include estate planning, philanthropy

to fashion, speculation and the aforementioned ‘passion premium’.

and managing an art portfolio for growth. ¨

According to Deloitte’s Art & Finance report (2016), 78% of wealth managers interviewed for the report said that they believe art and

This course is an essential primer for wealth managers and

collectibles should be included as part of a wealth management offering.

private bankers who have clients with art collections. For more

However, the reality is that most wealth advisory firms and private banks

information on the Art Wealth Management Program, visit

don’t have the in-house expertise to advise their clients on art.

www.oneartnation.com/art-wealth-management. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE/ CULTURE//MAGAZINE /MAGAZINE CONTEMPORARY

17 17

SPOTLIGHT:

Philanthropy

TRAGEDY STRUCK HOME for Pamela Cohen and her husband, Nick Korniloff, in the summer of 2015 with news that every parent fears the most when they were told that their son Perry was lost at sea. On July 24, 2015, 14-year-old, Perry and his good friend Austin Stephanos were last seen aboard a 19-foot boat doing what they loved most, being out on the water, fishing and looking for marine life. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted one of the

Loss to Legacy

largest search and rescue missions (SAR) in recent history to find the

About the Perry J. Cohen Foundation

after eight days, covering 55,000 square feet of nautical miles with

boys. Two Days into the SAR Austins vessel was found capsized, and sadly neither boy was with the boat. The USCG suspended their SAR every air and sea asset available. For Pamela and Nick, the search for their son was not close to being finished. With the support of both

Written by Susana Baker

families and private funds donated by friends, the Art World and the public from around the globe the parent’s steadfast determination to find their children continued. Their search and rescue efforts eventually ceased without the ending they had so desperately hoped for and life as they knew it, changed forever. Perry was not just any ordinary child, say his parents. He was extraordinary, with an infectious laugh, a passion for marine life, animals and most of all the special relationship he shared with his family. Pamela and Nick could have chosen to grieve in isolation, and as a family privately mourn their unimaginable loss. Instead they united in strength and in the eternal presence of their son’s love and chose to honor and celebrate his life by establishing the non-profit 501©(3) Perry J. Cohen Foundation (PJCF) to carry out Perry’s legacy and support what he was most passionate about. In a private, exclusive interview with Pamela Cohen, I asked several questions about the Perry J. Cohen Foundation (PJCF), its mission and vision. The answers Pamela provided for this interview gave me such inspiration and admiration, showing how much a mother can love and how a family can move forward through the acts of kindness and programs the PJCF provides. Pamela Cohen lives her life without Perry’s physical presence, but his spirit and love are felt through the works and educational programs that touch so many children and families, with a mission to save children from disasters similar to that which befell her son. When did you decide to honor your son’s legacy with charitable endeavors? Since Perry’s disappearance, it has been the love and support of our family, friends, and community that has sustained us. In our hearts, we have remained steadfast in our belief that Perry was meant to change the world. Far from selfless, it is what keeps our spirit afloat and has truly given us the will to press forward. In our most difficult hours, the Foundation has been a rock that has provided purpose, direction,

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

and meaning. We have worked tirelessly to

Perry was accepted into and was to start this

honor Perry by having the foundation’s core

program, two weeks after he went missing at

pillars represent what he was most passionate

sea. Our community is very much involved in

about. We are simply taking this horrendous

the fundraising project and on Dec. 4th, world

mess we were dealt and making a positive

renowned graphic designer and street artist

message that will hopefully educate and

Shepard Fairey (he created the PJCF Portrait

provide experiences and access to people

Logo) will be painting a 10‘x 30’ outdoor mural

about the things Perry loved most. We also

on the classroom wall featuring elements of

want to make sure that others learn from

the environment and Perrys’ portrait. The

Perry’s story at many levels and save lives.

project has been uplifted by received grants from The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation,

What were the challenges you’ve had

The Miami Dolphins Foundation, and Art

to overcome?

Miami. We have additionally established

Perry was larger than and filled with life. He was

the Perry J. Cohen Endowed Scholarship

a very happy teenager who was very loving,

in Marine Science at the Rosenstiel School

caring and funny. He had many interests and

of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the

was in tune with the world on a real-time basis,

University of Miami, offering continued edu-

but he also had an old soul. His not being here

cation for talented and devoted students.

with us physically on a daily basis continues to

The Foundation has put more than 80 under-

be debilitating at times. As his mother, I have

privileged children through Environmental

had to develop a new relationship with my

Studies Camp and Sailing School as well as

child and figure out what my world is without

putting over 650 students through Boating

his physical presence.

Safety Courses since Perry’s disappearance.

What are the highlights of the foundation?

I understand that one of the pillars of

We established the foundation to carry on

the foundation is the Arts. What art

Perry’s legacy and reflect his passions in life:

programs and events will contribute to

The ARTS; Environmental, Marine & Wildlife

the awareness and donations to PJCF?

Education and Preservation; Teenage Entre-

Perry loved doing arts and crafts by him-

preneurship: and Boating Safety Education.

self or with his sisters in his spare time.

Through the Perry J. Cohen Foundation,

We have countless doodles and drawings

we hope to facilitate a connection between

of his passion of fishing and boating. He

our youth and the community in which they

also loved coming to the art fairs that my

live. At night, we close our eyes hoping that

husband owns, which I have worked with since

our day’s work has further preserved the

he was a little boy. Since his disappearance,

legacy of our son, Perry, by educating the

we have worked with numerous visual artists

public and financially supporting and advanc-

to promote the foundation with proceeds

ing the issues he cared about so deeply.

of their work benefiting the foundation. The foundation has provided grants to the

What programs do PJCF currently

Dreyfoos School of the Arts and this spring

provide?

become a template for dozens of other high

will fund the first chapter of Little Kids Rock

To date, Phase 1 of the Perry J. Cohen Wetlands

schools to educate students on the environ-

(LKR) in Palm Beach County. We have worked

Laboratory at his hometown high school

ment. The wetlands will feature plant life

with well-known visual and multi-talented

has begun. Throughout its 40 year lifespan,

from the five eco systems and is supported

artists like Udo Noger, Sipros, Shepard Fairey,

this laboratory and outdoor classroom will

and backed by an AICE Curiculum and

ABH, Bernie Taupin, Kevin O’Leary, and

educate tens of thousands of students and

academy that has been in place for 15 years.

Jason Newsted. Our next art driven event is CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT:

Philanthropy

Rendering provided by WGI - Land Design Services Division, Austin Scott West Palm Beach. Mural art work by Artist Shepard Fairey (not actual size).

Newsted Immersive retrospective exhibition

important legacy, purpose and message for

entitled “RAWK” that celebrates the 40th

our son. Our first PJCF Champion was Joe

anniversary at the Cultural Council of Palm

Namath, our neighbor and dear friend. He

Beach (CCPB) with 50% of the proceeds of

was the first person outside of our immediate

his paintings, drawings, collages & sculptures

family to contact us and ask how he could

benefiting the PJCF, LKR and The CCPB.

help in the search for Perry and his dear friend the morning after they went missing.

What are the PJCF Champions?

A champion is someone that helps his

PJCF Champions come from all different

fellow man. Joe is a true champion first and

backgrounds. They all remarkably have some

foremost as a selfless caring human, parent,

deep connection to subjects or activities that

grandfather and neighbor, and secondly he

Perry really liked or enjoyed. For example

won the Jets only super bowl . A champion

Perry loved aviation and one of our cham-

All Champions are familiar with Perry’s story

is really an individual who has succeeded

pions is a young man by the name Isaiah

and the initiatives of the foundation and have

down his own path with originality and more

Cooper age 17 from Compton, California,

uplifted our family by personal interaction,

positive impact than negative during their

who is the youngest African American to

activation, their talent and their sincere

journey. They are also not perfect. Perry was

pilot an airplane across the United States.

sentiment for us to succeed and create an

his own individual and had his own style and

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

flair – a champion is open to others’ thoughts

& philanthropy towards those who are less

and creativity and has respect, tolerance and

fortunate or in need is very admirable and

patience for others and their beliefs, but they

something we hope to mirror and learn from.

remain uniquely individual.

They are helping those that see darkness and

Our second was Kevin O’Leary from Shark

tragedy on a regular basis.

Tank who we basically met head on at our Art

As simple as that was, it helped us. We

Miami Fair. He embraced our son’s legacy

were in our darkest hours then and truly

and helped us create the initiative for teen-

believe that all these encounters we men-

age entrepreneurship. Coincidentally Perry

tioned and many more were gifts from Perry.

was a huge Shark Tank fan and was a huge

Ever since, we have tried to adopt the same

fan of Kevin and Mark Cuban. Mr. Wonderful

philosophy and surround ourselves with what

and his wife are very special to our family,

makes us most happy and positive, and try

Kevin is an accomplished photographer and

to take this life altering tragedy and make an

we have had multiple exhibitions featuring

important message in honor of our son and

his work in which he has donated 100% of

to help others. ¨

the proceeds to the PJCF. Pamela Cohen and Nick Korniloff are

Then there is Jon Bon Jovi who came to visit our Art Miami Show on its last day, last

the power-couple, husband-wife team

December when my husband Nick and I were

behind Art Miami, Palm Beach Modern +

exhausted and very depressed. We received

Contemporary Fair, Art New York, Context,

a call that he wanted to come and see the

to name a few of their national fairs which

show. We were so down that the first thing

bring hundreds of thousands of attendees

we thought of was how much time we spent

to these shows. They are known by artists,

together with Perry and his sisters playing

dealers and collectors for running some of

rock bands on the Wii to the Bon Jovi song

the country’s most popular art festivals and

“Dead or Alive.” You see when you lose a

breaking attendance and records in sales,

child it all becomes difficult, everything is a

year after year. They take shared pride in

memory or a reflection and Nick and I were

their continuous efforts and long hours to

big Bon Jovi fans. Nick took Jon and his

present the most amazing art fairs, uniting

wife Dorothea on a tour of the show for a

gracious to Nick and me, and also took the

the art communities, but undoubtedly

few hours and I followed along. Something

time to visit the foundation stand at the show

Pamela Cohen and Nick Korniloff’s greatest

interesting happened during their visit.

and lend their support in multiple ways since.

accomplishment is the parents of their

Nick, who has always been very reserved,

The most interesting and valuable takeaway

daughters Miranda and Renni and of Perry

noticed what artwork was appealing to the

was the positive energy that transferred

J. Cohen - knowing him, loving him and

couple. He opened up about Perry and the

from the encounter. Nick realized that all

keeping his legacy alive.

foundation as many people were stopping

the artwork that they looked at together

to say hello to them and were asking how

during their tour was colorful, bright, high

Nick and I were doing. It’s very difficult to

quality, not decorative or dark, and had really

be in the public spotlight professionally and

positive energy. When Nick inquired that he

then have your personal tragedy known by

noticed this and asked why, Bon Jovi’s answer

everyone as well. Nick and I never had that

was very simple. “The world has a lot tragedy

in our lives. Perry’s disappearance created

and darkness and I try to look and spend

a whole new spectrum of exposure that we

time around things that make me happy and

were not used to. We used to be as public as

feel positive. ”Jon and Dorothea are two of

possible for our business, but ten times more

the most caring individuals when it comes

private personally. Jon and his wife were very

to others and the couples positive energy

To learn more or to donate visit www.pjcf.org About the author: Susana Baker is an award-winning Tourator (historian tour guide/art curator). Creative Founder of The Art Experience, the number one company in South Florida to privately curate group or individuals through Miami’s Art Districts. For more information visit: www.theartexperiences.com or for Art Basel go to www.artbaseltours.com or call 305-767-5000.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT:

Astrology

Katharine Merlin, Star Keeper What’s in Store for 2018? Written by Cindy Clarke BORN WITH THE LAST NAME of one of the world’s most legendary wizards, it’s difficult not to automatically associate astrologer Katharine Merlin with supernatural powers and abilities. After all, she charts forecasts and personalities simply by studying the heavens, mystifying her followers with uncannily accurate insights that, to many, defy rational explanation. She comes to her talent naturally, with a passion for astrology coded in her DNA. Unbeknownst to her until she was well into her career, her great-great-grandfather, a physician by profession, was also a respected astrologer in his day. But make no mistake, Katharine’s wisdom, four decades in the making, is well earned and documented with books and columns that attest to years of serious study, analysis and application. A psychology major at Boston University, Katharine started studying astrology when she was only 19 apprenticing under the great Boston astrologer Isabel Hickey. Hickey believed that “astrology is not meant to be a primarily predictive science. It is meant to be for understanding ourselves and also for understanding other people.” Building upon that premise at the Jung Foundation in New York, Katharine’s life has been a continual whirlwind of travel and eduPhotography by Adrian Pelletier / Unsplash

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

cation, a worldwide journey that has taken her throughout the United States and abroad

as she broadened her knowledge about the

become more tolerant of one another when

stars, the planets – and human nature.

they better understand the inborn traits

By definition, astrology is the study of planetary movements and relative positions as a means of divining information about people and events. Its history dates back to the 4th century when the Babylonians created the first astrological charts to predict the recurrence

Restructuring is the key word to work with for 2018

unique to individual astrological signs. How does the prediction side of astrological horoscopes play out? As astrologers track planetary movements throughout the year, they study the impact they have on each sign. Their predictions can help people prepare

of seasons and certain celestial events and

and make the most of auspicious planetary

to bring a sense of order out of perceived

positions as well as guide them on how best

chaos, primarily for agricultural purposes.

to guard against the effects of potentially

As the practice expanded to successfully predicting natural disasters and even wars, so too did its importance as a counseling tool for other, more private matters. Monarchs and emperors of old relied on the counsel of astrologers to help them rule and reign, as did philosophers, military might and businessmen past and present. Today, not a few of us have a similar disposition to habitually consult our charts and horoscopes to give us a heads up and handle on the days ahead. Many celebrities and chief influencers – think first-lady Nancy Reagan, Princess Diana, Shirley MacLaine and many Wall Street wizards among them – have their own personal astrologer to advise them of the pitfalls, prizes and possibilities they may encounter on their life’s journey. So do countless others, who, like me, have found a favorite astrologer online, in our daily newspapers or in the hallowed pages of publications like Town & Country magazine. That’s where I first learned of Katharine

zodiac signs with her eyes closed. “Libras,” she says, “are people pleasers who are reluctant to makes waves. Virgos are born to serve, Scorpios feel deeply and intensely. And Pisces are idealistic and somewhat elusive.” Her book, The Private Lives of the Sun Signs, offers details and discussions about each sign and is invaluable reading for those

harmful planetary influences. We asked Katharine what the stars portend for 2018. She has written an annual overview for each sign that delves into career, image, love, money, peaks and valleys that you can read on her website at www.katharinemerlin. com but she gave Venü her exclusive fortune cookie version here:

of us eager to peer into the personalities of the people in our lives. But knowing personality traits is just one part of the picture in astrology. Katharine

Aries: Professional challenges Taurus: Focus on relationships

notes that a person’s birth chart, based on

Gemini: Freedom to explore

the exact time, place and date of their birth,

Cancer: Restructuring relationships

reveals a lot more about them and how they

Leo: Positive lifestyle changes

might react to a real-life situation. She says

Virgo: Communication outreach

knowing the exact positions of the planets as well as of the Sun and Moon and how they interact with each other offers a reliable method of analyzing people and actions. Equally important, she said, it helps people

Libra: Family focus Scorpio: Greater abundance Sagittarius: Prepare for an important new cycle of success Capricorn: Rearranging and restructuring

Merlin. She has been a columnist for Town

Aquarius: Manifesting your talents

& Country magazine since 1989, writing a

and abilities

monthly horoscope column that’s not only informative and insightful, but one that is

Pisces: Expansion of horizons

somehow intimate and intuitive as if she knows each of her readers individually. I for

And the world at large? Restructuring is

one can’t wait to read what she says about

the key word to work with for 2018. Expect

how my life will unfold in the months ahead

economic changes in late spring and earth

and find her prescient perspectives both

changes midyear. Already underway, hidden

personal and precise.

matters and secrets will continue to be

“People’s personalities are generally true

revealed. Which, in our perspective, points

to their Sun signs,” says Katharine who can

to a new year full of exciting new stories for

rattle off a litany of traits for each of the 12

Venü! Stay tuned!

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

FCBUZZ

By David Green Director of Programs & Membership Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

Designers Celebrate the Arts in Stamford

5 1. Mariann Maher and Cindy Rinfret. 2. Curator Nina Bentley (2nd from left) and artists. 3. Cindy Vaccaro, Michael Kalman, and DJ Carey. 4. Cindy Vaccaro, Patrick Mele, and Lynn Morgan, DJ Carey, Bruce Wylie, Frances Palmer, and Mariann Maher. 5. John Vaccaro, Cindy Vaccaro, DJ Carey, and Lance Lundberg. 1

Photography by Joe Ward

THE CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY (CAFC) HOSTED Designers Celebrate the Arts, an evening that honored creativity and collaboration, and brought together designers, artists, business leaders, innovators, media, and more in support of CAFC’s programming and advocacy efforts, at The Antique and Artisan Gallery in Stamford, CT. “Design professionals are often inspired and nurtured by artists and cultural experiences,” said Angela Whitford, CAFC Executive Director. “This special evening gave us the opportunity to celebrate Fairfield County’s rich creative community.” The event’s honoree was DJ Carey, Executive Editor of C&G Media Group, a longtime supporter of our member organizations through the many sponsorships and follow-up editorial work that she and CT Cottages & Gardens have provided for the creative community. “Connecticut has such a rich history of design

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 website at www.CulturalAllianceFC.org.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

that most of us are unaware of,” says Carey. “I am honored to be part of Designers Celebrate the Arts and to be recognized on behalf of the design community.” An exclusive exhibit curated by Nina Bentley featured 15 visual artist members of CAFC: Andrea Bonfils, Miggs Burroughs, Linn Cassetta, David Dunlop, Veronica Hofstetter, Sholeh Janati, Paul Larson, Emily Hamilton Laux, Julie Leff, Nancy Moore, Cynthia Mullins, Dale Najarian, Nancy Reinker, Juliette Tehrani, and Jahmane West. Co-chairs for the event were Patrick Mele and Lynn Morgan. United Capital Financial Life Management was the premier sponsor of Designers Celebrate the Arts. Additional sponsors: The Antique & Artisan Gallery, Cohen & Wolf, Klaff’s, Maserati of Westport, Mitchell’s/Richards, and MediaCrossing. CT Cottages & Gardens was the media sponsor.

DOMENICO BELLI Metal Art North Salem, NY Tango (the series) 2017 Abstract Corten Steel Sculpture 84” h x 36” w x 36” d $ 6,000 Hugs and Kisses 2017 Abstract Stainless Steel Sculpture 84” h x 30” w x 30” d $ 6,000 For event schedule, please visit us at: www.domenicobelli.com Facebook page: Domenico Belli metalarts Email: domenicometalarts@gmail.com To set up a private home appointment, please call: 914-482-5389

Matt Nolen, Love Warrior

Me, Myself & I January 27 – March 4 Featuring ceramic artists whose works explore issues surrounding identity and how we see ourselves within the context of society, family, relationships, and most importantly within our own skin.

40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY (914) 937–2047 | www.clayartcenter.org

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

By Janet Langsam CEO, ArtsWestchester

Arman & Nick Cave: A Spectacle of Sculpture on View at the Katonah Museum of Art Nick Cave, Soundsuit, 2016. © Nick Cave. Photo by James Prinz Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

ENCOUNTERING THE WORK OF NICK CAVE, ONE TRIES TO DEFINE HIS WORK. Is it sculpture? Costume? Dance? Performance? Public art? The answer is-- his work is all these things. Cave takes ordinary objects and makes them into works of art, many of which are exquisite in their static form as displayed in a

gallery. However, he is best known for his mixed media works, and in particular, his Soundsuits are meant to be experienced in motion with the full rustle of their textures apparent to the ear. Nick Cave’s first Soundsuit was about protest. He realized, one needed to make sound to protest. As an African American artist, he was deeply moved by the Rodney King beating and riots in Los Angeles which inspired him to create his first wearable sculpture adorned with an armor-like protection resembling porcupine quills. Creating a powerful costume, the body beneath Soundsuit (1992) was at once protected and ready for battle. At the Katonah Museum of Art through January 7, nine of Cave’s creations, including a short film, Up Right: Detroit featuring performers as they are costumed by the artist, are on view. These are paired with twelve works by the French-American artist Arman (19282005) in a show titled Object Out Loud: Arman and Nick Cave. Arman’s work, also inspired by the materials of the streets and sidewalks, is created through a dense layering of amassed objects fueled by the principle of accumulation. “For a long time, I have been anguished by the fact that one of its most conspicuous material results is the flooding of our world with junk and rejected odd objects.” “Arman’s obsession with consumer culture prompted him to imitate and exaggerate the phenomena of excess,” explains assistant curator Olga Dekalo in the exhibition catalogue. Designed as a visual dialogue between two artists, the exhibition “asserts the power of artists to transform everyday materials into powerful signifiers.” In one of two works by Arman in the exhibition that speaks to his desire to belong to the New York art scene and that is an homage

to New Yorkers in general, Liberty Lighthouse (1988) reinvents the symbol of the Statue of Liberty in bronze adorned with a multitude of everyday clamp lights. The work is at once extremely personal for the artist as it is an exploration of a highly photographed tourist symbol that is reproduced, collected and often taken away as a souvenir. On view in the exhibition at Katonah are many other sculptural transformations and accumulations by Arman that at that same time reject consumerism and celebrate the found-object tradition of sculptural expression. Don’t miss this full frontal exploration of sculptural objects on exhibit now through January 7, 2018 at the Katonah Museum of Art.

The Katonah Museum of Art is located at 134 Jay Street in Katonah, NY 10536 www.katonahmuseum.org, 914.232.9555

For more arts, visit artsw.org The complete guide to the arts in Westchester /ArtsWestchester | @ArtsWestchester 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. 26

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

Brian Bailey, Duane Wakeham, and Leslie Levy

Wende Caporale and Arlene Richman

Phillippe Coste and Richard Glenn McKinley

Pierre Guidetti, Dianne Bernhard, and Jimmy Wright

Youngmi Bailey

DIANNE BERNHARD & ART SPIRIT FOUNDATION HOST PRIVATE SALON To Honor Pastel Society of America President Jimmy Wright

Dianne Bernhard

Angela Bernhard Thomas

Susan Story and Nava Raviv

On Saturday, September 16, Dianne Bernhard and Art Spirit Foundation hosted a private salon to honor Jimmy Wright, the President of the Pastel Society of America, at a private apartment within The National Arts Club in New York City. The evening celebrated a shared passion of pastels and applauded Wright for his many years of ongoing dedication to the advancement of the medium of pastels. Bernhard spoke, “Tonight is so special because we’re here to celebrate Jimmy, we’re here to celebrate pastels, we’re here to celebrate a movement that we will all see in our lifetime.” Notable guests included Brian Bailey and Susan Story, who were winners of the Pastel Society of America’s 45th Annual Exhibition Awards, presented on Sunday, September 17. Baily received the Art Spirit Foundation Dianne B. Bernhard Gold Medal Award, while Story won the Herman Margulies Award for Excellence, donated by Bernhard. Additional remarks were made by Pierre-Yann Guidetti, the CEO and Co-Owner of Savior-Faire, on behalf of Sennelier Pastels. Phototgraphy by Amber De Vos/PMC Media Sponsor Venü Magazine CONTEMPORARY CULTURE/ CULTURE//MAGAZINE /MAGAZINE CONTEMPORARY

27 27

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

SeaKeepers Chairman of the Board Michael T. Moore

Alex & Renate Dreyfoos

Fabien Cousteau

Captain Paul Watson, Farrah Smith, & Captain Sandra Yawn Captain Sandra Yawn and Richard Snow

Glen Allen, Julienne Beblo, & Michael Saylor

SEAKEEPERS 17TH FOUNDERS Recognizing the DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet The International SeaKeepers Society hosted Founders 2017 on the evening of Thursday, November 2nd at the waterfront home of Tom and Katia Bates during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Over 200 guests attended The event which honored vessels that participated in 2016-2017 DISCOVERY Yachts Programming, including scientist-led expeditions, educational outreach missions, and instrument deployments. SeaKeepers was thrilled to have special guests Captain Sandra Yawn from Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean and Captain Paul Watson Founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society attend the event. Captain Sandra Yawn took the podium to award the 2016-2017 DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet and speak about her experiences working with SeaKeepers. More special guests include; Michael Saylor of Fleet Miami, Honorary Chair for Founders 2017; Alexander W. Dreyfoos, the 2016 SeaKeeper Award recipient; and Fabien Cousteau, the 2015 SeaKeeper Award recipient. Guests enjoyed a video highlighting the 2016-2017 DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet: Advisors Alliance, ANGARI, Asean Lady, Exuma, Harle, Katharine, Lady Olivia, LoJo, Luzerne, Paraffin, Sam, Shredder, The Admiral, Timely Sale, and World Odyssey. Phototgraphy by Betty Alvarez Media Sponsor Venü Magazine 28

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Tom, Katia, and Nicolo Bates

Tracey Thomas and Melody Joy

Captain Sandra Yawn

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

Sydney Hubbell and Brody Nagy

Daniel Sahalo, Nir Shinuk, Alexandra Vlad, and Michelle Ip

Tony Fusco, Suzy Forster, and Robert Four

BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FINE ART SHOW Mix of Historic and Contemporary Ensures Success for 21st Annual Show Tony Fusco and Robert Four, Co-Producers of the Boston International Fine Art Show are thrilled to announce the success of the 21st annual event. Forty exhibitors from the United States, France, and the UK dazzled the weekend crowds with a strong mixture of historic and contemporary works on offer. An elegant gala preview sponsored by Yvel, the internationally known jewelry company from Israel and Boston’s own Cutting Edge Homes Architects + Builders drew close to 400 attendees on Thursday, October 19 to start the show. Throughout the weekend six special programs were offered to attendees including a Keynote Presentation and book signing by celebrated New York interior designer Joe Nahem. Joshua Rose, Editor of American Fine Art and American Art Collector also led visitors on a visual tour

Deb Mench, Lindsey Crowley, and David Smernoff, Tracey Thomas

Mike Sleeper, Kate Koman, and Laurie Sleeper

through private art collections with panelists Diane Jensen and Robert Savage, MD. Gold Sponsor Yvel presented a program on their Megemeria School of Jewelry, a school to offer professional training and advancement as well as employment opportunities for Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. Sales were seen by both new and returning dealers of historic, modern, and contemporary works. Contemporary Cape Cod gallery Miller White Fine Arts (MA) sold during the show and received a follow-up sale on their way home. Long time BIFAS exhibitors Martha Richardson Fine Art (MA), Vose Galleries (MA), Avery Galleries (PA), and Questroyal Fine Art (NY) also reported strong sales. Joining the show for the first

Hayley Hannan, Alison Webb, Meg Harrington, Ann Huff, and Alicia Dunn

time Art Concept Alternative (FL) enjoyed several sales for their Cuban, Spanish, and Venezuelan artists. “We are happy to report strong sales in all categories throughout the weekend,” comments Tony Fusco. “It is particularly gratifying to see our long term outstanding dealers in historic American art lead the way in sales, that undoubtedly buoyed the contemporary galleries as well.” The 22nd Annual Boston International Fine Art Show dates have been set for October 18 – 21, 2018 at the Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts. The show will open with a Gala Preview on Thursday, October 18 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. For more information: www.FineArtBoston.com Phototgraphy by Tara Carvalho

Nate Williams, Donald Stroud, and Ginny Williams

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

E + G:

Arts Arena

PLAYING FOR A CIVIL SOCIETY Live Music, Lives in Music, Music in Civic Life Photography by Alex Wu Margery Arent Safir

Ralph Farris, Corin Lee, Kip Jones and Dorothy Lawson of ETHEL

AFTER ITS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SPRING NEW YORK SERIES in June (Spaces that Move People: Stations, Museums, Oceans, Homes, featured in Venü’s September issue) the Arts Arena returned to the city in November for its Fall New York Series. PLAYING FOR A CIVIL SOCIETY: Live Music, Lives in Music, Music in Civic Life, November 7 and November 9, continued the theme of transporting people, “albeit it in a more transcendent way,” says Arts Arena founder, President and Artistic Director Margery Arent Safir. Introducing her on Thursday evening at The Century Association was artist, curator, and critic Robert Storr, former Senior Curator at MoMA, Commissioner of the Venice Biennale, and for ten years Stavros Niarchos Dean of the Yale School of Art. One of the world’s most influential voices in contemporary art, Storr, was a founding member of the Arts Arena’s Advisory Council and now serves on its Board of Trustees. Chairman of the 30

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE CULTURE//MAGAZINE CONTEMPORARY

Deputy Consul General of France, Eric Bayer

Board, Vin Cipolla, Chairman and CEO of Five Mile, formerly Head of the David Geffen Hall Campaign, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and President of the Municipal Art Society of New York, spoke on both evenings. Both men are members of The Century. Why choose music as the subject of its Fall Series? “Music––sound organized in time––and our reaction to it, is a great mystery. It is perhaps the art form with the broadest outreach... You don’t have to go

anywhere to hear music; it is everywhere that you are,” Arent Safir explained. “This might just be our salvation today, when words are losing meaning, are used irresponsibly and too often to divide us,” she added in her opening remarks. “That is why we, the Arts Arena, chose to design our Fall New York Series around music and what it means to be civil, to be civilized in a society that appears to have lost touch with those terms. Music is fundamental. Music does not lie. Whatever can create unity over fraction and division is a powerful weapon that must be used and must prevail. It is in praise of that fundamental, yet mysterious, unifying power of music that elevates us above words and beyond politics that we are here tonight. It is a kind of hope and aspiration….that music may help us return to a society that values civility.” Tuesday’s opening event in the elegant Pink Room of the Consulate General of France in New York, introduced by Deputy Consul General Eric Bayer, focused on Ensembles. It featured a conversation entitled “Backstage and Out Front,” with Suzanne Davidson, Executive Director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, followed by “Bringing Music to Dance to People,” with Battery Dance Company founder, President and Artistic Director Jonathan Hollander, cellist and Artistic Director Dorothy Lawson of the contemporary string quartet ETHEL, and a presentation of the French program Hip Baroque Choc that brings professional Baroque chamber musicians together with vocational school hip-hop dancers to create a public performance. The evening highlight was a performance by ETHEL–– violist and Artistic Director Ralph Farris, violinists Kip Jones and Corin Lee, joining

Melvin Chen and Jennifer Ringo Jonathan Hollander

Nikolay Khozyainov

Robert Storr

Wu Han

Suzanne Davidson

Dorothy Lawson––wildly applauded by the audience, and followed by a champagne (French) reception. ETHEL’s performance was sponsored by Bernard Gustin and the Board of ETHEL. Thursday’s evening at The Century Association focused on Soloists and asked the question, “A Star is Made, or Born?” An animated conversation with internationally renowned pianist and Co-Artistic Director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Wu Han, was then widened to bring in Melvin Chen, pianist and Deputy Dean of the prestigious Yale School of Music, and soprano, teacher and coach, Jennifer Ringo, who delved into some of the psychological makings and challenges of solo performers. Then came the demonstration of what makes a soloist: Russian piano prodigy Nikolay Khozyainov, who first performed with an orchestra at age seven in Moscow, and

Vin Cipolla

now, at age 25, is considered one of the outstanding pianists of his generation, gave a dazzling recital of Rachmaninov, Chopin, and Liszt that left the audience jumping to its feet in a standing ovation, which astounded even New York’s cultural elite. The recital and the evening reception were sponsored by Lehn and Richard Goetz of La Jolla and Sonoma, California. Mrs. Goetz is on the Board of the La Jolla Music Society. Khozyainov, who had performed at the Arts Arena in Paris last year,

Richard and Lehn Goetz with Nikolay Khozyainov

will be returning “by popular demand” for a concert there in March 2018. The Arts Arena’s Fall Series Playing for a Civil Society made it clear to two packed audiences of New Yorkers that this is in fact what the organization does. In Paris and now in New York, it uniquely endows with a social conscience the highest-level artist conversations and performances. The Arts Arena will be back in New York for a Spring 2018 Series, and still has on its 2017 calendar in Paris a grande finale to its 10th anniversary year: November 17-19, “American Fringe,” an Arts Arena-produced film festival of ultra-independent American films, curated by Richard Peña, Director Emeritus of the New York Film Festival; December 1, a piano recital and CD release by Takuya Otaki, winner of the Orléans Concours International piano competition; a performance by Tori Wrånes and company, selected by Robert Wilson for the Arts Arena Watermill Performance 2017; and, finally, on December 18, a backstage meeting with singer-songwriter-composer Rufus Wainwright, following his concert at Paris’s Bouffes du Nord theater. Peña, Wilson and Wainwright are members of the Arts Arena’s Advisory Council. Follow the Arts Arena: www.artsarena.org CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY CULTURE/ CULTURE//MAGAZINE /MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Design

Finding La La Land Designed to Delight in Naples By Cindy Clarke

When the sun goes south after our golden-hued

for impeccable detail and design in every

autumn reverie in the Northeast, it’s no sur-

aspect of the property, from setting and

prise that many of our neighbors in the

site placement to the inherent architectural

metropolitan New York area, from Fairfield

integrity of his palatial homes, inside and out.

County, Connecticut, to Manhattan and the

Palatial is the operative word here if only as

Hamptons, follow the warm weather to their

a point of comparison for the Kaali-Nagy’s

favorite Florida idylls like Miami, Palm Beach

intimate Florida pied a terre, a pared down

– and Naples.

oceanfront retreat that makes an equally

In addition to the enviable tropical climate they enjoy in winter while we are slogging it

exquisite statement about luxurious living – and Karen’s gifted interior design talents.

out with snow shovels and requisite parkas, they bask in the arts at some of the finest exhibitions in the country – think Art Basel in Miami Beach in December where more than 250 galleries from around the world showcase the hottest talent around – boat shows that tempt and toy with yachts of unimaginable luxury and excess ashore and at sea, and mansions, cottages and condos that redefine “all the comforts of home away from home.” Take the winter retreat of architect Alex and Karen Kaali-Nagy, for example, nestled in an 8-story building on a powder-sand Naples beach. Hungarian born, inspired by the historic architecture of his native city of Budapest and schooled in the fine art of architecture and business, both here and abroad, Alex thinks big. His signature homes, some 12,000 square feet and counting, grace the streets of Belle Haven and Greenwich, Connecticut, with his artistic aplomb, and are sought after by chiefs of industry and Wall Street. They appreciate Alex’s penchant 32

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Kaali-Nagy Interiors

non-descript, now completely renovated two-bedroom, two-bath beachfront condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Diminutive size notwithstanding – it struggles to meet its official 1,300 square feet of living space by including the balcony – the condo makes a big impression from the moment you step inside. The Kaali-Nagys call it “La La Land” in a nod towards the fun artistic expression Kaali-Nagy Interiors

of the movie and the similar feeling they created in their coastal condo. “It is important,” says Karen, “to honor

Luxury is a must, comfort is a given and warmth is ever present.

Karen has worked alongside her husband

the setting and the style, and to let the

ever since they built their first manse in New

design intention shine through.” Restricted

Canaan, Connecticut, decades ago. He

from changing the windows or balcony on

excels in the big picture, executing plots

the outside, Alex opened up the interior

and plans to his exacting vision. She brings

space to showcase the sunshine and the sea.

his houses to life, carefully curating fixtures,

There’s no suggestion of cramped quarters

flooring, paint palette, wall coverings and

here. Clean lines predominate from design to

countertops to thoughtfully pay tribute to

décor. Shimmering in high-gloss white paint

the architectural style of his homes. She is

reminiscent of a luxury yacht with polished tile

blessed with an eye for beauty and quality

floors, the condo boasts a seamlessly flowing

that transcends fleeting design trends. Her

great room where dining room meets kitchen,

sensibilities tend toward the traditional but

living room and bar in one light-filled floor

are never dated. Luxury is a must, comfort is

plan that drinks in views of the water and

a given and warmth is ever present. And until

beach from wherever you are. Karen’s choice

recently, space, lots of it, was a huge part of

of statement furnishings and silhouettes

their lives and houses.

speak volumes about the joys of Florida living,

In summer and fall, home for the

from the sink-in-soft white couch, accented

Kaali-Nagys manifests in a sprawling Kaali-

with pale aqua, turquoise and watermelon pil-

Nagy-built seven-bedroom, nine-bath 10,500

lows that add a punch of energy, to the lively

square feet country estate on four park-like

painted chairs that circle the white dining

New England acres in New Canaan, Con-

room table and the upholstered island stools

necticut. In the colder months, home is a once

of the eat-in galley kitchen. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Design Upart & Deisgn Exhibit

The bedrooms are equally inviting and dressed in crisp bed linens from Matouk and beachy area rugs that mirror Karen’s overall coastal décor. The California-inspired lifestyle company Serena & Lily was Karen’s go to resource for many of the condo’s furnishings and accessories. Serena & Lily CEO Lori Greeley explains “the magic of being able to enjoy the outdoors almost 12 months of the year is part of our DNA.” “Their products are fresh, fun and fabulous,” agrees Karen, who said they give you the wherewithal to “create a look that makes you happy on every level, no matter where you are.” “Magical environments come in all sizes and incarnations,” say the Kaali-Nagys, and their work proves it, testimony to their inherent talents that enable them to transcend styles from traditional to transitional to contemporary to minimalist without missing a beat. On

Upart & Deisgn Gallery Entrance

Upart & Deisgn Exhibit “The Girls”

our all too short visit to Naples, we had to

a must-stroll! – and to the boutique galleries

admit that this little waterfront gem made us

that also celebrate Naples living.

wrestle with wanting to stay indoors in La La

Whimsy is the word at a fascinating

Land all day or head outside to experience

contemporary art gallery we happened on

what Karen so effortlessly replicated inside.

in Naples, where a truly talented and trans-

But outside we went, to the beach, to

planted couple, über-artist John Carroll

the gardens – the 170-acre Naples Botanical

Long and award-winning architect Andrea

Garden, a world-class garden paradise lush

Clark Brown, work their design magic

with transplanted flora and fauna that thrive

together. Housed in a renovated 70s-era

in the tropics and subtropics between the

office building just off Fifth Avenue in Old

latitudes of 26 degrees North and South, is

Naples, the contemporary UP Art & Design

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Magical environments come in all sizes and incarnations.

Gallery is a virtual parade of pop-culture

Kaali-Nagy Interiors

and mixed-media works with a twist of folk art that plays out in an “explosion of sophisticated wit and creative brio” as stated by one similarly impressed visitor. Picture three-dimensional sculpted expressions and painted canvases that upend expectations and inevitably make you smile in wonderment at the clever minds of this enormously versatile dynamic duo. As in the Kaali-Nagy’s condo, space is optimized in their repurposed quarters to eliminate limitations and showcase their art in the best possible way. Adjacent to the galleries are the architectural offices and design

Andrea Clark Brown Architect

studios of the owners who make their talents

Fred as “delicious, casually elegant “Golden

and works uniquely accessible to visitors of

Palate® Seaside Sophistication,” and Baleen

all interests. Like Alex, architect Andrea Clark

at La Playa Beach Resort, steps from the

Brown caters to a clientele where the sky’s the

Kaali-Nagy’s La La Land condo.

limit. Along with a portfolio of high profile,

You can sink your toes in the sand as you

perfectly posed commercial buildings, her

sink your teeth into the seafood and the

residential projects range in size and style

setting at this popular restaurant. Sunsets

from 15,000 square foot oceanfront man-

are spectacular here so the outdoor tables

sions and second homes to 2,000 square

are the place to be as you watch for that

foot hideaways, each a study in luxury living.

bewitching green flash that locals live for. A

Her husband John Carroll Long, a prolific

real phenomenon that is as elusive as it is

cartoonist, illustrator and head-turning 12-art-

enchanting, it only happens when you have

ists-in-one talent, transforms found objects

a weather trifecta: a crystal clear day, not

and textures into imaginative creations that

a cloud in the sky and mirror still water in

find their way into the homes and offices of

the Gulf of Mexico. While a glass of wine is

awed admirers and mutual clients around the

not necessary to see this natural wonder, it

world. That their work evokes a range of reac-

makes the experience more wonderful still!

tions from laughter to longing underscores

After the sun goes down, the tiki torches and

the fact that real artistic talent transcends the

fire pit light up the night sky adding a touch

ordinary to make everything extraordinary.

of romance to your getaway idyll in Naples.

Dining too delights in every manner of

Every day should feel this way. ¨

eatery in Naples. Venü’s reigning Healthy Global Gourmet guru Fred Bollaci says the

For more information about New Canaan,

restaurant scene is thriving here and he has

Connecticut architect and designer Alex

got the Golden and Platinum Palate® part-

and Karen Kaali-Nagy, visit kaali-nagy.com

ners to prove it. They include award-winning

For more information about UP Art and

Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s The French Brasserie

Design in Naples and Andrea Brown

Rustique, Le Lafayette, Bleu Provence, USS

Clark’s architectural projects, visit www.

Nemo, and Ocean Prime at the Inn on Fifth

upartanddesign.com To learn more about

to name a few downtown gems. They also

the Naples area restaurants recognized by

include beachfront idylls like the Turtle Club

Global Gourmet and author Fred Bollaci,

at the Vanderbilt Beach Club, crowned by

visit www.fredbollacienterprises.com CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Jewelry

Necklace: L23 – Universal Love

Anna Michielan Jewelry Designer of a Higher Calling Written by Cindy Clarke

Above: An Incredible Elestial Smokey Quartz, one of Anna’s latest discovery in types of crystals. This piece helped Anna in the final realization of her new project and shop Right: Anna praying and blessing offerings at the temple in front of the office every morning. Rituals for gratitude and harmony are very important in the Balinese culture”

FEW THINGS PROTECT, EMPOWER, AND

and spiritual, she hails from Venice where she

INSPIRE QUITE LIKE JEWELRY. It evokes

studied jewelry design at the School of Arts in

blessings, promises everlasting love, imparts

Vicenza in early 20s. It was her apprenticeship

beauty, brings joy, and becomes ever more

with a master beader in Venice that set her

precious with time. It’s personal, expressive

on her life’s path she said, ultimately leading

and culturally rich with a history and lifespan

to her certification as a crystal healer and

that date back to the dawn of time.

sought-after designer for a signature collec-

Above all else, jewelry is healing.

tion of healing inspired jewelry she now crafts

We had the privilege of speaking with

and showcases in a shop synchronistically

acclaimed Italian jewelry designer, Anna

located next to a holy well in the town of

Michielan about the inherent healing

Kerobokan in southern Bali.

properties of gemstones and crystals and

For many, Bali is paradise found. It’s a land

were transfixed by her wisdom, wit and

of jeweled beaches, sun-kissed and shimmer-

wanderings. A world traveler, she lives and

ing in white, black and gold, and necklaced

works on the island of Bali, creating medita-

by crystalline waves, aqua-tinted and ocean

tion-inspired mala prayer beads considered

fresh, forested mountain slopes, emerald

sacred in traditional Balinese culture, and

hued, mangroved bays and tiered terraces

healing jewelry accessories that are not only

adorned with rice and flowers as far as the eye

enchanting to look at, but magical to wear.

can see. Visitors long to lose themselves in its

Anna is a force of nature herself. Spirited 36

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

ethereal embrace, savoring a treasure trove

as young child in Italy – and turning it into a

So dedicated to her craft, Anna goes to the

successful global business in just 15 years. Her

end of the world in search of the most beau-

clients hail from every corner of the globe,

tiful, most energetically powerful stones. She

her jewelry revered for both its beauty and

sources crystals, gemstones, corals and pearls

protective bounty.

from Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Pakistan,

Crystals, like stones and minerals, have

Thailand, Sri Lanka, Europe, the Americas,

been used in healing practices for thousands

Africa and others, carefully choosing pieces

of years for their energetic properties and are

that will make a difference in her clients’ lives.

particularly effective in helping release emo-

Then she blesses them, each and every

tional, physical and spiritual blockages. Stones

one, to cleanse their energy and program

and crystals work with certain properties, Anna

the stones and crystals for healing. She and

explained, pointing out that people are intui-

her working “family” of 22 women, including

tively attracted to the one they need most.

General Manager Alberta Cecere, Balinese

“My clients often ask me for help in pick-

artisans and a Javanese silversmith, start each

ing out the jewelry that will heal them. But in

morning with a series of meditations, singing

truth the stones choose them. I tell them to

mantras, chants and blessings, then clear the

empty their minds and the crystals will call

energy of the space and set their intentions

them,” she said.

for the day.

“The stones I use for my jewelry are

Together, their work manifests in malas,

connected to the our body’s seven chakras.

colorful and culturally significant, along with

of natural riches and spiritual gifts impossible

For examples, crystals and diamonds are

a signature collection of bracelets, necklaces,

to resist. Artists like Anna find their passion –

used for clarity and work with the crown or

rings, earrings, belts and anklets, each custom

and themselves – here, taking their cues and

the head chakra. Aquamarine is connected

calling from nature’s perfect palette.

to the throat chakra and works on opening

impart healing and protection for the wearer.

I asked how she ended up in Bali after

up communication and creative expression.

Each piece has a purpose and a passion.

living and traveling in Italy, France, England,

Others, like smoky quartz and amber, clear

Anna’s jewelry is not only attractive to wear

Thailand and India.

negative energy, turquoise soothes the spirit,

but it attracts the wearer with needed energy

pearls enhance your integrity and so on.”

that’s unquestionably heaven sent.

Bali chooses you, said Anna, as she explained what drew her to this Island of

Over the years Anna has personally

Not too long ago, you’d learn about these

the Gods decades ago. She had been living

benefited from quartz, “it gave me guidance,

works of art and heart only through personal

in Greece, home to a veritable kingdom of

insight and clarity.” Her watermelon tourma-

referrals. Today you’ll find her healing jewelry

Olympian gods, when she met a boy on a

line helped heal her heart and most recently,

in elite tropical resorts in Asia, Africa, Australia,

beach who seduced her with stories about

her Herkimer diamond – believed to promote

Europe and the Caribbean, including the Four

Bali. She had to see it for herself. “When I

clarity and provide guidance and her soul

Seasons resorts in Tanzania, the Seychelles,

arrived here for the very first time, I was

healing Brandenberg Quartz that has been

Bali, and the Maldives, and luxury hotels in

23 years old and felt right at home.” She

supporting her life changes and helping her

Parrot Cay, St. Barth, Perth, Fiji, London and

immediately started trading Balinese arts

to reach her goals.

Amsterdam. Closer to home for Venü, you

and antiques to buyers from Italy where she

can also bid for her jeweled strands in New

headquartered her business.

York’s annual Tibet House auction, where they

But Bali called her back again for the

reflect the mission and meditative energy of

birth of her son. ‘The Balinese believe that

the organization in cultivating peace of mind

children are the reincarnation of our ancestors so children are treated with the utmost care, respect and love. That’s how I wanted my son

and a joyful life. ¨ Bracelet: M5 – Unconditional Love

View Anna’s jewelry collection online

to be raised,” she said. “That’s the kind of

at annamichielan.com as well as on her

community I was looking for.”

Instagram and Facebook pages where she

On Bali, Anna carved out her own spiri-

often exhibits one-of-kind pieces designed

tual path, rekindling her passion for jewelry

to promote healing and happiness on the

design – and the crystals she used to collect

highest level. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Gift Guide

SPARKLE & SHINE The perfect amount of sparkle anytime of year. Designed by Studio Mineraleand it’s one of a kind. To purchase visit studiominerale.com

TIS’ THE SEASON Give the Gift of Style this Holiday

TOP DOG Luxury leather collars, leashes, harnesses, fine pet accessories and gifts. Available at Bibi’s Boutique Palm Beach. Call 561-833-1973 or visit www.shopbibi.com 38 38

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE CULTURE//MAGAZINE

JINGLE BELL ROCK Fusion Guitar, the planet’s first iPhone/iPod-integrated, portable, wireless electric guitar allows musicians to unplug, learn, record and write music anywhere creativity takes them this holiday or beyond. Available at www.fusionguitars.com

VISABLE BEAUTY Created by celebrity makeup artist Shawnelle Prestidge (psst.. she works with Jane Fonda), PRESTIDGE beauteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Active Organics is an extremely effective, highly active, line of organic skin care, that delivers results immediately! (Sign up for the mailing list and receive 15% off your entire first purchase) www.prestidgebeaute.com

HIDDEN GEM Anna Michielan Crystal Jewelry is made for your life, spirit and wellbeing with the finest quality gemstones and is designed to balance your energies and bring out your inner beauty. Available online at www.annamichielan.com

PICTURE PERFECT A beautiful coffee table book by photographer Caryn B. Davis, with narration by Eric D. Lehman, celebrating classic New England traditions, beauty, spirit, and community surrounding the holiday. To purchase visit www.carynbdavis.com

TIE ONE ON Playful Italian silk bow tie collection by Dena Lyons, a unique and exclusive boutique where art meets fashion. denalyonscouture.com

TOTAL COMFORT M.PATMOS Margaux Crew all-season cotton, cupro, and extrafine Merino wool knit, layered in neutral colorblock with a hint of sparkle from recycled metallic yarn. Available in more colorways at www.mpatmos.com CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Richard Lytle A RETROSPECTIVE September 15, 2017 - February 3, 2018 Walsh Art Gallery

JOE SORGE SCULPTURE STUDIO WWW.JOESORGESTUDIO.COM fairfield.edu/museum

A ROOM OF

HER OWN (BALLAD OF RUTH COXE) PHOTOGRAPHS BY POLA ESTHER

96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Connecticut 860.434.5542 â&#x20AC;¢ FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org

Pola Esther, Anger Takes Action (from In Her Clothes series), 2015-2017. Archival digital print on fabric, 40 x 60 in. Courtesy of the artist

through January 28

APPETITE

By Fred Bollaci

Q&A with Fred Bollaci, author of “The Restaurant Diet” WE RECENTLY MET WITH FRED BOLLACI, our “Gourmet Weight Loss Guru,” who took a few minutes to talk with us about his upcoming book, The Restaurant Diet (c) copyright 2017 by Fred Bollaci, which is available for sale nationwide at all retailers on January 15, 2018 from Mango Publishing. “The Restaurant Diet” features Fred’s personal story of his remarkable 150-pound weight loss, which he has kept off for over seven years, his successful four-phase diet plan, and his strategies to make dining out an integral and enjoyable part of losing weight. Included are 125 delicious recipes from 100 of the nation’s top restaurants, in leading destinations like Northern and Southern California, Aspen, both coasts of Florida, Atlanta, Traverse City, Michigan, New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine, plus 25 recipes from Fred’s own kitchen, such as poached San Marzano Meatballs. V: Where can we buy your book? FB: The book is available for pre-orders through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com and will be featured in national chain and independent bookstores nationwide. V: What made you write it? FB: I wanted to help other struggling dieters who are fed up with traditional diets that leave us feeling hopeless and deprived. V: Losing weight in great restaurants? What’s the catch? FB: It’s more realistic than attempting to lose weight on some unpleasant diet. People enjoy eating out and for some, it’s a matter of convenience and even necessity. V: How often did you eat out when losing weight? Now? FB: 4-5 nights a week. I enjoy dining out often. Great chefs inspire me to be a better home cook. V: Where are you from? Where do you live now? FB: My hometown is Glen Cove, Long Island. I currently live in Delray Beach, Florida. V: How did you become a sommelier? FB: I enrolled in a course offered by the Court of Master Sommelier’s based in Napa. I wanted to improve my knowledge of wine.

Champagne, and Prosecco. V: Favorite red and white wines? FB: Caymus Cabernet from Napa and Planeta reserve Chardonnay from Sicily. V: What are your “go-to’s” for everyday enjoyment? FB: Seghesio Zinfandel from Sonoma, and La Crema Chardonnay from Sonoma. Also Syltbar Prosecco (only 49 calories a glass)! V: Favorite cocktail of the moment? FB: The Mez Dispenser at Osteria Tulia in Naples, FL (Mezcal Tequila, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, Amaro, lime juice).

V: Do you have favorite cookbooks & chefs? FB: Julia Child’s Art of French Cooking 1&2, Rao’s for Italian-American, Lidia Bastianich, Mario Batali, and the late Marcella Hazan. V: Pets? FB: 2 great dogs, Charlie (Cavalier King Charles) and Teddy (Teddy Bear, a Bichon-Shih Tzu mix or Zuchon). V: Favorite way to relax? FB: Gardening, cooking, with a cocktail by the pool, and playing with my dogs. V: Favorite sports to play? FB: Golf and bocce. V: Pet peeve when dining out? FB: Pasta that isn’t al dente and overcooked steak. V: Favorite food? FB: Pasta—I’m Italian! V: Can you really lose weight and still enjoy pasta? FB: I cut pasta and most carbs from the first phase of my weight loss plan. After that, I reintroduced carbs in moderation. Pasta should be served in small portions, cooked al dente and tossed with the sauce like you are tossing a salad, as in Italy. It’s all about balance. V: What will we always find in your fridge? FB: Imported Italian cheeses for grating,

V: Favorite big cities? FB: Rome, New York, and Tokyo. V: Favorite vacation destinations? FB: Capri, The Amalfi Coast, Aspen, and Napa-Sonoma. V: Favorite hotel? FB: Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi, Italy. V: Most surprising and humbling moment as a food and travel writer? FB: We were dining out in Palm Beach last year and Daniel Boulud came over to say hello to me! V: Most gratifying experience that resulted from your weight loss? FB: Crossing the finish line in the 2013 New York City Marathon. V: Did you always enjoy exercise? FB: No. V: How did this change? FB: I learned to embrace exercise as a way of taking better care of myself. V: Favorite ways to exercise? FB: I love running on the beach, hiking in the mountains (Aspen, Colorado and Acadia National Park in Maine), and swimming. V: Weight loss advice in a nutshell? FB: Love and accept yourself, take it one day and one step at a time. Losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint.

For more information about Fred Bollaci Enterprises, visit: www.fredbollacienterprises.com CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

APPETITE:

Venü Vines

AMERICAN FINE WINE & PHILANTHROPY Celebrating 11 Years as the #1 All-American Wine Competition; 2018 Events Benefiting The Autism Society of Florida Written by Fred Bollaci

Shari Gherman, President of the AFWC and Teresa Becerra, Executine Director of ASF

calls involving individuals with autism and have trained close to 6,000 first responders. Many attendees booked rooms and made a weekend of it on South Beach! Save the Date! The American Fine Wine Competition has many exciting South Florida

Tracey Thomas, Fred Bollaci, and Melody Joy

events coming up in the new year you won’t want to miss! Tickets for all events

the Tri-County community of South Florida

will be available on www.eventbrite.com

to taste these most prestigious wines made

(Search AFWC).

in America. Cost is $65 and benefits the Chip Cassidy Scholarship Foundation.

Valerie Paley, Stacey Hoaglund, Incoming President of ASF, and Teresa Becerra

January 5th – AFWC Kickoff Reception At this exciting VIP Grand Announcement

Stay tuned! AFWC’s annual Wine carnival &

Party- AFWC will be pouring the very best

Consumer Challenge will be held in March,

VENÜ MAGAZINE WAS LIVE IN MIAMI

wines from last year’s competition (the best

—date and location TBA. This fun event with

BEACH for a fabulous Saturday night out at

of the best of the best!) AFWC will announce

great wine, games, and prizes will benefit

the Sagamore Hotel on November 4th for a

details of the 11th annual Competition

Dogs for Disabled Veterans.

very special Wine and Business After Hours

including the amazing wineries that will be

benefiting The Autism Society of Florida. We

participating, the Winemakers of the Year,

AFWC Charity Wine Gala – May 5th at Pier

are proud to continue our media sponsorship

the charity, and the sponsors. For the first

66 in Ft. Lauderdale will benefit the Autism

of the American Fine Wine Competition,

time, this event is open to the public and will

Society of Florida.

which is entering its 11th year in 2018.

benefit the victims of the California wildfires.

The event featured some of the most

Cost $75 Location TBA

amazing wines the United States has to

AFWC also hosts several Wine and Business After Hours events each month throughout

offer—dozens of award winning-all American

January 15th – “The After Party”

the year at great restaurants throughout

wines, awesome food, great people, and a

An incredible all-you-can-taste from more

south Florida, an opportunity to network

great Raffle. The Autism Society of Florida

than 800 wines will be held on January 15th,

while enjoying great wine and food. ¨

is a non-profit organization whose purpose

2018 at the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality

is to help individuals with autism spectrum

& Tourism Management in Miami, immedi-

For more information, visit: www.american-

disorder. One of their most important

ately following two days of judging. This year

finewinecompetition.org Or contact

missions is training Law Enforcement Officers

will mark the event’s eleventh anniversary

Shari Gherman, President of the AFWC at:

and Fire Rescue Personnel on how to handle

and aims to bring together wine lovers from

(561) 504-0206, shari@afwcandgala.com

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

APPETITE:

Venü Vines

Holiday brunch, Cocktail appetizers. A fantastic bottle to have on hand for impromptu celebration. In California there are many fabulous sparkling wines that are worthy of mention, but one that stands out is the Domaine Carneros from Napa. Made in the traditional method of Champagne from the great French family winemakers, Taittinger. This estate grown wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes which make for a fuller creamier finish that accompanies creamy chowder and rich desserts. Try it with fried food as well for a refreshing balance. Alsace France is dominant French sparkling wine appellation that produces fanciful bright sparkling wines. The Willm Crement D’Alsace Brut has a lighter approach than Champagne. Their indicative blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, has a

CELEBRATIONS AND SPARKLE! A Venü Holiday Wine Tasting Written by Sandra Guibord The winter season brings many opportunities to pop

Photo by Chase Muller

open something sparkly and celebrate! Holidays, New Year, Romance, Accomplishments. All are reason to

delicate creaminess that is consistently a crowd pleaser.

enjoy a flute of crisp effervescence. Sparkling wines

A wonderful cost efficient wine that has elegance and

are often overlooked as an extremely food friendly

brightness to serve at large Holiday gatherings with

wine to enjoy with many meals as well. Here are a few

shellfish, cheese and light fare.

suggestions, some are unique and new, and others

The House Of Nobel is an exciting new Cham-

are reliable crowd pleasers to help you through your

pagne project from Epernay France. This wine was

Sparkling enjoyment this winter.

spearheaded by Dr. Philip Alexander Nobel, scion of

There are beautiful sparkling wines from all over

the illustrious Nobel family. Crafted within the esteemed

the world that are finding their way to many tables

family’s tradition of recognizing the very best. This

and celebrations. Prosecco has had the fastest grow-

Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and

ing audience in recent years for its festive, floral and

Meunier varietals. With the traditional elegant essence

peach flavor. Altaneve Prosecco Superior D.O.C.G.,

of the “spice and toast” characteristic of Champagne,

is a Prosecco from the Valdobbiadene area of Italy.

and lively acidity, it can be enjoyed in celebration or

Where winemaking has been in its culture for over 2000

along with fine meals. These unique bottles can be

years. Altaneve, which means “high snow” being that

signed, with a letter of authentication, by Nobel Lau-

it’s from the base of the Dolomite Mountains. It is a

reates. It is an elegant and unforgettable gift to give,

delightfully balanced wine with acidity and freshness

as this Champagne is rare to find in its introduction to

that is complex, with a wonderful silky finish. This new

America, Venü Vines is able to connect any inquiries

and exciting wine to the USA is an enjoyable pairing for

you may have of this truly special wine. ¨ CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

APPETITE:

Fearless Chef

Photo by Benjamin Lozovsky

ON AN UNUSUALLY COMFORTABLE, BREEZY AFTERNOON IN MID-JULY, I was meeting two colleagues/friends for lunch in New York City to celebrate my recent book deal with Mango Media for my manuscript, “The Restaurant Diet,” which is due out January 2nd,

Alsatian Savoir Faire in Contemporary New York Pursuing Culinary Perfection with Michelin Star Chef Gabriel Kreuther Written by Fred Bollaci Photography by Becca PR

2018. My dream to share my story of losing 150 pounds back in 2009, and keeping it off by dining in great restaurants had finally come true. I’ve had a lot of great meals in New York City—and around the world—and I’ve had the privilege of meeting many top chefs in my travels. I knew of Chef Kreuther from his tenure at The Modern, where he garnered numerous accolades throughout his ten years overseeing the acclaimed kitchen, but I had not met him. Nor had I been to his relatively new (2015) eponymous restaurant, Gabriel Kreuther. Being that I only had one meal to enjoy on my most recent stint into New York, the choice of where to dine was especially pivotal. I took heed of a recommendation from my friend, Monty Preiser, also a columnist for Venü and publisher of The Preiser Key, the most comprehensive wine and food guide to Napa and Sonoma, California. Monty, like me, has a very well traveled, sophisticated palate. After his recent visit to the city, he highly recommended enjoying a meal at Gabriel Kreuther. I quickly made reservations. Knowing Monty, I expected an excellent experience, but in my mind, it was still just lunch. As it turned out, I was about to enjoy a transformative culinary experience and would have the pleasure of meeting a chef with the

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

APPETITE:

Fearless Chef

skills, passion, personality, and humility that set him apart in a city full of top chefs and great food, so much so that it made me feel extremely grateful for what I do. The Alsatian-born Kreuther combines inspiration from his homeland with classic French training infused with the spirit of New York to create an experience that is something to behold both in that it is so precise, and that Chef Gabriel is one of the most charismatic and down to earth chefs I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. During the first decade of his career, Gabriel created culinary delights at Michelinstarred kitchens throughout Germany, France and Switzerland before bringing his talent to The States. In New York, he began working at La Caravelle and Restaurant Jean-Georges Central Park before going on to his roles as Executive Chef of Atelier in the Ritz-Carlton and The Modern. Kreuther, a long-standing

The Alsatian-born Kreuther brings inspiration from his homeland, combined with his classic French training, infused with the spirit of New York...”

member and mentor for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or USA Culinary Council, had been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2003 and received a 2009 James Beard Foundation award for “Best Chef: New York City,” is without a doubt a brilliant and still rising star in New York’s vibrant culinary scene. In June 2015, Gabriel realized his dream and opened his own restaurant, a comfortable, contemporary, luxurious space overlooking Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown. Just a few of the accolades Gabriel Kreuther restaurant has received include: 3 Stars from The New York Times, The AAA Five Diamond Award, Best New Restaurant of the Year by New York’s Village Voice, One Michelin Star, and a Relais & Chateaux designation. Gabriel Kreuther restaurant was also recently named as one of the top 10 restaurants in the United States by The Daily Meal and was recently named to the list of “The 9 best new restaurants in The World, 2016” by The Robb Report. Deborah Burns, my brand and media strategist, and Hollywood producer, Cemi Guzman and I were greeted like we were guests of honor when we arrived for our lunch. We began with cocktails from one of—if not THE most impressive cocktail menu I have ever read, which is a twentyCONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

APPETITE:

Fearless Chef

something page history lesson and tribute to neighboring Bryant Park, which celebrated its 25th anniversary as the park we know today, as well as the adjacent New York Public Library, which provided inspiration for many of the featured libations. One of my favorites was the Potter’s Field, featuring Illegal Mezcal, Lillet Blanc, St-Germain, black cardamom, and lemon and paying tribute to one of the first known uses for Bryant Park, which was as a potter’s field in 1823, a graveyard for society’s indigent, which it remained until 1840, when the city transformed the space to make way for the construction of the Croton Reservoir. The next cocktail in this historical adventure in spirit is no surprise, called The Reservoir and features Ketel One vodka, red pepper, oregano, lemon, and absinthe. The actual reservoir was surrounded by 50-foot high, granite walls, and supplied the city with

We felt more like we had gained entry into Chef Kreuther’s home, rather than just snagging a coveted reservation...”

drinking water during the 19th century. The tops of the walls featured public promenades where Edgar Allan Poe liked to walk. A remaining part of the reservoir

home, I was glad we had time to take it all in and felt especially proud

can be seen in the adjacent New York Public Library today. Going

to be part of the history of such a great city and country, and delighted

further back into the city’s past, Washington’s Troop (Michter’s Rye,

that Chef Kreuther was so inspired by his surroundings!

Massenez crème de pêche, apricot, lemon, and losemary) is a tribute

Chef Kreuther took time out of his lunch rush to come over to

to General George Washington, who traversed Bryant Park with his

our table to get to know us as we kibitzed over cocktails—we felt

troops after a humbling defeat at the battle of Brooklyn in 1776, the

very special, and it was even more refreshing to see one of New

first major battle after America declared its independence on July

York’s top toques visiting every table to personally meet and greet

4th, 1776. The British would control New York City until surrendering

his guests. We felt more like we had gained entry into Chef Kreuther’s

at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. The William, named after William Cullen

home, rather than just snagging a coveted reservation, where diners

Bryant, for whom Bryant Park is named features Pear Williams, The

might—if lucky—catch a glimpse of the famed chef.

Botanist Gin, Dolin Dry, absinthe, and orange bitters. In 1827, Bryant

The bar itself at Gabriel Kreuther may be one of New York’s best-

was hired as an assistant editor for the Evening Post. Within two years,

kept secrets—until now. The contemporary, civilized space features

he became editor-in-chief and part owner. His influence helped create

a copper-paneled back bar and pewter-colored finishes are set

Central Park and secured support for The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

against dark wood bar chairs, each with a keyhole heart, a symbol of

Other cocktails honor the legacy and traditions of the New York

hospitality in Alsace. The Alsatian cathedral lamps cast a soft glow

Public Library. Take Level Seven, which features Balvenie 14 yr. Amaro

over the cream-colored leather seating, while forest green wall tiles

Montenegro, Glasgow Blend, banana, and chocolate. The Library

pay homage to Alsace’s traditional wood-fired ovens. The bar and

opened its doors on May 23rd, 1911, and housed over one million

lounge welcomes guests to relax and enjoy the inventive cocktails

items on a staggering 75 miles of bookshelves, spread over seven

and Chef Kreuther’s a-la-carte menu. No reservations are required

floors, hence the reference to Level Seven. Today, the Library has a

for parties of six or fewer and walk-ins are welcome for lunch, dinner,

collection of over 40,000 restaurant menus from as far back as 1850

or drinks—a refreshing respite from the busy big city, where experi-

to the present, including the Cocktail Menu at Gabriel Kreuther!

ences like this typically aren’t conducive to spontaneity and have to

It was a grand time to learn such interesting facts about New York

be planned well in advance. It seems the epitome of sophistication

while sipping the cocktails inspired by this unique place.

to be able to just walk in, sit down, be treated well, and leave the rest

As a history buff, native New Yorker, and aspiring mixologist at 46

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

of the world behind for a while!

Now for the food: highlights of our meal included the Smoked

fresh mango and vanilla ice cream. The Harvest Fig Pear features

Sturgeon & Sauerkraut Tart with American Caviar Mousseline and

sautéed fig, pear sorbet, and caramel crémeux. Enjoy with an ounce

applewood smoke, a signature dish that evokes the sense of “wow”

of Rochelt, an exquisite schnapps or distilled fruit wine from Tyrol,

as the beautiful dish is unveiled from a glass dome as the smoke rises,

Austria, in your choice of apple, quince, Morello cherry, Basel Cherry,

Cured Hawaiian Striped Marlin with yuzu, crystal lettuce, and argan oil,

Muscat, or Gewürtztraminer.

Baked Black Bass with fennel seed-coriander broth and green tomato

Every dish was presented beautifully and tasted divine, only to be

marmalade, and Long Island Crescent Duck Breast with Black Trumpet

further enhanced when expertly paired with a selection of cocktails,

Crust, fleischnacka, and ginger jus. The recent fall menu features

fine wines, and digestifs. Service was flawless—attentive, professional,

tantalizing entrees like Squid Ink Orecchiette pasta with Maine lobster

and warm. It is a definite accomplishment to be able to dine in a busy

and lamb brodo, a unique way to enrich the seafood-based dish with

New York restaurant and feel like you are enjoying a meal in someone’s

a touch of terra firma, making it ideal for fall with a glass of white or

private home, made specially for you, and to be as comfortable as

red, and the Berkshire Pork Chop with pumpkin spaetzle and beet

if you were home sitting by the fire wearing a comfortable pair of

mostarda, another sign that cooler nights are fast approaching.

slippers. Gabriel Kreuther and his phenomenal team have managed to

Other highlights include Beef Tenderloin Tartare with house made

achieve this extraordinary result, a contemporary bastion of civility and

pretzel and quail egg, Foie Gras Terrine & Pistachio Praline with

warmth in the heart of the big city, an example of how a skilled chef and

medjool dates and Strega, Alsatian Beer Soup with lamb sausage and

consummate host can fuse classic and contemporary to create magic.

parmesan foam, and Country Sausage with house made sauerkraut

What easily would have been a three hour lunch went even

and violet mustard, and Red Wine Braised Tripe Gratiné with tarbais

longer, when Chef Kreuther joined us for coffee and a taste of his

beans and thyme for appetizers. The menu changes with the seasons

freshly made dessert special, and invited us back into the kitchen,

and honors Chef Kreuther’s Alsatian heritage. For dessert, consider

which resembled a high-tech laboratory, but the heavenly aromas

walking a few extra blocks to sample the Apple Strudel with caramel

said otherwise. In chatting, Chef Kreuther took a keen interest in

sauce, and prune-armagnac ice cream, Beignets with seasonal

my project, “The Restaurant Diet,” and was intrigued that a “diet”

marmalade and caramel ice cream, or the Grand Marnier Baba with

book was designed for people who enjoy eating out, and that many top chefs and restaurants were part of it. On the way back to Connecticut, where I was staying, I felt an uncanny sense of nourishment and warmth, both from an excellent meal with friends, but more from getting to know the man himself, Chef Kreuther, whose love and enthusiasm takes the restaurant experience to another level. Chef Kreuther is featured on the cover of my upcoming book, “The Restaurant Diet,” as a top chef endorsement. ¨ For more information about Gabriel Kreuther, visit: www.gknyc.com. For more information about Fred Bollaci, visit: www.fredbollacienterprises.com. To order your copy of “The Restaurant Diet,” featuring Gabriel Kreuther’s Black Bass recipe, as well as recipes from 100 top restaurants from coast-to-coast, including New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Florida, Atlanta, Aspen, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sonoma, visit www.fredbollacienterprises.com, www. amazon.com, or your local bookseller. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Z A R I A

F O R M A N

FEATURE

Changing and shifting, the exact subject matter of Zaria Forman’s art can never be captured again. Unlike paintings or photos of landscapes or landmarks – those places where an artist can return again and again – the icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctic are melting and the waters of the Maldives are raising. By the time Forman has completed a drawing, the natural landscape that once existed has diminished and transformed. Forman has made it her life’s mission to provide us with stunning large-scale artworks of icebergs, glaciers, and the sapphire blues of thousand-year-old ancient ice. In addition to providing us with these highly detailed and majestic views – she creates her work using only her fingers – the work serves to call attention to the urgency that climate change is having upon some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

B Y L I S A M I K U L S K I Cierva Cove, Antarctica, No 3, 40x60

Photo by Trevor Traynor

Traveling with NASA and National Geographic

Explorer, she has passionately sought to capture the story of what we stand to lose. However, rather than bringing to us the tragedy of what is unfolding in these areas, Forman brings the beauty of what she has seen. “There is, of course, all kinds of bad news out there about climate change. There’s the fact that the past three years have been the hottest on record, extreme weather is wreaking havoc all over the world, the polar bear population in the Arctic is in rapid decline, and now we’re faced with an administration that ignores these problems – contributing to environmental decline with

planning the Arctic expedition. Unlike other expedi-

their denial of it,” says Forman.

tions, for scientific research, their trip would be only

“My drawings explore moments of transition,

the second-ever undertaken for the purpose of creating

turbulence, and tranquility in the landscape, allowing

art. The first expedition of this kind was in 1869 and led

viewers to connect emotionally with places they may

by American painter William Bradford.

never have the chance to visit. I choose to convey the

Throughout her life, Forman’s family traveled

of terrifying news is paralyzing, but focusing on the positive is empowering.

beauty of these vulnerable regions – as opposed to

extensively to some of the world’s most remote and

their devastation – with the hope of inspiring viewers

faraway destinations. Zaria’s mother believed it would

to help preserve them.”

be a fascinating trip to travel the Northwest coast of

“

Forman grasped the passion of her life’s work in

Greenland to mirror Bradford’s trip nearly 150 years

2012 when she lead her first expedition to Greenland.

later. Sadly, as Forman and her mother were in the early

Along with her mother, fine art landscape photographer,

stages of planning the trip, Rena was diagnosed with

Rena Bass Forman, the mother-daughter duo set about

brain cancer. She passed away six months later.

FEATURE

Despite the great personal loss, the younger Forman promised to see the trip to completion. In August 2012,

nation’s capital) to help them process and inform others about the circumstances facing their home.

she lead a group of artists and scholars on the four

“My collaborators and I shared the concept of our

week expedition. The experience profoundly effected

project with children at the Iskandar School in Malé invit-

Forman on both personal and professional levels. It was

ing them to document their homeland as it transforms

on that trip that she scattered her mother’s ashes.

throughout their lives. Using their creativity, they can

“My mother’s affection for the Arctic echoed throughout my experience in Greenland as I felt both the power and

continue spreading awareness while inwardly processing the ecological transformations which surround them.”

fragility of the landscape. The sheer size of the icebergs

Since her trips in 2012 and 2013, Forman’s art,

are humbling; the ice fields vibrate with movement and

her voice, and her mission have taken wing. She has

sound in a way I never expected. That’s what prompted

been interviewed by numerous publications and news

me to bring recording equipment on my more recent polar

organizations including CNN, National Geographic,

trips, and to expand the scale of my drawings, to give

Smithsonian Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and many

1. B-15Y Iceberg, Antarctica, No.2, 60x90, 2017 2. Risting Glacier, South Georgia, No1, 84x144, 2016 3. Whale Bay, Antarctica, No.4, 84x144, 2016

viewers the same sense of awe I experienced.” It was the connection between the melting ice in

Greenland and the rising waters at the equator that spurred Forman to travel to the Maldives one year later. The melting glaciers in Greenland are one of the biggest contributors to rising sea levels and have already begun to effect some of the world’s lowest lying islands. The Maldives consist of approximately 1,200 islands and is the lowest and flattest country in the world. As Forman drew the lapping waters on the coast it was not lost on her that this nation could be entirely submerged within this century. And so, while on location she also brought her inspiration to the children of Malé (the

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

arts publications. Her drawings have been used in the

Forman struggled to find the exact color blue for a

set design for the Netflix TV series, House of Cards,

very specific kind of ice – old ice. This ice is formed by

and she spoke about her work in a TEDTalk which aired

layers of snow compressing other built-up layers of snow

on PBS.

for hundreds of thousands of years. As she explains on

From November to December 2015, Forman

Unison’s website, “The older the ice, generally the more

received the opportunity to serve as artist-in-residence

it’s compressed – the bubbles have been pushed out,

aboard the National Geographic Explorer taking her

and only ancient ice is left in it’s purest form.”

to the far away continent of the Antarctic. That place

This ice radiates a magnificent shade of sapphire

inspired not only an entire body of work but a special-

blue that Forman needed to recreate in her work. Work-

ized color palette which Forman helped create with

ing together, the artist and the color company, began

Unison Colour Soft Pastels.

a collaboration eventually coming up with two sets of

“I’ve traveled to many stunning places but Antarctica is in a category of its own. The ice radiated a sapphire blue that took my breath away,” said the artist.

color, one for ocean grey and another for old ice blue. A particularly inspiring region for Forman was a place called Whale Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. It was here that she experienced the wonder of glaciers

Photo by Trevor Traynor

calving icebergs into the sea. Calving occurs as chunks of ice break away from the edges of a glacier and at Whale Bay the wind and waters carry the newly formed icebergs into the harbor where they become grounded in the shallow water. Forman explains what happens next, “The icebergs

4. Orne Harbour, Antarctica, 23.5x45, 2016

scrape against the sea floor and become grounded,

5. B-15Y Iceberg, Antarctica, No.1, 72x72, 2017

pletely melted – a slow process that can take years if the

6. Cierva Cove, Antarctica, No 4, 30x30

meaning they will remain there until they have comiceberg is substantial in size. Bays that enclose grounded icebergs like these are called ‘iceberg graveyards’, a

FEATURE

“

If people can experience the sublimity of these landscapes, perhaps they will be inspired to protect and

gloomy yet fitting title that expresses the reverence,

back to 1979. Forman tells us that the scale of this loss

silence, and sacredness of this landscape. Throughout

is difficult to comprehend but since 1979 the planet has

the icebergs’ lifespan in the bay, the wind and waves

lost massive amounts of ice annually.

sculpt them into unimaginable shapes.

While statistics and scientific research can be com-

“We rode around Whale Bay for two hours in a small

plicated and seem remote to us, art has the ability to

zodiac, weaving around the most intricately sculpted,

present and reflect current events and social issues

glowing blue icebergs I had ever seen. The sky was

by bringing them up close and evoking an emotional

purple-gray and the water reflected the ice and sky

response. This perhaps makes such issues more personal.

pristinely. I shot hundreds of photographs and at times

“I rely on other specialists to make rational, data-

I had to force my camera into my lap so I could simply

driven arguments for why we must take action to

be present and take in the overwhelming beauty.” It

preserve our ecosystems. But through my work, I’m

is Forman’s hope that her work may evoke a similar

trying to make the appeal on a more elemental level.”

experience and wonderment for you.

In April 2017, Forman joined NASA’s IceBridge team

But today this beautiful landscape has become

again flying over sea ice, ice caps, and glaciers in Arctic

extremely vulnerable as the ice is melting more rapidly

Canada and Greenland. Her new body of work is being

then it is created. This is especially true around the

based on her experiences with aerial imagery during

Antarctic Peninsula where some findings report that

her flights with NASA. “I’m excited to try a whole new

the rate of warming is approximately six times that of

kind of composition and to represent the ice from a

the global average.

perspective that most people don’t get to witness.”

Forman’s second trip to the Antarctic, this time aboard NASA’s Operation IceBridge, also confirmed swift

Photo by Trevor Traynor

changes in the environment and gave Forman’s artful eye a new perspective from which to draw. From above. Operation IceBridge is the largest airborne survey of the Earth’s polar ice. The team’s DC-8 contains a comprehensive suite of advanced instruments in which to measure and collect crucial information on ice loss and what that loss means for rising sea levels and the global climate system. NASA measured the extent of that ice loss and on Forman’s trip discovered that it was at the lowest level ever recorded – data which goes

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

The Next Chapter in the Life of the MOST

By Peter J. Fox with Sarah Algov

FEATURE

PJF: First of all congratulations on a remarkable stretch for you, with the Dos Equis ads, as well as your book,

His onscreen persona once fooled a psychic, but even a psychic couldn’t have predicted the remarkable comeback that JONAT HAN G O LDSMI T H would make years after what he thought would be the end of his acting career.

which is amazing. Your life story is a movie in and of itself. Can you tell us a little bit about life after “The World’s Most Interesting Man”? JG: Sure. Well yes. When they sent me off to Mars and one door shut, maybe ten or twenty or thirty opened up. I’ve been very, very fortunate, Peter. All kinds of opportunities came to me and I was in a position where I can only do those things I was really interested in and have a passion for. I also travel around doing public speaking and making appearances and enjoying my good found fortune. PJF: When people outside of your circle

Today he’s a household name, known ubiquitously as: “The Most Interesting

see you, there obviously has to be that

Man In The World”. Long before he became the iconic face of Dos Equis Beer,

moment of recognition. Do people

Goldsmith spent decades working bit roles along side some of the biggest

approach you all the time and say “hey,

names in Hollywood. Though he never gained the notoriety or fame of his

there’s the worlds most interesting man”.

many counterparts, he was certainly no stranger to the Hollywood scene. His

Can you tell me about that?

adventures, mishaps and dalliances, before, during and after his time in tinsel

JG: Well it’s a wonderful experience. Every-

town are all chronicled in his new book: Stay Interesting: I Don’t Always Tell

body wants to be recognized for whatever

Stories About My Life, but When I Do They’re True and Amazing. Goldsmith’s

it is that they do; and about the third year

memoir recounts how a boy from Bronx unknowingly journeyed his way to

of the campaign it went from “hey are you

become “The Most Interesting Man In The World”: from a steamy affair with

the Dos Equis guy?” or “hey there’s the most

actress Tina Louise, to an acrimonious rivalry with Dustin Hoffman, a chance

interesting man” it went to “excuse me, are

friendship with Fernando Lamas, to a stint of near homelessness

you Jonathan Goldsmith”?

and string of odd jobs (all of which he admits he was fired from).

And then I knew that we had

The many highs and lows of Goldsmith’s life unknowingly pre-

some legs under this thing. It

pared him for the role of his lifetime. Urged by his wife and agent, Barbara, to audition for the face of Dos Equis Beer, Goldsmith reluctantly agreed. Convinced he was wrong for the role from the get go, Goldsmith had no prospects of getting the part. During his audition, Goldsmith was

was a wonderful feeling. All kinds of opportunities came to me and I was in a position where I can only do those things I was really interested in and have a passion for.

asked to ad lib a monologue that ended with “and that’s how I arm wrestled Fidel Castro.” With a quick wit and no abandon,

PJF: There are not too many actors who achieve your level of fame from appearing in commercials. I can think that Stephanie

Goldsmith drew upon his past Hollywood escapades and friendship with

Courtney (The “Flo” character from the

Fernando Lamas, to weave a tale which left the casting directors in stitches. In

Progressive Insurance ad campaign) is the

the process he created the confident, unfazed, debonair latin character – that

only one I know of.

is “The Most Interesting Man In The World”. The rest is history.

JG: Oh yeah, Flo. I’m very, very lucky, abso-

Peter J. Fox caught up with “The Most Interesting Man in the World” between book signings in New York.

lutely. But it was only because of the great creative drive of the production team. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PJF: You must be getting offers for other

JG: Yeah, I don’t know, it’s a difficult question to answer. We are the sum total of

work as an actor, are there other roles

our experience, each of us, and I’m sure a lot of me is in that character. I don’t

you’re considering right now?

know how to differentiate between me and the role that I played. All actors

JG: We get lots of offers mostly wanting

bring to that character their energy, their life experience. So sure a lot of me is

to capitalize and utilize the persona that I

in that character, yes I recognize that.

showed successfully for almost ten years. The phones have stayed busy.

PJF: Let’s touch a little bit more on the character. Were you given the opportunity to provide input as to what direction the campaign would

PJF: Your book is a tale of two cities in

move and what direction the character would move in the Dos Equis ads?

some ways because you’ve had some

JG: Well, to a degree. They framed it, and at first, when they put out the

terrible adversity in your life, but also

call for it they didn’t know what they were looking for. I only knew that I was

some incredible highs. You were nearly

going to do an improvisation, and end with the line “and that’s how I arm

homeless for a brief period, but you’ve

wrestled Fidel Castro”. So I went down to this audition as you know, after that

also been up for movie roles against some

long lonely night in the camp ground. I had been out of the business for ten

of the greatest screen legends of all time.

years, “out of sight, out of mind” has a particular interpretation on Hollywood

It seems that everyone in Hollywood were

standards: It’s ice cold death, you’re gone, your dead. So I didn’t know if I

either friends of yours or knew of you. It

had it anymore. I went down to this audition after a night of not sleeping

leads me to ask: how much of you actually

very well and my agent Barbara was there for me, I guess that’s one of the

is “Most Interesting Man in the World”?

reasons I ended up making her my wife. There’s more about her involvement

You’ve overcome so much and...

in this because it wouldn’t have happened with out her. Anyway, I drove to the

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

audition and there were four-five hundred guys and they all looked like Juan

“hey do you really speak French in Russian?”

Valdez, they were younger than I was, and by thirty years in some cases, and

And on, and on, and on.

I felt like it was impossible. I didn’t think it would happen and I called Barbara

PJF: It sounds like a lot of fun.

and said “honey I can’t do this” she said “look your a good actor, they don’t

JG: It is, and the best thing about it is, in a

know what they want”. And I’m answering your question... this story... She said

world that desperately needs smiles, people

“they don’t know what they want”. So I channeled my friend Fernando Lamas,

see me and they smile, they light up. It’s a

who, you read the book so you understand who that was, and they started

wonderful feeling.

laughing, I was in this empty studio, and they didn’t stop, I kept going, anyway afterwards I walked out and I said “Barbara thank you, but I’m not right for this

PJF: And the character is not a dark

part, I’m not going to get it. Don’t waste their time, your time and my time,

character. He’s affable.

totally wrong”. And she said “you’re a good actor, you gave it your best shot,

JG: A lovable rascal?

now forget about it”. Okay, then we found out they went around the country searching other markets, looking for whatever concept they were looking for.

PJF: Yes, but he’s also authoritative in a

They went through Mexico and South America and eventually after another

safe, friendly way.

couple of months they ended up with me. So whatever they wanted they saw

JG: Thank you. I don’t know if I mentioned

in me. In a way I hope that answers your question.

it to you, it’s been a little while since we’ve been talking. I get the accolades, I’m the

PJF: It’s an incredible man against the mountain tale.

public face of the campaign, but it’s these

JG: It is. I felt totally useless as I’ve said, I felt like it was a dream, a reoccurring

young people that created this wonderful

dream that I couldn’t fight back at it. You know my whole life had been

opportunity, and I feel very very fortunate

spent trying to get through those vast barriers that are there for all actors.

for that opportunity. It’s been a wonderful ride and experience for me.

PJF: You’ve worked with some very illustrious names in your

And as I said, from a garbage

career. Have you kept in touch with them?

man to the White House, to

JG: No. I haven’t. These are very transient relationships. It’s a joy when you’re together and you have a job your sharing it, its avery special relationships among actors. But then you’re on to another show and a different group of people.

The best thing about being a so called celebrity is being able to call attention to those causes and charities that you deeply believe in. Mine is Make a Wish in Burlington, Vermont.”

PJF: Have you found that people are coming out of the woodwork, if nothing else to congratulate you on this

a friend of the President. It’s overwhelming, and still is. PJF: People are wondering when they’ll see you again? JG: There’s a big campaign for Astral Tequila, and they

amazing journey?

will be able to follow me on that. And there is

JG: Oh sure, lots and lots of people. I can’t give you any star names. It’s been

another company as well called Luma.

overwhelming, I’m almost shaking. I’ve been blessed with the good fortune of having this incredible campaign. Which when they sent me to Mars, that door

PJF: It’s an incredible story, and I’m very

shut and twenty-five opened up after that. I want you to say in your way, how

happy for your success and I’m very

grateful I am to the millions of fans that have been so supportive and gracious

grateful to you for your time this

to me. I’m actually getting more fan mail now then I did when I was on the

afternoon. I know how busy you are.

campaign. I don’t know why, but I am.

JG: That’s alright. I’m so glad. There’s just one thing I would like to just share with you,

PJF: Do you have a favorite among all of the segments that you did?

it’s very important to me. The best thing

JG: No. I loved working with the animals, which was quite a few. But I have a

about being a so called celebrity is being

favorite line which I’m frequently asked about, and that is “he once fooled a

able to call attention to those causes and

psychic”. There’s so many, so many good ones. I was just in New York, as I told

charities that you deeply believe in. Mine is

you, and people would yell out a line in traffic, you know standing at a red light,

Make a Wish in Burlington, Vermont. ¨ CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Sky Bar Lounge

FINDING HEAVEN AT THE GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

Grand Velas Spa

BY CINDY CLARKE

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

I CAN’T GET THE LYRICS OF JAMES TAYLOR’S ICONIC SONG MEXICO OUT OF MY MIND, ESPECIALLY THE PART WHERE HE WOOS ME WITH “OH, MEXICO. IT SOUNDS SO SWEET WITH THE SUN SINKING LOW. MOON’S SO BRIGHT, LIKE TO LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, MAKE EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT.” Azul Restaurant

Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort owns 206 eco-rich acres here, evoking pristine promises of tropical indulgences a world away from the maddening crowds. I had been to Cancun in its early halcyon days when it rose out of the sand and jungle at an unprecedented pace in the mid-1980s, luring tourist-hungry hoteliers and hordes of hot bodies from around the world to its sun-kissed shores in record numbers. Before these crowded all-inclusive resorts replaced colonies of unflappable seabirds and iguanas enjoying their daily siestas, this strip of land along the Yucatan Peninsula was frequented by a handful of Mayan fishermen who cast their lot into the surf with hand-woven nets that mirrored a traditional way of life that has quietly endured here for centuries. As I boarded a packed plane for an easy three-hour flight from metropolitan New York to a place that reinvented itself in a mere blink of time almost three decades ago, I wondered if it had aged gracefully. I was older now too, with sensibilities that had also matured over the years. When I was last here, all-you-can-drink margaritas, hose binging at Senor Frogs, bottomless tacos and wet t-shirts enticed young revelers to overindulge at every turn. My daughter joined me on this well-timed getaway, both of us ready to enjoy the Riviera’s more sophisticated side.

His song was a runaway hit when he first released it in 1975. 20 years

As a travel writer I am prone to superlatives. I am naturally, endlessly,

later, Jimmy Buffett, the poster boy for tropical escapism, spun off his

awed by places authentically pure, enamored by the sun and the sea,

own chart-topping version, turning Mexico the place into a feeling that

and drawn to scenery perfectly posed for visual memories that last a

immediately transported you into a pleasure seeking state of mind.

lifetime. Cultural traditions fascinate me. I’m wild for wildlife and locals,

Fast forward another 25 years or so to the summer of 2017, when

whether they’re furred, finned, feathered, four footed or two shoed.

those eternally intoxicating lyrics went way beyond my imagined

And I’m passionate about people passionate about life. I found them

expectations on a 4-day idyll in paradise at the exclusive all-inclusive

all, in spades, on this unexpected trip to the Riviera Maya.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, oceanfront in Playa del Carmen, about a 45 minute drive from Cancun Airport.

Truth be told I had preconceived notions about this south of the border vacation. I expected a mundane but fun fiesta rather than a

Luxuriously necklaced between the spring break high-rise hedo-

feast of Latin delights that not only took my breath away, but left me

nism of Cancun and the ancient cliffside Mayan ruins of Tulum, the

looking for words that adequately honored the experience. Hence the

Riviera Maya, home to an enclave of prestige and privilege, reigns

disclaimer about the superlatives you will find here, all duly deserved

over 75 miles of powdery soft sand beaches ethereally created for

and diligently earned. Not to mention the words I coined on the spot

sensual indulgences under that ever sweet sinking sun. The 5-star

because ordinary ones wouldn’t do. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

Since Eduardo Vela Ruiz opened this signature five-diamond resort in

The three onsite pools, aquamarine gems all, are equally inviting.

2008 with his brothers, one of their five sister properties ideally located

They include an adults-only pool at the oceanfront Grand Class villas

on prime jet-setter playgrounds in Mexico, the Grand Velas Riviera

where we stayed, a family friendly pool at oceanfront Ambassador a

Maya has continued to raise the bar in luxury resort experiences for

short walk away and one more at Zen in the jungle. All have infinity

guests checking in for the good life. It certainly did mine. It wasn’t just

edges and swim-up bars – a great place to try one of their signature

the supersized 1,100+ square foot suite, dive-in-deep whirlpool bath,

cocktails featuring Xtabentun, a Mayan liqueur with honey infused from

rainforest shower, and private plunge pool, oceanfront with a vanishing

the native Xtabentun flower.

glass wall, on our spacious balcony, bougainvillaed with color and plush

While our hands-on cooking class gave us the opportunity to don

with Sunbrellaed chaises for two and breathtaking views – all standard

chef hats and work with the pros – we prepared, plated and ate a

here – that earned my unbidden and approving accolades. It was also

grouper dish that was as pretty to look at as it was to eat – we definitely

the handcrafted artisan tequila, two glasses at the ready, that warmed

enjoyed being seated and feted at the resort’s fine dining venues.

our welcome; the perfectly plated churros, freshly baked, chocolate

Dining was a showcase of award-winning international cuisine and

dusted and sugared to perfection, that hinted at the culinary treats on

flawless service that seriously defied comparison at any other luxury

offer here; and the mini bar, sommelier-stocked with vintage wines, red and white, beers bottled and ice cold, water, sparkling and still, and snacks, thoughtfully selected and replaced daily, all complimentary of course, that soared past my professional appreciation. Whew. Take a breath, I’m not finished yet. Did I mention the handcrafted straw basket we found by the door, brimming with beach towels perfect for stretching out on that pillow-soft sand for our foray down to the seaside or our private concierge who awaited our bidding day or night? That’s just what we enjoyed inside our adults only Grand Class accommodations. Key to exceeding guest expectations is the ability to anticipate and fulfill customer needs before the customer is even aware of them. The folks at Grand Velas have mastered the art of understated service and over the top delivery, hallmarks of the best luxury hoteliers in the industry. Add the resort experiences we had outside – on the beach, by the pool, dining at five of the property’s signature gourmet restaurants, on our bicycle ride, during our cooking class, watching a private folkloric show and in the pampering environs of the Grand Velas’ incredible Mayan spa – and they sent our guest experience to new heights indeed. It’s no wonder their guests return again and again. Here’s why. The beach here has been awarded one of the cleanest

Grand Class Suite

and most eco-friendly in all of Mexico, due in large part to the artificial reefs this eco-conscious resort constructed to foster and protect native

sea life while stemming naturally occurring beach erosion. It is certainly

resort I’ve been to. We savored world-renowned haute Mexican cui-

the widest, and most spacious crowd-free beach in Playa del Carmen.

sine and wine pairings at Cocina de Autor, the first of any all-inclusive

Attendants appear from nowhere and everywhere as soon as you step

restaurant to receive the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award and the

out onto the sand, positioning your freshly toweled lounge chair and

first to leave a table of seasoned luxury travelers silent with sated

umbrella as you like it for your day in and out of the sun. Hungry for a

smiles and indulged palates. We toasted the Mexican artistry of the

tuna Niçoise salad that evokes images of Provence and the requisite

chefs at Frida with mezcal and tequila-infused cocktails and one of the

glass of chilled French rose? Or a trio of Mexican empanadas, with

most amazing double fermented beers ever bottled, and celebrated

smoked marlin, rehydrated shrimp and zucchini flowers, chased down

the art of French fare and wine at Piaf, named for the chanteuse who

with edible gummy shot margaritas, flavored with tropical fruit favorites,

inspired us to sing during our magnifique Saturday night supper and

and a few made in Mexico Modelo cerzesas? You don’t have to leave

continue singing in the resort’s karaoke bar. From drinks to dessert

your spot in the sun to be served nor do you have to worry about

and every delectable morsel in between, everything we enjoyed could

opportunistic birds swooping down on your plate thanks to the trained

best be described as edible art created as only master culinary artists

hawks that fly overhead at the command of their keepers to drive any

could do. The comments we made as we tasted our way through

scavengers away and keep you awed and entertained.

their menus and up to 13 different plates at one seating were unlike

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

anything ever written or eloquently spoken, but to true foodies, our ecstatic groans translated into “wow” with every single bite. We pedaled past on-site botanical gardens down the two-mile resort road to the walled entranced gate on bicycles made for leisurely rides and intimate conversations with our fellow bikers. The walls here are inviting works of art and express the owners’ vision for an unequaled oasis of hospitality for those seeking respite at a Leading Hotel of the World. Just saying… Locally inspired cocktails in hand, we were entranced by a dance performance starring masked Mayan hunters with fierce faces and painted bodies and a defiant costumed deer who captivated our cameras and imaginations with their animated retelling of traditions

Award-winning Culinary Delights

centuries old. That they stalked their prey with a reverence for eternal life elevated this show to a spiritual level. And the 90,000 square foot spa? It was awarded the “Best Spa in the World” by Virtuoso in 2010. My superlative mindset notwithstand-

and cold, to soothe tired feet, then you’ve found Mayan heaven on Earth right here at this extraordinary resort.

ing, I have to agree. If you’ve ever had a massage that began with

I could go on and on about the resort’s Zen Zone, nightclub, Kids’

a millet-filled foot bath and a mint-infused Mayan chant with angel

Club, Teen’s Club, watersport activities, billionaire birthday parties,

bells that gently transported you to another time and place even

eye-opening off-site excursions, each customized to guest wishes

before your treatment started, or embarked on a seven-step water

and more. But like all the bucket-list amenities of this resort, they’re

journey through the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit from the sauna to the

best experienced up close and in person so you can relive them like

steam room to the clay room to the ice room to the rain shower to

I do in my dreams and in the last lines of James Taylor’s song… “Oh

the experience pool with massaging neck jets, water bubble beds,

Mexico, it sounds so simple I just got to go. The Sun’s so hot, I forgot

waterfalls, an exhilarating bubble volcano and a pebble walkway, hot

to go home, guess I’ll have to go now.”

“OH MEXICO, IT SOUNDS SO SIMPLE I JUST GOT TO GO. THE SUN’S SO HOT, I FORGOT TO GO HOME, GUESS I’LL HAVE TO GO NOW.” Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

Society Fare The Societies Behind the Art of Pastel Written by Dianne B. Bernhard

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

I WILL NEVER FORGET THE FIRST TIME I MET FLORA. It was at The National Arts Club, and she had invited Herman Margulies and me for dinner. As we approached her table, she said to Herman, “I hope you have brought me another great painter, but she has to work!” That started an almost twenty year relationship with one of the most gracious women I had ever met. She was born in Naples, Italy, raised in Queens and had a Florentine accent. Poised and with a sense of humor, you knew when she spoke, she meant business. Flora passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy very much in keeping with her larger-than-life presence. Rest in peace dear Flora!

Flora Baldini Giffuni, a devoted student of pastels

who perfected her art and passion under the tutelage of Ukranian portrait and figure painter, Robert Brackman, is credited with introducing pastel to contemporary America. She founded the Pastel Society of America (PSA) in 1972, at a time when the medium and the magic were largely under

Opposite Page: The painters in the garden are a reunion and class with Gustave Sennelier’s wife at their country house near Paris in 1900 they would have every Sunday. Background: Flower Study, Pastel on paper, 24 x 18 in. See page eight for entire painting. Below: Flora Giffuni, Founder, Pastel Society of America, 1919-2009.

appreciated and under the radar in the art world. Her organization was not the first of its kind in America, but it is today the oldest existing – and most influential – pastel society in the United States. Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing her while she was painting conversations and canvasses with her always enthusiastic, invariably enlightening views on art and emerging artists are not at all surprised. She would light up a room like royalty could, graciously acknowledging everyone’s individual presence, and even more importantly, having an innate understanding and sensitivity to their personal reasons for being there. She had the unique ability to understand people’s motivations objectively, refraining from judgment and remaining impervious to critical comments. Her real great love was for art

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

with the public, both in the USA and abroad, for being considered more of a sketching or preparatory medium than other art materials. They were successful. In the short time they were operating, the society attracted some of the most illustrious painters to its ranks, including John La Farge, John Twachtman, Julian Alden Weir and Childe Hassam, and heralded the advancement and appreciation of pastel paintings. Art critics took notice of their exhibitions, praising them for their efforts and the artists’ brilliant use of color and technique. As a result, pastel did experience the renaissance The American Society of Painters in Pastels hoped for and also inspired the formation of other societies. In 1885, the Société des Pastillistes de France was formed in Paris and is still in existence today. In 1888, the London Pastel Society was founded. Its first exhibition included a series of works by James Abbott McNeill Whistler who had painted the city of Venice in intimate pastels and etchings that garnered unprecedented acclaim. A decade after the Society of British Pastellists

closed in 1890, a new society of 77 artists was formed there in 1898, calling themselves The Pastel Society. They

and the medium of pastel. And as such she devoted her life to encouraging and educating artists and the public alike on the importance of art in our lives. That in essence is what an art society does. By definition, an art society exists to promote and support like-minded member artists through exhibitions of their work. Education and outreach have become as important as showcasing the best examples of the medium and technique so today’s societies have emerged as the preeminent standard bearers for their specific craft. While pastel was a popular medium for portraits and sketches in Europe for centuries, it wasn’t until 1882 that the first professional pastel society was created. It may surprise you to learn that it was founded not in England or France where most pastelists lived and worked, but rather in New York City. The American Society of Painters in Pastels had only seven founding members, artists William Merritt Chase and Robert Blum among them, and held only four shows during its eight-year existence. Their goal was to champion a renaissance of pastel after it had fallen out of favor 64

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Above: “Four Graces”, Pastel on Paper, 18 x 24 in. By Flora Giffuni Opposite Page Top: The embossed logo is The Écu from Sennelier sign of quality inspired by the French royal gold medal from Louis the XIV. Bottom: Flora Giffuni, 1976 at The Grand Gallery in The National Arts Club, NYC.

continue to stage exhibitions today.

Back in New York, a second American pastel society was taking shape. The Pastellists came into existence in 1910, with an impressive roster of member artists and exhibitors. They too only held four shows before closing just five years after they were founded, but their shows received critical acclaim and influenced many contemporary artists. They included Georgia O’Keeffe and John Marin who studied under William Merritt Chase. Along with Robert Henri, who became a rival instructor, Chase was the most important teacher of American artists around the turn of the 20th century. Although he worked in all media he was most fluent in oil painting and pastel. A co-founder of America’s first pastel society, Chase was a leader in the late 19th-century revival of pastel painting and one of its most innovative practitioners.

It was not until 1972, when Flora Giffuni founded the

Pastel Society of America, that American pastel artists

had exhibition opportunities devoted exclusively to their medium. Jimmy Wright, a master pastelist who serves as the President of PSA today, reminded me of the time when pastel artists were exhibiting their works with watercolorists . “The last exhibition devoted exclusively to pastels was in 1914 in the Grand Gallery of The National Arts Club. After that time, pastel artists were invited to exhibit their works with the Watercolor Society. As the years passed, they began to take home the top awards in all of the shows, much to the dismay of the Watercolor Society. In 1971, they were told that they would no longer be welcome to show with the Society again. Flora, an aspiring pastel artist herself, took note of this decision, and, encouraged by the president of The National Arts Club, started her own society. And interestingly enough, in 1972 she held her first exhibition in the same Grand Gallery where The Pastellists had their last exhibition decades before. ” Flora was unstoppable in her efforts to give pastels a front-row seat in the annals of modern-day art history. She acquired space in The National Arts Club, held exhibitions and mentored student artists. Through the PSA, she redefined why pastel art is important and gave it a voice in New York City’s prestigious art world. As a former artist myself, I’ve always understood the value of artistic expression in one’s life. The importance of art in my life led to my desire to support struggling artists and enable them to develop their creative talents and contribute in their field of art and our culture at large. By establishing the Art Spirit Foundation, I was able to provide a recognizable platform for pastel artists and an atmosphere where their self expression is celebrated and deemed valuable. Our awards program has

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY CULTURE/ CULTURE//MAGAZINE /MAGAZINE

65 65

SPOTLIGHT:

rewarded hundreds of pastel artists over the years and is now expanding internationally. It has been our goal to stay at the forefront of supporting the pastel medium and advocate for pastel artists in the competitive art landscape. I currently serve as the First Vice President of the Pastel Society of America and am proud to have seen our non-profit organization grow more impressive each year. We now have 12,000 artist members, from BFA and MFA graduates to professional artists to artists who teach in schools and universities. We are renowned for exhibiting the best of the best pastel artists from around the world. You know that saying “if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere?” It applies to art as well. The artists who exhibit in our shows benefit from access to a network of professional artists as well as the top art critics in the world. It is quite an honor for them to receive award-winning recognition with us in New York. “I can’t explain the look in an artist’s eyes when they walk up the grand stairs in The National Arts Club to accept their award,” shared Jimmy Wright. “Some of our artists have never been to New York City. When we tell them that they have won an award, they are very excited and do all they can to come here and accept their award in person. For most of them, it is a highlight of their career.”

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

In keeping with Flora’s wishes, we remain focused on how the PSA can best meet the needs of living members and how we can best take a step forward to further their art. Thanks to endowments set up by our founder and others, we are able to award significant monetary prizes to our artists no matter the state of the economy. That is a great legacy to pass on. In addition to founding the PSA in 1972, Flora was directly responsible for helping create 30 other pastels societies in the United States and also helped lay the groundwork for the International Association of Pastel Societies. Founded in 1994, the International Association of Pastel Societies is a non-profit organization

representing over 70 pastel societies worldwide and sponsors international juried exhibitions in galleries and online.

The Art Spirit Foundation recently had the delightful opportunity to host another pastel society from the other side of the world when we welcomed a group of pastel artists from the China Pastel Network and their director Yang Hui. Many Chinese artists are now coming to the US to sell their work. It is very exciting that international pastel artists want to be shown in the US, especially with China forging ahead with their own art market. There is a lot of new wealth in China that is looking to invest in art, making it the perfect mix of opportunities for these accomplished pastel artists.

Above: PSA Exhibit in the Grand Gallery, The National Arts Club. Home to the competition since1972. Right: Flora Giffuni and Dianne Bernhard Opposite Page Top: Figure in Yellow Hat, Pastel on Paper, 24 x 18 in. By Flora Giffuni Bottom: The first gold soft Pastel made by Sennelier.

Equally important, the China Pastel event demon-

strated how the beauty and love of art transcends borders. It was an especially rewarding honor to host this international group of pastel artists and we look forward to hosting other groups from around the world in the future.

Each of these societies carries with it the respon-

sibility and the honor of supporting America’s finest living pastel artists so that we and future generations can enjoy seeing the world through their talented eyes. We can’t wait to see what treasures they will bring. In our next column, we will celebrate the works of some of history’s most talented pastel artists, followed by a proud and poignant look at today’s living artists.

About the Author: Venü is honored to welcome Dianne Bernhard as a contributing columnist for a four-part Art Spirit series. An accomplished painter, teacher, arts advocate, devoted patron of the arts, she is also the founder of the Art Spirit Foundation, dedicated to the work of living artists. The past President of The National Arts Club, and its Director of Fine Arts, she currently serves as the First Vice President of The Pastel Society of America. Dianne resides in Connecticut and New York where she continues to champion the renaissance of pastel as well as recognition for living artists of every medium.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

YACHTING

What are the design elements important to the American buyer? Space, style, performance and usability are some of the key factors for an American owner. Our clients typically spend a higher concentration of time onboard their yachts, so functionality, reliability and use of space are paramount. Our new layouts and styling are geared towards making yachts feel more like homes on the sea instead of just their boats. This, combined with our increased levels of quality, fit and finish lead to a harmony between form and function that appeal universally to all markets, but are especially appreciated by those who spend extended Navetta 33 2017

time onboard.

Ferretti Group A Question & Answer with Venü FERRETTI YACHTS CAME INTO BEING IN 1968 when brothers Alessandro and Norberto

Navetta 33 2017, Master Suite

Ferretti created the first nautical division of the family business, then a specialist luxury car dealership. Three years later, in 1971, at

in recent years we have experienced an

the Genoa Boat Show, their first model, a

increase in European yacht aficionados

wooden motor-sailer, was greeted with great

and yacht owners who have invested in real

acclaim. Their intuitive design coupled with

estate in Miami and the Keys. They are used

outstanding quality has kept Ferretti Yachts

to spend their spare time there and take the

at the top of the list of the world’s most pres-

opportunity to visit the latest yachting jewels.

tigious boatyards since their inception.

What trends are we seeing in

been the place where we are able to close a

superyachting?

with Mr. Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group CCO

high number of negotiations and bring new

We have experienced, especially with CRN

on the trends and influences of design that

customers into the Ferretti Group family. This

- our brand and shipbuilder specializing in

has lead to the success of Ferretti Yachts.

year, with the 50th anniversary of Ferretti

fully-custom megayachts up to 100 meters

Yachts and the arrival of some of our latest

in length - that these days the first request

What is Ferretti Group’s outlook for the

new models from Riva and Custom Line, we

of an owner is to have a yacht that will allow

Miami Yacht Show?

are sure to have some great news to share.

them and their family to experience unprec-

The Miami Yacht Show has always been an

Based on the increase in activity we saw

edented emotions and feel an atmosphere

important event for Ferretti Group. Every

at the recent Fort Lauderdale Boat Show,

of all-pervasive excellence. They would like

year, we see an even larger influx of people

and thanks to the debut of a number of

to live on board, to have a floating house

into South Florida for the show, both from

new models that will be displayed in Miami

equipped with all the comfort they can enjoy

the Northeast and South America. Moreover,

Beach, this trend will continue.

at home. Therefore, the trend is to have a

The following is a discussion Venü had

Traditionally, the Miami Yacht Show has

Navetta 33 2017, Master Deck Lounge

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

functional yacht without giving up the orig-

processes. People consider the yachting

masterpieces from Alighiero Boetti, Mimmo

inal and creative lines that make the yacht

sector to be one of the best examples of

Rotella and Mimmo Paladino have been

recognizable. We are in constant search

finest artisanship. Our challenge is to carry

wisely placed to allow guests to admire

of new inspiration and are always keen on

the automotive or aeronautical industrial

them with an uninterrupted view from all

developing projects in collaboration with

processes into our sector. Technological

the angles in the lounges and master suite

the best yacht designers and architects from

innovation for us means the utmost in

on both the lower and upper decks. Many

all over the world in order to satisfy every

comfort without compromising safety. Our

of our clients include a budget for a private

owner’s wishes.

ambition is not to change the industry, it

gallery when commissioning a superyacht

is to improve the quality and to offer our

and there are curators who specialize in

owners an unforgettable life experience

creating these yacht collections.

with their loved ones on board the yacht they love.

The Navetta 33 is stunning, why introduce her to the AMAS market at

Navetta 33 2017, VIP Cabin

We’re seeing superyachts growing in

the Miami Yacht Show?

size year by year — but is bigger

The Navetta 33 has been a huge hit since

always better?

its introduction at her dedicated event in

We build to suit for any of our clients, but in

Ibiza last July, followed by the Private Pre-

fact 2017 was one of the most fruitful years

view event in Monaco, the Cannes Yachting

for Ferretti Group yachts between 30 and

Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show. We

40 meters. We launched many new models

have sold 8 of them in less than 6 months.

and announced new projects in this range,

We are lucky that the owner of hull #1 wants

such as the Riva 100’ Corsaro, Riva 110’

his yacht in the Caribbean for the winter and

Dolcevita, and Custom Line Navetta 33, to

is allowing us to display her in the Miami

name a few. Last but not least, the Navetta

Yacht Show. The new Navetta generation

42, which will become the new flagship of

has not been seen in the US yet and Miami

the Custom Line brand.

is the perfect environment and time for her

Still, our owners will continue to dream

debut in the Americas.

bigger and we will continue to design and create new models to match those dreams.

What are some of the other yachts

In 2018, for instance, we are going to launch

one might expect to see at the Ferretti

new CRN ships and we expect to launch

Group stand?

several brand new yachts including two new

Hopefully, we will also be showcasing Custom

Pershing and Riva flagships: the astonishing

Line’s new planing yacht, the 120’, during the

Pershing 140, the first Pershing built in light

Miami Yacht Show. This will be dependent on

alloy, and the impressive Riva 50m, the first

the current owner’s plans, but we are keeping

product of the Riva Superyachts Division.

our fingers crossed! It will be the worldwide

Is there any new technology on the

premiere for this unique ship. Moreover, to

horizon set to change the industry?

Many of Venü’s readers are avid art

celebrate Ferretti Yachts’ 50th anniversary,

The technological evolution is moving faster

collectors. How might one showcase

we will also introduce the new Ferretti Yachts

and faster every year. Ferretti Group, as

their art collection in a superyacht?

920, which is sure to make a huge splash in

the world leader in the yachting industry,

Let’s focus on the new Navetta 33 by Custom

the industry, as well as the spectacular Riva

invested 50 million euros in research and

Line. Custom Line offers owners the ability

56’ Rivale, a rebirth of one of Riva’s most

development and launched 24 new serial

to customize all of the interiors to suit their

beautiful models. We will have a full contin-

models from 2015 to 2017. We’re going to

tastes. On this particular model, the owner

gency of Pershing from the new 5X to the 82,

continue investing more and more in the

is a passionate collector of contemporary

Ferretti Yachts from the 450 to the new 920,

next few years to develop new innovative

art and a friend of a famous Italian artist,

and the Riva line from the 27 foot Iseo to the

systems that ease the owner’s experience on

so he introduced the concept of a floating

88 Domino Super and 88 Florida. This year’s

board, some of which are already patented

art gallery for the interior. Thanks to a

display will be one of the biggest Ferretti

by the Group, and to create new industrial

dedicated lighting system, contemporary

Group displays seen in the Americas. ¨ CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

WELL-BEING

Water Wellbeing HEALING THROUGH WATER IS THE original

Drift Dream and Float

consist of a world-class wellness community

meaning of ‘spa’. With our high-tech, highstress lifestyles, it makes sense that spas are

in North America’s wellness industry, this will

Written by Judy Chapman

with organic orchards, integrative wellness

expanding their facilities to include more

programs, a boutique lifestyle hotel with res-

water wellness experiences. What’s significant

idences and a Medispa - all centered around

is the innovation in the design of these water facilities. Hammams are being reimagined, hot spring bathing are experiencing a renais-

HOT SPRINGS ARE HOT

sance. Even the traditional sauna is going

With wellness one of the fastest growth

through a soulful transformation. These are

industries in the world today, then it makes

our recommendations for ‘wow’ water-in-

sense that hot spring bathing is experiencing

spired treatments to replenish and revive…

a renaissance – it’s communal, affordable and fun! Bathing in open air hot and cold springs

BATH HOUSES

is one of the oldest health traditions and there

From the Russian, Turkish, and Korean bath-

are naturally occurring geothermal springs all

houses to the ‘Sento’ public bathing houses

over the world. The health benefits of bathing

of Japan, most cultures around the world have

in mineral-rich water are bountiful. In Japan,

their own bath house rituals. In New York, who

hot spring bathing onsen has been the spiritual

1 hasn’t heard of the Russian Bath House in the

center of their culture for centuries and they

East Village, renowned for being the real deal

are also going through a transformation. The

type experience? At the other end of the scale,

newly opened Amanemu resort is a stunning

the healthful spring waters. At the Peninsula

Great Jones Spa houses the Water Lounge, a

testament to Japan’s historic bathing culture.

Hot Springs in Australia, health-conscious

hip hotspot to unwind and replenish. Another

Set around mineral-rich thermal spring, the

folk soak in the magnesium-rich outdoor

luxe option is Aire Ancient in Tribeca where

resort houses a 2,000 square-meter spa with

pools while watching live music, poetry

they have dedicated an entire floor to hot and

two large onsen pools, private onsens and a

and performances. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

cold bathing experiences. Further afield, one

watsu pool. Even better, each suite features a

is considered one of the 25 wonders in the

of the most creative interpretations of ancient

salt-infused spring water onsen. At their new

world and where you bathe in waters rich with

global bathing rituals is at Malaysia’s famed

urban Aman Tokyo, hotel rooms feature a

healing algae, sulphur and muds. Another

Pangkor Laut Resort. Their Spa Village

wooden ofuro (bath) to keep one serene in

inspiring project in Iceland is the new spa

offers a Bath House Ritual where you journey

the city. Here in the USA, there’s a range of

retreat at The Red Mountain Resort that

through several Asian bathing experiences

hot spring resorts to explore including the

will be a landscape of experiences to voyage

including a Chinese foot bath, a traditional

infamous Saratoga Springs in New York state.

through including ice pools, wind tunnels and

Malay bath, a goshi- goshi scrub in the

The renowned Glen Ivy Hot Springs Resort

fire baths all immersed in the surreal Icelandic

Japanese Bath House, and a dip in a heated

situated beneath the Santa Ana Mountain

glaciers – sounds enlightening!

Rotenburu pool. Another stunning example is

Range in California is undergoing a transfor-

at the Remede Spa at St. Regis Singapore.

mation. For decades folk have been visiting

SHOWSTOPPING HAMMAMS

Their marble Wet Lounge celebrates Euro-

this region to bathe in their mineral-rich

If you have spent time in regions like Morocco

pean and Middle-Eastern bathing rituals with

springs for health and rejuvenation. Soon you

and the Middle East, then you will be well

offerings of black olive soap scrubs, Rassoul

will be able to stay at the sustainable GOCO

aware about the beautiful Turkish bath

clays, and Deep Sea salt baths. In a nutshell:

Retreat Temescal Valley that will be located

‘hammam’ tradition. Hammams are now

Bathing is good for the soul!

adjacent to the resort. Set to be a pioneer

also being reimagined in spectacular ways.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

1. Steam cave rock pool at Tamarind. 2. Peninsula Hot Springs, Spa Dreaming Centre waterfall. 3. Hammam Water Treatment featured in ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa. 4. Aro-ha’s ‘wow’ sauna with 180-dgrees views over pristine mountains and lakes. 5. The Aman Spa in Japan, a stunning testament to their historic bathing culture.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

WELL-BEING

Amatara Wellness Resort in Phuket in Thailand recently launched the world’s first Thai-inspired Hammam that is mosaic and gold marble oasis where you lie on a heated slab of marble while therapists apply warm Thai herbal scrubs and muds to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Here in the US, The Standard Spa Miami Beach were one of the first urban hotels to launch a ‘wow’ hydrotherapy space including their incredible communal hammam that features an attached aroma steam, arctic plunge, and salt-water infinity pool. Another USA architectural showstopper is the Tierra Santa Healing House spa at the Faena Hotel Miami where the 900s-quare foot hammam is cut from Amazonite stone.

South East Asia’s largest hammam is at the ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa where their wellness space also consists of a Rock Sauna, Vitality Pools, Crystal Steam Room– and outdoor forest-onsen pool. My personal favorite is the hammam at La Mosqqee in Paris. Inside this incredible mosque building, you journey through several warm steam rooms, receive a rather vigorous soap scrub on heated slab of marble, and an optional

1. Purification Ritual at Oneworld Ayurveda Retreat. 2. Flower bath at Maya Ubud Resort, situated by the sacred Ayung River. 3. Soul & Surf Retreats in Sri Lanka and India. 4. Four Seasons’ Jimbaran treatment.

massage at the end that is bestowed by singing Moroccan women – it’s one of Paris’ best kept secrets! 3 2

SAUNAS TAKE CENTER STAGE Like bathing, most cultures have their own historical sweat traditions and in fact, sweat is the only thing proven by science that actually detoxifies our body. New studies indicate that regular sauna time can lower our risk of dementia and improve our cardiovascular health. No longer a solo ‘lonely’ experience located in the gym, saunas are undergoing a revolution. From urban sweat lodges to saunas sessions with live DJ’s, and group sweathouses, saunas are now center stage (meeting with friends for a group sweat followed by a vegan meal is a thing now). Look to Scandanavia for further inspiration. The Well in Norway is a three-level water playground with fifteen themed saunas including 72

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

a cinema and jungle sauna. In New York,

the fresh spring-fed rockpool is a once-in-

quintessential flower bath experiences is

you can experience a variety of saunas at

a-lifetime type experience – emerge feeling

at Maya Ubud Resort in Bali where your

Spa Castle, another water wonderland that

cleansed and reborn.

open-air bath is situated by the sacred

is ideal for families and friends. Their Sauna

Ayung River. At the Tibetan-inspired Dewa

Valley offers a creative collection of sauna

SALT FLOATS AND SURF RETREATS

Spa at Menla Mountain Retreat near New

experiences including a Gold Sauna lined

Float salt tanks are also going through a

York, they offer an enticing menu of Tibetan

with plates of real gold for its medicinal

rebirth, especially in cities where the need

bathing therapies for rejuvenation. Another

benefits, a magnesium-rich Jade Sauna,

for sensory and digital downtime is more

spiritual water experience the ‘Dance of

and a Himalayan Salt Sauna to name a

crucial than ever. Popular in the seventies for

Healing Waters’ at India’s newly opened

few. The high-point at Aro-Ha, a yoga and

expanding consciousness, todays revival is

Raas Devigarah boutique hotel. This two-

hiking retreat in New Zealand, is without

more about our need to unplug and de-stress.

hour journey is dedicated to rebalancing the

doubt their ‘wow’ sauna with 180-dgrees

Likewise, Himalayan Salt Caves are sought-af-

Swadhisthana water chakra and consists of

views over pristine mountains and lakes. Far

ter for their alkalizing benefits. In New York,

a warm coconut oil pouring, a warm salt

Infrared Saunas are also big in New York and

Breathe Salt Rooms have several locations

scrub, restorative massage and bathing

also thought to detox at a cellular level as

across Manhattan and they take it to the

ritual. A must-try is the ‘Blessings of Bali’

next level by offering yoga classes, salt and

at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay in Bali.

sound baths and meditation and breathwork

This begins with gentle opening yoga poses

sessions inside their salt rooms. Still, there’s

and includes a Balinese gong ‘sound bath’,

nothing like real salt water to replenish and

energy balancing massage and purification

revive. ‘Surfs Up – the new wave of wellness’

ritual bestowed by a Balinese-Hindu priest.

was recently listed in the top spa trends report

by Spa Finder (surfing is a big business and

NEXT IN LINE… WELLNESS ON WATER

valued at $130 billion annually). Costa Rica is

Wellness cruises where your captain might

bountiful with surf yoga retreats to suit all bud-

well be your yoga teacher is the next big

gets and tastes – I recommend The Harmony

trend! Belmond luxury hotels have recently

Hotel for a surf-centric wellness stay. For a

launched a 3-7 day ‘Mindfulness Mandalay’

super luxury surf vacation then Nihi Sumba

with on-board juice bars, spa treatments. and

Indonesia offers epic surfer’s stretch yoga,

fitness classes. Seven Seas Explorer offer

stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP), and surf and

luxury wellness cruises through Indonesia,

spa safaris. More affordable options include

Myanmar and Micronesia. Seabourn cruises

the yoga-surf Talalla Retreat in Sri Lanka and

have collaborated with the Integrative Dr.

Soul & Surf Retreats in Sri Lanka and India

Andrew Weil to curate a wellness program that

well as increase blood circulation, and boost

– how good does it feel to mix up morning

includes yoga and meditation. Bon Voyage!

oxygen to the brain. Check out the Higher

surf lessons with sunset yoga, meditation, and

Dose whose serotonin-boosting saunas are

nourishing Ayurvedic treatments.

enhanced with high-vibration music and color therapy - feels so good! And when

HOLY WATER

it comes to the classic Steam, who doesn’t

There’s nothing like a soak in a fragrant

love a good steam clean? Even twenty-min-

flower bath after your massage to leave you

utes does wonders for our complexion as

feeling rested and restored. Water is sym-

steam helps to move toxins out of the

bolic for purification and renewal in the East

body through our skin. A must-visit is the

and has deep spiritual connotations. For

Herbal Steam Cave at Tamarind Springs at

travelers seeking a meaningful experience,

Koh Samui in Thailand. Their steam ‘cave’

a must-try is the Purification Ritual that is

is set inside an enormous granite boulder

part of your initiation into your Panchakarma

and holds up to sixteen guests at a time.

Detox at Oneworld Ayurveda Retreat in

The sensation of steaming your body in a

Bali. Here you wear the traditional sarong

mist of fragrant lime, lemongrass, tamarind

and bathe in the holy springs at the historic

and ginger, followed by a refreshing dip in

Tirta Empul Temple. One of my favorite

About the author: Judy Chapman is the author of four books on spas and the former Editor-in-Chief of Spa Asia magazine. Over the past twenty years, Judy has created award winning spas, wellness retreats, and products for luxury brands in Australia, Bali, Germany, India, Maldives, Middle East, Myanmar, Singapore and New York. With a relentless pursuit of unique and original experiences, her curiosity has led Judy to explore the Himalayas, spending time with Tibetan doctors to onsen bathing in Japan and Ayurvedic retreats in India. She has created over 200 skincare, tea, and candle collections for luxury brands around the world. Judy is also the Editor of ‘The Chapman Guides, a curation of wellness retreats and destinations. www.thechapmanguides.com

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PULSE:

Stage

TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD When Broadway Comes To Main Street By William Squier

When a musical is a hit in New York, the producers frequently try to

in an encore staging filmed in Los Angeles, starring Jeremy Jordan,

capitalize on its success by sending out touring versions of the show.

that’s available on Netflix.

The production is, of course, retooled for travel. But, efforts are made

“Newsies inspired a group that call themselves The Fansies,”

to keep the sets, costumes, lighting, orchestrations and staging as close

Aldrich says. “On the road, there was a band of them that would show

to what you’d see on Broadway as possible. The goal is for playgoers

up in numerous cites. There was even one family that would all come.

across the country to enjoy much the same experience as those in

They made it their vacations! I remember seeing them in Washington,

New York.

DC, L.A. and somewhere in Texas. They’d chat with me and fill me in

One element that is often out of the creative team’s control, how-

Victoria Huston-Elem recently celebrated a year on the road in

more aware of than the show’s cast. “Each city seems to have its own

Finding Neverland, headlined by John Davidson. She’d toured the

personality,” feels actor Mark Aldrich, a veteran of several trips around

country previously in the The Addams Family musical and appeared

the U.S. in large stage productions. Fellow actor, Tom Souhrada, agrees.

Off Broadway in the plays Himself And Nora and Golden Boy Of

“It’s challenge,” he explains. “As opposed to Broadway, where you’re

The Blue Ridge. By the time she finishes her current engagement,

pretty much getting the same response at every performance.”

Huston-Elem estimates she’ll have played her featured role of “Miss

So, the actors learn to adapt to ever-changing circumstances,

Bassett” in 51 cities in 31 states!

such as the size of the theater. “Sometimes the first row is 25 feet

“I’ve kept my online dating profiles active while we’ve traveled

away and sometimes it’s right up against the stage,” says Souhrada.

around because you never know,” Huston-Elem says. “I came home

Actress Victoria Huston-Elem notes, “When the audience is so far

from the show one night and had a message. So, I opened it and all

away from you, the jokes take time to get to them and the laughter

it said was, ‘Miss Bassett!’ With a hundred exclamation points! That

takes time to get back. So, even if they’re having a great time, it’s

was definitely a first.”

harder for us to feel it!” And Aldrich adds, “So, you try to do something to get them to react.”

on their lives and I’m still in touch with them via social media.”

ever, is audience itself. That’s a fact of life on the road that no one is

In another instance, local playgoers came to Huston-Elem’s rescue. When Finding Neverland was in Atlanta, she met family friends for

The Disney musical Newsies has been a part of actor Mark Aldrich’s

dinner between the afternoon and evening shows. But, when it was

life since he created the role of “Seitz” in what was intended to be a

time to return to the theater they were caught a torrential downpour.

limited run at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011. He remained

“Standing in the restaurant foyer, surrounded by people, I asked,

with the show when it moved to Broadway for 1,005 performances,

‘Hey! Who’s coming to see the show tonight?’ The couple next to

where he also occasionally portrayed Theodore Roosevelt. And then,

me said, ‘We’re coming.’ And I said, ‘I’m in it and I’ll give you a

he spent two years in the North American tour. Aldrich even turned up

backstage tour is you loan me your umbrella.” They did and she did.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“They were just Joe and Molly Middle America, with no experience of

so much that she was planning to return. “She saw the show eight

being backstage,” Huston-Elem remembers. “They were so excited.

times in Tokyo, saw it again in Osaka and even flew to see it in

Everything was magical.”

Vancouver, Canada!” Souhrada says. “From that chance meeting,

Actor Tom Souhrada was no stranger to the road when he joined

she became our super fan.”

the national tour of Kinky Boots toward the end of 2015. He’d previ-

When a musical is on tour for an extended period of time, it’s not

ously appeared in traveling companies of The Boy Friend and Mary

unusual for its most ardent fans reach out to members of the cast.

Poppins, before settling into a lengthy stay in Broadway cast of Mary

“People would bake for us and mail us presents,” Aldrich reports.

Poppins. Still, the tour held surprises for the veteran road warrior.

“I had care packages sent to me.” Huston-Elem explains, “One girl

Souhrada admits that he was a bit nervous about how Kinky Boots,

started campaigning to get more people to follow me on Instagram

which centers on a factory that makes high heels for male drag per-

– like my press agent! If I had been in middle school at this time and

formers, would be received in the more conservative areas of the

had access to all of these people on social media, I would’ve been

country. “A lot of people have subscriptions, so they’re not necessarily

the same!”

seeking out your show,” he says. “So, they’d kind of hold back a little

One fan in particular touched Huston-Elem’s heart. “There was

bit at first. And you’d see men who were obviously dragged there

another girl, Lauren, who drew all of our headshots,” she says. “And

by their wives. But, they got caught up in the show and, by the end,

then, she came to see us to drop them off. They were amazing! But,

were yelling and screaming and jumping to their feet! That’s what I

she doesn’t have access to a lot of resources, so she was doing all of

found kind of moving: to see their apprehension and then see them

her drawing with a number two pencil! I grew up drawing and painting

take the journey with you.”

and do all the wall tags for the show. So, I went out and bought her a

One of Souhrada’s most memorable interactions with an audience

really good set of pencils, erasers, a sketchbook and finishing spray.

member came when Kinky Boots hopped the Pacific for a quick tour

She freaked out! And, if you look at her portraits before and after, it’s

of Japan. While the show was in Tokyo, he and several castmates

like night and day.”

visited a Shinto shrine where they received o-mikuji – strips of paper

So, it seems as if it’s the audiences these troupers have interacted

printed with random fortunes. “The bad fortunes were horrible,”

with onstage and off that have kept them crisscrossing the country.

Souhrada recalls. But, an elderly man showed them how to dispel

For Mark Aldrich, even the trip from one booking to the next became

their bad luck. “You had to dance around and wiggle your butt and

an opportunity for him to connect with his fellow Americans. “I drove

spit over your left shoulder – that kind of thing,” he says.

myself the entire tour,” he says. “Over 60,000 miles. I hadn’t intended

Naturally, Souhrada and his friends wanted a photo with the man

to. But, once I got out there and realized the freedom it afforded me,

afterward. So, they asked a young woman to help. The moment

I wouldn’t have done it any other way. It was phenomenal. I saw so

she lifted the camera to her eye, she blurted out, “Kinky Boots!” It

much of the country and met so many people. If I go back on tour,

turned out she’d seen the show the night before and had loved it

I’d do it again.” ¨ CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FILM + ENTERTAINMENT

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

Denzel Washington and Colin Farrell

The story relies on gimmickry to grab the audience’s attention, but again, accomplishes this in an entertaining way. Gilroy’s deep knowledge of the city of Los Angeles is evident; the audience is treated to a look at many locations within the city not usually seen on screen. The soundtrack of soul, and rhythm, and blues along with snappy Meisneresque dialogue exchanges initiated by Washington’s character Roman, (who

his high powered acumen in the courtroom, he lacks any sense of social interaction skills, and his inability to navigate certain situations creates tension and conflict throughout the film. Roman works as a silent partner in a Los Angeles law firm that specializes in criminal cases and pro-bono work representing the downtrodden of Los Angeles. The firm’s owner, William Jackson, do all the arguing in court while Roman

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Directed by Dan Gilroy Starring Denzel Washington and Colin Farrell With Jenifer Fox, Todd Black, Amanda Warren, Betsy Danbury and Charles D. King 133 Minutes, Rated PG-13 Director Dan Gilroy with Denzel Washington

oted screenwriter Dan Gilroy is a second generation storyteller. His father was Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Frank D. Gilroy, and his mother was sculptor and writer Ruth Gilroy. His brother Tony Gilroy is an acclaimed writer and director; his other brother, John, is a film editor. So when his feature film directorial

debut, Nightcrawler (2014) impressed the critics and audiences alike, there was no surprise. Nothing less was expected from a member of Hollywood royalty and as such, the expectations for his new film Roman J. Israel, Esq. were high. While this latest effort doesn’t break any new ground, it is nonetheless entertaining and worth a look.

struts his stuff beneath an oversized afro haircut) are fun to watch. Roman moves tirelessly from jailhouse to court house with hyperkinetic energy, savant-like memory for facts, figures and case precedents complete with dates and case numbers, these abilities and characteristics are typical of a savant. But for all of

works behind the scenes, calling the legal shots from the shadows. While this infuriates Roman, his dedication to helping the less fortunate of the world mandates that he continue. But when William suffers a heart attack, Roman steps in to handle his cases, and when he does, William’s niece and heir, Lynn (Amanda Warren) instructs

Photography courtesy of Glen Wilson, courtesy of Sony Classics. 76

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

him to do nothing more than to seek continuances to buy time until William recovers. But Roman is driven by the principles strived for by activists like Angela Davis, whose poster adorns the wall of his small apartment. Frustrated and chomping at the bit to try a case of his own, Roman advises a young hoodlum arrested for participating in a botched armed robbery that ended with a fatality, to pursue an alternative legal remedy instead of waiting for William to recover. But William doesn’t recover, and Lynn brings in a slick, young hotshot white lawyer, George, (masterfully portrayed by Colin Farrell) to help Roman close down the firm. With his desire to fight for poor and defenseless minority victims burning brightly, Roman tries to get work with a non-profit law firm run by Maya (Carmen Ejogo). But his limited ability to blend in with others without knocking heads renders him out of step with the identity politics of the young volunteers at Maya’s center, who find especially his “politeness” as insincere. At George’s skyscraper-based firm, his three-inch afro, vintage raspberry suits and inability to make water cooler banter alienate his co-workers. Although the tension picks up at the end of the second act as the result of a case that goes wrong, the narrative then loses its steam as it heads into the final forty minutes of the film. There are several stilted scenes that contain rants which-while well-intentioned and positive in message-are

not directly related to the established main through line of the appear to have been added late in the production process. Roman lashes out at anyone within earshot, so it seems. There are other, more timely scenes

decides to take some dirty money to go on a shopping spree to buy some new clothes and food, the overall structure is damaged. While the Funkadelic soundtrack plays underneath this montage-which, isolated, is

Denzel Washington on the set of Roman J. Israel

which do serve the story well, such as one where Roman and Maya discover what they believe to be a dead man on the street; when the cops arrive, the scene becomes dangerous for the Roman and Maya. In another, Roman is attacked by a junkie on the steps of Bunker Hill. These were scenes that connect more directly with the overall narrative. But when Roman

very entertaining to watch (maybe it would have made a great stand-alone music video?) it nonetheless does not push plot or reveals anything that we didn’t know about Washington’s character. It was as if Gilroy caved in to the urge to serve up a stereotypical modern-day Super Fly meets And Justice For All segment for the masses. I

would have much preferred further exploration of this very interesting and sympathetic character of Roman J. Israel in the courtroom. Which brings us to the Oscar-worthy performance by Denzel Washington. Gilroy wrote the character of Roman with Washington in mind. Said Gilroy: “Roman is defined by his belief in something greater than himself. He’s a man of faith. He has this common, universal humanity to him that he believes. Denzel, if you research Denzel, he’s literally a man of faith. So it was never going to be hard to buy into the idea that the actor playing the part believes in the things Roman is doing. I think one of the reasons why Denzel dissolves into the characters because they’re so close to each other in so many ways. Denzel embodies the idea of a man living his life on terms that are based on a cause-going toward something. That’s what I really wrote it for him.” Washington’s performance in Roman J. Israel, Esq. will be touted heavily during Oscars season and is the main reason to go and see this movie. His performance, along with Gilroy’s command of this excellent cast, and Robert Elswit’s cinematography, certainly help overcome some the deficiencies in the execution of the narrative, but not enough for a Best Picture or Best Screenplay nod. Despite this, Roman J. Israel, Esq. still manages to entertain and provoke thoughts about our current condition after leaving the theater.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

DECORATIVE ARTS

Selection of Fall Offerings By Matthew Sturtevant

$3,120,658, establishing a new auction record for a photograph by Man Ray, for any photograph sold in France and established a new world auction record for any classic photograph topping the previous record from 2006 for a print by Edward Steichen.

Chairs Fit for a King Leading the Bonham’s London November 9th sale was a set of four Huanghuali Folding Chairs that achieved $6,940,000 winning the accolade for the most valuable Asian work of art to be sold this week in London. The folding chairs appear to be the only known version of this form and type, and are widely considered a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty furniture. They had been estimated at $190,000 - 260,000. In a packed salesroom, the bidding war finally came down to a tense battle between a bidder in the room and one on the phone, with the chairs finally knocked down to the phone bidder. The chairs came from the collection of the distinguished Italian diplomat, Marchese Taliani de Marchio, (1887 - 1968) and his wife, Maragaretha, the Archduchess d’Austria Toscana (1894 - 1986). From 1938 to 1946, Taliani served as Ambassador to the Nationalist Chiang Kai-shek Government. Despite spending 78 78

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Hockney Landscape

only eight years in China, the Talianis were shrewd and gifted connoisseurs who assembled a collection of extremely important pieces that convey the rich history of Chinese decorative arts.

Man Ray Rocks Paris & World Christie’s Paris Photographs auctions has realized nearly $5,834,000 the bulk of the in one

lot, Man Ray’s “Noire et Blanche”. On Thursday 9 November, the highly anticipated masterpiece by Man Ray was sold to an anonymous telephone bidder after a long bidding battle between 4 clients on the phone and 3 clients present in the room. This photograph, formerly in the collection of Jacques Doucet, portraying Kiki de Montparnasse, Man Ray’s muse and lover sold for

At Sotheby’s London One of the greatest David Hockney landscapes in private hands, 15 Canvas Study of the Grand Canyon (1998), sold for $7,949,576, the second highest price for the artist at auction, following the record set in Sotheby’s New York salesroom earlier this year. The work was painted in preparation for A Bigger Grand Canyon, the twenty-four foot wide masterpiece housed in the National Gallery of Australia. The painting’s importance is underlined by its inclusion in two of the most important exhibitions of the artist’s career, including his major 1999 exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and his blockbuster retrospective in London at Tate Britain earlier this year.

GORDON FINE ARTS GALLERY A Premier Showcase of Contemporary Artwork Representing a collection of One-of-a-kind ART and fine craft including paintings, photography, prints, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and fiber. Stamford Town Center 100 Greyrock Place, 5th floor Stamford, CT 06901 www.gordonfinearts.org | 518.852.6478

V ERMONT - F LORIDA - N EW Y ORK C ONNECTICUT - C OLORADO

For a complete catalogue and event schedule, please visit us at:

www.edwardloedding.com To set up a private home appointment when we vist your area, please call:

(802) 247-5517

Sonatina IV original pigment print ~ 52” x 52” $4,100 CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

VENÜGRAM

“Sunday in the Park” PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA MIKULSKI

November 26, 2017, Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA. Emerald Necklace. “Sunday in the Park” Lisa Mikulski

“I always had trouble distinguishing between what happened and what merely might have happened, but I remain unconvinced that the distinction, for my purposes, matters.” – Joan Didion –

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

184 S HIBISCUS DR. | MIAMI BEACH, FL 4BR & 6BA | 5,075 SF | $6,890,000

PIERRE CAMEAU | REALTOR LUXURY REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

BUYING | SELLING | INVESTING C: (305) 298-5715 PIERRE@LUXURYLIVINGREALTY.COM

7121 FISHER ISLAND DR. | MIAMI, FL 4BR & 4.5BA | 3,690 SF | $7,750,000

5226 FISHER ISLAND DR. | MIAMI, FL

19123 FISHER ISLAND DR. | MIAMI, FL

3BR & 3.5BA | 2,740 SF | $2,750,000

2BR & 2BA | 1,875 SF | $1,950,000

ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Healing Jewelry