VENU #38 SPRING 2018 by VENÜ MAGAZINE

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

Issue_

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILMOT KIDD PA I N T I N G BY J O H N GO R D O N GA U L D MODEL MRS. HAL A SALOMON

Gallery Daché SUZANNE DACHE ACCESSORIES 1 1 1 W I L T O N R O A D • W E S T P O R T, C T 0 6 8 8 0 • U S A • 2 0 3 - 9 2 7 - 1 5 0 7 • S U Z A N N E D A C H E @ G M A I L . C O M CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

CG i

LIGHTING

cherie greene

FURNITURE

DESIGN

TEXTILES

Post Road East Westport-CT 06880 ph: 203.656.9677

Still Life with Peaches and Lilies, oil on canvas, 36” x 20”

www.julieleff.com

203.434.8655

julie@julieleff.com

Spring Issue_38 Prayers for Peace

SPOTLIGHT 16

Investment Art vs Stocks How Do They Stack Up?

Boston Arts Embracing Art Culture in Boston

Winefest Friendliest Wine Festival in the Nation

FEATURES

Cover Story Yayoi Kusama: Messages of Love, Despite a Painful Past

William Kentridge, the Universal Archive

Featured artist, Yayoi Kusama’s artwork, see page 46 66

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE CULTURE//MAGAZINE CONTEMPORARY

Miami Showhouse The Historic Deering Estate

Philantrophy Tuesday’s Children

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

Travel A Week in Portugal, but Could you See Yourself Living There? ON THE COVER

FCBUZZ CAFC Hosts: Shaping Community, A Creative Placemaking Conference

Art in the Barn 2018

Blue/Green: color/code/context Artist Opening: April 27, 1 to 6 pm Exhibition Hours: April 29 - May 6, 10 am to 5 pm

browngrotta

arts

276 Ridgefield Road Wilton, CT 06897 art@browngrotta.com 203-834-0623 Color Catalog available May 1st

Spring Issue_38

Boston Design Week Returning to Celebrate its 5th Anniversary

ArtsWestchester The ArtsWestchester Building Celebrates its 90th Birthday

Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival in Sarasota

72 PULSE 72

Music Celebrating a New Year with a Musical Legend, Arturo Sandoval

Stage One and Done: Memorable Characters with a Single Song

DECORATIVE ARTS STYLE

APPETITE

ART SPIRIT

Jewelry Cazzaniga, from the Heart of Rome

Design The Distinctive Relationship Betwen Art and Interior Design at the Silvermine Art Center

38 8

Gift Guide Extravagant Buys this Spring CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

The Golden Palate The Ultimate California Food and Wine Trip with Fred Boallaci Fearless Chef Chef Dustin Valette, a Commitment to Quality in the Heart of Sonoma

The Little Known History of Pastels

On the Block A Selection of Winter’s Offerings

VENÜGRAM WELLBEING

Featured Lisa Mikulski

Wellness Trends for 2018: From Mushrooms to Wellness Kitchens

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Publisher’s Letter

Experience and Acquire Art from 50 International Art Galleries

Representing 200 Leading Artists

VIP PREVIEW & CELEBRATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 FAIR DATES FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2018 Saratoga Springs, New York www.revealartfair.com | discover@revealartfair.com

Are you familiar with that old show biz adage “break a leg”? It’s intended to wish

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

To the dreamers and doers we are showcasing in this issue who are honing their next acts, whether it be in the vineyards or tile

someone good luck before they go on

workshops of Portugal as newly anointed

stage. Now that I’ve spent the last six weeks with a broken knee (fractured tibia), I have

weeks, I worried about how I would get every-

ex-pats, in the kitchens of restaurants that

mixed feelings about saying it to anyone. It

thing done for this issue. I couldn’t drive, let

have wowed our culinary expert Fred Bollaci,

originated as a way to discourage evil spirits

alone walk. I could not race from one meeting

in design studios in Fairfield County, Con-

from wreaking havoc with our lives, especially

to the next or attend the parade of events I

necticut, where four amazing designers,

during an important performance. In ancient

so look forward to. What I did do though was

Susie Earls, Cherie Greene, Krista Fox and

Greece, audiences used to stomp their feet

take a breath and take the time to immerse in

Anna Marie Klarburg, are transforming their

to express their approving compliments to

the stories we’re sharing with you here. And

installations using artists from the acclaimed

actors, the harder the better even though they

as I did, I was acutely aware that each relates

Silvermine Arts Center, or in Boston where a

risked fracturing their feet. In Shakespeare’s

in some uncannily profound way to the differ-

city-wide cultural movement is underway to

time the term meant, literally, to take a bow

ent but ultimately hopeful and enthusiastic

expand the arts through “Boston Creates,”

by bending at the knee. Actors would “break

meanings of that fortuitous saying.

we say “break a leg” and go for your dreams.

a leg” at the end of their performances to

Take the much-beleaguered 88-year-

We know that the hard work, passion and

receive applause. Throughout history it meant

old artist Yayoi Kusama who, despite a

perseverance of everyone we recognize in

different things in different cultures but it most

traumatic past and debilitating diagnosis,

the pages of Venü, past, present and future,

always conveyed something positive. Think

has overcome a broken life to the roaring

are not only deserving of our best wishes on

about those starry-eyed marriage proposals

applause of fans around the globe who love

their journeys, but they are worthy of standing

that romanticize star-struck lovers on bended

her artwork. Or Cuban music legend Arturo

ovations as they “break a leg.”

knees and you get the picture.

Sandoval, master jazz trumpeter, who defied

Thank you for your continued support of

I have to admit that experiencing a broken

his government’s ban on jazz to give voice to

Venü… and I promise not to take “break a

knee as Venü began the New Year was not

his music on the world stage. And Rosalba

leg” quite as literally as I did this winter!

something I relished. For those first painful

Carriera, long gone but never forgotten as the first woman accepted as a professional artist in the 1700s and recognized as the pioneer of pastels for artists today. Like so many break out artists, they have truly earned the admiration of countless audiences through their performances.

Tracey Thomas Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Cover Story - Pg. 46 Left: Kusama with Pumpkin, Mixed Media, 1998, 200.0 × 250.0 × 250.0 cm Below: Third Floor Gallery Installation at the Yayoi Kusama Museum

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

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THEY March 30 – May 26 Featuring ceramic artists whose works examine social justice issues and the intricacies of maneuvering life, lifestyles and living within a global society.

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Wilson Avenue Loft Building, 225 Wilson Avenue, Studio 14, S.Norwalk, Ct. 06854 By Appointment 203.856.3528

Roberto Lugo

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

Join us for

Dario Campanile’s East Coast Fine Art Exhibition

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Tracey Thomas CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nichole D’Auria I Nisu Creative FEATURES EDITOR Cindy Clarke FOOD EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Fred Bollaci FILM & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Peter J. Fox EDITORIAL & MARKETING Lisa Mikulski DECORATIVE ARTS EDITOR Matthew Sturtevant MANAGING LIFESTYLE EDITOR Sandra Guibord CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susana Baker, Dianne Bernhard, Fred Bollaci, Judy Chapman, Cindy Clarke, Michelle Dimarzo, David Green, Nancy Helle, Janet Langsem, Debra Menich, Lisa Mikulski, William Squier, Matthew Sturtevant, Julia Wehkamp DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Rolise Rachel 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)

“The Roman Master”

DISTRIBUTION Thomas Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC OFFICE 840 Reef Road, 2nd Floor, Fairfield, CT 06824

Dario’s title given to him by Salvador Dali over 40 years ago! His art spans over 50 years and is collected worldwide. Please join Dario for his latest works of abstract expressionism. www.campanileabstract.com / www.campanilefineart.com

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@venumagazine.com

April 5th, 2018 Thursday 6 - 8 pm

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@venumagazine.com

Artist Appearance & Cocktail Reception

Galerie 888

135 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 RSVP: Galerie888.ct@gmail.com Phone: 203-856-9048

Exhibit runs April 1st until May 31st, 2018

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTION editorial@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.

Silvermine

Sunday April 22nd 2-4 pm Exhibiton Opening Perfect Partners

Art in Design April 21-May 19, 2018 Silvermine Arts Center

Art in Design

Celebrates the perfect partnering of talented designers with Silvermine artists in creating inspirational interior installations.

Featured Designers Krista Fox New Canaan Susie Earls Southport

Sunday, April 22nd 3-3:30 pm "The Voice of Color" Pamma Williams, PPG Color and Design, Connecticut Rep

Cherie Greene Westport & Darien Anna Maria Kinsburg Stamford

Sunday, April 29th 3-4:30 pm "Trends In Design: Integrating the Old with the New" Matthew Sturtevant,

Expert in 18th & 19th C. furniture, Formerly of Christie's, NY; Lecturer, Sotheby's

Danise Talbot Westport

Concurrent Exhibitions: Robert M. Loebell Sculptor

Saturday, May 12th 3-4 pm "The Art of Collecting and Curating Personal Collections" Benjamin Ortiz, Art Advisor,

Mirrorless Reflections Vassos Gallery

Ikebana Exhibition The Connecticut Sogetsu Study Group Farrell Gallery

Independent Curator & Collector, Owner of BOZARTE, LLC, Art of the Americas

Silvermine Arts Center

1037 Silvermine Road New Canaan 06840 203.966.9700 www.silvermineart.org

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The State of the Global Art Market Which Markets are Seeing Growth, and Why More People are Investing in Art Across the Globe. Phillip Ashley Klein at the One Art Nation Symposium at Art New York 2016

Interview conducted by Julia Wehkamp, One Art Nation

CREATED TO ENCOURAGE and facilitate relationships between the

art market. The subject matter is broader than just art and just finance.

emerging Art & Finance world, Deloitte’s recent report looks at the

We are proponents of bringing three aspects of the art and collectibles

trends and developments of the global art market. One Art Nation, the

market together – the cultural sector, the business sector, and the

online art education community, connects with Phillip Ashley Klein, who

financial sector. We sit at the nexus of these areas and help to drive

leads Deloitte’s Art & Finance Practice in the US, to get a better idea

and monitor their convergence – how the art market is performing,

of how results changed in 2017, what markets are seeing growth and

the development of wealth management services, how technology

why more people are investing in art across the globe.

is disrupting traditional market paradigms, compressing fees and

In our discussion, we also address key factors that are fueling the art market such as the sale of Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi

opening new market opportunities; and we explore issues of transparency, provenance and protection.

that shattered auction records. With the constant flux of the art

The report findings are driven from hard data – we spend a

market, geopolitical and economic risk and uncertain times of higher

good amount of energy on market surveys. Also, it is important

valuations and price points, savvy collectors are looking to better

to recognize that this is a global study with considerations from

understand and mitigate their risk. Financial advisors are increasingly

authorities sitting in multiple facets of the market. This is the fifth

feeling the pressure to offer art and collectible services to their clients

edition of our report, and perhaps our most comprehensive and

including the growing population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

interesting report yet, as it has brought together findings from the

That said, to understand what’s going on here, it’s important that

past five years. Over those years we have seen a shift in focus from

we touch on the current and future of art and wealth management.

art as investment to the management of art-related wealth – think

Now let’s get started…..

estate planning, art-secured lending (using art as collateral), and art advisory and risk management. 1AN: What is driving the rise in allocation of wealth to art and collectibles? PK: That’s right, there is a rise in the allocation of wealth to art and collectibles. In fact, one study tells us that 86% of collectors buy for emotional reasons but they focus on the investment value. There’s a spectrum from those who could never associate their beloved collection with money, to those only referring to works by dollar value. There really are a myriad of drivers for the increasing investment in art, both financial and emotional. As it relates to financial, the notion

Source: Art & Finance Report 2017

of art as an asset class has attracted investors by its diversification play and as a store of value; and even a way to seek alpha, with investors

1AN: Phillip, tell us about what the report is based on, in terms

attracted by headliner prices and great market returns at the ultra

of the number and makeup of respondents.

high end. This is compounded by the general financialization of the

PK: Thank you for taking the time to explore the topic with me. Let

art market, and its accessibility and allure.

me first share some brief context and the purpose for the report given.

Then there is the social value that comes from collecting art.

It’s around three hundred pages – often referred to as the bible of the

Actually for the third time since the launch of our survey, 85% of

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT:

One Art Nation

art professionals said the social value aspect of collecting was the

in 50s and believed to be fake – then real. Additionally, believed to

main motivation for art collectors. It is a lifestyle product. Particularly

have been commissioned by royalty and mixed up in a headliner legal

collectors at the ultra high end of the market – the so called trophy

battle between a Russian collector and a prominent Swiss dealer. The

hunters – are chasing the most scarce and seminal works from

stuff of Hollywood blockbusters.

in-demand artists. Let’s remember, global ultra high net worth wealth is rapidly

1AN: Does the report indicate what part of the world — Asian,

increasing, with around $1.6 Trillion of that wealth currently allocated

Europe, North America — has the most insatiable art investors

to art and collectibles, and over the next decade that will grow more

and collectors?

than another $1 trillion.

PK: Good question. This is a truly global art market. The US is the epicenter, with the UK and China following suit. When we focus on the ultra high end of the market, these major collectors are the billionaires on the Forbes list. What we have to remember is the social value of art. Throughout the ages, collecting fine art increased your social standing, so now a lot

Source: Art & Finance Report 2017

Deloitte Art & Finance Conference

1AN: How about the recent Leonardo da Vinci painting that

of new wealth, like in China, is seeking this out. Not only the collectors,

sold for $450m at auction, smashing records? What is your take

but also countries and cities recognize this social and cultural value.

on that massive sale?

There are important infrastructure initiatives, like in the Middle East –

PK: Yes, what a result it was. It is very well possible it’s an anomalous

new museums like the sister Louvre in Abu Dhabi, and major galleries

result, consistent with the anamolous find. Some would say it’s

and auction house’s setting up shop there. Auctions in the region saw

indicative of where prices could go, but naturally this is as unique a

around an 11% growth – defying the global downturn last year.

sale as you can get: the only da Vinci in private hands with less than

Collectors are also broadening their global aperture – we see a

twenty in existence, and a dramatic story behind its find and journey

strong emergence in African art, and art from South East Asia and

to auction. There was much speculation before auction that it could

Latin America. There is actually a convergence among those outside

fetch over $200M if a bidding war ensued. And, by golly it did.

these regions who are seeking new passages for wealth creation,

A major function of value is the story behind the art work – that story needs to articulate significance. Cultural significance can build

and those in the regions, becoming wealthier and recognizing an importance of allocating their wealth to luxury goods. ¨

value in society and influence social trends, and that drives economic value. A classic example is the iconic Piet Mondrian Collection by

To download the full report, visit deloitte.com and search Art &

fashion house Yves Saint Laurent in the 60s, or today’s celebrity

Finance Report. For further insight into Navigating Risk in the

influencers like Jeff Koons. The sixteenth century iconic Savior of the

Contemporary Art Market and The Evolution of Art and Finance

World had this significance and more – Leonardo being a part of our

Services in Wealth Management, watch Phillip’s educational videos

whole civilization. The work was bought for a few English pounds

under Watch on oneartnation.com. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Boston Creates cover photo

Mayor Walsh took immediate steps to ensure that the arts thrive in Boston by creating a Cabinet-level Chief of Arts and Culture, a position held by Julie Burros. Walsh also set about increasing funding for the arts and launched “Boston Creates” – one of Alley Malcolm X

the most extensive community engagement plans for culture ever undertaken in the US. Boston Creates is a ten-year plan which

Boston: In Support of Art

strives to demonstrate, with leadership from

Expanding and Embracing Art and Culture in Boston

future for the Boston arts. The plan has several

the city, how private groups, organizations, and individuals can contribute to a flourishing components which include art integration into all aspects of civic life, to attract new artists to

Written by Lisa Mikulski

the city and help retain the local artists who live here, ensuring that all cultural traditions are respected, and to make the arts accessible

I HAVE A LOVE AFFAIR GOING ON WITH

to all. Boston Creates will reach its two-year

BOSTON and there are plenty of reasons

benchmark in June 2018. Julie Burros explains

why. It’s a city of great intellectual accom-

how it’s going so far. “While many of the goals set out in the

plishment, renowned universities, cozy pubs

plan are long-term and we recognize that

and restaurants, and of course the arts. In 2016, the City of Boston, under the

there is still much more work to be done,

leadership of Mayor Martin J. Walsh, took

we have already made several significant

a progressive approach to expanding

accomplishments in line with the plan. For

and embracing art and culture in Boston.

example, we are currently in the third round

Knowing that the arts were alive and well in

of the Boston Artists-in-Residence program,

the city, many Bostonians still believed that

last fall we celebrated the first-ever Artist Fellowship Awards in Boston by providing five

there was much more that could be done. A remarkable plan was developed. 18

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Mayors Mural crew immigrants

local artists with $10,000 each, and this year

SPOTLIGHT:

Boston Arts

the art of giving a TEDx Talk, or learn to paint like Monet…these are just some of the creative experiences that have made ArtWeek so unique!” This year, Venü Magazine is thrilled to participate as a media sponsor in Boston Design Week and AD20/21. This year marks the 5th Anniversary of Design Week which seeks to increase public awareness and appreciation of all aspects of design. The organization is also a member of World Design Weeks, an international coalition sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. AD20/21 Walsh mural crew

Home benefits the American Society of

we were able to double our Boston Cultural Council Opportunity Fund grants to $200,000 to provide artists and arts organizations with funding for meaningful, one-time opportunities toward professional development and bringing arts programming to underserved communities. One of our biggest accomplishes thus far is that we established the City of Boston’s first-ever Percent for Art program, which devotes 1% of the City’s annual capital borrowing budget to the funding of public art equal ($1.7 million this fiscal year).” According to the ArtsBoston website, over 18 million people attend arts and cultural events every year in Boston. One of Boston’s leading arts destinations is lovingly referred to as SoWa (South of Washington

Immigrant grandmothers, East Boston

Street) – home to over 200 galleries, artist studios, boutiques, and restaurants. Their

festival was launched in 2013 as part of a strat-

Interior Designers New England. The April

Open Market, now in its 15th year, provides

egy to strength the Boch Center’s role both

12th Gala is donating 100% of its ticket sales

opportunities for local artists, brewers,

in the community and the creative economy.

to scholarships. Design Week runs from April

musicians, and farmers to present their

According to ArtWeek’s website, events

products to Bostonians and tourists. While

one would expect to see during the week

other events in this art and design district are

include, “The multicolor lighting of iconic

Venü Magazine is excited to assist Boston

available during the winter months, the SoWa

structures such as the Prudential Tower, a

in its goals to promote art and culture by

Open Market is a warm weather weekly event

biking tour of Allston’s cultural landmarks,

showcasing the best in Boston as we look

open every Sunday, May 6 - October 28th.

4th through the 15th.

an opportunity to design political posters,

to capture some of the city’s finest galleries,

ArtWeek, presented by Highland Street

unleash your inner rock star at an open mic

restaurants, and hot spots within our

Foundation and produced by the Boch

night, become a Jedi Lego master, learn

pages. To learn more about how Venü

Center, will be celebrating its annual festival

traditional Greek dances, go behind the

can assist Boston, please contact me at

this spring from April 27 to May 6th. The

scenes with the Urban Nutcracker, master

lisa@venumagazine.com. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT:

Winefest

Mark your calendars! April 5-8, 2018 And Prepare for the Friendliest Wine Festival in the Nation Written by Fred Bollaci • Photography by Rod Millington

THE 28TH ANNUAL FLORIDA WINEFEST &

To cap off the weekend, locals and visitors

AUCTION in beautiful Sarasota, Florida will

look forward to the casual, family-friendly

be featuring dozens of top winemakers and

Wine on the Water event, which will be taking

wines from around the world at a number of

place on Sunday April 8th from 1-4 pm at the

events and locations over a four-day period

Van Wezel. Don’t miss this last opportunity to

for what has been called “the friendliest wine

taste a huge selection of wines while enjoy-

festival in the nation” by David Elswood of

ing a relaxing afternoon while listening to the

Christie’s London. Events start on Thursday

tunes of the magical, bluesy, jazzy Kat Crosby

April 5th, with the Business Trade Tasting

Band. Folks are invited to enjoy the beautiful

and Bayfront Consumer Lunch Tasting on

al fresco waterfront venue and music outside

the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing

of the Tasting Tent at no charge.

Arts Hall, overlooking Sarasota Bay. Thursday

Caring for Children Charities, the sis-

evening features an exclusive 4-Course

ter-fundraising arm of Florida Winefest &

Winemaker Dinner Party at Sunset at the

Auction presents other exciting events in the

Sarasota Outboard Club. Step back in time

Sarasota area throughout the year in an effort

and experience “Old Florida” at this quaint

to raise additional funds for disadvantaged

and beautiful outdoor venue on the bay. The

local children. The annual Wild Truffle Wine

event will showcase 8+ wineries and feature

Dinner in November and the Shamrock

gourmet cuisine stations by chefs from Dry

Shiver Charity Plunge at the beach on New

Dock Waterfront Grill (Gecko’s Hospitality

Year’s Day are two favorite events presented

Group), Mattison’s, Siesta Key Oyster Bar and

fine wines at a beautiful table set for 200

Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi. Guests will enjoy a

discerning diners! Always the talk of the

Because of your generosity, Florida

signature cocktail and wine reception hour

town, Banquet on the Block takes up an

Winefest & Auction and Caring for Children

followed by dinner with wines under the

entire city block on Lemon Avenue and Main

Charities is able to help improve the lives of

sparkling trees. Music will be provided by the

Street in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

children in our community. Venu Magazine

fun and talented Souls on Soul band!

by Caring for Children Charities.

Saturday April 7th is The Grand Tasting

and Fred Bollaci Enterprises are proud to

Friday, April 6th, starting at 11:00 am will

with over 50 wineries participating. Rub

continue our media sponsorship of Florida

be the debut of Pique Nique Sur la Baie

elbows with host vintners and knowledge-

Winefest. Our food & travel writer and local

Winefest Style. Winefest, in partnership

able winery representatives as they pour their

author Fred Bollaci will be on-hand signing

with New College Foundation, is proud to

best vintages and most sought-after wines.

and selling copies of his new book, “The

introduce this new event, which will add

Sip a tasty Bloody Mary and taste a selection

Restaurant Diet,” how to eat out every night

additional fun and glamour to the weekend’s

of signature dishes from favorite local restau-

and still lose weight, featuring recipes from

festivities! Mingle with old friends and make

rants during brunch from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

100 top restaurants nationwide and over

new ones while you sip and savor an abun-

Following brunch, the afternoon continues

50 in Florida, including many Sarasota area

dance of wine generously poured by some

with the charity auction. Bid on wines, lavish

favorites! ¨

of the finest participating wineries. Ladies,

dinners, adventure travel, jewelry and more.

dress it up and wear your hats! Gentlemen…

To date, Winefest has raised over $8.4 million

For more information and to purchase

you’re invited too! Friday evening is Banquet

benefiting 84 local children’s charities in the

tickets, please visit www.floridawinefest.org

on the Block, featuring gourmet food and

Sarasota-Manatee area of Florida.

or call (941) 952-1109.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

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Venu Hard Work_Release.pdf

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SPOTLIGHT:

Miami Showhouse

Junior League of Miami 2018 Showhouse Transforms Historic Deering Estate with the Help of Renowned Designers

Miami Showhouse,” said Jennifer Tisthammer, Director of the Deering Estate. “There is excitement and collaboration already afoot between the two organizations as we jointly work within historic preservation standards and the creative perspectives that the designer process brings. Many members of the League are also part of the 100 Ladies of Deering, working on our historic refurnishing plan. This will be a turning point for us as we reach new audiences and activate spaces in

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MIAMI HAS PARTNERED with the Deering Estate Foundation to

the historic homes – such as a gift shop and

host its 2018 Miami Showhouse at the historic Deering Estate, which spans more than 450 acres

café – through the 2018 Miami Showhouse

along Biscayne Bay in Palmetto Bay, Fla. The biennial event, which took a 30-year hiatus until

experience.”

2016, is hosted by the Junior League of Miami to increase awareness and financial capability

The 2016 Miami Showhouse took place at

for the 91- year-old nonprofit organization to continue its work helping at-risk families in Miami.

The Kampong, a nine-acre national historic

The highly anticipated design event will inspire dozens of the most sought-after interior

landmark that is one of five tropical gardens

designers to temporarily transform interior and exterior spaces in the former home of industrial

and three preserves of the National Tropical

magnate Charles Deering. From April 14 to 29, the public will have the unique opportunity to

Botanical Garden. Between ticket sales and

explore the residence reinterpreted with modern touches in an estate dating back to 1916.

corporate sponsorships, the event drew in

“We are truly honored that the Junior League of Miami selected our location for its 2018

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

nearly $350,000.

ABOUT THE

Junior League of Miami The Junior League of Miami, founded in 1926, is an organization of approximately 1,000 women sharing a common vision to empower Miami’s women, children, and families to conquer tomorrow’s challenges and to build a united community. The mission of the Junior League of Miami is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League concentrates its resources to make a significant impact on our community. This year, in addition to providing $150,000 in direct funding, another $600,000 in volunteer hours will be dedicated to the community for projects that address families at risk. For more information, visit www.jlmiami.org.

ABOUT THE

Deering Estate The Deering Estate, a 450-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site, is a Miami-Dade County Park located in Palmetto Bay, Florida. The Deering Estate hosts five historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places constructed between 1896 and 1922, including the Neoclassical Richmond Cottage and the Mediterranean Revival Stone House. The Estate is a cultural and educational facility that features exhibits, classes, and programs for children and adults, teacher training, and research opportunities. Discover More history, art, culture, science, preservation, conservation and ecology at the Deering Estate.

“Designer showhouses of this magnitude are traditionally organized by employees of the nonprofit organization that benefits from the fundraiser. However, the Junior League of Miami is a nonprofit comprised completely of volunteers, nearly 1,000 women in total,” said Gabrielle O’Quinn, Chair of the 2018 Miami Showhouse along with Rosemary Hartigan. “This event’s success highlights the passion of our members, our commitment to the community and the projects we serve in Miami.” The Deering Estate Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic arm of the Deering Estate, has committed to spending $25,000 on furnishings, lighting and other unique décor to remain in the designer spaces after the Showhouse ends. “This event gives us the opportunity to bring together what’s best in our community: the majestic architecture of the Deering Estate combined with world-renowned design ideas, and the invaluable support of our volunteers, to advance charitable work and empower women, children, and families across our city,” said Helen Picard, 2017-2018 President of the Junior League of Miami. “I had the privilege of co- chairing the successful 2016 Miami Showhouse, and I know that the 2018 Showhouse will be an even bigger success.” ¨ Design Event Takes Place April 14 - 29, 2018 CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PHILANTHROPY: Tuesday’s

Children THE UNFORTUNATE REALITY is that acts of terror have become a regular occurrence around the world. Since the 2001, more than 61,000 global terrorist incidents have

Tuesday’s Children

claimed an estimated 140,000 lives. Domestic terrorism has become a growing public concern, with recent data

Building Resilience in Communities and Providing a Lifetime of Healing

showing that mass killings happen approximately every two weeks in the U.S. with approximately one-third of victims under the age of 18. Tuesday’s Children is the leading nonprofit organization providing long-term support to communities and

By Debra Menich • Photography by Deanna Morosoff

people around the world impacted by terrorism and traumatic loss. The organization was originally founded to help those impacted by the events of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, and has since expanded to provide services to individuals, families and communities torn apart from tragedies including Orlando, Newtown and many others. The organization also offers support and programs for families of military men and women who have died while on active duty. Tuesday’s Children has served more than

Above Left: Members of the Tuesday’s Children community join together to honor servicemen and women by marching in America’s Parade on Veteran’s Day in New York City.

15,000 individuals in 44 states and 26 countries around

Above Right: A group of international participants huddles together at a Tuesday’s Children youth leadership program.

terrorist incidents remains long after first-responders

Left: Ten-year-old Alice who lost a parent in the military spends the day with Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro for the annual “Take Our Children to Work Day” run by Tuesday’s Children.

the world. The organization is unique in that it focuses on long-term healing; its support programs generally start 6-12 months after the tragedy occurs as the impact of leave. Services and programs are designed to handle these long-term effects to help communities heal and individuals rebuild their lives. Tuesday’s Children focuses on these long-term needs with an evidence and needsbased approach. Among the many programs provided by Tuesday’s Children are trauma and grief support, youth mentoring, mental health programs, skills- building workshops, career resources, parenting advisement, youth leadership development, community and family engagement

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

events, health and wellness counseling, adult and family

weekly check-in calls and a one-day workshop to com-

programs and volunteerism opportunities. Programs are

plete the program. Trained and experienced facilitators

developed to strengthen resilience, foster post-traumatic

provide guidance that inspire growth and positive

growth and build common bonds.

change in participants.

The mentoring program is one of the organization’s

“After experiencing the trauma of losing a loved one

most impactful initiatives. Children from across the

to violence, the survivor begins a journey of healing and

country ages 6-18 are matched with carefully recruited

readjustment,” said Leo Flanagan, Jr., Ph.D., trauma and

and screened mentors in their area. Mentors are

resilience psychologist with Tuesday’s Children. “Chil-

trained to help children move forward with their lives

dren, in particular, often feel isolated with the majority of

in a positive and productive way, grow emotionally and

their peers having little context for understanding what

socially, build resilience, develop coping skills and make

they have experienced.

healthy decisions. Mentors provide guidance, support and direction that help children succeed academically and socially and embark on a path to become happy, healthy and productive adults. Mentors and children engage in community-based activities twice a month for a minimum of one year. Events designed to encourage group dynamics, team-building and community service are scheduled quarterly. “Our mentor program is unique in that many of our mentors have also suffered traumatic loss and can relate to their mentees with a greater degree of empathy and awareness of how this type of loss can derail someone’s life,” said Terry Sears, executive director of Tuesday’s Children. “The length of mentor-mentee relationships in the Tuesday’s Children program exceeds the average of other programs due to the amount of effort that goes into matching children with the right adult mentor.” The National Football League recently awarded Tuesday’s Children partial funding to help expand its youth mentoring program to include children who have lost a parent serving in the military. The NFL first worked with

Above Left: Mentor Colette Arena and her mentee Charlotte Jones share a passion for cooking at a Tuesday’s Children event. Above Right: A mother and her two daughters take part in a Creative Insight workshop in Texas.

Healing is a long-term proposition that is greatly aided by a few critical elements, Flanagan explains. “Belonging to a community of people who suffered the same or similar loss and benefiting from the mentorship of people who can give practical advice on moving forward is critical,” said Flanagan. Unlike clinical therapy, mentoring relationships can last for years and provide

Tuesday’s Children following the events of 9/11 by pro-

an anchor and guidepost. Perhaps most important is

viding grants to aid thousands of first responder families.

being able to be with people in a setting that feels safe

Another initiative developed by Tuesday’s Children

and secure.”

is the Creative Insight program geared toward military widows. More than 2.3 million U.S. troops have been

During the past 17 years, Tuesday’s Children has

deployed since 2001 and military casualties since then

played an integral role in helping communities

exceed 18,000 with approximately 97 percent of those

across the country deal with the lasting effect of acts

casualties being male. In families with active-duty losses,

of terrorism and traumatic loss. The organization’s

60 percent of children are under the age of 12 and the

programs provide vital support and assistance to

majority has an annual household income of less than

children, adults and families struggling with the

$50,000 which is below the U.S. median household

long-term impact of losing a loved one in a tragedy.

income. Creative Insight enables women who have lost

More information about Tuesday’s Children, how

a husband in the military to discover and utilize their cre-

to donate or become a mentor or volunteer can

ative potential, encourages innovative problem-solving

be found at TuesdaysChildren.org and on social

and provides the tools needed to face challenges and

media (Twitter: @TuesdaysChldrn, Instagram: @

experience more fulfilling lives. The program includes

TuesdaysChldrn, Facebook: /TuesdaysChildren,

an in-person weekend workshop, five live online classes,

LinkedIn: Tuesday’s Children). CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

FCBUZZ

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

Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County Hosts Shaping Community: A Creative Placemaking Conference

3 4

MORE THAN 140 ARTISTS, nonprofit personnel, town planners, economic development officers, performers, and citizens participated in the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Shaping Community: A Creative Placemaking Conference on Jan. 23-24 at Stepping Stones Children’s Museum in Norwalk. On Day One, attendees enjoyed seeing the astonishing range and depth of arts and cultural activity across Fairfield County, as panelists bore witness to the impact of public arts, artist residencies, artists’ spaces, theatre and storytelling on shaping and giving resonance

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

1. Keynote Speaker Keith Stokes, 1696 Heritage Foundation 2. Laconia Therrio, Storyteller 3. Workshopping placemaking ideas for Greenwich. 4. Maisa Tisdale (left) and Shanna Melton. 5. Susan Jacobson and Nadine Willig perform In Her Golden Years. Photography by Barbara Loss Photography

to the places where we live and work. On Day Two, 80 participants from 9 towns were guided through the process of creating and crafting placemaking project plans for their towns by senior staff from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and ArtPlace America. Nine proposals were pitched to a panel of funders who gave detailed suggestions and furthered participants’ ideas on how best to produce citizen-inspired placemaking projects. Conference sessions are available for view individually on our YouTube Channel. Follow FCBuzz.org on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the progress our groups make. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is grateful for the support of our event sponsors: Bank of America, the Barnum Museum, Bridgeport DSSD, Spinnaker Real Estate Partners, Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

E+ G:

Design Week

Photo courtesy Cumar

Beyond Walls in Lynn, MA April 5

Kevin O’Conner of This Old House

AD20/21 HOME + The Boston Print Fair at THE CYCLORAMA at the Boston Center for the Arts. April 12-15

BOSTON DESIGN WEEK RETURNS FOR ITS FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

The 12-day citywide design festival, Boston Design Week, is returning for its fifth anniversary in 2018. Boston Design Week will run April 4 – April 15, 2018 and again features a wide array of programs and events across the design spectrum. This year’s theme is “Now, New, Next!” which highlights current, new, and future design in all design arenas. All programs, events and exhibitions are open to the public and most are free of charge. Last year’s Boston Design Week was a huge success, with more than 70 participants offering 84 events, close to 20% of which sold out. Over 12,000 people attended events in 13 Boston neighborhoods and 14 cities and towns in the Greater Boston Area. Boston Design Week launches on Wednesday April 4th with five exciting Kick-Off events in five different locations. Room & Board’s will host an event at their Back Bay showroom; The Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the Fenway Kick-Off; and The MetroWest Kick-Off this year is the new MetroWest Design Center in Ashland, with ten participating showrooms. On Thursday, April 5th, the MITX DesignTech Summit ding industry experts to discuss design thinking and principles. The Society of Arts and Crafts hosts MassArt professor Ezra Shales as he launches his book and ceramics “The Shape of Craft.” Thursday will also see an array of other events at Landry & Arcari Rugs and Carpeting, 7 Tide, and the Boston Design Center.

New AD20/21 HOME Expo Rounds Out the Festival

Fuel Your Creative Engine with Neoscape for a hands-on workshop to learn how to let go of bad ideas and fine fresh perspectives. April 11

Friday April 6th sees Boston Design Week teaming up with SoWa to present “First Friday” with dozens of design studios, galleries and individual artists opening their doors for the evening. Saturday April 7th, the Scandinavian Cultural Center screens “Big Time”, a film that follows star architect Bjarke Ingels as he struggles to complete his largest projects yet: the New York skyscraper W57 and 2 World Trade Center. Jason Chase, the first artist in the world to use Singularity Black – the blackest paint in the world – will debut his new projects April 14th. BDW events can be found throughout the city and Greater Boston. North Shore events include a Kitchen Remodeling

Photo courtesy Robert Four

Beyond Sustainability: Designing an Heirloom Home with Lasting Impact

Experience with award-winning design firm Feinmann in Lexington on April 7th, and a conversation about public art and creative place-making led by Al Wilson at Beyond Walls in Lynn on April 14th. A wide variety of organizations, schools, and museums serve as Non-Profit Partners for Design Week. IFDA New England, The Fenway Alliance, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Center for the Arts, AIGA, IFDA, Northeastern University and numerous others are also hosting events. The Elliot Street School’s Hat Making event is on the last day of BDW, April 15th, where Denise Wallace-Spriggs will demonstrate hat-making for theater and fashion. Design Week culminates with AD20/21 HOME & The Boston Print Fair. The 4 day show and sale also hosts the closing programs of Boston Design Week. The April 12th Gala Preview and Opening Night of AD20/21 HOME will benefit the American Society of Interior Designers New England Chapter (ASIDNE) Scholarship Fund. Gala attendees will enjoy fine food, live music, wine & beer, and be the first to see and shop the show. www.AD2021Home.com All Boston Design Week programs are open to the public, and most are free of charge, but many do require an RSVP to attend. For more information or to receive the Boston Design Week newsletter and calendar of events, visit www.BostonDesignWeek.com. Follow along on Facebook at www.facebook. com/bostondesignweek or Twitter @ BosDesignWeek. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

By Janet Langsam CEO, ArtsWestchester

Can A Building Have A Birthday? acquired 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in 1998, we have been hard at work restoring and creatively adapting the use of the nine-story cultural treasure into an arts incubator and multi-use arts center, while preserving the landmark building. Now filled with the creative energy of artists, musicians, students and creative businesses, ArtsWestchester’s headquarters is a place where talented visual and performing artists create, rehearse and showcase their work to the public. Every spring ArtsWestchester throws an ArtsBash, one of the arts council’s most

popular arts parties featuring fine food, fun and contemporary art. This year, on Thursday, May 17th, we are throwing a birthday bash celebrating the milestone of our being in our historic White Plains building for 20 years. Guests are invited to join our Arts Birthday Bash Event Chair Rob Petrone, Host and Executive Producer of “Restaurant Hunter” on FiOS1 News, to tour our historic home, visiting artists in their studios and previewing our spring exhibition in the gallery all while sampling culinary creations by some of the area’s top restauranteurs.

ArtsWestchester’s historic White Plains building. Photo by Lynda Shenkman Curtis

YES INDEED. Our building, the first White Plains skyscraper, will be 90 years old this year. Hard to believe that twenty years have passed since ArtsWestchester purchased the historic People’s National Bank and Trust building. Even harder to believe is that J.P. Morgan Chase, the building’s owner, ultimately forgave our purchase money mortgage and gave us a $150,000 loan for working capital. Even more incredible, the building was saved from almost certain destruction as a victim of urban renewal. All of that will be well worth celebrating at the blow-out Arts Birthday Bash we’ll be throwing on Thursday evening, May 17th at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains. This year, the arts council will be celebrating 20 years in its historic downtown White Plains building as we celebrate the transformation of the former People’s National Bank & Trust bank building into a cultural hub of activity for artists and creative businesses. Since ArtsWestchester

The vault at ArtsWestchester is used for art installations. Photo by Lynda Shenkman Curtis

In addition to food by 20+ top chefs from the Hudson Valley, ArtsWestchester’s gallery will showcase leading contemporary artists of the Hudson Valley in the ArtsWestchester Triennial during the 2018 Arts birthday Bash party. Additionally, plans are underway to create a one-of-a-kind, artist-designed street mural in front of ArtsWestchester’s historic home to better designate the center as a cultural destination for residents and visitors to White Plains.

Mark your calendars for a party to remember at the 2018 Arts Birthday Bash. Tickets are on sale at www.artswestchester.org and all funds raised help keep the arts alive and vibrant in Westchester County. It’s one not-to-be-missed party. See you there.

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. 28

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

EVENTS + GATHERINGS

FORKS & CORKS Food and Wine Festival in Sarasota, Florida

Photo by Peter Acker

Writen by Fred Bollaci

Named a “three day gastronomic Olympics” by the Washington Post, Forks & Corks, hosted by The Sarasota-Manatee Originals celebrates local, independent restaurants while raising a glass to the world’s finest wines and beers! The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a group of locally owned restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties whose chefs and owners are passionate about food and their commitment to the community, which is known for having one of the best restaurant scenes in all of Florida! The 11th annual Forks & Corks festival took place the weekend of January 26th-28th, 2018. Guests enjoyed excellent wines from around the world while meeting exceptional winemakers and tasting the deliciously diverse cuisine of more than 50 members of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants at events throughout the area. We enjoyed a very special cooking class and luncheon on Friday January 26th with beloved local Chef Raymond Arpke at Euphemia Haye restaurant on Longboat Key, followed by a wine tasting with renowned vintner Anthony Bell of Bell Wine Cellar in Napa, CA and a book signing with author Fred Bollaci of “The Restaurant Diet.”

Marianne Siegal, Chef Raymond Arpke, Tracey Thomas and Fred Bollaci

Friday and Saturday evenings featured a number of exclusive winemaker dinners at excellent local restaurants. Highlights included the wines of Sparkman Cellars from Washington State, presented by Chris Sparkman at Fin’s at Sharkey’s restaurant on the beach in Venice, and an excellent dinner pairing wines of Italy with gourmet Italian cuisine hosted by Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini at Michael’s Wine Cellar adjacent to the acclaimed Michael’s on East restaurant in Sarasota. Those looking to learn more about wine attended Forks & Corks University on Saturday at Michael’s on East. Attendees sampled and learned about rare and inspired wines during seminars led by a panel of celebrated winemakers, including Bruce Neyers (Neyers Vineyards), Quady Winery (Andrew Quady), Rombauer Vineyards (Reagan Rombauer), Alexander Valley Vineyards (Harry Wetzel), Tenuta Forconi (Riccardo Forconi), Hedges Family Estates (Sarah Hedges), Bell Wine Cellar, and Sparkman Cellars, among others. Call it “sommelier for a day!” The Grand Tasting, held on Sunday, is the ultimate destination for any food and wine lover! Tickets go on sale for this

favorite local event in early November and typically sell out in minutes! The Grand Tasting Event featured more than 350 wines and over 70 wineries from across the globe – all hand-selected and professionally tasted, judged and recognized as medal winners at the festival. Winemakers from California, Oregon, Italy, South Africa, France, Spain, New Zealand, South America and many other locales were on hand to mingle with guests and showcase their wines. The Grand Tasting of 2018 was held at the Feld Entertainment Studios in Palmetto instead of its usual setting at the Ringling Museum’s dramatic courtyard, a move prompted by inclement weather. Patrons bid on special wines donated by participating wineries at the silent auction and had the opportunity to purchase their favorite wines, many of which are not readily available for purchase locally. A percentage of proceeds from Forks & Corks benefits the All Faiths Food Bank, whose mission is fighting hunger in the community. Save the date! Next year’s Forks & Corks events will take place Friday January 25th-Sunday January 27th, 2019! For more information about the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and Forks & Corks 2019 events, please visit www.eatlikealocal.com CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Jewelry

Colosseum, Rome Italy. Photography by Mauricio Artieda/Unsplash Left: Mr. Giorgio Cazzaniga with his father, Dr. Paolo Cazzaniga. Cazzaniga Showroom, Rome, Italy

LIKE A SECRET GARDEN HIDDEN FROM

the privilege of a private, behind the scenes

THE BUSTLE OF MODERN-DAY ROME,

look, or in-person meeting with the Pope

behind the gates, in the midst of all the

without the crowds. This is exactly the experi-

history, glamour, art, fashion, and noise, is a sacred, private Rome that is the essence of the Cazzaniga brand and family. Just blocks removed from the bright lights and heavy foot traffic of the famed Via dei Condotti lined with top international designers, is a bastion of civility, timeless treasure, and lasting friendship. One could spend a fortune in any of these renowned boutiques that line the fashionable area of Rome (or any major city), acquiring a souvenir from their visit to Rome or a token of luxury and

Contemporary Dolce Vita

ence loyal patrons who have given Cazzaniga jewelry a cult following have discovered. The Cazzaniga brand dates back to the founder, Angelo Giorgio Cazzaniga and may best be considered a luxurious blend

Cazzaniga Jewellers. A Hideout of Treasured Secrets in the Heart of Rome

of eclecticism and experimentalism. Since

Written by Fred Bollaci

and Asian influences. The complexity of

the 1940’s, Angelo Giorgio designed unique jewels that represent the perfect synthesis between artistic elements belonging to different epochs and cultures: Renaissance recalls, Byzantine inserts, Baroque euphoria,

beauty, but you would miss something even

designs and decorations and the copious-

more precious. Like a visitor to the Vatican

ness of gold and colored stones give rise to

who stands in line with thousands of others

dazzling and an internationally renowned

to see the marvelous sights, a select few have

“jet set” following.

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Starting in the 1980’s, Paolo Cazzaniga,

you are representing something even more

son of Angelo Giorgio and current atelier

unique and special.

owner, innovated Cazzaniga’s style with a

Cazzaniga is a family affair, from founder

contemporary taste by expanding the range

Angelo Giorgio, to son Paolo, to his son,

of materials used into new, exciting combina-

Giorgio, an international attorney and the

tions. Paolo’s style gave greater slenderness

company’s marketing director who, working

to the architectures, making them almost

alongside his father is keeping the Cazzaniga

evanescent; introduced new and exotic

name and tradition alive and well, introduc-

themes, borrowing from Asian art tradition.

ing the brand and legacy to new markets

Rings, brooches, wearable perfume

and clientele and ushering this time-honored

bottles, necklaces, earrings, rings, crosses,

family symbol of distinction, sophistication,

cufflinks, and more: the variety of Cazzaniga

and luxury into the twenty-first century and

jewelry production is infinite, and the decli-

solidifying their place in Roman history. Cazzaniga jewelry, as was conceived by

nations of jewelry seem to have as the only

Angelo Giorgio, to this day through the eyes

limit the author’s fantasy.

and talent of Paolo, continues to be inspired by ancient and baroque Rome, Russia, and Asia. Angelo Giorgio grew up visiting the Villa Abamalek, home to the Russian Prince in Rome, of which his father oversaw, which left an indelible impression and was TRADITIONAL Coat of Arm ring Araldica ring. Engraved bicoloured agathe (mod. XA-991)

MERLETTO Pendent earrings Moon stones pendant earrings (mod. NO-414)

the creative foundation and inspiration for Cazzaniga. Paolo has continued this proud tradition, being born with a precise and artistic eye, becoming educated in gemology at the Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles, and being further inspired by the magnificent surroundings of his native

The research of energy and movement

Rome, combined with the Byzantine and

is expressed through the use of the old

Russian influences of his family background,

technique of engraving, animating won-

as well as additional Asian nuances from his

derful realizations which blend illusion and

travels. Today, Cazzaniga jewelry is sold by

sensuality into a sophisticated game, that is

appointment at their studio in Rome, and

born to accompany and flatter the perfect

the Cazzaniga’s frequently visit and exhibit

proportions of the human body.

their jewelry in Japan, the United States, and

Numerous celebrities have been clients

elsewhere. Over the years, Paolo has spent

of Cazzaniga and have been seen sporting

a great deal of time designing and doing

these precious works of art over the years. Cazzaniga jewelry has designed for luminaries like Pope John Paul II and Princess Grace of Monaco, and was invited to showcase his unique, hand crafted, brilliant, one-of-a-kind artistic designs at the The Russian State Museum in St. Petersburg Russia. When purchasing or having Paolo design a piece of Cazzaniga jewelry, you are not only acquiring a beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade piece of art, the likes of which

HISTORIC Roman Baroque Masque Brooch and Pendant. (mod. NS-750)

DOLCE VITA Blue Cardinal ring Blue sapphire cardinal ring (mod. XA-706)

there is no equal in the world, by wearing it, CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Jewelry

business in Japan, which has led to some

dolce vita” seem pedestrian. This is purely

very unique, beautiful creations—imagine

Roman. Visiting with the Cazzaniga’s you

combining the art of Ancient Rome and the

might find yourself whisked away to a very pri-

proud history of Japan—think gorgeous

vate courtyard, cocktail party, or polo match,

pieces handcrafted from varying shades of

nibbling on luscious hors d’oeuvres, sipping

jade, adorned with spectacular jewels fit for

fine wine, rubbing elbows with descendants

royalty, it is no wonder Cazzaniga’s pieces are

of papal families, princes, and princesses. It is

considered collector’s items and the family has

an exclusive club a la Great Gatsby in perhaps

garnered such a loyal international following.

the grandest setting on earth, where anyone

In fact, Japanese consumers the #1 buyers of

in the fold can relax and enjoy the experience. Private dinners in Vatican City with the illumi-

this timeless cult brand, second only to their very loyal following of clientele in the United States, many of whom come from families that have purchased Cazzaniga jewelry for several generations, dating back to Angelo Giorgio and continue to acquire new pieces of art brought to life by Paolo, a gifted artist and world-class jeweler with an inimitable style of design and keen eye for the exquisite. In fact, my uncle met Angelo Giorgio while stationed at the famed Hotel Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps, where he ran the commissary during World War II. Angelo visited frequently to purchase then scarce toothpaste from my uncle, who asked: “how many kids do you have?” to which he replied, “I am a silversmith, I need to keep

Dr Paolo Cazzaniga at the drawing table in Cazzaniga’s Showroom. Rome, Italy

became great friends and remained so after the war, with son Paolo visiting my family in the United States for his honeymoon in the 1960’s, after my parents, grandparents, and family attended their wedding in Italy. Today, his son Giorgio and I are great friends, we have kept this great story of international friendship alive for over 70 years, and we are honored and humbled by the connection and bonds of friendship that emerged from one of the toughest periods in modern history. A visit to Cazzaniga and acquisition of Cazzaniga jewelry is not like visiting any

nated dome of St. Peter’s Basilica so close you feel you could touch it, or at a famous Palazzo, and drinks on a private terrace with candlelight and blooming jasmine overlooking the crowds as the sun sets over Piazza di Spagna, or a meal cooked to order at one of the most exclusive beach clubs in Italy which was frequented by Mussolini. As a student of Italian and Roman history, it is amazing to meet descendants of many of the names that were right out of history books. This is the Rome and Italy I have been privileged to know, thanks to my family’s legacy of friendship with the Cazzaniga’s. Paolo, Giorgio, and family are down to earth, real people who embrace their customers and treat them

my silver polished and toothpaste does the

like valued members of the family. Father

trick!” The Cazzaniga family and my family

and son both frequently travel to Japan and elsewhere, including the United States to personally visit clients who have become friends in their homes. Being part of the Cazzaniga

ICONIC North South ring Ruby and sapphire North-South ring (mod. XA-914)

legacy is a special club, as you have found

CONTEMPORARY Micro-pendant perfume bottle 18K polished gold and blue sapphire (mod. CC-511)

your home in Rome, a marvelous tribute to an incredible city and history, that is being proudly carried forth by proud Romans of today, Paolo and Giorgio Cazzaniga. Owning a piece of Cazzaniga jewelry is owning a piece of history, a level of artistry, design, craftsmanship, and personalized attention to detail unattainable anywhere else, not just in the creation of the masterpiece, but in forging other boutique or jewelry store. Customers

lasting friendships, that makes this the most

become friends and gain access to a part of

special, exclusive experience in all of Rome ¨

Rome that is very special and not accessible

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

to anyone. This very special, privileged world

For more information about Cazzaniga

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STYLE:

Timeless Relationships: Art and Interior Design Written by Nancy Helle

“This is a unique opportunity for the designers to spread their wings and create their dream innovative project – as they have total freedom and are not restricted by the specific needs and desires of a particular client,” says Nancy McTague-Stock, Exhibition Chair, a Silvermine Guild artist and former board member, who conceived and organized the exhibition. “As artists, we often work in tandem with clients and their designers to create the kind of atmosphere they want

34 34

THE DISTINCTIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ART AND INTERIOR

for their homes and offices. Art is more than purely decorative; it can

DESIGN, the role fine art plays in the conceptual design process and

initiate a dialogue.” As Edgar Degas said, “Art is not what you see,

the timeless fusion of the past, present and future will be explored in

but what you can make others see,” adds McTague-Stock, whose own

a unique and dynamic new exhibition, in New Canaan, Connecticut

mother, a Virginia interior designer for over fifty years, has designed

at the Silvermine Art Center, from April 22nd to May 19th. “Perfect

for clients from Paris to the Caribbean to Florida’s John’s Island and

Partners: Art in Design” will feature installations by four prominent

inspired Nancy to pursue her own fine art career.

Connecticut interior designers who consider art an integral part of their

The invited interior design firms are Susie Earls Designs of South-

overall concept. Affiliated programs will explore trends and timeless

port, Krista Fox Interiors of New Canaan, Cherie Greene Interiors,

good design as well as collecting and curating. A Patron’s Preview party,

a design firm and decorative accessories boutique on 123 Post Road

by invitation only, will be held on Saturday, April 21st from 6 to 8 p.m.

East in Westport, and Interiors by Anna Maria of Stamford which

The public reception is on Sunday, April 22nd, 2 to 4 p.m.

handles projects from New York to California. In this installation,

Silvermine Gallery Curator Jeffrey Mueller says, “A lot of the time,

Anna Maria (Kinberg) is collaborating with Danise Talbot of Danise

‘Art’ is thought of last. But with a good designer, ‘Art’ is part of the

Talbot Design, with a showroom on 263 Riverside Avenue in Westport.

integral design – a relationship between the designer, the client’s vision

The designers will select art for their installations from the works of

and the art they select to complete that vision – a true partnership.”

over 300 Guild Artist members of Silvermine – painters, sculptors,

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“The longevity of Silvermine – so close to the cultural mecca of New York and approaching its 100th anniversary - has had a far-reaching impact.” BENJAMIN ORTIZ Former Museum Curator

Left to Right: Dmitri Wright, Apple Blossoms Purple Opus 1, Oil on Linen, 30” x 24”; Myke Karlowski, 17 Wednesdays, Oil on Panel, 12” x 12”; Ben Ortiz; Nash Hyon, Harvest, Encaustic work on Panel

printmakers, photographers and mixed media artists as well as artists

throughout the centuries. Sturtevant is the New York Representative

who work in glass, ceramics, fiber, wood and metal.

for Potomac Company Auctions of Alexandria, Virginia, Co-owner

“Established in the 1920’s as the Silvermine Guild of Artists,

of M.S. Antiques and M.S. Appraisals in Fairfield, Connecticut,

Silvermine Art Center and Galleries have been a resource for artists

Decorative Arts Editor of VENU magazine and most recently, a

and designers for nearly a century,” says Roger Mudre, Gallery

lecturer for Sotheby’s auction house in New York.

Director, artist and a member of the Guild, “Designers don’t have to

What role does paint color play? A brief talk on “The Voice of

go to New York to find quality art; our Guild artists exhibit nationally,

Color,” will be given by Pamma Williams, the Color and Design

many have exhibited internationally and are professionals repre-

expert from PPG Paints, on Sunday, April 22nd at 3 p.m. during the

sented in important public and private collections. All are unique in

public opening reception in Silvermine Galleries.

their vision, technique, material and style.” Former Museum Curator

“The Art of Collecting and Curating Personal Collections” will

Benjamin Ortiz, says,“The longevity of Silvermine – so close to the

be discussed on Saturday, May 12th, from 3-4 pm by Benjamin Ortiz,

cultural mecca of New York and approaching its 100th anniversary -

who will share his decades of experiences as a Curator for institutions

has had a far-reaching impact.”

such as Connecticut’s Discovery, Barnum and Housatonic Museums; “I use my museum background to help a wide range of people - from

THE EXPERTS ADVISE: THE THREE C’S; COLOR, COLLECTING AND CURATING

those on a budget to those for whom the sky is the limit, helping them

What design factors from the past are still appreciated today and will

art advisor and owner of Bozarte, Art of the Americas in Ridgefield,

likely remain influential tomorrow? Matthew Sturtevant, formerly

Connecticut, Ben, whose specialty is works on paper, will discuss how

with Christie’s New York as the 18th and 19th Century Antiques

to re-curate artworks and memorable objects in your existing collec-

expert for 15 years, will discuss “Trends in Design”, Sunday, April

tions, while encouraging new collectors with tips on how to begin

29th at 3 p.m.. Sturtevant will draw parallels between the old and

finding and purchasing works of art. “My advice to clients is that it

the new, highlighting the influences that have driven good design

only takes three objects to start a collection; it’s fun to mix up different

learn art history and the trends in contemporary art.” An independent

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“History repeats itself and I feel this sentiment applies to the arts and design as well and I enjoy drawing parallels from ancient design to the present.” MATTHEW STURTEVANT 8th and 19th Century Antiques expert

wonderful way to transform an environment. With even one piece, you can express an attitude and then build on that message to create energy in a space. Art is so visceral and subjective that people react very differently to individual works, but I tell my clients that the important thing is that it connects or resonates with you as the owner. We introduce art early on in the design process. The size,

periods and also to move your collectibles around your home and

the feeling and the palate all matter, but it’s all lost if the people in

see how they look in different environments. And consider adding

the home don’t experience joy each time they see it. We also like to

young emerging artists who are doing some incredible things today.”

rotate artwork throughout the home. Sometimes seeing a piece in a different room offers a freshness that keeps a home evolving and

DESIGNERS DISCUSS THE ROLE OF ART

dynamic. As for trends and fashions of the moment, we acknowledge

Susie Earls, “Art allows individuals to make their personal statement

them, but they are not necessarily ideal for every home. It is the role

and express their personality. Art is also important because it adds

of the good designer to play editor in developing a clear message

drama. I often start with art in designing a room; I use it for adding

for the home, often with an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary

color. I often prefer the art to provide the color rather than the fur-

furnishings, as well as abstract and representational art. Coming to

niture. Frequently, it depends on the palate of the house, as it can

a gallery like Silvermine with all of its guild artist members is such a

be appropriate to add something that is very striking; other times it

gift. We can see a lot of curated talent all in one spot!”

needs to be very subtle and muted. I tend to like large scale work

Cherie Greene’s lifelong dream of becoming an interior designer

in addition to the bold contrast of black and white.” Connecting the

took a detour - her first job after college was as a teacher. But her

indoors and outdoors is a part of Susie’s vision, as her installation

teaching experience proved invaluable when she reverted to her

space includes access to the terrace belonging to the gallery space.

original goal after graduation from the New York School of Interior

Krista Fox of New Canaan, Connecticut believes, “Artwork is a

Design. “I spend a lot of time educating my clients and presenting new

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

I listen to the clients and interpret their vision. In guiding this process, it is important for the art and design elements to co-exist in harmony. CHERIE GREENE Interior Designer

Left to Right: Silvermine Gallery Exhibition, Sergio Gonzales Tornero; Matthew Sturtevant; Andrew Graham, Anguish, photography, 16” x 20”; Leslie Guiliani, Take Me To Your Leader, Encaustic Painting, Digital Embroidery and Printmaking on Encaustiflex, 45” x 33”; Cherie Greene; Bruce Campbell, Blue Moon; Kinectic Sculpture

ideas and concepts about art and design. Art is a personal choice

UNIQUE SCULPTURAL ART ALSO AT SILVERMINE.

for the client. It is the responsibility of the designer to encourage the

Three-dimensional works of art are also an important factor in design.

clients to select art, photography or sculpture that has meaning to

A concurrent exhibition in one of Silvermine’s Galleries will feature

them. I listen to the client and interpret their vision. In guiding this

sculptor Robert M. Loebell, who works in wood and mixed media. His

process, it is important for the art and design elements to co-exist in

sculptural works are derived from photos freezing a moment in time,

harmony. Classic design is a thoughtful balance of scale, color, texture

capturing a specific place, activity, person or group. He transforms

and architecture, along with well-chosen, comfortable furniture with

these flat representations into three-dimensional wood carvings.

pleasing silhouettes. It is also a mixture of high and low elements,

Curating hundreds of his photos; from home and travel, Rob creates

plus a dash of character and whimsy along with personal treasures.”

a story. New narratives are created as wood collages emerge by

Anna Maria Kinberg sees art as “a form of communication

carving, burning and painting to simply suggest their original sources.

between clients and their space, evoking a sense of stories and

Through these transformations, the resulting sculptures become more

memories, reflecting their life journeys, ideally inspiring excitement,

abstract and, as Loebell says, “Hopefully, more universal. They are

love and peace in a client’s environment. Wall art is like the jewelry

softer edged, more like memories than decipherable events. The

of a room. Paintings and sculpture can provide a color scheme,

sculptures reimagine the fixity or flexibility of time by swapping the

style and energy, creating a vibrancy that transforms an otherwise

original medium for wood, then recreating the images themselves

simply designed space into one that tells a story about the client’s

into a new form.” His sculptural works can hung on a wall, adding a

personality.” Danise Talbot adds, “Art has always been important to

striking new dimension to a room. ¨

me in my goal to create fresh spaces that last for generations. I like to bring client and artist together; sometimes I commission artists to

Silvermine Art Center is located at 1037 Silvermine Road,

create something especially for a client. I have often brought clients

New Canaan, CT 06840. The Galleries are open Wed-Sat 12pm-

to Silvermine where there is a great collection of contemporary and

5pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm, Mon-Tues: By Appointment. Kindly call

transitional art.”

Roger Mudre, Gallery Director: 203.966.6668, extension Ext. 26 CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

STYLE:

Guide ISLAND FLAIR Maui Jim has once again merged art with technology as it launches the Curated Collection—a limited edition collaboration with internationally renowned Maui artist, Charlie Lyon. This unique and fashion-forward line of Maui Jim sunglasses brings the spirit of the islands to life with two new frames—Vibes and Rhythm. This limited-edition collection is available on www.mauijim.com

COMPLETE BLISS The brand that stands for unapologetic happiness - introduces a total brand relaunch with fresh new designs, and 39 innovative formulations. They’re proud to say that the full product collection is 100% cruelty-free, and blissfully free from the “bad stuff” Now at lower price points at Target, Ulta and blissworld.com.

STYLE & CLASS

Chic Showroom and Extravagant Buys this Spring

MIXING IT UP KitchenAid debuts Inaugural “Color of the Year” in Bird of Paradise, an energycharged vibrant coral color with a high-gloss finish and powerful glow. Bird of Paradise will be available across several KitchenAid countertop appliances in 2018. For retail information visit www.kitchenaid.com

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

GOING FOR GOLD Phillip Gavriel ®, a division of the Royal Chain Group, is introducing its Popcorn Collection in gold at the end of this month. For spring 2018, the collection will feature updated additions to the brand’s iconic collection, including pieces set in all gold with diamonds. Available at www.royalchain.com

THANKS MOM THOMAS SABO is presenting new sparkling heart charms for Mother’s Day that emotively symbolise the profound love between mother and child. With other designs from the Generation Charm Club Collection, they become unique mementos. Available at www.thomassabo.com.

EXCLUSIVELY AT

263 Riverside Ave., Westport CT, 06880 www.xpozur.gallery - info@xpozur.gallery phone: 1+203-557-3646 The Avarice Series, 2018: "Sexual Cannibalism"

WILLIAM KENTRIDGE Universal Archive March 1 - May 19, 2018

Walsh Gallery

fairfield.edu/museum

Six Birds, 2012. Linocut. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College, and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

DINING OUT

a delicious and unique sensory experience With inventive takes on American cuisine, a world-class wine list, and a picture-perfect setting, dining at Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar, is a truly memorable experience. Dedicated to the expression of modern American cuisine, Prime: An American Kitchen and Bar is the newest venue for the Bohlsen Restaurant Group. Showcased by tempered glass walls that allow a full view of the water from nearly any seat in the house and stays open when the weather allows. Our menu is built on a foundation of selected 21 day dry aged USDA Prime steaks, fresh fish from local waters and from the best fishing waters around the globe. Our well recognized sushi program showcases beauty, variety and delicacy. Accompaniments include vegetables from local soils and the crisp offerings of our Raw Bar. Our culinary philosophy is to start with the best ingredients and serve our guests in a way that clearly demonstrates the love we have for feeding others. The ultimate experience, our Weekly Wine Dinners, are creative seasonally inspired menus carefully paired with wines to enhance each course. Each week, our Chefs explore new and unique celebrations of flavors to enhance your palette. Showcasing new menu’s each week, that are never repeated, Wednesday Night Wine Dinners are a not only a great escape and perfect evening out, but an indulgent and educational experience.

Pairing wine with food opens up a whole new world of flavors and sensations. “Wednesday Night Wine Dinners” showcase new, creative dishes that are not usually on the menu. Pairings are carefully selected to enhance each course. The result is a unique and exquisitely prepared culinary experience. JULIO GENAO, EXECUTIVE CHEF

PRIME RESTAURANT 78 Southfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 203.817.0700 www.restaurantprime.com Contact info@restaurantprime.com for private dining and events

APPETITE

By Fred Bollaci

The Ultimate California Food and Wine Trip! San Francisco to Napa & Sonoma The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma

AS A FOOD AND WINE LOVER, there is no better place in the USA to enjoy delicious, cutting edge gourmet cuisine, fresh local ingredients, and fabulous wine than northern California. Let’s start with San Francisco. My favorite places to stay are The Fairmont and The Ritz-Carlton. For dining, start with Acquerello by Giancarlo Paterlini and Chef Suzette Gresham. My other favorites are: Gary Danko, Quince, Cotogna, Mr. Jiu’s (dim sum), Perbacco (Agnolotti del Plin), SPQR (Lemon Pasta with Abalone), and Seven Hills. My favorite spot for a cocktail is “Top of the Mark, atop the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental on Nob Hill, with a breathtaking view of the city . Stop for an Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista, Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl at Boudin Bakery, Cioppino with Dungeness Crab at Alioto’s on Fisherman’s Wharf or at Sotto Mare in North Beach, and Pacific Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. Now, on to wine country! If you’re looking for great dining between wine country and San Francisco, start with Poggio Trattoria in Sausalito. For French, visit Left Bank Brasserie (Larkspur, Menlo Park, and San Jose). Both Napa and Sonoma counties are a must—consider spending several days in each. Let’s start in Sonoma. Top places to stay are the Fairmont Mission Inn, Hotel Les Mars, a Relais & Chateaux property, and the Farmhouse Inn (Forestville). For a boutique experience, join the wine club and book the guest house at Christopher Creek Winery, a family-run affair in Healdsburg at the north end of the valley. Five musts for dining are: Farmhouse Inn, The Girl & The Fig by famed restaurateur Sondra Bernstein (Sonoma), Santé at Fairmont Mission Inn, Valette by rising star Chef Dustin Valette (Healdsburg), and Yeti for exceptional Indian cuisine (Glen Ellen and Santa Rosa)

A few of my favorite Sonoma wineries include: Benziger Family Winery, Chateau St. Jean, De Loach, Ferrari Carano, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Christopher Creek, Jordan, Landmark Vineyards, Moshin Vineyards, Thumbprint Cellars, and Williamson Wines. In Carneros, visit Schug Winery and continue on to the Donum Estate en route to Napa. For the ultimate in luxury and indulgence in Napa, the top two places to stay are Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, or Meadowood, both Relais & Chateaux properties. Also consider Bardessono, The Meritage Resort, The Westin Verasa, as well as Solage, an Auberge Resort. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll want to visit Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry at least once in your life, and worth planning a trip around to experience. Other favorites include Bistro Jeanty, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon, The Restaurant at Meadowood Brix, Brasswood, Cole’s Chop House and Lucy (at Bardessono), Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Acacia House, and Bottega by Michael Chiarello in Yountville; Cindy’s Backstreet Jordan Vineyard & Winery

With Scott Lindstrom-Dake at Thumbprint Cellars

With Claudia Schug Schuetz at Schug Carneros Estate Winery

“Uovo in Raviolo” Pasta at Cotogna, San Francisco

Kitchen (Cindy Pawlcyn) in St. Helena, La Toque by Chef Ken Frank (at the Westin Verasa) and Oakville Grocery. Rutherford Grill is a great choice (by the Hillstone/Houston’s group). For wineries, start with the famed Beaulieu Vineyards, Cakebread, Caymus Vineyards, Frog’s Leap, Far Niente, Joseph Phelps, Robert Mondavi, and Trefethen. Be sure to visit some of the smaller boutique wineries like Alpha Omega, Barnett Vineyards, Bell Cellars, Forman Estate, Pride Mountain, Carneros della Notte (and Own a Napa Vineyard by David Harmon), Caldwell Vineyards, and Eleven Eleven. Required reading is The Preiser Key: The Most Comprehensive Guide to Napa and Sonoma, by veteran food & wine writer and Venu columnist Monty Preiser and wife Sarah. The Preisers also co-own Shadowbox Cellars. To sample and purchase the next Napa Valley cult wines, visit Shadowbox Cellars in Napa, the next generation of Napa cult wines. For private transportation on your adventures in wine country, talk to Timothy Murphy of Napa Terrior Wine Tours to enjoy the best of Napa’s wineries without having to drive. Most wineries require reservations well in advance and the top restaurants book weeks if not months in advance, so plan ahead! For the ultimate adventure, take a hot air balloon ride in the early morning with Napa Valley Balloons. Enjoy breakfast and a glass of bubbles afterwards at Domaine Chandon winery in Yountville.

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

APPETITE:

Fearless Chef

Chef Dustin Valette A Lifetime of Passion and Commitment to Quality and Freshness in the Heart of Sonoma.” Written by Fred Bollaci ON A RECENT VISIT TO SONOMA COUNTY, I naturally wanted to experience the very best in cuisine, to pair with my days touring and tasting at some of the best wineries in the United States. Whenever I

Valette Painting, inside Valette, Photo by Chirs Hardy

am going anyplace, whether for the first time or for a return visit, as was the case with Sonoma, I always do my homework, a major part of which includes asking my local “foodie” contacts which chefs/restaurants I should check out. Several of my friends who are vintners in Sonoma and perennial participants in Florida Winefest www.floridawinefest.org in Sarasota (April 5-8, 2018), where we met and have since become friends, namely Sam Williamson of Williamson Wines, and Dominic Foppoli and Liam McCormick of Christopher Creek Winery, both in Healdsburg were my go-to choices to ask for recommendations. Sam Williamson’s father, Bill Williamson of Williamson Wines co-founded a successful software company in Australia where he met his future wife, Dawn. In 1980, Bill and Dawn moved to San Francisco to participate in the Silicon Valley technology revolution. Some years later they sold their company and moved to their current home on a vineyard property in Dry Creek Valley, chosen for its suitability to grow Bordeaux style grapes. During the course of his business life, Bill worked with some of the major wineries around the world. He researched and developed his own vineyard management methodology focused on low-yield, high quality fruit utilizing vine stress and

Chef Dustin gathered great acclaim for the strong relationships he cultivated with local farmers and purveyors

sustainable farming practices. With the help of select courses at U.C. Davis and years working with several mentors, Bill developed

Heirloom Tomatoes, Photo by Chirs Hardy

his vineyard management and winemaking protocols where he incorporates an understanding of the great wines of the world, their origins and history; bringing together traditional and modern wine making techniques. The Williamsons have become known for pairing their excellent wines with gourmet cuisine in the heart of downtown Healdsburg. 42

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Chef Dusitn 2015, Photo by Chirs Hardy

The Foppoli family’s winemaking in Sonoma dates back nearly 100 years and 5 generations to Italian immigrant Giuseppe Foppoli and

in Healdsburg, it should be dinner at Valette! Naturally, I made reservations and looked forward to an exceptional experience.

further back to the 1400’s in Mazzo di Valtellina in northern Italy, the

Valette restaurant was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of

Foppoli family, along with a few close friends, acquired the winery in

creating a unique dining experience in their hometown of Healds-

2012 and have maintained the small, family-run feel that Christopher

burg. If you haven’t visited Healdsburg, you are in for a treat. Not

Creek has been known for. Dominic and partner Liam McCormick, who

only is it situated in the heart of beautiful northern Sonoma, near

today own the beautiful Christopher Creek Winery, known for award

the renowned Russian River, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley

winning, handcrafted, and estate bottled wines with an annual production of around 4,000 cases. Their wines have garnered such

Liberty Duck & Roasted Strawberries

a cult following that they sell barrel futures

Valette Restaurant showcases 47-years of combined restaurant experience between brothers featuring the breadth of beautiful bounty for which Sonoma County is known.” AVA’s, the town is right out of a storybook, a northern California version of the kind of beautiful historic town that would make New Englanders proud—a charming and elegant town with gigantic old redwood trees, a spacious village green that hosts concerts and events throughout the year, lovely boutiques, galleries, the beautiful Hotel Les Mars (a Relais & Chateaux property), and nearly 4 dozen tasting rooms in a mere few square blocks, just in case visitors want to sample or sip and stroll around town. My suggestion is after a day of tasting, enjoy a lovely evening in Healdsburg. Begin with a tasting or cocktail and then head straight to Valette, the epicurean highlight of northern Sonoma, an area known for excellent locally-sourced cuisine to enthusiastic wine club members, who also have the opportunity to

to match the exceptional local wines you will enjoy! Valette opened

book their sprawling estate home, with six bedrooms, a pool, jacuzzi,

to critical acclaim in 2015, and has been a local sensation ever since.

fully equipped kitchen, and spacious entertaining areas, all overlook-

The restaurant’s founding principle has been to provide a canvas for

ing vineyards, groves of oak trees, and the nearby mountains which

local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts.

surround Healdsburg in Northern Sonoma County, which is where I

In an area with so much great food, it is a pleasure to introduce a

stayed. Healdsburg is the kind of small, friendly community where

chef and restaurateur whose passion and commitment to his custom-

everyone knows everyone else, and supports each other.

ers equals his exceptional culinary skills.

Knowing my friends and their taste in food and wine and firsthand

Chef Dustin Valette honed his craft in some of the most celebrated

knowledge of the local restaurant scene, I was anxious to hear their

restaurants on the West Coast, including the Michelin-starred Aqua in

recommendations for where to eat when staying at Christopher

San Francisco and Napa Valley’s Bouchon (Thomas Keller). Additional

Creek. Each of my friends enthusiastically recommended dining at

credits include Hokus at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Honolulu, a

Valette. In fact, the consensus was if I were to have only one meal

five-star, five-diamond property; the exclusive North Ranch Country CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

APPETITE:

Fearless Chef

Club in Westlake Village, California; and VOX Restaurant & Wine

Goat Cheese Fritters, Pomegranate Vinaigrette, and Fuyu Persimmon,

Lounge in Henderson, Nevada. Most recently, Valette spent six years

Hawaiian Ahi Poke Style

as Executive Chef of Dry Creek Kitchen, a Charlie Palmer restaurant,

Strong Arm Farm Kombu, House Made Semolina Pasta with Valette’s

also in downtown Healdsburg. At Dry Creek Kitchen, Dustin gathered

90 Day Lomo (Piquillo Pepper Gastrique, Bleu d’Auvergne Cheese, and

great acclaim for the strong relationships he

Mushroom Fondue), Roasted Carrot + Coco-

cultivated with local farmers and purveyors

nut Soup with Bernier Farms Baby Carrots,

in order to provide the restaurant with the

Dungeness Crab, Toasted Coconut Chips,

area’s freshest and most unique ingredients,

and Red Curry Crème Fraîche, Day Boat

which he spun into culinary magic. Valette

Scallops en Croûte with Hidden Pond Farms

also became known for his exceptional ability

Fennel, American Caviar , and Champagne

to pair some of the country’s best wines with

Beurre Blanc for starters.

his intense, flavorful and dynamic cuisine. During the summer months, Chef Valette travels to the Healdsburg Farmer’s market and carries back the bounty of local produce in a classic Red Flyer wagon. He is also an

Brandon Valette Healdsburg

avid home winemaker of classic Bordeaux varietals, which he hand harvests from his uncle’s vineyard in Alexander Valley. The idea of Valette Restaurant began nearly two decades ago over a glass of wine shared between two brothers, Dustin and Aaron Garzini, while sitting at their father’s house overlooking the expansive Alexander Valley. At the time, Aaron was establishing himself at John Ash in Santa Rosa as a dynamic server and sommelier. Dustin was in New York fine-tuning the culinary craft that would be his life long passion. The two dreamed of opening a restaurant which showcased the breadth and depth of ingredients Sonoma County has to offer. The pair

High quality, yet honest and approachable food; offer impeccable service and house a collection of boutique, small production wines.”

envisioned a restaurant that would serve high quality, yet honest and approachable food; offer impeccable service and house a collection of boutique, small production wines. In 2015, Valette Restaurant opened its doors to the public, showcasing 47 years of combined restaurant experience, and a deep passion and dedication to Sonoma Country and its food and wine purveyors and producers.

For entrees, look for Goat Cheese Stuffed Pasilla Peppers, Crispy

A native of Sonoma County, Chef Dustin Valette is a graduate of

Skin Striped Bass with Early Bird Farms Espelette (Celeriac Puree

the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He currently

– Purple Cauliflower Relish and Espelette Pepper Vinaigrette),

resides with his wife, their two young daughters and two dogs in Down-

Butter Roasted Petrale Sole with Bernier Farms Roasted Peppers,

town Healdsburg, a block away from the restaurant, a natural fit for his

Foie Gras Chorizo, Saffron Steamed Clams + Mussels with Arugula

hands-on style of ownership, in which he takes his customers’ experience

Pistou, Cocoa Nib Crusted Liberty Duck Breast (Liberty Farms

personally. On my visit, Chef Valette personally took the time to come

Duck Confit, Toasted Hazelnuts, Pickled Green Papaya and Fresh

and chat with me. He prepared a tasting of essentially every delicious

Hibiscus Gastrique, Apple Glazed Pork Porterhouse with Ken

item on the menu, which was an amazing, and filling treat!

Gradek Heritage Apples, Smoked Pork Belly, Toasted Mustard

Highlights from a recent menu include: Charcuterie & Cheese (to

Seeds, Candied Apple, and Brussels Sprouts, and Charred Wagyu

share), Organic Sonoma County Salad with local Pomegranates, warm

New York Steak with Mr. Duncan’s Mushroom Fondue, Caramelized

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Parsnip – Fermented Garlic and Olive Oil Poached Potatoes. The

winery. As the restaurant manager, Aaron led a team, which became

more adventurous should consider Chef Valette’s ‘Trust me’ Tasting

known for providing the warm, impeccable hospitality and service

menu ($15 Per Course, minimum four courses).

for which the restaurant was acclaimed.

Aaron Garzini refined his skills in the art of providing first class

Opening a restaurant together was a dream come true for both

service at John Ash & Co., spending a decade with this pioneer

brothers. Combining Dustin’s culinary acumen featuring fresh, local

in world-renowned wine country cuisine. A desire to expand his

ingredients and Aaron’s savvy ability to provide a warm, authentic

leadership and service talents led Aaron to the fast-paced, high

environment brings these local brothers full circle: back to the area

energy San Francisco restaurant scene, gaining several years of

they love, working in an industry they love and showcasing the breadth

experience at Betelnut Restaurant on Union Street. Aaron then

of beautiful bounty for which Sonoma County is known.

returned to Sonoma County as the restaurant manager at Rustic

As a food, wine, and travel writer and sommelier, it is important

Restaurant, Francis Coppola’s restaurant at his famed Geyserville

to support and spread the word about great destinations. It is also my responsibility to this great winemaking and culinary destination to

Kichen & Crew Cooking, Valette Photo by Chirs Hardy

share that Sonoma and Napa are recovering from the devastating fires that occurred last fall, not long after my visit. Seeing the degree of devastation was heartbreaking, especially to an area where I had so enjoyed visiting and had made so many wonderful friends and contacts. If you love food and wine and are looking for an exceptional getaway, Sonoma and Napa are wonderful destinations, world class individually and collectively. The locals depend on tourism business to sustain their livelihood and are ready to extend you a very warm welcome! Valette is featured in Fred Bollaci’s book, “The Restaurant Diet,” (Mango Media, 2018), currently on shelves at bookstores nationwide and available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and direct from the publisher at www.mango.bz. Valette is one of 100 critically acclaimed restaurants from coast to coast featured in the book with a recipe and one of 8 in California in Bollaci’s first book. ¨ Valette serves dinner nightly. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information about Valette, visit: www.valettehealdsburg.com or call 707.473.0946. For more information about Fred Bollaci and “The Restaurant Diet,” visit; www fredbollacienterprises.com

Sonoma and Napa are wonderful culinary destinations; the locals depend on tourism to sustain their livelihood and are ready to extend you a very warm welcome! Petrale Sole, Photo by Chirs Hardy

Hamachi, Photo by Steven Freeman

Carrots, Photo by Steven Freeman

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

by lisa mikulski

photography courtesy of the yayoi kusama museum

messages of love despite a painful past

COVER STORY

Opposite Page Top to Bottom: Kusama with Sculptures in her New York studio, 1963; Kusama wearing a Red & White sweater designed by Kusama, 1952 This Page: All the Eternal Love I have for the Pumpkins, Acrylic Pumpkins, Led Lights, Black Glass, Mirrors, Wood, Metal, 2016, 415.0 x 415.0 x 292.4 cm

“no matter how i may suffer for my art, i will have no regrets.” - yayoi kusama

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

Fashion show at Kusama’s Boutique, New York, 1968

the artist, yayoi kusama, came across my radar several months ago as i was reading an article in the new york times about the opening of her museum in tokyo, japan. The artist, Yayoi Kusama, came across my radar several months ago as I was reading an article in The New York Times about the opening of her museum in Tokyo, Japan. I knew that Kusama was referred to as “The Princess of Polka Dots,” that museums exhibiting her work were always overwhelmed by fans waiting in long lines to take selfies in her infinity rooms, and I knew she was an 88-year-old artist who suffered from mental health issues. What I didn’t know was the length and breadth of her career, her extraordinary living conditions, her absolute tenacity, work ethic, or the significance of all those polka dots. Kusama’s oeuvre includes not only painting on canvas but also fashion, poetry, novels, installation art, performance art, collage, and sculpture. From the very start of her life, Kusama overcame countless odds to see her work on the world stage. Her childhood in Japan was a difficult and traumatic one. Moving to New York City in her twenties, she pushed against the boundaries of a male-dominated art world where she got little recognition for the relevant and groundbreaking work which she was doing – although some of her famous contemporaries seemingly copied or outright stole her ideas. Disillusioned and depressed, Kusama returned to Japan after sixteen years and the art world, both in Japan and the U.S., alienated her. Despite the difficulties of a dysfunctional family, sexism, racism, and mental illness, today Yayoi Kusama continues to make art full-time in her studio across the street from the psychiatric asylum in Japan where she has voluntarily lived since 1977. It is impossible to separate Kusama’s art from her mental health which results in visual hallucinations, extreme anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder – demons which have haunted her since childhood. The result of her work is due to those hallucinations – nets and dots covering her world into infinity – but also is due to a mind that holds true genius. “No matter how I may suffer for my art, I will have no regrets.” - Yayoi Kusama

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

COVER STORY

Top to Bottom: Kusama in her studio, New York, ca. 1961; Dots Obsession 2015, Mixed Media, 2015.

Kusama’s unique vision was always ahead of its time as we now witness the thousands of fans who line up for Instagram selfies in her mirrored Infinity Rooms. But to consider Kusama merely creating happy colorful polka dot Pop Art is to very much underestimate what’s going on here. “My art originates from hallucinations only I can see. I translate the hallucinations and obsessional images that plague me into sculptures and paintings.” - Yayoi Kusama Telling a story as complex as Kusama’s is a serious undertaking. It takes a vast amount of research which covers not only Kusama’s tumultuous personal life but social issues which span several continents and cultures. I can only imagine that housing her work is equally challenging requiring something along the lines of ... Well yes, a museum. And so it happened that in October of 2017, the Yayoi Kusama Museum opened its doors to the public. Run by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation, the museum gives visitors a chance to learn about the courageous battles that Kusama has fought as an avant-garde artist, and allows them to experience and feel the sincerity of her ideas – namely of saving the world through love. The press release announcing the museum’s opening contains a message to humanity from the artist:

a message of love for my beloved humankind I have created my long-desired Yayoi Kusama Museum, accomplishing my profound lifelong hope of having everyone be able to see my artwork. This is the greatest inspiration of my entire life. There is no greater pleasure than having everybody see and feel my philosophy towards life manifested in the Yayoi Kusama Museum: all my love devoted to all beloved humans through a sincere, lifelong endeavor towards art. With ever greater awe for the people that I love, and the people that wish for world peace, I will keep on fighting until the last day of my life. I ask you to encourage me with your strength of will. I built this museum because I wanted to communicate this strong desire to you all. Dearest humans, please forever love this museum that I love, with all your greatest love. Thank you and best regards. Yayoi Kusama CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

COVER STORY

“ kusama is now indeed the top selling female artist in the world – something she Left to Right: Infinity Mirrored Room - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, Wood, Metal, Mirrors, Plastic, Acrylic Panel, Rubber, Led Lights, Acrylic Balls, 2013, 415.0 × 415.0 × 287.4 cm; Accumulation of Stardust, Acrylic on Canvas, 2001, 3 panels: 194.0 × 390.9 cm

aspired to at the start of her career seven decades ago.”

For those not able to travel to Japan, there is no shortage of

away her paints. We learn that Kusama’s mother (who it is said was also

artwork shown in U.S. museums, and at Biennales and Triennales all

physically abusive) sent a young Kusama to spy on her father while he

over the world. David Zwirner Gallery represents Kusama’s work in

was having extramarital affairs – an experience leaving the artist with

New York City and most recently a new documentary was premiered

both a distaste for sex and an obsession with it.

at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in January 2018.

of a body of work exhibited in New York City in 1963 where she

explores the life and work of this prolific artist. Seventeen years in

covered rowboats and chairs with softly stuffed textile phalluses. Her

the making, the film is inspiring as we learn how Kusama has worked

“Penis Chairs” were extremely popular and groundbreaking pieces,

relentlessly toward her goal of being “the most famous artist.”

but while no one purchased those works, the film confirms that Kusa-

The film chronicles through interviews with curators, gallery direc-

ma’s famous male contemporaries – namely Andy Warhol and Claes

tors, and friends how Kusama’s artistic inclinations began at an early

Oldenburg – hijacked her ideas and visions. She did not receive credit

age and how this angered her parents – her mother often sneaking up

for her endeavors.

behind her youngest daughter to tear apart her drawings and throw 50

This sexual obsession and repulsion resulted in Kusama’s creation

Kusama - Infinity, written, directed, and produced by Heather Lenz,

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

We also learn about Kusama’s participation in the hippy

Top to Bottom: Portrait of Yayoi Kusama; Kusama with Sculptures in her New York studio, 1963

counter-culture and her activism protesting the Vietnam War and the closed mindedness of major museums, and how she encouraged New York’s gay community to emerge from the shadows. The background story of Kusama is not only important because of her recent standing in the art world, but also because of her tenacity and her determination, and because Art History rarely includes such information on its female artists. Via email correspondence, Director, Heather Lenz, writes to me about how Kusama’s struggles inspired her to create the film. “I became interested in Kusama while earning degrees in Art History and Fine Arts. At the time, we were taught the history of art via two-inch thick textbooks that seldom contained mention of any women artists, and certainly not Kusama! When I first discovered Kusama’s art it was love at first sight,” writes Lenz. “At the time, there was only one book about her, and when I read it and found out that she was living in a psychiatric hospital, I realized that in addition to being a great artist she also had a very complex story. I felt that her contributions to the American art world had not been properly recognized and it was my goal to help change that by making a film about her. I would have never guessed that Kusama would have become the world’s top-selling female artist before the film was finished.” Kusama is now indeed the top-selling female artist in the world – something she aspired to at the start of her career seven decades ago. In 2014, one of her Infinity Net paintings, “White No. 28”, sold for 7.1 million dollars (including the buyer’s premium) at Christie’s in London, setting a new price record at auction and making Yayoi Kusama the most expensive living female artist in the world. Due to Kusama’s popularity, The Yayoi Kusama Museum has had to create stringent exhibition hours – timing the visits of its guests and restricting the purchase of tickets, which are not available at the door. All tickets are purchased in advance, online, and entry is timed, valid for only a specific 90-minute time slot. The film Kusama - Infinity will be released in the autumn of 2018 by Magnolia Pictures.

Upcoming

exhibitions include:

HERE, NOW, I HAVE REACHED THE GRANDEST START OF MY LIFE

YAYOI KUSAMA ALL ABOUT MY LOVE

April 1, 2018 thru August 31, 2018 Yayoi Kusama Museum, Tokyo, Japan

March 3, 2018 thru July 22, 2018 Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Nagano, Japan

YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS March 3, 2018 thru May 27, 2018 Art Galley of Ontario, Toronto, Canada

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

Left: Ref 2, 2012. Linocut printed on non-archival pages from Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 13 3/4” x 10 5/8”. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

Opposite Page: Six Birds, 2012. Linocut printed on non-archival pages from Shorter Oxford English Dictionary 28 1/2” x 31”. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College, and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

Right: Ref 31, 2012. Linocut printed on non-archival pages from Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 13 3/4” x 10 5/8”. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College, and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

FEATURE

WILLIAM KENTRIDGE: Born in Johannesburg, Kentridge displayed prodigious artistic talent from a young age. After graduating with a diploma in Fine Arts from the Johannesburg Art Foundation, he studied theater in Paris. Later, while working in television and film as an art director, IN INTERVIEWS, ARTIST WILLIAM KENTRIDGE (B. 1955) HAS FREQUENTLY REMARKED

he began developing a studio practice as a

that he was “reduced to being an artist” after his lack of acting ability scuttled his plans for a

draftsman and printmaker. He also became

career in theater. Such dry humor characterizes much of the renowned South African artist’s

known for his innovative animations, which

work over the course of the past four decades, from charcoal drawing and printmaking to

he created by filming his drawings through a

film animation and even opera direction. Starting in March, Fairfield County will enjoy the

process of erasure, revision, and movement.

opportunity to experience some of the artist’s most recent work when the Fairfield University Art Museum presents William Kentridge: Universal

In the world of opera, BY MICHELLE DIMARZO

Archive, an exhibition of works on paper inspired during the writing of

Kentridge has attracted widespread praise as a

the artist’s Norton Lectures, delivered at Harvard University in 2012. The exhibition in the

stage designer and theater director, includ-

museum’s Walsh Gallery features more than 75 linocut prints, based on ink sketches and

ing his productions of Alban Berg’s Lulu at

printed on dictionary and encyclopedia pages. In these prints, Kentridge revisits a familiar

the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 2015,

personal iconography, including coffee pots, typewriters, cats, trees, nudes and other imagery,

and Berg’s Wozzack at the Salzburg Festival

a thematic repertoire that has appeared in his art and stage productions throughout his career.

in 2017. In 2016, he designed Triumphs and

Shifting from identifiable subject matter to deconstructed images of abstract marks, the images

Laments, a monumental, 1800-foot-long

form juxtapositions with the underlying text that suggest skepticism about the creative process

mural along the banks of the Tiber River in

and even the construction of knowledge itself.

Rome formed of more than 80 silhouettes CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

FEATURE

likened his drawing for a print to a “hypothesis,” and the printing press to “a primitive machine for logic.” Rather than follow a predetermined course, the roles played by chance and failure are recurring themes in Kentridge’s discussion of his studio practice. If the result (the “proof,” in both senses of the world) “does not hold out,” he explained, “the proposition must be altered, the plate reworked, sent back through the rollers to reveal a new proof.” Inspired by these lectures, the works in William Kentridge: Universal Archive began as drawings in India ink, executed using both what the artist calls a “good brush” as well as a “bad brush,” the latter being one with damaged bristles that produced less controlled marks. Together with his printing team, Kentridge then translated the drawings into linocuts, a technique capable of capturing the fluidity of line in a manner similar to that of drawing. In the resulting prints, trees birds, coffee pots and cats—each brought to life by thick, calligraphic lines—gambol over pages plucked from Encyclopedia Britannica and the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. The juxtapositions of image and text produce encounters that range from the playful to the melancholy, and which challenge the primacy of traditional (and now perhaps outdated) forms of creating and storing knowledge. “We are based on his charcoal drawings. His work has

so pleased to be able to bring this important body of work by such

also appeared in countless major interna-

a distinguished artist to the Fairfield University Art Museum,” says

tional exhibitions, and is in the collection of

the museum’s assistant director and exhibition curator Carey Weber.

museums worldwide including the Museum

“Given Kentridge’s both subtle and overt references to language and

of Modern Art, the Museum of Contempo-

knowledge, this show is a perfect fit within the context of a university

rary Art in Los Angeles, and Tate Modern

art museum.” ¨

in London. Together with charcoal drawing, print-

William Kentridge: Universal Archive will be on view March 1 – May

making forms the core of Kentridge’s studio

19, 2018 in the museum’s Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the

practice. Since the 1970s he has made over

Arts on Fairfield University’s campus. On Wednesday, February 28

300 prints utilizing a range of techniques,

the exhibition kicks off with an opening lecture at 5 p.m. by Judy

including etching, drypoint, engraving,

Hecker, director of the International Print Center New York and for-

silkscreen, lithography, and linocut. Unlike

merly Assistant Curator in the Department of Drawings and Prints

the act of drawing, in which the artist’s

at the Museum of Modern Art, where she co-organized the 2010

engagement with the support is mediated

exhibition William Kentridge: Five Themes and collaborated with

only through the hand and eye, printmaking

the artist on an artist’s book/catalogue focused on his printmaking

involves the surprising intrusion of an outside

practice. An opening reception and a preview of the exhibition

force—the mechanical act that creates the

follows Hecker’s lecture.

print not only reverses the drawn image, but also potentially introduces unexpected changes. As the artist explained in 2010, “at the other side of the press is a version of your drawing that is different to the marks originally made. A separation, as if some other hand had made the print.” In 2012, Kentridge held the prestigious Charles Eliot Norton lectureship at Harvard University. In the lectures he presented, entitled Six Drawing Lessons, the artist 54

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

William Kentridge: Universal Archive is organized for tour by the Gund Gallery at Kenyon College and is made possible, in part, by contributions from Alva Greenberg ’74, the Gund Gallery Board of Directors and Ohio Arts Council. Funding for the exhibition at Fairfield University is provided in part by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation. Venü magazine is the exclusive media sponsor of the 2017-2018 season in the Fairfield University Art Museum’s Walsh Gallery. The museum’s Walsh Gallery is located in the Quick Center for the Arts, 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, Connecticut. It is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Admission is free. Please consult the museum website (www.fairfield. edu/museum) for details and event registration.

Left: Nine Trees, 2012 Linocut printed on non-archival pages from Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 42 1/2” x 33”. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College, and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

Opposite Page: Twelve Coffee Pots, 2012 Linocut printed on non-archival pages from Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 41 1/3” x 40 3/4”. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College, and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

Right: Ref 32, 2012 Linocut printed on non-archival pages from Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 13 3/4” x 10 5/8”. Image courtesy of Gund Gallery, Kenyon College, and David Krut Projects, Johannesburg/New York.

BUT COULD YOU REALLY SEE YOURSELF LIVING THERE? BY CINDY CLARKE â&#x20AC;¢ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY F. VAICHUS

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

IN PORTUGAL, PEOPLE WAKE UP WITH A SMILE – and a little custard tart unequaled anywhere. The recipe is a patented time-honored secret so if you want to start your day like the Portuguese do, you have to go there in person. Mild mannered, easy going Portugal has always been one of my “I wish I could go to” places whenever thoughts of living an idyllic ex-pat lifestyle surface. Which, truth to be told, is becoming more of a daily occurrence rather than a fleeting escapist moment now that I’ve had the pleasure of rediscovering Portugal’s many splendored charms. And I’m not alone. In 2016, Portugal was named Travel and Leisure’s Destination of the Year. In 2017, Portugal was voted “Best Destination of the World” at the 24th edition of Left to Right: Village of Ferragudo, neighbor to Portimão, in western Algarve; Ponta da Piedade, Algarve coast, Portugal

The World Travel Awards – considered as the “Tourism Oscars” – becoming the first European country ever to win this distinction. It continues to be listed by various US and international organizations as one of the 10 Best Places in the World to Retire or be a happily employed CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

ex-pat if working is still in your future plans. Across the

Revolution of 1974 reignited its once confident spirit and

board, Portugal is cited for its friendly people, affordable

it hasn’t stopped since.

lifestyles, safety (it was rated as the third safest country in

Today’s Portugal is a celebration of family, life and

the world in the 2017 Global Peace Index), temperate “no

freedom of expression, epitomized by the revolt that

time is a bad time to visit” climate, scenic beauty, cultural

was fought with flowers and friendship instead of the

enrichment, blue-painted Azulejos, seafood impossibly

expected weapons of war. The name “Carnation Rev-

fresh, egg custards traditionally blessed by the heavens,

olution” comes from the fact that almost no shots were

and wines, literally kissed by an intoxicating sun. And its

fired during the coup and carnations were put into the

beaches? You’ll find a bevy of beauties up and down the

muzzles of rifles and on the uniforms of the soldiers as

Atlantic Coast, with the Algarve and the Azores wooing

locals from both sides took to the streets with renewed

boaters, surfers and sunbathers all year round.

flourish and shared delight.

Portugal may have been off the tourist radar in recent

You can still feel that joy everywhere you go in Por-

decades, but it hasn’t always been so shy and retiring.

tugal. In oceanfront Porto, its historic center designated

The oldest nation state in Europe, Portugal was also

a UNSECO World Heritage Site, it manifests in stunning

one of the world’s first global empires, laying claim to

Art Deco architecture, churches and a train station impec-

more than half of the New World in 1494 during the

cably dressed in those iconic blue tiles, museums both

fabled Age of Discovery. History’s most famous sailors

futuristic and familiar, luxury hotels and palatial retreats,

plied the waters here, including da Gama, Magellan and Columbus, sailing from Lisbon and Porto in search of countries to conquer for their king and country. While monarchs held court for 800 years, its last king fled the country in 1910 in the wake of the revolution that created the Portuguese First Republic and the authoritative rule by Antonio Salazar. Under his control, Portugal slipped from view for some 50 years, its citizens reined in and restrained by extreme fiscal tightness. The Carnation 58

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

This Page: Ponta da Piedade, Algarve coast, Portugal Opposite Page Top to Bottom: Douro Valley; wine tasting at Quinta dos Vales Wine Estate; Estômbar, Portugal Santa Maria Church, Lagos, Algarve region, Portugal

ambitious restaurants and prize-winning port wines. The storied spot where the Douro River falls in love with the Atlantic Ocean draws you in as do the little tailed rabelo boats that ferry you along the river past pastel colored townhouses and bridges designed by the likes of Gustav Eiffel and other engineering geniuses. We had the pleasure of savoring its world-famous port, both ruby red and tawny, aboard a private rabelo boat that glided us to a gilded riverfront palace luxuriously transformed

into the Hotel Freixo Palace, which hinted at the life we hoped we might find here. Our room overlooked the Douro River, gateway to Portugal’s acclaimed wine country, a must-go destination for a sensory taste of its regional specialties. We hopped aboard a train that followed the slow moving golden Douro past white painted quintas through emerald hill-lined valleys where terraced vineyards play to the sun, giving heat and heft to some of the world’s most extraordinary port wines and some pretty impressive table wines. The winemakers we met at an idyllic estate overlooking the river said the Douro has everything you need for great winemaking conditions: a storied history, perfect soil, unique grape varieties and a fantastic climate. But they weren’t content to convince with their words alone. They wined and dined us on farm fresh gourmet fare, professionally paired with wines from their cellars, serving us al fresco amidst views that took our words away. We watched as they ended our meal with a priceless vintage port saved for friends, opening it just so with a sword and a flame to ensure a cork-free celebratory taste. What more could you wish for in a place you wanted to call home? Even though Portugal is a small country, it looks and feels different wherever you go. Portugal shares an 800-mile border with its only neighbor Spain and boasts more than 500 miles of coastline along the Atlantic. That oceanfront real estate is what many flock to Portugal for. The allure starts within an hour’s drive northwest of Lisbon, where towns like Sintra, home to summer palaces and sumptuous villas, meet fishing villages turned beachfront resorts like Cascais and Estoril.

Even though Portugal is a small country, it looks and feels different wherever you go.” Sintra sits on the north slopes of the Serra among wooded ravines, fresh water springs and a maze of winding roads. The kings of Portugal enjoyed summering here, taking advantage of the natural beauty and cool cliff-top temperatures from on high. While we were checking out the cobbled streets of this pretty town, we made it a point to head up to the candy-colored castle that peered down at us from atop its mountain perch. Even through the misty clouds that blanketed it, Pena Palace peeks out of the heavens with an unmistakable profile of privilege – and enchantment. Painted in Disneyesque strawberry pink and daffodil yellow, with Gothic towers, Moorish minarets, Renaissance domes, crenellated turrets and studded archways guarded by gargoyles, this was home for Portugal’s last royal family until they had to bolt the revolt in 1910. Everything CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

You’ll discover them in huge convents like Tomar’s imposing Convento de Christo founded by the Knights Templar in 1162, dazzling with Manueline flourishes and site of the Bread cloister where loaves were handed out to the poor who came to beg at the monastery. You’ll learn about them at ancient universities like Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest, still hosting students today with many of them dressed in traditional school gowns a la Harry Potter and the Hogwarts. Going inside hallowed halls that have been a seat of learning since 1537 when King Afonso donated his palace for that purpose gave us pause, especially when we gazed in awe at the 30,000 books housed in the 18th century library rich in gilt and exotic woods. You can even make yourselves at home in them as many of Portugal’s historic hotels, known as pousadas, were once palaces, monasteries and convents like the one we stayed in outside of Évora. Évora is a compact walled city set amidst the cork

inside, from the elegantly cluttered furnishings and fittings to a treasure trove of oddities from around the world, is preserved as it was when they lived there so wanna-be residents could not only picture themselves living the high life, they –we – could move in on the spot. Back at sea level, shore side settings like the one we discovered in Cascais cater to the more grounded locals. Fishing still goes on here as it has since prehistoric times but the 18th century villas that line the coast are testament to its halcyon days as a summer resort for wealthy Lisboetas. They’re still here, of course, along with visitors and residents who flock by car and rail to the multitude of modern apartments that have been built by the beach, along with golf courses, shops and sidewalk cafés that have sprung up all over town to make sure everyone of every budget has all they need to linger longer… just saying… Natural pleasures aside, in Portugal you can peel back layers of history to reveal cultural treasures centuries old. You’ll find them in medieval churches like Alcobaça, renowned as the largest cathedral in the country, and the site of a tragic love story that lives on for eternity in the ornate tombs of a king and his murdered mistress. 60

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

“Natural pleasures aside, in Portugal you can peel back layers of history to reveal cultural treasures centuries old.”

groves of the Alentjo region. Legions of rulers from Romans to Moors to Portuguese kings left their mark along its maze of cobbled streets. It has a 14 columned Roman temple, built in the 1st century, an imposing 12th century Gothic cathedral, one of 20 churches and monasteries in Évora, including a chapel made of human bones, and a warren of white washed houses with iron balconies and blue tiled façades that were built from the 16th to 18th centuries and still sought after today. Who

lives here? Lifelong residents, university students and a

alleyways, luxury mansion hotels, hidden bars and cafés

growing number of visitors who decided not to leave.

of every ethnicity, where it seemed everyone spoke

They cite its relaxed pace and unpretentious lifestyle,

enough English to make us feel like we belonged. At

hearty rustic cuisine, robust wines, and passion for soulful

night we dined like kings, literally, especially during a

fado singing, which takes place in little cafés and bars

private dinner at the Palacio de Queluz, a 17th century

throughout the city. Fado music is traditionally about loss

hunting lodge meticulously transformed into a Rococo

and longing, expressing the hard realities of daily life with

summer palace for a succession of royal families. We

a mix of resignation and hopefulness. That’s a pretty fair

were entranced by the setting and the service but the

assessment of how we felt leaving this gem of a town.

harpist sealed the deal.

Lisbon was our last stop on our week of weighing

It only took a week in Portugal for us to know we

life in Portugal, where we had the chance to mull over

would love living there. Wistfully imagining relocat-

city versus country living. A mix of now and then, Lisbon

ing and finding a local job, we tried our hands at tile

attracts lots of ex-pats for lots of reasons. The city boasts

painting. In addition to its wonderful wines and cork

a glory-filled past and affordable present. It offers many

everything products, decorative tiles brighten buildings

cosmopolitan advantages, from designer shopping to

inside and out all over Portugal. We had the chance

outstanding restaurants. It has museums and monuments

to see some of the best in Lisbon’s National Azulejo

aplenty. It’s easy to get to from anywhere and the multi-na-

Museum, stunningly housed in a 16th century convent

tional job opportunities grow every day. Did we mention those decadent custard tarts called pastels de Belém that were born here and that we couldn’t get enough of? Lisbon is a personal, approachable city made for experiencing and enjoying. You can walk or take trolleys just about anywhere you want to go, from the port to the palatial places with mesmerizing views on any of its seven hills and the diverse neighborhoods in between. We spent an entire day exploring on foot, finding tiled

This Page Left to Right: Pena Palace in Sintra; Train Station in Oporto Opposite Page Top to Bottom: Purses made out of cork & blue tile on building in Lagos; Algarve region, Portugal; Hotel Freixo Palace

and chronicling the evolution of tile making from Moorish times to present day. Gathering inspiration from rooms of extraordinary storytelling tiled tableaus, we sat down with blank ceramic slates to see if we had what it takes to make a living as tile artists. Even with the help of pre-designed tracing paper, we fell woefully short of creating a new career for ourselves. We won’t quit our day jobs just yet, but we’re seriously looking at how we can reinvent ourselves as Portuguese residents. ¨ CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

The Little Known

History of Pastels Through the Eyes of Some of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Famous Artists 1

Written by Dianne B. Bernhard

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

1. John Russell, Small Girl Presenting Cherries, pastel on paper, 24.4 x 18.1 in., 1780 2. Egdar Degas, Landscape, pastel on paperboard, 20.125 × 19.875 in., c. 1892 3. Egdar Degas, Danseuse à la Barre, pastel on joined paper, 26.25 x 18.5 in., c. 1885

istorically pastels have been the stepchildren of the art world with much of the medium’s origins still unknown today. It may surprise you to know that some of the greatest artists of all time included pastels among their most famous works. Think da Vinci, Manet, Degas and Picasso and you’ll have a hint of the power pastels have had over the art world since they were first used as a coloring medium. It’s also interesting to note that it was a woman, a lacemaker by trade and a portrait artist by passion, who is credited with turning pastels into an art form that has not only endured through the centuries, but still inspires 3

artists like myself today. CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

hroughout my career as an artist, I have had the pleasure of seeing original works by the masters, pastels that have survived unscathed for hundreds of years. Considered fragile by popular belief, pastels, when protected under glass, are the most durable of media. The paintings don’t crack like oils do. Their colors don’t fade, yellow, or darken; they remain as true and pure, bright and brilliant, as they day they were put on paper. Given their penchant for standing the test of time, pastels have held their own quite beautifully ever since they made their rudimentary debut in the caves of Lascaux, France, where they were determined to be more than 20,000 years old. Their history in more modern times is equally compelling. Da Vinci was among the first known artists to use dry pigments, the forerunners to today’s pastels, to color his paintings. He was taken, as we are, with the luminosity of this medium and the fact that using pastels are the closest an artist can come to painting with pure color. Da Vinci discovered the immediacy of the medium in 1499, when he was commissioned to paint a portrait of the Duchess of Mantina. He used what he called “the dry color method” when creating this work, using black and red chalk with yellow pastel highlights. In the two hundred years that followed, others dabbled with the chalky pigments but usually only as

temporary forerunners to their final paintings. Many Dutch and Flemish portrait artists incorporated “chalks”

appreciative of their ability to mimic and even surpass

in their work in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the

the oil paintings of the time. Most popular at the time

18th century that pastel found its footing in Europe.

were the portraits they commissioned of themselves.

Still many artists at the time described pastel as

The widespread interest in portraits in pastel

a mode of drawing that could not be classified as

throughout eighteenth-century Europe was sparked

painting. It wasn’t until French art Joseph Vivien was

in Paris in 1720–21 by the visit of the Venetian pastelist

recognized as a painter in pastel by French Académie

Rosalba Carriera, the guest of the influential art collec-

Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1701 that the art

tor and connoisseur Pierre Crozat. During her visit to

world took notice of this remarkable medium as more

France, Crozat introduced Rosalba to members of the

than something used for preparatory work. Timing is everything. In the 18th century French aristocracy and wealthy financiers were putting their money and might into richly decorated urban salons, covering them from floor to ceiling with ornamental tapestries, carpets, patterned woods and paintings of all genre. They increasingly sought out works of pastel, 6464

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court of King Louis XV, as well as to the young future 4. Rosalba Carriera, Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, pastel on paper, 17.7 x 13.6 in., c. 1730

monarch himself, whose portrait she painted when he

5. Jean-Baptiste Siméon Chardin, self portrait, pastel on paper, 18.1 x 15 in., 1771

in Paris, she also painted noble portraits of most of his

6. Childe Hassam, Woodchopper, pastel on wove paper, 17.75 x 21.75 in., 1902

was just 10 years old. In the year and a half she spent court as well. Born in 1675, Rosalba, an accomplished lacemaker, was the first artist to use pastels as a full-fledged

They increasingly sought out works of pastel, appreciative of their ability to mimic and even surpass the oil paintings of the time.

medium rather than as color notes in preparation for an oil painting. Self taught, she was known for her miniature portrait work, an acceptable calling for a woman in her time, and was among the first artists to gain recognition for her innovative approach to pastel portraits. Her pastels were noted for their radiant palettes, lustrous velvety tones, and miniaturist’s detail and they were commissioned and collected by princes and courts across Europe. History has credited her with popularizing pastel as a medium for serious portrait artists. Taking her lead, pastel became fashionable for portrait painting in 18th century and was used extensively by artists like Jean-Baptiste Perronneau and Maurice Quentin de La

Tour who took pastel in new directions with brilliant color and details never before seen in pastel works,

pastel painting, Francis Cotes, became the most prolific

making buttons gleam and adding distinctive sheen to

pastelist in 18th century England. He even produced a

the velvet coats he painted on his subjects. Jean-Bap-

treatise, Elements of Painting with Crayons, in 1772 and

tiste-Siméon Chardin used pastels for his acclaimed

was appointed “Crayon Painter to the Prince of Wales”

still life paintings of common kitchen utensils, bowls,

in 1785. He too was greatly influenced by Carriera’s

cups, rabbits and fish, as well as portraits, adding more

pastels and owned several works by her.

possibilities for this medium.

By the mid-19th century, Eugène Delacroix and Jean-

“Crayon painting,” as it was called then, captured

François Millet were making significant use of pastel in

the public’s attention in England in the 19th century,

their work, and Édouard Manet painted a number of

most notably through the works of artist John Russell.

portraits in pastel on canvas, an unconventional ground

Russell, who trained under one of the pioneers of English

for the medium. Probably the most famous of all French CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

THE ART SPIRIT

pastel artists, Edgar Degas, markedly influenced by Rosalba Carriera, used it as his primary medium in the 1880s. Renowned as the original master of French Impressionism, his use of pastels gave movement to the dreamy ballerinas and dancers who perform to eternal acclaim in his paintings. French Surrealist Odilon Redon began working predominantly in pastels at the end of his career in the 1890s, employing color after years of only black. His works signaled the shifting tides of art modes in Europe. Writing in 1913, he reflected upon his transition to color, saying, “If the art of an artist is the song of his life, a solemn or sad melody, I must have sounded the keynote of gaiety in color.” Across the pond in America, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, a prolific artist devoted to making “art for art’s sake,” produced a quantity of pastels around 1880, including a body of work relating to Venice that is thought to have contributed to a growing enthusiasm for the medium in the United States. Mary Cassatt, one of the most influential artists of 20th-century American art and a friend of Degas, made her living in France painting pastel portraits, many of children. Pastels, she found, could be manipulated with greater speed and ease, had no odor, and allowed for frequent interruptions. She is credited with introducing pastel to her friends in Philadelphia and Washington. So taken with pastel as an art medium, noted portraitist William Merritt Chase founded the Society of American Painters in Pastel in 1882, which included such artists as John Henry Twachtman, Childe Hassam, and Robert Reid. Even though the society lasted only eight years and held just four exhibitions, it drew attention to pastel and helped it gain respect as a medium. An illustrator by trade, Childe Hassam was one of the most well known American Impressionists working in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He is also one of the most notable American pastelists and exhibited in the fourth, final show of the Society of Painters in Pastel in New York in 1890. The Spanish artist Picasso championed the immediacy of pastel with his contemporary works in 20th century, even asking the famed paint manufacturer Henri Sennelier, in 1948, to create a medium that could be used on any surface, without requiring a special coating. It took him a year, but Henri returned with 66

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Rosalba Carriera pioneered the use of pastels for artists today, elevating it to a medium worthy of the great masters of all time.

something he called “oil pastels” – sticks of pigment that were waxy rather than chalky, and which could be used in thick, dense strokes. Picasso, satisfied, bought 40 of each of the 48 colors. Henri threw the rest of his stock on the shelf, wondering if they’d sell. They quickly became a sensation, and the store still makes them for

6. Odilon Redon, Bouquet of Flowers, pastel on paper, 31.625 x 25.25 in., C 1900-1905

the first women accepted as a professional artist in the

7. Maurice Quentin de La Tour, Louis XV, Pastel on paper mounted on canvas 23.6 × 21.3 in., 1748

of artists after her is more than noteworthy.

6. Edouard Manet, Méry Laurent in a Black Hat, pastel, 21.3 × 17.3 in., 1882

pastel artists today who continue to champion the

new generations of pastel artists, making their mark in

1700s, but that her choice of medium inspired legions We’ll tell you about the most renowned living medium as they enrich the world with their work in the next issue of Venü. ¨

the art world today. As I’ve written in earlier columns, I was taken with pastels when I discovered the work of Herman Margu-

lies. The color and life in his paintings drew me in from the moment I saw them. Studying with him, I found the pastel technique endlessly seductive on many levels. The material itself promotes a spontaneity that is both refreshing and inviting. Its colors allow a freedom of expression that is brilliant and easily executed. Pastels allow artists to quickly produce works in a wide variety of styles, from simple sketches to highly accomplished works of art. Rosalba Carriera pioneered the use of pastels for artists today, elevating it to a medium worthy of the great masters of all time. That she was not only one of

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

WELL-BEING

Wellness Trends for 2018 From Mushrooms Emerging from Underground to a New era of Transformative Travel to the Rise of the “Wellness Kitchen…” Written by Judy Chapman

GROWING UP IN THE ALTERNATIVE TOWN OF BYRON BAY IN

AUSTRALIA IN THE 1970’S, I often think that my childhood reflects many of the wellness trends emerging today. We lived in an eco-cabin in the forest with no electricity or TV. Our kitchen literally was an openair ‘wellness kitchen’ surrounded by fruit trees. Family vacations were trips to yoga ashrams and monasteries and when I was 14, my mother, sister and I trekked alone through the Himalayas. Byron was also famed for its magic mushrooms and cannabis culture. Sleeping on beaches and campfires under the stars was normal as was immersing in colorful festivals. Our mothers were the pioneer ‘feminists’ and protests and marches were another weekend family activity. Which is why I found this year’s wellness trend report by The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) epic. As in the words of Susie Ellis, GWS chairman & CEO: ‘Every one of this year’s trends pushes the health and wellness envelope in unexpected ways.’

Photo by Paul Stamets

MUSHROOMS EMERGE FROM

in states like California and Oregon, and

UNDERGROUND

with experts predicting they will be legalized

Whether “magic” or medicinal,

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

medicine within five years. Microdosing psilocybin as a brain booster

shrooms’ superpowers come to light ________

will go more global. And a new kind of

The mysterious underground kingdom of

wellness “trip,” magic mushroom retreats

mushrooms is actually the largest set of

(like Mycomeditations, Jamaica), will keep

organisms on the planet – and in 2018 more

popping up. This magic mushroom moment

people will explore the unique medicine

bears resemblance to early days in the can-

they provide our brains and bodies. Thanks

nabis wellness trend.

to a surge in rather mind-blowing medical

The evidence also mounts that so many

evidence, demonstrating that they reset

“regular” mushrooms are magical for health:

the brain and shake the “snow globe” on

particularly as stress and inflammation

rigid neural patterns, magic mushrooms will

fighters. We’ll see mushrooms like reishi get

emerge from the underground, and could

infused in everything imaginable: powders,

prove “better than existing treatments” for

lattes, cocoas, chocolate, broths, and teas.

anxiety, depression and addiction.

And with many mushrooms boasting unique

There’s also a legalization movement, with

skin-boosting powers, mushroom-infused

pushes to get magic mushrooms on ballots

products will keep invading the beauty aisles.

Photo by Ikonoform

Photo by Johannes Torpe Studios

In Iceland’s The Red Mountain Resort concept 1. Psilocybe azurescens. 2. Alquimia Centre of Healing Arts. 3. Spa design by Johannes Torpe Studios. The Red Mountain Resort. 4. Spa journey at The Red Mountain Resort. 5. Punakha Lodge at Six Senses Bhutan. 6. JCS RAA Pasadena Residence

spa-goers follow the intense, five-chapter emotional and sensory voyage of an ancient Icelandic hero. More performance, music and art (“story” immersion) will get served up with wellness: like soaking in hot springs while listening to a live concert (coming to Peninsula Hot Springs, AU). The future for wellness travel will be engaging people’s emotions as much as evidence-based healing. THE WELLNESS KITCHEN Kitchens catch up with healthy eating ________ 5

The old eating and lifestyle habits of the 1950s are history, and today more people

Mushrooms…weird, far out? Anything but:

want to eat living, healthy, organic food.

this trend is driven by new medical evidence.

The newly christened “Wellness Kitchen” will store and showcase fresh fruits and

A NEW ERA OF TRANSFORMATIVE

vegetables as opposed to processed foods,

WELLNESS TRAVEL

and new designs and technology will cele-

Circuits, sagas and epic storylines ________

brate uncluttered, well-ventilated spaces that are as encouraging of socializing as they are of preparing healthy food.

Wellness is, by nature, a journey – an ongoing physical and emotional quest.

Refrigerators will be reimagined to properly

“Transformational travel” is the 2018 buzz-

store and transparently display fresh fruits and

word, described as “…travel that challenges

people on a deeply personal level, creating

vegetables, and kitchens will have space for gardens and sprouting. Noisy appliances will

emotion through the powerful medium

A bold first: the opening of Six Senses

be a thing of the past. Composting delivery

of storytelling. We predict more wellness

Bhutan (May), a multi-chapter wellness circuit

systems and oxygen sensors will be standard

destinations will use the power of wellness

where people journey across five lodges,

features. And there will be more emphasis

circuits and epic storylines to create a

at each totally immersed in one of five key

on healthy building materials. Because just

“necklace” of linked wellness experiences

pillars of Bhutan’s “Gross National Happiness

like the food it contains, the Wellness Kitchen

rather than the disconnected “beads” of

Index.” More destinations will cast you as the

doesn’t merely feed – it nourishes. Leading

programming, amenities, and itineraries.

fearless heroine in a dramatic wellness saga:

examples: Veronica Schreibeis, CEO and CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY CULTURE/ CULTURE//MAGAZINE /MAGAZINE

69 69

WELL-BEING

– and disagreements over standards get left

WELLNESS MEETS HAPPINESS

on the table by governments – we will see individuals owning their own “clean air acts.”

The conversation becomes more important ________

This can mean filling our homes and offices

The happiness science lessons are clear:

with plants, donning chic air pollution masks,

the wellness world needs to put a greater

actively monitoring indoor air quality using

focus on happiness generally and on driving

new sensors and apps, investing in devices

social connection and tech disconnection

that purify the air around us (even within the

specifically. With loneliness as big a killer

confines of our cars), adopting the storm

as smoking, governments will start to take

of new pollution-fighting beauty regimes,

action. 2018 will also be the watershed back-

embracing more salt therapy and breathwork

lash year against big tech, as more medical

training, or choosing “lung-cleansing” travel

evidence comes to light – about the disas-

destinations. Significantly, this trend will put

trous effects that 24/7 digital/social media

more pressure on businesses and govern-

connection has on our brains and happiness.

ments to take action against the ultra-fine particulates that are dirtying our air.

A massive trend is co-working, co-living and social spaces laser-focused on building well communities in our age of

EXTREME WELLNESS

digital isolation and remote work. The

Hacking our way to better brains, bodies

Assemblage (NYC), one of the new “third

and overall well-being ________ The power to become the best we can be has never been more attainable, and the pursuit of wellness has never been more

6. Heathrow Airport Garden Gate. 7. Pollution Pods by Michael A Pinksy. 8. Black Tomato, Mongolia. 9. Spain SHA Wellness Clinic. 10. The Wing, SoHo. 11. WMN Space.

extreme. More people will train like an Olympic athlete, or tough out extreme “mind over matter” workshops, like the “Ice Man” 7

Wim Hof’s training in Switzerland, deploying meditation and breathwork to brave extreme ice and learn to master our immune and

Founder, Vera Iconica Kitchen; International

autonomic nervous systems. (Note: ice is

WELL Building Institute; Pratt Institute,

very hot, and icy and extreme hot/cold expe-

Industrial Design Department.

riences are one of the top trends at wellness destinations.) The new luxury travel escapes

GETTING OUR “CLEAN AIR ACT”

challenge both body and mind: take Black

TOGETHER

Tomato’s “Get Lost” adventures, where the

Taking personal responsibility for the

very brave are dropped into the wilderness

place” membership clubs, blends events

air we breathe ________

to fend for themselves. The focus: building

and mindful exercise and an Ayurvedic

a better brain and hacking the body’s basic

restaurant. Co-working giant WeWork is on

The toxins in the air that we breathe (both

make-up through precision medicine and

a global expansion and are now launching

indoors and out) have become a catastrophic

wellness – anything and everything seems

other new community and wellness-focused

invisible killer, responsible for the premature

suddenly possible. With a bit of grit –

concepts, like WeLive (co-living) and Rise by

deaths of 6.5 million people worldwide. Over

extreme wellness often borders on scary and

We (fitness/wellness centers).

90% of the world’s population now breathe air

downright uncomfortable – an open mind,

In wellness travel, off-the-grid and no

that violates air quality guidelines: countries

and a little extra cash (this is not necessarily

WiFi destinations focused on contemplative

like China and India are smothered in toxic air,

affordable wellness), get ready to build a

community and nature will be the most

while the (energy efficient) airtight buildings

better you in 2018. Because extreme chal-

sought after – like gorgeous Eremito’s (Italy)

in developed nations can prove just as deadly.

lenges and experiences will bring a wealth of

50-hour silent experiences. And “happy fit-

As the gravity of this issue becomes clearer

super powers to everyday, ordinary humans.

ness” that returns exercise to childlike play,

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

whether trampoline fitness classes (from

We’ll see more women-only clubs,

happiness, etc. There will also be new, more

Ireland’s Boogie Bounce to Hong Kong’s

co-working spaces, and collectives: where

feminist beauty programs, that put a brain

BounceLimit) or classes that feel like school

women work, network, empower each

back in the beauty equation. But no matter

recess, with everything from dodge ball to

other, unwind and learn – with much well-

the future political climate, this trend comes

monkey bars. And yes…more laughter yoga

ness on tap (From NYC’s The Wing to LA’s

down to one fact: the sheer growth in women’s

and smile asana.

WMN Space). The FemTech wave will only

spending power, because economists agree –

rise, with a new army of women doctors,

the global economic future is female.

A NEW FEMINIST WELLNESS

technologists and designers “solving” for

From a surge in women-only,

women’s actual bodies and lives - whether

Access the 90-page report here:

apps putting fertility, contraception and

www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2018-

spaces–to a storm of FemTech “solving”

hormone tracking in women’s hands to

global-wellness-trends. The Global Wellness

for women’s bodies ________

“smart” clothing engineered for real women’s

Summit is an invitation-only international

bodies (Universal Standard) to a raft of for-

gathering that brings together leaders

2017 was a year of attacks on, and fighting

women sexual wellness products/platforms.

and visionaries to positively shape the

wellness-infused clubs and co-working

back, by women: With this new feminist

More wellness travel will be aimed at

wave, we’ve also seen a shift in the self-care

women’s empowerment: from all-women’s

economy. Held in a different location each

concept and we predict new intersections

adventure travel to more “painmoons,” well-

year, the 12th annual Summit will be held

between women’s empowerment, feminism

ness retreats providing emotional healing after

at Technogym Village, Cesena, Italy from

and wellness in 2018.

divorce, breakups, grief, anger, loss of sexual

October 6-8, 2018.

future of the $3.7 trillion global wellness

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

Photo by Mel Blanchard

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

ARTURO SANDOVAL Celebrating a New Year with a Musical Legend Written by Susana Baker Photography by Armando Colls

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy New Year!â&#x20AC;? roared across the Catalina Jazz Club with a standing ovation followed by thunderous applause and whistles, as Arturo Sandoval and his band counted down the last few seconds to the New Year! We were still jet lagged from our long flight from Miami to Los Angeles together with fine arts photographer, Armando Colls, where we were going to do a story on the music legend Arturo Sandoval, the most celebrated living jazz trumpeter! As we rang

PULSE:

Music

in the New Year with lovely and beautiful Marianela Sandoval, it seemed surreal, as I watched Arturo walk over to plant his first kiss of the year on his wife, Marianela. We had a fantastic evening as we enjoyed Sandoval’s final show of the year while welcoming a new one!

Sandoval’s performance is from the heart; he always

gives everything he has during his shows, taking familiar sounds and making them his own and fresh with that distinct Sandoval style, by adding to it, improvising from its inspiration. Sandoval is a master of improvisation. He feels and creates the sounds as he plays the trumpet. It becomes an extension of his voice. He surrenders all and builds a relationship with his audience, as they hang on every note he creates through his extraordinary skills. Sandoval is a 10-time Grammy winner, an Emmy winning trumpeter, 6-time Billboard Awards winner, recipient of the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom and in 2016 an Honorary Doctorate recipient in Fine Arts from the prestigious University of Notre Dame. He has dazzled audiences around the world and has been seen by millions of fans at the Super Bowl, the Oscars, the Grammy Awards and Billboard Awards. The son of an auto mechanic, Sandoval took up the classical trumpet at the age of 12 and was enrolled in the Cuban National School of the Arts at the age of 15. As Sandoval evolved as a musician and phenomenal trumpeter, he encountered a significant obstacle of pursuing his dreams and his great love of music, Jazz. Jazz, under

Sandoval is a master of improvisation. He feels and creates the sounds as he plays the trumpet. It becomes an extension of his voice. He surrenders all and builds a relationship with his audience, as they hang on every note...” Castro, was illegal in his homeland of Cuba, where only state-sanc-

and stayed for a time in the government

tioned music was allowed. Jazz was considered the music of the

band, keeping his love for Jazz under wraps.

enemy, America. Sandoval yearned to escape the repression and

But like his love for his young wife, his love

censorship of the Castro’s regime. Arturo played in a government

for Jazz could not be quelled. Arturo quit

band that was booked for a trip overseas. At the time, he saw this as

the government band and co-founded the

his one chance to defect and not return to Cuba. He planned to go

group, Irakere. He disguised his music, but

with the band to America but just before he was to leave, he met,

the government would not allow him to play

Marianela, the girl of his dreams, the love of his life. Marianela was a

publicly and sanctioned any nightclub owner

supporter of the communist party and revolution. It was his love for

who hired him.

her that kept the young musician in Cuba. Arturo married Marianela

Marianela eventually grew disillusioned

Arturo Sandoval pictured with his 10 Grammys, 1 Emmy and a Presidential Medal of Freedom

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PULSE:

Music

with the restrictions the Communist Party

Communist Party; the idea was to become a model citizen and play

placed on her husband, and the toll it was

into the propaganda of how great the government of Fidel Castro

taking on him. She grew increasingly

was. Sandoval’s goal was to gain the regime’s trust. After a few years,

uncomfortable with what was happen-

they government allowed the musician and his family to leave the

ing in her country and agreed with her

country at the same time for an overseas performance. Playing for

husband that they needed to get their

the United Nations Band, and with the help and advice of Sandoval’s

family out Cuba. Together they hatched

mentor and great friend, Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo defected in 1990

a plan. Arturo decided to return to play

when the band was touring in Europe. Dizzy Gillespie had heard

for the government band and joined the

Arturo play the trumpet during a visit to Cuba and commented that

Marianela and Arturo Sandoval with their beloved pups.

Sandoval’s voice, once repressed in Cuba, has become a powerful voice for the world to hear. I couldn’t imagine a world without Jazz, without Arturo Sandoval, and the passion and inspiration he brings with him.” Arturo was the best musician he had ever heard. Dizzy wanted to bring him to the USA. He helped Arturo plan his defection. Arturo became a naturalized citizen in 1998. Jazz is a product of America. I had the opportunity to interview Catalina Popescu, who opened the famous Catalina Jazz Club with her husband Bob in 1986. Her name is iconic with one of the best names in the Jazz Club circuit. After Bob’s passing in 2008, Catalina continued to run the club despite the fact that jazz has taken a back seat to hip hop and pop music. “It’s such a shame that this art form is dying due to the lack of support from the public, “ said Catalina. “I am surprised. This is American made music, and more Americans need to support it! I am in it because I love it and as long as God allows me to I will continue,” she said. On December 31st, 2017, in Catalina’s club, I witnessed many Americans, Europeans, and Asians all come together to celebrate their passion for Jazz! The Catalina was filled to its capacity of 200 seats, along with fans who paid for the standing room only spots hear Arturo Sandoval play his trumpet! Sandoval has evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of Jazz trumpet, flugelhorn, as well as a classical artist, pianist, and composer. There is another guardian role Sandoval has evolved into. He is a grandfather of 11-year-old Lola Sandoval. I had the honor and privilege to witness her first performance ever on a stage with her grandfather. She sang the song “LOVE” beautifully as her grandfather played his famous high notes and melody,

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

harmoniously together they wowed the audience. The love beamed between them as they took their bow together. Together with the girl of his dreams Marianela, Arturo managed to conquer their obstacles and fulfill their dreams. They have inspired millions with their remarkable journey of life, which is documented in the HBO Film “For the Love or Country” capturing their love story and struggle to reach the land of freedom, America. Sandoval’s voice, once repressed in Cuba, has become a powerful voice for the world to hear. I couldn’t imagine a world without Jazz, without Arturo Sandoval, and the passion and inspiration he brings with him. I leave believing Jazz is well and alive, thank you Arturo and Marianela for sharing your passion and story with me… and the readers of Venü.

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. Winning the distinguished “Certificate of Excellence for 2015” by TripAdvisor. For a private curated tour of the Design District, Wynwood, Little Havana or South Beach go towww.theartexperiences.com or for Art Basel go to www.artbaseltours.com or call 305-767-5000. Contact: Colls Fine Art Photography, Armando Colls 305-903-7786, www.CollsFineArtPhotography.com

Clockwise: Arturo’s 11-year old granddaughter, Lola, surrounded by balloons; Lola and Arturo on stage for New Years celebration; Catalina Popescu owner of Catalina Jazz Club

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

PULSE:

Stage

ONE AND DONE Memorable Characters with a Single Song

1. Hamilton Logo 2. Jonathan Groff as King George in Hamilton. Photo by Ruth Marcus 3. Mamie Parris as Grizabella in ‘Cats’ on Broadway Photo by Matthew Murphy 4. Madison Tinder as Cassie in the National Tour of A Chorus Line. Photo by Clint Tuccio

William Squier

It’s commonly accepted that Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II reinvented the way that musicals were written when Oklahoma opened on Broadway in 1943. Suddenly, every element had to contribute to a show’s storytelling. And that led, for the most part, to the elimination of characters that pop in for a single number, just to liven up the proceedings, and then take the rest of the musical off. Or did it? If Broadway’s recent history is any indication, One Song Characters are alive and well – albeit in tweaked versions that make them a bit more dramaturgically relevant. For example, the mega-hit Hamilton may prove to be as much of a game-changer as Oklahoma. But, Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t above trotting out the charac-

ter of King George III, for mere minutes of stage time, to lead the cast in the sardonic sing-along, “You’ll Be Back.” And Miranda

and recording artist and, of course, returned

and sang a verse specifically written for her

does it not once, but three times, including

to the theater many times.

by the writers, who were eager to give her a

Bonnie Franklin, best known as the star

Groff a Tony Award nomination when he

of the sitcom One Day at a Time, made

Elaine Stritch cemented her caustic

her Broadway debut singing the title tune

onstage persona with a One Song Character

Hamilton is that rare instance where a

in Applause and stealing the spotlight from

in a revival of Pal Joey. At the time, she was

Broadway star, like Groff, was hired to play

the show’s vocally limited star, Lauren Becall.

employed as Ethel Merman’s understudy in

a One Song Character. More often than not,

The Tony nominated Franklin appeared in

Call Me Madam at the Imperial Theater in

those roles are used to launch an actor’s

Applause as an aspiring actress not unlike

New York. Yet, she convinced the producers

career. Betty Buckley landed to part of

herself. They even named the character

to also let her take on the role of Melba in

Martha Jefferson in 1776 on her first day in

“Bonnie.” In Annie -- which was written

Act Two of Pal Joey because Merman never

New York City. And in a dialogue heavy show

by the same composer, Charles Strouse

missed a performance and the revival was

– at one point a half an hour passes without a

-- Laurie Beechman kick-started her career

booked into a theater a block away. All was

song – Buckley spoke a mere handful of lines

by appearing as a character literally called

well until Pal Joey’s creative team decided

before launching into “He Plays the Violin”

the Star-to-Be. And she did it without a song

that the production needed a week of pre-

and stopping the show. From there, she went

to herself! Instead, Beechman burst into the

view performances at the Shubert Theater

on to fame on television, in film, as a concert

middle of the production number “N.Y.C.”

in New Haven! So, Stritch spent seven days

originated the role.

moment to shine.

reprises – and that earned actor Jonathan

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

DeCarlo’s career experiences seem to have

have frequently won or been nominated for a

inspired the song that she introduced: “I’m

Tony Award. Marilyn Cooper was no stranger

Still Here.”

to Broadway audiences when she schlumpped

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber was

onstage in Act Two of Woman of the Year to

certainly a fan of using One Song Charac-

share the comic duet “The Grass Is Always

ters to add musical variety in his earliest hits.

Greener” with Lauren Bacall, using a voice so

With his original collaborator, Tim Rice, he

nasal she actually made her partner sound like

gave King Herod a sarcastic ragtime tune

the better vocalist. And her reward was a Tony

in Jesus Christ Superstar. The character of

for Best Featured Actress.

Perón’s Mistress didn’t even rate a name in

But, another duet, “A Fact Can Be A

Evita, but she got one of the score’s best

Beautiful Thing,” from Burt Bacharach’s score

songs: “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”

for Promises, Promises, has proved to be the

In fact, pop star, Madonna, liked the ballad

luckiest of charms in the show’s two Broadway

well enough to snag it for herself when she

outings. In the original production Marian

played Eva Perón in the film adaption.

Mercer sang it when she played a hilarious

Webber’s 1981 musical, Cats, is almost

barfly and scored a Tony for Best Featured

entirely comprised of featured performances.

Actress. And the actress who took on the role

But, the standalone number is, of course, 3

“Memory.” Betty Buckley introduced the song on Broadway when she was tapped to play Grizabella. The character spends much

frantically racing back and forth between

of Act One offstage after being shunned

Broadway and Connecticut to make sure she

by the other cats, only to melt their feline

could call the song “Zip” her own.

hearts with her ballad in Act Two. She

On the flipside, the One Song Character

must’ve touched the hearts of Tony voters,

has occasionally served to cap the career of a

too, because she won that season’s Best

theatrical trouper. Irene Ryan was a household

Performance by a Featured Actress.

name for creating the iconic curmudgeon,

The mother lode is A Chorus Line, where

Granny, on television’s The Beverly Hillbillies

virtually every character in the ensemble cast

when she stepped into the role of another

gets a turn in the spotlight. The net result

grandmother in Pippin. A Tony nomination

was a slew of Tony Awards for Donna McK-

followed for her rendition of “No Time At

echnie (Best Actress), Sammy Williams (Best

All” – an ironically titled tune about living in

Actor), Kelly Bishop (Featured Actress) and

the moment, considering that Ryan suffered

nominations for Priscilla Lopez and Robert

an apparent stroke during the show’s run and it proved to be her final role. In 2013 revival of Pippin, Andrea Martin sang the same song,

dressed in a bustier, hanging from a trapeze, received the same nomination and won. Stephen Sondheim’s Follies features a

LuPone – whose character didn’t even

in the Broadway revival, Katie Finneran, was

pastiche score that is performed by a parade

sing! A Chorus Line is also a celebration of

also named Best Featured Actress, despite

of former showgirls portrayed in the original

the “triple threat” performer – actors with

competition that included theater legends

Broadway production by actresses with very

equally strong acting, dancing and vocal

Barbara Cook and Angela Lansbury.

similar histories. Throughout the evening,

skills – as exemplified by McKecknie’s solo

In her acceptance speech, Finneran

they warble tunes evocative of the Twenties

“The Music and the Mirror,” where she was

encouraged aspiring actors to stick to doing

and Thirties, several of which have become

alone on a bare stage with nothing but music

what they love. “You will run into the right

familiar standards. Ethel Shutta’s 67 years in

and lyrics to help her make her case.

people, the right teachers, the right moments

showbiz clearly informed her performance of

By now, you’ve no doubt noticed that

the number “Broadway Baby.” And Yvonne

actors who originated One Song Characters

and circumstances,” she said. And, with any luck, the right One Character Song! CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

DECORATIVE ARTS

Selection of Winters Offerings By Matthew Sturtevant

$575,375 (est. £250,000-350,000). One of the most finely carved Roman marble heads to be offered at auction in recent history, this portrayal of handsome and youthful divine hero Ganymede is the only known copy of a lost Classical Greek original sculpture.

True Science Fiction Robby the Robot, the seven-foot tall robot from the science fiction classic Forbidden Planet (1956), sold at Bonhams New York for a world record price of $5,375,000 in the TCM Presents… Out of This World! auction of classic movie memorabilia. “This is an out-ofthis-world result for one of the most loved items in movie history,” said Dr. Catherine Williamson, the Director of Entertainment

Memorabilia at Bonhams. “Robby the Robot is one of those symbols of American culture that is embedded in our DNA. We are thrilled for the consignor, William Malone, who has cared for Robby for so many years and we are delighted that so many of Robby’s fans took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see him at Bonhams.”

Belle Epoque

Ancient Gods Rule Sotheby’s London antiquities sale a fine array of ancient items finds it’s way to the block. Leading the auction was a Roman Marble Head of Ganymede, circa 1st Century A.D., which sold for £429,000 / 78

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The Potomack Company of Alexandria Virgina offered a fine selection of Belle Epoque Furniture from The Keck collection originally assembled in Los Angeles Ca at Owlwood by Mr. and Mrs. Myron Keck. The furnishings had not seen the market in over 60 years and were in remarkably good order including the highlight of the sale a French finely inlaid gilt bronze encrusted vitrine attributed to Joseph- Emmanuel Zwiener the German born virtuoso cabinet maker selling for $469,000. A pair of Pedestals by Zwiener’s equally talented contemporary Francois Linke broke an auction record for a pair of pedestals selling for $250,000 and may have been exhibited in Linke booth in the 1904 St. Louis L’exposition Universelle.

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

Anthony CotsifAs

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

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

March 22–25, 2018 Piers 92 & 94 NYC

PRoduced by:

co-located by:

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To set up a private home appointment when we vist your area, please call: in PaRtneRsHiP WitH:

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Buy tickets now Sonatina IV original pigment print ~ 52” x 52” $4,100 addesignshow.com CONTEMPORARY CULTURE//MAGAZINE

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VISIT PBBOATSHOW.COM FOR TICKETS AND SHOW INFORMATION

Save the Date

June201811 Monday,

Our Annual Cocktail Fundraiser at Current will feature The Duke Ellington Legacy Band, Fabulous Raffles, Boardwalk Games, and a Costume Photobooth. Together, we will serve NYC’s hidden families: Children and mothers who live without a home, in city shelters, out of sight. MONDAY • JUNE 11, 2018 • 6:30-9:30 PM CURRENT, PIER 59, CHELSEA PIERS, NYC For more details, contact Ann-Louise Lipman at alipman@thefloatinghospital.org or 917.742.9820 www.thefloatinghospital.org

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VENÜGRAM

“RIM” PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA MIKULSKI

Rim, Spring, 2017, Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA. Lisa Mikulski

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.” – Steve Jobs –

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