El Museo del Barrio - 25th Annual Gala
On Thursday, May 11th, El Museo del Barrio, the nation’s premiere Latino and Latin American cultural institution founded by the Puerto Rican community, celebrated its 25th Annual Gala. Considered the museum’s most important fundraising event of the year, the Gala, held at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, welcomed nearly 400 luminaries and leaders in business, finance, fashion, entertainment, art and philanthropy.
The evening included a silent and live benefit auction, in partnership with Paddle8, featuring works of art generously donated by artists, including Francis Alÿs, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Carmen Herrera, Raphael Montañez Ortiz, Liliana Porter, among others. El Museo's Executive Director, Patrick Charpenel, and Museum Trustee, Clarice Oliveira Tavares selected all works. The evening’s efforts raised more than $900,000 in support of El Museo’s ever-expanding Permanent Collection, acclaimed exhibitions, innovative programs, and renowned bilingual education initiatives.
Maria Eugenia Maury, El Museo Gala Chair and the Chair of the Board of Trustee, states: "Last night, The Plaza was filled with excitement, as we celebrated El Museo del Barrio and our distinguished honorees. We are especially grateful to the generous and essential support of our wonderful partners and patrons who have helped us surpass our fundraising goals. We look forward to welcoming everyone to El Museo’s Gala in 2019, when we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of El Museo del Barrio.”
El Museo’s 25th Annual Gala honored four individuals who have distinguished themselves in the fields of fashion, arts and cultural patronage. These include: artist Marta Minujín for Excellence in the Arts; fashion designer Esteban Cortazar for Excellence in Fashion; collector César Reyes, as an Outstanding Patron of the Arts; and music producer Maestro Julio Reyes Copello, as a Cultural Pioneer.
The gala and Museo is supported by a partnership with 11th generation master tequila makers, Maestro Dobel Tequila, who generously provided specialty tequila cocktails, and will be supporting museum events throughout the rest of the year. Maestro Dobel Tequila is a brand at the intersection of legacy and innovation, and looks to foster new creative conversations around Mexican art and culture, and its influence on international trends. Immediately after the evening’s program, guests celebrated with a spirited dance floor lead by Avenida B Salsa Dura Band, an 11-person salsa band based in New York City.
ABOUT EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO
El Museo del Barrio, New York's leading Latino cultural institution welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. Their richness is represented in El Museo's wide-ranging Permanent Collection and critically acclaimed exhibitions, complemented by film, literary, visual and performing arts series, cultural celebrations, and educational programs.
El Museo del Barrio is located at 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104 Street in New York City. The Museum’s Galleries are currently undergoing renovations and will reopen to the public in the fall of 2018. For more information on these and other renovations, visit www.elmuseo.org.
For more information on El Museo del Barrio, please visit www.elmuseo.org. To connect with El Museo del Barrio via Social Media, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/elmuseo, Instagram at Instagram.com/elmuseo, and Twitter at Twitter.com/elmuseo.
Photos courtesy of El Museo del Barrio
Publicolor's SS+R 2018
Publicolor celebrated its 22nd Anniversary at their annual gala, Stir Splatter + Roll on April 23 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The evening’s colorful cocktail hour began at 6pm with 18 painting stations where guests participated with some of NYC’s leading artists, designers, and architects to create customized works of art.
Publicolor honored longtime supporter Chris Ward (AECOM VP and CEO, Metro New York, and former Executive Director of Port Authority), who attended with his family, along with groundbreaking composer Philip Glass, with the Catalyst for Change Award who performed at the benefit.
While working from the Port Authority, Ward was instrumental to secure Publicolor's 2002 community revitalization project, The Painted Promenade. Students in the Publicolor program, from high schools across the City, painted a bridge on West 39th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues in sunshine yellow and turquoise blue. Sixteen years later, the colorfully painted walls have become a fixture in Hell's Kitchen (and the backdrop to the famed Hell's Kitchen Flea Market), thanks to Ward.
“It's always a joy to celebrate our students who are succeeding despite the enormous challenges of poverty- homelessness, food insecurity, lack of good role models or advocates, neglect," said Ruth Lande Shuman, President of Publicolor. "They are realizing their potential - graduating high school, graduating college, and giving back to their communities by painting joy, respect, dignity and safety in under-resourced neighborhood facilities like health clinics, shelters, childcare centers, and community centers. They inspire us every day!”
The event’s master of ceremonies was Publicolor’s longtime supporter, Jeffrey Banks. The evening's live auction was led by Christie's Lydia Fenet.
Guests included: Sarah Billstein, Chuck Close, Paige Davis, Frederick Doner, Barbara Flood, Jim Gutmann, Chloe Gutmann, Boo Grace, Joan Hornig, Steve Kohn, Gene Kohn,Julia Lescarbeau, Takaaki Matsumoto and Julie Matsumoto, Andrea Marcucci, Nicole Miller, Lori Parkinson, Monica parekh and Deven Parekh, Rosa Pietanza, Alex and Michael Shuman, Andrew Oshrin with children Sophia Oshrin and William Oshrin, Leckie Roberts, Tziporah Salamon, Suzanne Scott, Jamie Singer, Robert Soros, Suzanne Tick, John Williams, John Ward, Kate Ward, Pam Ward, Doug Wilson.
Painting Team Leaders included Jon Otis + Diane Barnes; Rob Rogers, FAIA + Alissa Bucher; Henry Myerberg; Rainey Day Erwin; D. Pearson Feinn; Paul Haigh; Joan Hornig; Takaaki Matsumoto; Nicole Miller; Milly; Paul Aferiat + Peter Stamberg; Tucker Viemeister; Dan Walsh; Doug Wilson; Vicente Wolf; Saya J. Woolfalk, and Gerard Yosca.
The Silent Auction items included the Albers Foundation, Jane Benson, Ross Bleckner, Dana Bronfman, Christo, Chuck Close, Paolo Costagli, Mark Di Suvero, Michele Oka Doner, Rainey Day Erwin, D. Pearson Feinn, Tom Geismar, Gensler, Philip Glass, Paul Haigh, Michael Hambouz, Joan Hornig, Rashid Johnson, Maira Kalman, Gene Kohn, Michael Kors, LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, Arielle Tepper Madover, Takaaki Matsumoto, Stacey Mayrock, John Morning, the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, Gaetano Pesce, Karim Rashid, Laurie Simmons, Swoon, Union Square Hospitality Group, Dan Walsh, “WhatShouldWeDo?!”, Kehinde Wiley, and Sonya Winner.
PUBLICOLOR BY NUMBERS Unlike many other youth organizations that focus on high-achieving, low-income students, Publicolor deliberately focuses on low-income students who are at high risk of dropping out of school. Publicolor’s project-based learning model succeeds in engaging them in their education and empowers them with skills for success in school, work, and life despite many challenges of poverty.
ABOUT PUBLICOLOR’S FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF PUBLICOLOR RUTH LANDE SHUMAN:
A dynamic and passionate innovator, Ruth Lande Shuman is an award-winning industrial designer and Founder/President of Publicolor. Ms. Shuman has been deeply committed to community- based volunteer work for over thirty years, most notably as a founding trustee of the Big Apple Circus, where she served as Trustee Emerita. She was also a board member of the Wiltwyck school’s union-free school, a board member of the Rowena Reed Kostellow Fund at Pratt Institute, a board member of The Kitchen, and was the Mayor’s representative to the board of the Museum of Art & Design in New York City. Ms. Shuman founded Publicolor in 1996 to use color, collaboration, design, and the discipline of the commercial painting to engage at- risk students in their education, targeting the most underserved communities, most underperforming schools and most seriously disadvantaged middle and high school students. Most recently, Ms. Shuman has been recognized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as an Honorary Fellow and also named a “Living Landmark” by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
ABOUT PUBLICOLOR:
Publicolor fights poverty by aggressively addressing the alarming dropout rate and low levels of educational attainment and youth employment in New York City. They do this by engaging high- risk students, ages 12-24, in a long-term continuum of intensive, multi-day, design-based programs to encourage academic achievement, community service, college preparation and job readiness. Their unique applied learning approach uses design and design thinking as vehicles to engage, stimulate and inspire at-risk, low-performing students in our city’s struggling middle and high schools, empowering them to achieve success in school, college, career and life. For more information about Publicolor, go to: http://publicolor.org/
Photos by Annie Watt
Sushi by Bou Preview Party
On Tuesday, May 8th, a brand new dining experience in Chelsea opened its doors for an exclusive preview of its food and drinks menu.: Sushi by Bou. A Limelight patio located at the foot of Jue Lan Club, Sushi by Bou is the perfect spot for the ever-rushing New Yorkers as it offers a 30-minute speakeasy experience from sushi chefs David Bouhadana, Michael Sinensky, and Erika London.
Sushi by Bou invites New Yorkers and guests from around the world to embrace the Japanese practice of “Omakase,” which allows the meals to be selected by the chefs rather than the visitors. The outdoor dining experience serves 8 to 10 guests and offers drinks like sake, Japanese whisky, rose, and champagne. In addition, with summer approaching, Sushi by Bou also presents a new addition of slushie cocktails, including a refreshing mixture of rose sangria and sake.
The food menu certainly does not disappoint. With choices such as Hamachi, Albacore Tuna, Botan Shrimp, and Wagyuni (Wagyu with Uni on top), Sushi by Bou is bound to make one feel happy and full in less than an hour.
If you are looking for an unique dining experience for the summer, Sushi by Bou will open its doors for lunch and dinner on Monday, May 14. The reservations can be made via text at 917-870-1587, and the address is 49 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011.
The Parkinson’s Foundation 2018 Gala
The Parkinson’s Foundation 2018 Gala was held at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Willie Geist, Host of NBC News’ “Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist” and Co-Host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, served as the Master of Ceremonies. 280 supporters were in attendance and the evening raised $750,000 to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation, a national organization working towards a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
The Gala honored Parkinson's Foundation Board Member, Richard D. Field, retired Senior Executive of BNY Mellon and MasterCard, Founding Director of Lending Tree, financial services industry leader, and Parkinson's advocate.
Guests enjoyed a musical performance by a special cabaret performance by Bob Hardwick and Broadway Cast.
Karen Elizabeth Burke, M.D., Ph.D., Kate and Read Coughlin, Ian and Melissa Cutler, Peter and Whitney Cutler, Jill Taub Drury, Dickie and Beth Field, Jim and Janet Field, Sky Field, Stephanie Goldman, Isobel Robins Konecky, Arlene Levine, and Devon Pastor were the Gala Co-Chairs.
About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. For more information, visit www.parkinson.org or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636).
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting an estimated one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
Photos courtesy of The Parkinson’s Foundation
The Springs Preview
If you are on the lookout for a new summer cocktail bar, The Springs is the place to go. Located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens in the Greenpoint neighborhood, The Springs offers a 1950s Southern California vibe without having to leave New York.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli, who is a mixologist, photographer, and the owner of the new “it” spot, introduces a wide variety of perfect summer cocktails. The cocktails include classics, such as the Old-Fashioned, but also cocktail slushies that come in surprising flavors and with unique names, such as Sunburn (Tequila, Aloe Vera, Blue Curacao, and Lime), Desert Springs (Milagro Silver Tequila, Dolin Blanc, cucumber, mint and Thai chile), Riverside Revival (Hendricks gin, grapefruit cordial, lemon, and Absinthe). If you are feeling a bit more on the traditional side, you are welcome to grab a refreshing Pina-Colada or a classic Coca-Cola float from the bar.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
To complement the delicious assortment of summer cocktails, you are welcome to grab a juicy beef burger, mac’n’cheese, or a martini-flavored grilled cheese. Want something a bit more on the healthier side? Try the eggplant rollatini sticks that come with their own special dip.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
The Springs has everything and more to offer. With summer temperatures in town, it is the perfect time to pay a visit to Southern California without breaking the bank by taking the train to 224 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222.
Photos courtesy of Springs
RealEats goes Veggie
RealEats is the only meal subscription service offering fresh, healthy meals with ingredients sourced from New York’s Finger Lakes region, that are ready to eat in six minutes or less. Adapting sous-vide technology, RealEats offers fresh, convenient and thoughtfully sourced meals to consumers who care about what they eat, but may not have the time to shop, prep, cook and clean.
RealEats works with acclaimed chefs to create sophisticated meal options, and recently launched — just in time for summer! — three new vegetarian meals, including Farratto with peas, spring green onions and asparagus, Sumac Sweet Potatoes with quinoa tabbouleh and citrus labne, and Pasta Caponata with peppers, eggplant and ricotta.
In addition to the three new vegetarian meals, RealEats also added three new non-vegetarian meals to the menu, including Roast Chicken with mushrooms, potatoes and swiss chard, BBQ Brisket with red cabbage slaw and smashed potatoes, and Maple Rosemary Turkey with lentils and roasted beets, turnips, radishes, parsnips, red onions, celery and carrots.
Now offering 18 meal options, RealEats is currently available in 21 states with plans to expand to the Midwest and West Coast.
Photos courtesy of RealEats
Billion Oyster Party 2018
The oyster party of the year went down again in Red Hook on April 27th when the New York Harbor School’s Billion Oyster Project threw its annual fundraiser bash. Once again, NY Waterway provided a complementary and convenient ferry ride from Pier 11 to Red Hook for guests to arrive at the party in style. Upon arrival, attendees packed the spacious Pioneer Works for the ultimate oyster experience. The amazing experience offered its guests to try oysters from over 50 oyster farms, dishes from 20 chefs, and uncountable good moments. To date, Billion Oyster Project has restored 25 million oysters to NY Harbor. Throughout the night, over 30,000 oyster shells were collected, which will return to NY Harbor to help restore oyster reefs.
Attendees washed down the oysters with brews, sodas, spirits and wines from local partners while watching the BOP All-Star Shucking Championship. Guests also got the chance to speak to NY Harbor School students about their work on the project. Not only did the chefs serve their best fairs, each of the growers also spoke about their experiences being pioneers in this emerging industry. Like any incipient industry there are hurdles, however, each one spoke ardently about the business and their campaigns for future growth.
This annual party is just a step towards the final goal of restoring 1 billion oysters by 2035 while fostering the next generation of environmental stewards and reconnecting New Yorkers to the waterfront. Proceeds from the event will support the four program areas of the Billion Oyster Project: Oyster Production, Reef Construction & Monitoring, Shell Collection, BOP Schools, and Public Engagement. Each program stands alone as an important advance in ecosystem restoration and public education. Together they make up the Harbor and City-wide project that will have a dramatic impact on ecosystem health as well as public awareness, understanding and appreciation of NY Harbor.
All in all, this year’s party, which was the largest one to date, was both an unforgettable experience and a highly educational event. After experiencing all that the Billion Oyster Party had to offer, guests absolutely left feeling upbeat, pleasantly full from incredible food, and informed on an incredible mission. It was the perfect way to start Spring.
To learn more or to donate to BOP please visit:
Photos by Kirsten Midura and David Hawkins
Tribeca Film Festival - TIME'S UP and Natalie Dormer
The eleventh day of the 17th Tribeca Film Festival presented by AT&T collaborated with TIME’S UP to host the Day of Conversation and Action, which featured conversations with a range of women who are playing a pivotal role in raising awareness about inequality in the workplace. Activists, storytellers, business leaders, filmmakers, lawyers, media figures, and more shared their stories. Highlights included:
· Julianne Moore and Jurnee Smollett-Bell opened the day by introducing TIME’S UP with Moore saying that "our understanding of what’s acceptable has been skewed by what is normalized by society,” and calling for change.
· Saru Jayaraman (co-founder of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United) detailed the rampant sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and demanded action.
· Sienna Miller introduced the panel, "A New Direction: Behind the Lens" with female filmmakers, and said, "[we're] not just wives and girlfriends in life...it's on all of us to pave the path and help stories be told."
· Former NFL player and advocate Wade Davis talked about the importance of starting the conversations around sexuality and sexual assault early.
· Lupita Nyong’o, Cynthia Erivo, Mira Sorvino and Amber Tamblyn talked about the roles women are cast in, the importance of telling rich stories on screen, and the impact of portraying powerful female characters in film. Erivo said, "I’m trying to make people aware that we have a choice in the way we are perceived. I see myself differently and I want that to help other young ladies get the permission to also see themselves differently."
· Marisa Tomei talked about the impact of - and introduced - the TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund, who discussed legal wins.
· Mariska Hargitay introduced a panel about "Activism Through the Ages" during which Robin Morgan fired up the audience and also got them laughing, saying, "the women’s movement is the most fun you can have sitting up."
· Ashley Judd shared a personal letter about the fortitude it has taken and the personal empowerment she has experienced as a survivor.
· The event concluded with a speech from the CMO of TIME'S UP and a performance from the Resistance Revival Chorus.
Elsewhere at the Festival, Natalie Dormer was joined by Director Larysa Kondracki and executive producer Jo Porter for the North American premiere of their new series Picnic at Hanging Rock, a reimagining of the 1975 film. During a panel after the screening, speaking about her character, Hester Appleyard, and other characters she has chosen to play in her career, Dormer said she is attracted to “complicated women” more so than strong women. Appleyard in particular she describes as one of the most complicated, and someone who “really needs to go to therapy”. She also spoke about her hesitance ahead of taking the role, saying, “I’m not doing another corset job” before being blown away by a phone conversation with the writer.
Director Haifaa al-Mansour producer Amy Baer, and actor Douglas Booth were greeted by fans on the red carpet at BMCC for the US premiere of their new film Mary Shelley. The film tells the story of a young Mary Wollstonecraft (Elle Fanning) as she embarks on a whirlwind romance which leads her to invent one of the most iconic horror stories of all time, before she’s even 20 years old.
Laura Poitras, director of Citizenfour, The Oath, and My Country, My Country, participated in a Tribeca Talks conversation today moderated by Sheila Nevins, former president of HBO Documentary Films. Both power women admitted that they were both “mutually intimated” by each other. Nevins praised Poitras’ bravery jokingly asking her if she was “medicated in anyway or if is it natural courage.” Other topics they spoke about were the #metoo movement, the future of streaming platform, and what drew them to documentaries. Nevins even made the statement “if anyone can change the world with a documentary, it would be Laura.”
Nebraska natives Alexander Payne and Dick Cavett took part in the Tribeca Talks: Directors series today. The two traded stories about some of the most prolific actors they’ve worked with throughout their careers, including Jack Nicholson, Mike Nichols, Marlon Brando, and George Clooney, who Payne worked with on 2011’s The Descendants. Speaking about fame, Payne told a story about how Clooney’s Kentucky town approached him about naming a street after him. When they asked what street name they should change to “George Clooney Boulevard,” instead of choosing Main Street, Clooney asked “where does so and so live,” referring to his former bully. That way, Clooney’s former bully would have “George Clooney Blvd” on his driver’s license and every time he writes a check.
Closing night featured the first part of Showtime’s new four-part documentary The Fourth Estate which gives an inside look at The New York Times as they track Trump’s first year in office. Ann Curry moderated a conversation after the screening with The New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet, Washington Bureau Chief Elisabeth Bumiller, White House Correspondent Julie Davis, Washington Investigative Correspondent Mark Mazzetti, director Liz Garbus, and producer Jenny Carchman. Curry noted the term “embedded” in journalism is usually associated with the military, but after seeing this film it does seem that they are in a “war for figuring out what’s truth” during this “unpredictable presidency.” Speaking of Trump, Bumiller responded “he says three different things in the same day, so you do the best you can” which triggered laughter from the audience. The panel then spoke about how Trump and the media have a strained relationship. Garber explained that once “Hillary Clinton [was done being] his main punching bag, it became the press.” Davis said they are “always vetting” their information while Baquet added that the press must cover “aggressive and fair.” Davis noted for this project they made it a point to film the journalists in their homes to show they are “full people, not just by-lines or talking heads” and while filming in the newsroom, Garber said the crew worked with them to “protect their sources and make them feel more comfortable to let us in.”
EastmeetEast Ramen Competition
The EastMeetEast dating website and app held its first annual "EastMeetEast Singles Ramen Eating Competition" on Monday, April 23rd at the world-famous Gotham West Market. Demonstrating how to gobble up Ramen noodles as quickly as possible and judging the competition was six-time Nathan's Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Champion and eight-time Guinness World Record holder, Takeru Kobayashi.
EastMeetEast is a successful website and app for creating happy, passionate, and fulfilling relationships. Among the Asian population in North America, 29,079 individuals have found partners through the site so far.
"We wanted to do something fun and exciting to bring singles together in a non-traditional way," says EastMeetEast Founder Mariko Tokioka. "Having Kobayashi judge the competition and demonstrate is the icing on the cake. He not only brings his expertise to the event, but an exhilarating and dramatic flair wherever he goes. The excitement surrounding him is palpable."
Six contestants (4 male, 2 female) faced off in the competition. Behind every contestant were their EastMeetEast dating profiles, which had fun amazing facts about their lives to attract potential future partners.
Known for his trademark body wiggle- the "Kobayashi Shake", Kobayashi started off the competition by demonstrating to the contestants the keys to winning by slurping down 3 bowls in under 20 seconds.
After chowing down the grand total of 15 bowls! The winner was Wayne Algenio, a former Guinness world record holder for eating the most Carolina reapers (the hottest pepper in the world) in 1 minute. EastMeetEast will give Wayne an all-expense paid dream-date. "Maybe we can find someone for you" said Kenji, the marketer of EastMeetEast, after handing Wayne a prize envelope.
See the full highlight video below:
About EastMeetEast: EastMeetEast is a successful platform for creating happy, passionate, and fulfilling relationships. Thanks to EastMeetEast's high matching ratio among the Asian population in North America, 29,079 individuals have found partners through our site so far.
About Takeru Kobayashi: Takeru Kobayashi is a Japanese competitive eater. He is a six-time Nathan's Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Champion and eight-time Guinness World Record holder.
Photos Courtesy of EastmeetEast
Tribeca Film Festival - Jordans, Viola Davis
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Social media stars were in attendance at the world premiere of The American Meme, a documentary that follows the journey of four social media disruptors including Paris Hilton, Josh Ostrovsky (@TheFatJew), Brittany Furlan, and Kirill Bichutsky (@slutwhisperer). Other stars who came out to support the cast included Hailey Baldwin, Nicky Hilton and husband James Rothschild, Brittany’s fiance Tommy Lee and more.
On the red carpet, The Fat Jew was showing off the tattoo he got of Paris Hilton’s signature on his arm. Also, Paris Hilton brought her own light to brighten up her interviews on the red carpet.
Real-life husband and wife Julius Tennon and Viola Davis were on hand at the premiere of their new ABC docu series The Last Defense, in which they serve as executive producers. The emotional series exposes flaws in the American justice system through in-depth examinations of death row cases.
During a panel following the screening, Davis referred to James Baldwin’s quote about loving America and reserving the right to criticize it before giving her greatest criticism of the country, one about the criminal justice system. She talked about how our country gives us the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but it does not do a good enough job defending that right through the criminal justice system. She went on to talk about the advice she gives her daughter: “I tell my daughter everyday life isn’t fair,” but shared her thoughts that, “in the criminal justice system, it has to be fair.”
Fat Joe, Kid Ink, and Gizzle hyped up the crowd at the end of the night with a musical performance following the world premiere of Dexton Deboree’s new documentary Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1 about the creation of the Air Jordan and how it launched the sneaker craze and intersected with music, sports, celebrity, and sociopolitical issues. It features interviews with Spike Lee, Jason Sudeikis, and Michael Jordan. All talent walking the carpet showed up wearing their favorite pair of AJ1s including Deboree who showed up in a pair of red and blacks to match the red carpet.
Photos Courtesy of SunshineSachs
Nello Petrucci: The Pompeii Collection
In Ancient Greek, “Καιρός,”(kairos) is defined as a critical moment in time. It therefore is the perfect name for the newest artistic project created by Italian artist, Nello Petrucci. Presented at the ArtExpo in New York City this past weekend, the “Pompeii” Collection pays homage to Petrucci’s origins and current residence: Pompeii, Italy. The collection also included elements of the ancient artwork that was originally located inside the ruins of the early Pompeii homes.
“Nello and I are from Pompeii,” said Giovanni Boccia, the CEO of Contemply Art Gallery, who also represents Nello Petrucci’s work. “Millions and millions of people come from around the world to visit Pompeii and see the ruins of the city which were caused by the volcano.” Pompeii, a city which was once considered one of the most technologically and culturally advanced cities in the world, was vaporized by Mount Vesuvius, a volcano near the Bay of Naples in 79 A.D. . The catastrophe resulted in the deaths of thousands , as well as loss and damage of artifacts. However, the millions of tons of volcanic ash acted as a marvelous preservative; underneath all that dust were artworks that were once displayed in the Roman city homes. The city of Pompeii and its rich history allow millions of current residents and visitors to witness the marvelous art first-hand. However, as the official records were erased, the names of the artist artists remain unknown.
The mystery of who is the mastermind behind the most fascinating pieces created in humanity’s time served as the point of origin for Petrucci’s project. “In Greece, for example, you know about this culture and you know who made it; we know the names of the artists. But in the ancient times, such as during Pompeii, there is no artist. We do not know who the artist was. There were no names behind these paintings,” said Petrucci. “I wanted to know who the artist was and that was the start of my project. I had a very big task of taking the work from the past and incorporating it into my work with my technique, with my style, and with my identity.” Therefore, the Pompeii project was born.
During his research, Petrucci noticed one gripping detail: the faces, bodies, and lifestyle depicted in the works of Pompeii’s artists have not changed from 2,000 years ago. “If you study [the paintings], you will see that they're completely modern,” said Petrucci. “We brought everything from the ancient times. Nothing has really changed. The technology changed, but nothing else has. The concepts remain the same. Pompeii gives you expression and style of life. In the modern world, you can send a text, but back then it was graffiti. I want to know about the past. Because life is the same. It's just a different time. But life has remained the same as 2,000 years ago.”
With the idea of ancient, yet, contemporary, as well with the aim to preserve the historical elements and add the “Petrucci touch,” it took Nello Petrucci two years to complete the Pompeii collection. The main challenge faced by Petrucci was how to bring the unknown attributes of Pompeii and its artists onto the world stage, while incorporating his own philosophy into the work. “Nello wanted to do something for these artists. He wanted to attribute them by bringing the artworks from the inside of Pompeii to the rest of the world,” said Boccia. “It is strange because the connection is very beautiful, these paintings come back, but they come back with the name of Nello Petrucci. All people in the world can now share how amazing and how beautiful these artworks are. But now they have a name on them: Nello Petrucci.”
The Pompeii Collection is indeed a rare piece of art magic. Prior to fully devoting his time to art, Petrucci also attended a film school, and worked as a set designer, actor, and cameraman. The artist starred in the film, The Fallen, while also working with Martin Scorsese on the New York classic-The Gangs of New York. The mixture of creative directions resulted in Petrucci using movie posters as a base for all of his paintings. He purchases original movie posters, tears them down, and begins to work with layers by adding two additional posters or images, followed by marvelous strokes of paint. To finalize his artwork, Petrucci adds photos of the Pompeii paintings on the surface, fusing them with the rest of the piece.
Petrucci’s work is truly remarkable and unique. “I met Nello and I thought to myself, ‘I need to take you into my team. I am crazy about your artwork.’ He's a true artist,” said Boccia. “Sometimes you see some artists who do something because they think, ‘Well I just want to make a painting that will sell my work. I know that if I make something really important then I will become famous.’ Nello is totally crazy for the art itself. Just look at his work.”
Indeed, Petrucci’s art captivates. It certainly speaks to the name of “Καιρός,” because Petrucci takes the past and the present and blends it to create the right moment in time. The subjects in his paintings are all drastically different and yet somehow, Petrucci draws a comparison between the women of Pompeii and the actresses on the poster layered underneath. It reaches an extent when any individual looking at Petrucci’s work begins to question if they might look like the subjects depicted. “Change the photography, change the makeup, change the outfit,” said Petrucci. “You will realize: it is all the same.”
If you are interested in purchasing artworks from Nello Petrucci’s collections, including the “Pompeii” Collection, visit http://www.nellopetrucci.com/home_en.php and https://www.contemply.com for more information.
Tribeca Film Festival - McQueen, Jamie Foxx
Fashion elite came out for the premiere of McQueen, where Janet McQueen attended the screening which celebrates her late brother. Other attendees included Chloe Wise and Vanity Fair’s Amy Fine Collins. Later in the evening, Chloe Grace Moretz and Sasha Lane goofed off on the carpet of their film The Miseducation of Cameron Post which centers around a teenage girl who is forced into a gay conversion therapy center by her conservative guardians.
The Crown’s Matt Smith joined sibling co-producers Eliza Dushku and Nathaniel Dushku at the world premiere of Mapplethorpe. Marianne Rendon also took on the red carpet and was supported by her Imposters co-star Inbar Lavi.
Sarah Jessica Parker supported husband Matthew Broderick, who was on the carpet for his film To Dust. The couple was joined by another husband and wife duo and producers of the film, Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer who paused for a moment for a family photo on the carpet with their two boys. Additionally, producer Ron Perlman joined the cast on the carpet.
Cast member Mary Elizabeth Winstead brought Ewan McGregor as her date to the premiere of All About Nina. He snapped pictures of her as she completed interviews on the carpet. Other cast members in attendance included Common, Pam Murphy, and Grace Shen.
Noam Galai/Getty Images
The Tribeca Film Festival also expanded to a new space with a panel about ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts and their first serialized season which debuts this spring and focuses on the founder of Bikram Yoga, Bikram Choudhury. Bikram’s producer Julia Lowrie Henderson and host/editor Jody Avirgan lead a conversation about the intricacy of creating a podcast and touched upon the controversy surrounding Choudhury who currently has warrants out for his arrest as well as where the yoga community stands today.
Andrew Toth/Getty Images
Jamie Foxx invited select audience members on stage to dance with him as they posed questions during his Tribeca Talks: Storytellers panel. Throughout the session, Foxx kept the crowd on their toes as he peppered in spontaneous moments by bursting out into songs or doing impressions of other stars such as Puff Daddy, Wesley Snipes, Jim Carrey, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Pharrell, Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, and Sidney Poitier.
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
A pregnant Rachel Weisz hit the carpet of her premiere for Disobedience and looked radiant in Chloe. She was joined by fellow cast mates Rachel McAdams, making her first appearance since becoming a new mom herself, and Alessandro Nivola, who brought his wife Emily Mortimer as his date. During the introduction director Sebastián Lelio, fresh off his oscar win for best foreign language film for A Fantastic Woman, noted that this was his first english language film before calling on stage his Holy trinity of McAdams, Weisz, and Nivola - for his Jewish Orthodox lesbian love story!
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Tribeca / Theo Wargo
Alec Baldwin and Spike Lee participated in a Tribeca Talks panel together. Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria Baldwin, was in attendance to support. An audience member asked Lee for his thoughts on the box-office hit Black Panther; he went on to share that he saw it four times and it “changed everything.” The audience then broke out in applause and cheers when Baldwin prompted “well, wait a minute, we’re in a world now that focuses on inclusion, don’t you want to ask me what I thought of Black Panther?”
Gettys Image
Kevin Bacon stopped by the New York City premiere of Studio 54 to support his sister, Karin Bacon who is part of the cast for the documentary about the rise and catastrophic fall of the legendary Manhattan night spot.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Tribeca also connected the past with the present at the premiere of Cobra Kai, an all-new series that reunites the adversaries from the iconic film franchise The Karate Kid. Fans were ecstatic to see Ralph Macchio and William Zabka together again. During the talk after the screening, Macchio shared he has been hesitant of any reboots or reunions and has been protective of the material for so long to not “taint the legacy” but knows you “got to trust the storyteller and the filmmakers.”
Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal posed for photos with the filmmakers and cast of Nigerian Prince at their premiere screening. The film is the first winner of AT&T’s Untold Stories program, an initiative to support filmmakers that are underrepresented in the industry. The director, Faraday Okoro, received a $1 million grant last year from AT&T to produce his film.
Photos courtesy of SunshineSachs
Glimmerglass Gala
On April 8th, 2018, the Glimmerglass Festival hosted its annual gala at the Metropolitan Club on East 60th Street to honor Leonard Bernstein’s and Jerome Robbin’s centenaries, the Festival’s 2018 production of West Side Story, and the 30th anniversary of the Glimmerglass Young Artists Program.
Members of the Glimmerglass Young Artists Program performing the mambo scene from this season’s musical West Side Story.
The Glimmerglass Festival is an seasonal event that blends high class opera with laid back summer style. Each summer, the company produces more than forty operas, ranging from new to well known, in the quaint community of Cooperstown, New York. But the festival is not just a celebration of opera -- despite being the second largest producer of opera in New York State (after the Metropolitan Opera), the festival also hosts concerts by celebrity guests, literary lectures and events, and, most importantly, serves as a training ground for young artists hoping to enter the world of theatre production.
Guests mingling in the Great Hall at the Metropolitan Club, New York
Many of these young artists were in attendance at the Gala, which started off with a cocktail hour at six o'clock sharp. Guests, patrons and artists mingled for the entirety of the hour before the performance began at seven -- and what a performance it was, featuring the work of some of Glimmerglass own artists, a serencade from famed opera singer Eric Owens, and the dancers from West Side Story.
Robert Nelson, Margarita Sears, Van Ramsey, Moira North
Following the performance was a delicious dinner and then dessert, which was accompanied with a set from the Peter Duchin Orchestra. Guests swayed and danced to the music, ending the night on a particularly classy note.
Kelley Rourke, Kevin Puts
So if you’re looking for a cultured way to spend the summer, be sure check out the Glimmerglass Festival
Courtesy of Ruby Tull for the photos!
Chat N' Chew Private Preview
If you are looking for a cozy setting for your next date night, Chat N’ Chew is a must try. Located in the heart of Union Square, the restaurant is a 20-year comfort food staple. Following a popular trend, the restaurant has now upgraded their menu to match the current flow of healthy eating habits. Curated by the restaurateur Andrew Silverman, is reopening to the public, once again, to show that hearty meals do not have to be a part of guilty pleasures.
The new menu offers a variety of familiar hearty meals, but is also introducing healthy options for those on a health kick. Along with juicy hamburgers and not your mother’s mac’n’cheese, vegan and vegetarian options are now available to the public. Appetizers, like Matzo Ball Soup, “Platter of the Gods” Hummus & Tzatziki and “Duke’s Buffalo Shrimp” were just previews before the big game of finger-licking entrees. For a more traditional comfort food experience, try menu items, such as a “not-so-classic grilled three cheese,” as well as the “Thanksgiving on a Roll.” Those are just some options “between the bread” that show that Chat N’ Chew raised the stakes in the comfort food dining game. While other variations of entrees, such as “110% Veggie Chili” and “Butternut Squash Ravioli & Crumbled Sage” are the healthier twists on otherwise “self-indulgent” meals. To round-up a feast of deliciousness, Chat N’ Chew’s dessert menu is something to pay attention to. With “Creme Brûlée Cheese Cake” and “Carrot Cake in a Chat N’ Chew Mug,” accompanied by a list of egg creams, flots, and milkshakes, Chat N’ Chew definitely satisfies the sweet tooth.
Inspired to visit Chat N’ Chew for your next Sunday brunch? Check out the restaurant’s address below:
10 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003
Tribeca Film Festival After Parties
A true pioneer of celebration - The "Supper Suite" by A-List Communications has been rocking Tribeca with several events and panels thus far for its tenth year in a row during the annual film festival. A-List Communications launched Supper Suite program in New York City almost a decade ago and has become a integral part of every red carpet celebratory destination every year.
On Friday, April 20th, Megu on West 16th street played home to the BACK ROADS pre-screening cocktail party with cast members Alex Pettyfer, Jennifer Morrison, Nicola Peltz, June Carryl followed by the 7 Stages To Achieve Eternal Bliss by Passing Through The Gateway Chosen By The Holy Storsh Post Tribeca screening party, with producer Elijah Wood and actors Sam Huntington, Kate Micucci, Dan Harmon, Josh Brenner, Matt Jones, Mark McKinney and Taika Waititi.
Guests enjoyed Day Owl Rose, Blue Moon Brewing, Ciroc and Deleon plus Altec Lansing's latest audio items, during the “Supper Suite” pop-up events during the Tribeca Film Festival, produced by A-List Communications.
On Saturday, April 21st, The "Supper Suite" also popped up at STK NYC on Little West 12th street, and hosted a press junket for EGG with Christina Hendricks, Alysia Reiner, Gbenga Akinnagbe, David Alan Basche, IN A RELATIONSHIP starring Michael Angarano, Dree Hemingway and Patrick Gibson, LITTLE WOODS starring Tessa Thompson, Lily James and Luke Kirby, STATE LIKE SLEEP starring Katherine Waterson, Michael Shannon and Michiel Huisman, and JONATHAN starring Ansel Elgort and Suki Waterhouse.
On Monday, April 23rd, The "Supper Suite" went back to Megu and hosted "Untogether” Premiere After Party which featured a outstanding cast of: Jemima Kirke (Girls), Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades of Grey), Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One: A Star Wars Strory), Lola Kirke (Gone Girl), Scott Caan (Oceans Eleven), Billy Crystal (When Harry Met Sally), Jennifer Grey (Ferris Buellers Day Off), Alice Eve (She's Out of My League).
Guests did not leave empty handed. Each patron were given Altec Lansing's latest portable audio items, and stayed hydrated with Essential Water during the daytime junket.
Photo Credits: Thomas Concordia
Tribeca Film Festival - Fabled
Refinery29 debuted its all new anthology television series, Fabled, on April 23rd at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival as part of TriBeCa TV: Indie Pilots block. The series, which takes classic fairy tale narratives and puts modern, unconforming twists on their stories, is directed by Jennifer Morrison and written by both Evan Jonigkeit and Zosia Mamet, who married in 2016.
Fabled stars Zosia Mamet and Norbert Leo-Butz were both present for the premiere. I spoke with Zosia as well as writer/producer Evan Jonigkeit at the debut of the first episode of Fabled, which tells the story of Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz coming together after both have been admitted to a mental health facility. This episode is entitled “Anodyne.”
Synopsis: Allie and Dee are both creative young women that blaze their own trails and stray away from societal norms. They crave adventure and dream bigger than what the world tells them is acceptable. After meeting at an extensive behavioral therapy center, they find solace and fortitude in one another. Their bond illustrates the strength of friendship and the power that women can harness when they come together.
When asked about the collaborative creative process of making Fabled, Evan explained that “Writing and producing was great. It was a long road from when the idea got from its infancy to now teaming up with Refinery29 and working with the cast we have. It was amazing to see some words that you put down on paper come together and being able to bring the people together to make that happen. It was incredibly rewarding.”
Zosia went on to say, “Something that was really invaluable in us both being producers on this project and also having our partner Alex Gayner was that when one of us was acting, the other one was able to sort of team up with Alex and we could put on the producer hat . . . That’s definitely one of the benefits of being a team on the same project."
Fabled touches on themes of sexuality, gender, and relationships. I asked Zosia if her role in HBO’s Girls in any way influenced her in this work, and while her two characters in these shows differ greatly, she did say that both “touch on issues dealing with women in modern day society, which is obviously something that was sort of the kernel of the seedling behind Fabled. The Cinderella episode, which Evan and Trace Lysette star in, which was written by our friend Matt Flanders, was actually Evan’s idea of wanting to play with the Cinderella concept using a transition story.”
Fabled definitely offers viewers a reimagined interpretation of fairy tales unlike any other. This Refinery29 series is sure to wow audiences with its talented and inventive writers and actors.
Tribeca Film Festival - Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, and Tribeca Cinema360
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival
On April 22, Robert De Niro sat down with Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper for a Tribeca Talk: Storytellers to discuss Cooper’s career focusing on their past work together including Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, Joy and Limitless. During the talk, Cooper credits De Niro for “changing his life” and “impacting him in a way that he never even knew.” Additionally, Director David O. Russell made a surprise appearance to discuss their past work together including Jennifer Lawrence’s favorite moment from Silver Linings Playbook where De Niro as Cooper’s father calls him a loser. He also reminisced on a story when he first met De Niro with Joe Pesce who said, “You’re going to find out when you hang out with this guy, that if you don't give him what to say, he’s not going to say anything.”
Another point of discussion was focused on Cooper’s upcoming directorial debut, a modern adaptation of A Star is Born, which he also produced, co-wrote, and stars in alongside Lady Gaga. Cooper goes on to say how he prepared for the role which included spending a year and a half taking vocal lessons and singing at major music festivals including Stagecoach and Glastonbury.
Cooper shared a touching story on how he met De Niro right as his dad became ill; his father soon after passed away in between Limitless and Silver Linings Playbook and the actors’ experience playing father and son was the reason they grew so close. He explained: “I got to say the word ‘dad’ all the time after my dad passed away, and I got to say it to you.”
You can view the talk here.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Brent Hodge discussed his new film Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary with the creator of the original television series, Paul Feig, who shared that Seth Rogen only auditioned one time to join the cast. Feig is happy the cult hit, which catapulted Jason Segal, Busy Phillips and many others, has maintained its popularity and Hodge added “it’s lasted because of how honest it is.” Feig joked: “A lot of people are embarassed of their old stuff but everyone was still honored they are a part of the show.”
The Animated Shorts Curated by Whoopi G red carpet was full of smiles as the creators were joined by Whoopi Goldberg who posed for photos with the group. Tara Lipinski was on hand to support her husband Todd Kapostasy who produced a film in the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival: Sports Shorts, Sponsored by Mohegan Sun.
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
Director Nia Costa answered with surprise, “Me?!” to fans calling her name outside the red carpet right before stars Tessa Thompson and Lily James met her for the world premiere of Little Woods. And showing support for their daughter Katherine Waterston were parents Sam Waterston and Lynn Louisa at the world premiere of State Like Sleep. Also in attendance were director Meredith Danluck and stars Michael Shannon and Michiel Huisman.
Director Marianna Palka and cast members Christina Hendricks, Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche, and Gbenga Akinnagbe walked the carpet for the world premiere of their film Egg. Ansel Elgort was joined by girlfriend Violetta Komyshan and co-star Suki Waterhouse for the world premiere of his sci-fi drama Jonathan. Members from the cast of The Seagull attended the world premiere of the film at including Annette Bening, Corey Stoll, Michael Zegen, Billy Howle, Brian Dennehy, Jon Tenney, Mare Winningham, Glenn Fleshler and Dana Delany. Also in attendance was Director Michael Mayer, Producer Tom Hulce as well as friend and special guest Alec Baldwin.
The Festival’s centerpiece gala Zoe was celebrated by cast members Ewan McGregor, Léa Seydoux, Matthew Gruber, and Director Drake Doremus who attended the world premiere of their recently acquired Amazon Prime film.
The Tribeca Film Festival took a musical turn with Bathtubs Over Broadway, that follows Late Night with David Letterman writer, Steve Young discovery of Industrial Musicals. Performers sang Broadway-style “industrial musicals” inspired by the film, even breaking out into song about the Tribeca Film Festival itself. Young claimed “performers are performers are performers” speaking on how important the arts and theater are for society.
A new addition to Tribeca Immersive is Tribeca Cinema360, a VR theater featuring four curated screening programs of 360° mobile content which opened today and runs through April 28. Tribeca Cinema360 spotlights four immersive screening programs: VR for Good Creators Lab, This is Climate Change, horror themed It’s Right Behind You, and the breathtaking experimental visions of Horizons.
Link to photos of Tribeca Cinema360 and the Tribeca Virtual Arcade featuring Storyscapes can be found here.
Photos Courtesy of SunshineSachs
Tribeca Film Festival - The Dark
One of the many horror films premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival was The Dark, a chilling story about a young flesh-eating girl who befriends a victim of physical abuse in the woods of her childhood home. Writer and director Justin P. Lange and lead star Nadia Alexander spoke with me about the process of creating this unique and unforgettable story.
Synopsis: Being a teenage girl is already difficult enough—so imagine also being an undead ghoul. That’s the horrible reality for Mina, a young woman who has been cursed to haunt her childhood home in the woods: Nobody gets in, and nobody gets out alive. That is, until she comes across Alex, a blind boy around her once-living age who is dealing with his own trauma. After she effortlessly dispatches his companion, Mina lets Alex live, and, by doing so, she begins to notice some old feelings, such as empathy and love, have resurfaced. It could be just a fluke—or Mina might be more alive than previously thought.
When asked what type of person is going to love The Dark, Nadia jokingly responded “psychotic and crazy.” Justin went on to say that an audience “that goes in with an open mind” and who is “willing to take the twists and turns with [the] characters” will love this film. Justin further commented on the fact that the movie makes audiences leave still processing and contemplating the story.
Nadia calls The Dark “genre-bending” with “a melding of different storytelling techniques.” It is emotional, dark, touching, and horrific. She further talked about the fact that The Dark is “a metaphor of abuse and the damage and monsters that come out of being abused.” Justin thinks of the ending as “bittersweet” and reflective of how the audience views the world.
On taking on her first solo lead role, Nadia explained that the creative process was challenging, complex, and fulfilling. Justin doted on Nadia’s commitment to the role, stating that “this was her movie . . . and she owned it.”
Additionally, Justin discussed the fact that he found it important to create a horror movie from the “perspective of the killer monster” because he knew that he “needed to feel strongly” alongside the character and to be with her “in her violence and in her rage.” Justin connected with this character deeply throughout his writing process, and Nadia fulfilled the role perfectly.
It was a pleasure discussing The Dark with Nadia and Justin, as this horror film undoubtedly left its mark on the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
https://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/dark-2018
Tribeca Film Festival - Scar Face Reunion, Bethany Hamilton
The first full day of the Tribeca Film Festival kicked off with a bang. Legends, the likes of Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer and Brian DePalma reunited for a special 35th Anniversary screening of Scarface. During the talk after the film, Pacino talked about the gory cult classic and Pfeiffer reminisced about her role in front of a packed house.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Common attended the premiere of their buzzed-about new film Blue Night. Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace celebrated their film Stockholm that talks about the inspiration for "Stockholm Syndrome."
Cast members Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Thandie Newton and James Marsden were on hand to premiere the new season of Westworld. During the conversation after the film, James Marsden had the crowd laughing, saying Evan Rachel Woods’ new character is "hot for a second, but then you have to figure out how to stay alive." Following that, Thandie Newton made a not-so-subtle comparison of Westworld to our current political climate, and Evan Rachel Wood discussed how she did not really know her character going into season two.
John Legend discussed his career with Jesus Chris Superstar co-star Sara Bareilles, and then changed his outfit and hit up the premiere of United Skates, a film about African-American roller-rink culture, which he's an executive producer on. During his talk, Legend talked about how he met Kanye West before anyone knew who he was and shared that he'd already started to write songs for his unborn son.
The second day continued with a full day of screenings and events at venues around Lower Manhattan in New York City. Trayvon Martin's parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin joined filmmakers and moderator Joy Reid for a panel following the world premiere of Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, about the tragic death of Martin and its impact on the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The incredibly moving panel following the screening welcomed Martin's parents with two standing ovations. The Martins discussed their struggle to put off grieving to fight for justice, and the importance of the series in helping Trayvon's story live on.
On a panel following the world premiere of National Geographic’s Genius: Picasso, Antonio Banderas spoke about the responsibility he felt to fill the shoes of the most prolific artists of all time, particularly having been born in the same Spanish city and growing up with the artist as an idol. He was joined by castmates Alex Rich, Clémence Poésy, and Samantha Colley, showrunner Ken Biller, executive producers Brian Grazer and Francie Calfo.
Alex Pettyfer‘s directorial debut Back Roads also made its world premiere tonight. His cast members, including Jennifer Morrison and Nicola Peltz, were all at the screening to support the film, which centers around a young man caring for his sisters after their mother is imprisoned for murdering their abusive father. Anwar Hadid was on hand to cheer on his girlfriend, Nicola.
Innovators Tony Faddell, Megan Smith, Joanna Hoffman, Marc Porat, Andy Hertzfeld attended the world premiere of their documentary General Magic, a tribute to their influential tech company. Bethany Hamilton arrived for the world premiere of Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable and reunited on the red carpet with actress AnnaSophia Robb who depicted her in 2011's Soul Surfer. Jeffrey Wright, who portrays a maximum-security prison inmate in Madeleine Sackler’s new film O.G., walked the carpet at the film’s world premiere along with producer Boyd Holbrook and actor William Fichtner while Michael Angarano and Dree Hemingway supported their new film In A Relationship at SVA Theatre.
Photos Courtesy of Sunshine Sachs
LOOT Opening Benefit
On Monday night, April 16, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) held their annual LOOT Opening Benefit, which began with a three-hour cocktail portion on the second floor gallery where guests were in a flurry of jewelry shopping. The annual Awards Presentation at MAD’s ROBERT restaurant followed. The Museum honored four avid studio jewelry and arts philanthropists:Loreen Arbus was presented with her award by LOOT’s Chair Marsy Mittlemann; Carolee Lee was presented by MAD’s Board MemberAnn Kaplan, Michael and Karen Rotenberg was presented by LOOT’s Curator Bryna Pomp. All four honorees took to the podium and expressed their love for the Museum and the field of jewelry. During Loreen Arbus’s acceptance speech, she announced that MAD was her favorite museum in the world. The Museum’s Chair and Board of Trustees Michele Cohen made the opening remarks at the benefit dinner. Chairman Emerita Barbara Tober and husband Donald Tober were present, as well.
LOOT: MAD About Jewelry, annual five-day exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewelry, with all proceeds benefiting the Museum’s programs and exhibitions. Now in its 18th edition, LOOT remains the only event in North America to provide the public with the opportunity to meet and directly acquire contemporary pieces from the most skilled, innovative, and creative jewelry artists working globally today. Open to the public from April 17 through April 21, this year’s LOOT features a curated selection of jewelry by thirty-five international emerging and established artists.
“The 2018 artists we invited stood out for their inspiring craftsmanship and inventiveness,” said LOOT Curator Bryna Pomp. “The jewelry featured incorporates a wide range of remarkable non- traditional materials, from crocheted textiles, ecologically tie-dyed silk, felt, leather, and resin to 3D-printed nylon, titanium, safety pins, bicycle tires, X-ray film, papier-mâché, and wood.”
LOOT 2018 welcomes thirty-five artists from fifteen countries, most of whom have never been shown in New York. In addition to artists from Argentina (2), Denmark (2), France (5), Germany (2), Greece (3), Israel (1), Italy (4), Japan (1), Romania (1), South Korea (1), Spain (1), Switzerland (1), United Kingdom (8), and the United States (2), LOOT will feature an artist from Thailand for the first time in the event’s history.
LOOT: MAD About Jewelry reflects the Museum of Arts and Design’s commitment to the exploration of materials and process, as well as its long-standing presentation of jewelry as an art form. MAD is the only American museum with a gallery dedicated to the display of both temporary jewelry exhibits and its own collection of contemporary and modern studio and art jewelry.
One of the evening highlights was Shannon R. Stratton’s, Chief Curator of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), announcement that artists Isabelle Molénat and Sarran Youkongdee have been awarded the third annual LOOT Acquisition Prize, on the occasion of the eighteenth edition of LOOT: MAD About Jewelry. LOOT presents a cross section of the most exciting cutting-edge art jewelry designs, while offering the public a rare opportunity to purchase pieces from and to meet some of the most skilled creators in the field. This year’s prize will result in the acquisition of two jewelry works, Isabelle Molénat’s Collection Knots Necklace (2018) made of silk and polypropylene and Sarran Youkongdee’s Siam Rattikarn (2017) made of Felt, brass, pearl, for the Museum’s collection. Awarded by a jury, the LOOT Acquisition Prize seeks to recognize a LOOT jewelry artist whose work reflects a maturity in artistry and concept; exhibits both a superior and experimental understanding of materials and form; and demonstrates expertise in technique and execution.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. Since the Museum’s founding in 1956 by philanthropist and visionary Aileen Osborn Webb, MAD has celebrated all facets of making and the creative processes by which materials are transformed, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Today, the Museum’s curatorial program builds upon a rich history of exhibitions that emphasize a cross-disciplinary approach to art and design, and reveals the workmanship behind the objects and environments that shape our everyday lives. MAD provides an international platform for practitioners who are influencing the direction of cultural production and driving twenty-first-century innovation, and fosters a participatory setting for visitors to have direct encounters with skilled making and compelling works of art and design.
A full list of the LOOT 2018 artists found at www.madmuseum.org/loot.
Photos courtesy of LOOT and MAD Museum