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New York City TV Festival November 2nd & 3rd 2018

EVENTS

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November 16, 2018

New York City TV Festival November 2nd & 3rd 2018

On November 3rd, the Closing Award Ceremony of the New York City Television Festival presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 60 years of golden television to legendary actor Tony LoBianco, known for his starring roles in The French Connection and The Seven’s Up.

The festival, founded in 2018 by Roberto Rizzo (NYCIFF) to celebrate emerging talent of some of the industry’s best directors, producers and actors in the golden era of linear and non-linear television debuted in New York City to over 250 guests. Roberto is also the founder and chariman of the New York City International Film Festival which will celebrate its tenth anniversary

The glitzy ceremony, hosted at the Dolby Screening Room in midtown Manhattan over two nights and featured over 13 exclusive screenings of top TV series and shorts from celebrated filmmakers from Russia, Iceland and the United States.

The VIP cocktail was hosted by presenting sponsor, Russian Standard Vodka, one of the world’s premium clear spirits who provided their signature cocktail, the Moscow Mule for guests to enjoy. On Saturday night, the cast and crew of Russian Nationals, led a toast to celebrate their television show based on the story a Russian immigrant’s journey to New York City at the Screening Finale. The emcee for the night was Steve Stanulis, known for his starring role in Wasted Talent with Lilo Brancato and presented the Rising Star Award to Jeff Lima, who starred alongside Ryan Gosling in Oscar nominate movie, Half Nelson and has a recurring role on NBC drama, Chicago Fire.

For the closing presentation, Tony LoBianco was invited to the stage to pay tribute to the service men and women in the US Armed Forces by reciting an emotional rendition of “A Soldier Died Today” in celebration of Veteran’s Day on November 12^th.

New York City Television Festival Award Winners 2018

Best TV Series
Tinsel’s Town

Best International TV Series
The Bolshoi – from Russia

Best Leading Actress
Aimee Lynn Chadwick for Tinsel’s Town

Best Leading Actor
Murf Meyer for Tom & The Domme

Best Cinematography
The Bolshoi – from Russia

Best Director
Michael Lindsay-Hogg and David C Barry
for Tinsel’s Town

Best Documentary
Useless

ABOUT: The New York City TV Festival (NYCTVF) is an annual event produced by the Foundation for the Arts & Film 501(c)3; featuring top TV series from celebrated filmmakers as well as up-coming new talent from around the world. The mission of the NYCTVF is to support and promote talented filmmakers as they embark on their creative journeys. The festivals programming features new series and season premieres and highlights the work of independently produced TV projects through their Pilots Season program.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Honored at Dominican Women’s Development Center’s 30th Anniversary Gala

EVENTS

Adora Henson

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November 14, 2018

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Lin-Manuel Miranda Honored at Dominican Women’s Development Center’s 30th Anniversary Gala

On Thursday October 25, the Dominican Women’s Development Center, the largest independent Dominican founded organization in the United States, held their 30^th Anniversary Gala at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, where they honored composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, and other notable people, including philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.

The gala raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fund the center’s diverse programs for Latina women and families of the Washington Heights community.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s father Luis A. Miranda, Jr. introduced Rosita Romero, DWDC Executive Director, who danced her way on to the stage before offering a rallying speech, saying “Our evening’s theme is transforming lives, but the first life the DWDC transformed was mine.” She spoke about the center’s achievements and how they have helped more than 11,000 individuals and families with support services, referrals and resources.

Lin-Manuel Miranda then came to the stage and joked, “I love Dominican women so much I married one,” before applauding the work of the DWDC for always “lifting up the community.” Throughout the evening, the DWDC also recognized exceptional individuals and corporations that have made their mark.

Dr. Casilda Balmaceda, Board-Certified Neurologist and CEO of Neurology Associates, was presented with the Healthcare Leadership Award; Jean Shafiroff, Author and Philanthropist, was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropy Award; Daniel Kern, NYPD Police Officer, was presented with the Honorable Service Award; Marisol Martinez, Vice President, Channel Relationship Marketing, Charter Communications, was presented with the Visionary in Strategic Marketing and Communication Award; Jomari Goyso, Designer, Beauty Expert and Hairstylist, was presented with the Lifestyle Breakthrough Award; and Maria Terrero,Family Services Coordinator, Early Head Start, DWDC, was presented with the Founders Award.

Dr. Casilda Balmeceda, Jean Shafiroff, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Rosita Romero_Credit Jimi Celeste

An auction was then held, where people bid on luxury handbags including one by Oscar de la Renta, vacations and art work donated by Kate Shin from the Waterfall Mansion – where one of the bids was for$37,000.

The Gala Chairs were Luz Miranda-Crespo and Sabine Poisson. The Gala Benefit Committee was Annette Malloy, Luz Bermudez, Maritza Santiago, Karen Kelley, Fermin Espinosa, Petra Cruz, Michelle Ester, Brenda Scott, and Rosita Romero.

About the Dominican Women’s Development Center

The mission of DWDC is to empower all women and communities to advance gender equality and social justice. Since 1998 and with an uncompromised resolve, the DWDC has made tremendous strides to fulfil its mission to empower all women and communities to advance gender equality and social justice. Fueled by an unrelenting quest to see families and individuals realize their potential, the DWDC has been a compassionate source of hope and inspiration to countless women, children and households through programs and services that restore their dignity and self-esteem while encouraging the pursuit of possibilities far beyond their personal circumstance and socioeconomic conditions.

At their annual events, the DWDC is able to showcase some of the lives they are privileged to shape, and equally ecstatic about recognizing individuals who share our passion for service as well as honoring our selfless organization partners without whom the mission of changing lives cannot be achieved.

Thirty years is not just a DWDC milestone: it is the perfect embodiment of a collective community accomplishment. The DWDC believes in treating all people with dignity and respect, that promoting gender equality is fundamental to social justice, that all people have the right to opportunities and resources that support them in reaching their full potential. They believe in practicing holistic, culturally sensitive, inclusive and innovative community engagement. They are committed to serving all communities regardless of background gender, race, ethnicity, economic status, age, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or other identities, and believe in the power of advocacy for ourselves and their communities.

To continue to donate to Dominican Women’s Development Center’s go to dwdc.org/donate.

French Heritage Society’s Black and Orange Ball

Adora Henson

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November 9, 2018

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French Heritage Society’s Black and Orange Ball

On October 31^st, French Heritage Society (FHS) held its Annual New York Gala Dinner Dance at The Plaza Hotel. This year, the exquisite, much anticipated affair was festively themed The Black and Orange Ball, and black-tie clad guests wore elegant masks, disguises, and colorful accents.

The evening honored French luxury lifestyle brand LALIQUE and its founder René Lalique. It was organized under the gracious patronage of His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States, His Excellency François Delattre, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, and Mrs. Sophie L’Hélias-Delattre, Ms. Anne-Claire Legendre, Consul General of France in New York, and Mrs. Bénédicte de Montlaur, Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy in the United States.

The Gala Chairmen were CeCe Black, Silvina Leone, Liz McDermott, Jay R. Paul, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann Van Ness. The New York Chapter Chairs are Guy N. Robinson and Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, who also served as the Design Consultant. The Board of Directors includes Elizabeth F. Stribling, Chairman of the Board, Denis de Kergorlay, President, David M. Gray, Treasurer, and Jennifer Herlein, Executive Director.

Adele Nino and Silvina Leone_Credit Annie Watt

Jay Paul and Martha Talton_Credit Annie Watt

Michel Longchampt, Odile De Schiétère-Longcham, Amra Sabic El-Rayess, Tamar El-Rayess_Credit Annie Watt.

A cocktail reception commenced with singer and performer Lenny Hoops providing the music and entertainment before guests sat for dinner. Attendees raised their glasses as Chairman of the Board, Elizabeth F. Stribling and Denis de Kergorlay welcomed guests, and CeCe Black thanked her fellow Gala Chairs.

Deborah Barshalan and CeCe Black_Credit Annie Watt

The events wine consultant and emcee, George Sape then introduced a short video about LALIQUE before Elizabeth F. Stribling and Denis de Kergorlay presented a trophy to the LALIQUE team, which was accepted by Sarah Gargano on behalf of the brand. Celebrating their 130th anniversary in 2018, LALIQUE is internationally recognized as the ultimate symbol of French luxury.

Elizabeth Stribling and Denis de Kergolay_Credit Annie Watt

A short dancing break set to the music of the Alex Donner Orchestra before Nicholas Dawes, Vice President, Heritage Auctions, the country’s leading expert on René Lalique, began the live auction.

Jean Shafiroff and Alex Donner_Credit Michael Ostuni PMC

Nick Dawes and Nancy Hagosian_Credit Annie Watt

Supporters were given the opportunity to bid on four lots that included Living LALIQUE – an exclusive cocktail party for up to 10 guests in an elegant space designed by LALIQUE, which served so popular a second party was provided with both selling at $4,500. A lavish travel package to Discover the Parisian Art-de-Vivre was sold for $6,500, dinner for four at Skybox at Daniel accompanied by superlative wines was placed for $3,500, and a stay at La Mamounia, the legendary 5-star palace hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco, resulted in a bidding war before being placed with the winner for $6,000.

A short video about the FHS Student Exchange Program, was then screened before Naomi Jabouin, FHS Student Exchange Program Alum, made brief remarks to express her gratitude for the program. The auctioneer then collected for the bids for the Student Exchange Program, before dessert was served and dancing resumed.

About French Heritage Society

French Heritage Society was founded in 1982 as a two-way street for Americans and French to share their love of historic architecture. French Heritage Society intervenes to ensure that the treasures of our shared French architectural and cultural heritage survive to inspire future generations to build, dream and create. FHS has contributed to over 580 restoration grants and helped secure $21.2 million dollars, including matching dollars, for historic monuments, buildings and gardens in every department in France and to properties in the United States that reflect France’s historic influence. There are 11 Chapters of the Society throughout the United States and Paris.

Three Art Fairs You May be Interested In December 5-9, 2018

Adora Henson

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November 5, 2018

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Three Art Fairs You May be Interested In December 5-9, 2018

Art Miami (http://www.artmiami.com), returning for its 29th edition on December 4 – 9, 2018, has announced its 2018 exhibitor list. Recognized as one of the preeminent international modern and contemporary art fairs, Art Miami will showcase an array of iconic and important art works, dynamic projects and special installations from more than 160 international galleries from nearly 30 countries representing 68 cities.

This year’s fair will kick off with a Platinum VIP Preview for top collectors, curators, and members of the press on Tuesday December 4th, from 4:30PM – 5:30PM to benefit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), sponsored by Christie’s International Real Estate. The VIP Preview will open for all VIP Cardholders at 5:30PM and continue until 10PM. This is the eighth consecutive year that PAMM has been the fair’s exclusive VIP Preview benefactor and Art Miami has already donated more than $150,000 to further the museum’s collection and mission. The partnership remains an integral part of Art Miami’s larger commitment to the city of Miami.

Art Miami is the top ranked international art fair for attendance in the U.S. and second most attended globally, with more than 85,000 established and budding collectors, curators, museum professionals, members of the press and art world luminaries attending annually. For the second year, the fair will be held at the prestigious waterfront location of One Miami Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay nestled between the Venetian and MacArthur Causeways in the heart of Downtown Miami. Art Miami offers an unparalleled level of accessibility to the activities and collectors on Miami Beach with convenient parking and shuttle service.

The 2018 line-up will present the finest investment quality paintings, photography, prints, drawings, design, sculpture and video art, with works from the 20th and 21st centuries. The fairs will feature leading international galleries showcasing renowned modern masters and blue chip contemporary works, as well as the most sought-after living artists from around the world.

Thousands of works from more than 800 artists will be on display at this year’s Art Miami, including Marcel Duchamp, Wilfredo Lam, David Hockney, Jackson Pollock, Joseph Albers, Alexander Calder, Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor, Robert Rauschenberg, Jeff Koons, Pablo Picasso, Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, John Chamberlain, Damien Hirst, Marc Chagall, Donald Judd, Ed Ruscha, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Donald Sultan, Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Frank Stella, Richard Serra, Salvador Dali, and many more.

Christie’s International Real Estate, together with its international affiliates, will host an elegant booth featuring luxury residential property listings from around the world at the main entrance of the fair.

CHUBB will host an interactive on-site booth at the fair. Planning on purchasing that special addition to your collection at Art Miami? If you’re a Chubb client, your new piece may be automatically protected depending on your coverage. Check with your agent or visit expectmore.chubb.com for more information.

2018 ART MIAMI EXHIBITOR LIST

One of the artists exhibiting at Art Miami is Peter Anton. He is best known for his larger-than-life hyper-realistic food sculptures, and made headlines for his 2012 Miami Art Week installation, SUGAR & GOMORRAH, which allowed spectators to ride a roller coaster through an exhibition of his sugar sculptures, nude models, and ruins of a destroyed city, will be making his much-anticipated return to Miami Art Week.

Anton will return for the 29^th edition of Art Miami, with CHOCO TOWER, a monumental sculpture of five chocolates stacked on top of each other, with two of the candies decadently half-eaten.

CHOCO TOWER, pictured below and made from painted aluminum, will be the star of Stuttgart-based Galerie von Braunbehrens’s booth, towering over visitors at 10 feet tall and weighing over1,000 pounds.

CHOCO TOWER is part of an edition of three unique works, each painted in different colors. They were created at the world-renowned Foundry of Polich Tallix.

Peter Anton with his sculpture CHOCO TOWER

Here is a small interview with Peter:

1. What drew you to Exhibit in Art Miami?
Miami is an international city and Miami Art Week has become the art world’s mecca during this time of year. Every artist dreams of having their artwork exhibited there where it could possibly be seen by all the top players.

2. How many years have you exhibited in Art Miami?
I have been showing my artwork at Art Miami for 16 years.

3. How does being involved in Art Miami impact your work?
Knowing that my work will be viewed by such a large and important audience heightens and stimulates my creativity.

4. What kind of space do you imagine CHOCO TOWER fitting perfectly in?
I can see my CHOCO TOWER in almost every environment. My first solo exhibition in New York City back in 1995 was titled “Chocolate throughout the Land.” My goal is to cover the world in chocolate!

5. What is your favorite part of Art Miami?
I am grateful to have had so many chances to exhibit my work at Art Miami. But, my favorite part of the fair is the people-watching.

Here are some more artworks exhibiting at Art Miami:

Allan Stone Projects_Kazuko Inoue_Untitled_1982

Allan Stone Projects_Richard Hickam_Comely Nude_1980

Osborne Samuel_Lynn Chadwick_First Girl Sitting on Bench_1988

Osborne Samuel_Henry Moore_Mother and Child C…ed Feet_1956

Vertes_Tom Wesselmann_Little Still Life 15_1964

Now in its seventh year, CONTEXT Art Miami, the sister fair to Art Miami, is dedicated to the development and reinforcement of emerging and mid-career artists. CONTEXT’s open atmosphere creates a meaningful dialogue between artists, galleries and collectors while providing the ultimate platform for established and emerging galleries to present cutting-edge and emerging talent.

Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami will open on Tuesday, December 4^th with a VIP Private Preview at the Art Miami Pavilion, which is located at One Herald Plaza at NE 14th Street on Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami between the Venetian & MacArthur Causeways.

A One-Day Fair Pass provides admission to Art Miami and CONTEXT Fairs at $50. A Multi-Day Pass provides admission to Art Miami, CONTEXT and Aqua Art Miami Fairs for $95. Students aged 12 – 18-years, and seniors aged 62-years and older are $35. Children under 12 are free. The VIP Pass costs $250 and provides access to the VIP Previews; unlimited admission to Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami during public fair hours; and access to Art Miami VIP Lounge + CONTEXT Art Miami VIP Lounge; and complimentary admission to partnering museums. This pass will also provide access to Aqua Art Miami for the VIP Preview and during fair hours.

The VIP opening will take place on Tuesday, December 4 from 5:30pm – 10pm, with a First View VIP Preview at 4:30pm. Between Wednesday and Sunday, the fair will be open from 11am – 8pm every day, except Sunday in which the fair will close at 6pm.

2018 CONTEXT ART MIAMI EXHIBITOR LIST

3 Punts Galeria | Barcelona; 532 Gallery Thomas Jaeckel | New York; Able Fine Art NY Gallery | New York; Ai Bo Gallery | Westchester; Alida Anderson Art Projects | Washington; Analog Contemporary | Philadelphia; ANNA ZORINA GALLERY | New York; ANSORENA | Madrid; Art Angels | Los Angeles; ART DESIGN GALLERY | Guéthary; ArtLabbé Gallery | Coral Gables; Avenue des Arts | Los Angeles; Bel Air Fine Art | Miami; Bivins Gallery | Dallas; Black Book Gallery | Denver; BLANK SPACE | New York; Bruce Lurie Gallery | Los Angeles; Cantor Fine Art | Venice Beach; Cavalier Galleries | New York; Chiefs & Spirits | The Hague; CHUNG JARK GALLERY | Seoul; Connect Contemporary | Atlanta; Contempop Gallery | New York; Counterpoint Contemporary | Bridgehampton; Cube Gallery | London; Denise Bibro Fine Art | New York; DS Projects | Miami; Duane Reed Gallery | Saint Louis; DURAN | MASHAAL | Montreal; Estudio Arte Contemporaneo | La Habana; ETERNITY GALLERY | Miami; FP Contemporary | Los Angeles; FREDERIC GOT | Paris; Gabriel Wickbold Studio and Gallery | Sao Paulo; Galería Alfredo Ginocchio | Ciudad de México; Galería Casa Cuadrada | Bogotá; Galeria Contrast | Barcelona; GALERIA LGM | Bogotá; GALERIE BENJAMIN ECK | Munich; GALERIE ISABELLE LESMEISTER | Regensburg; Galerie LeRoyer | Montreal; Galerie Matthew Namour | Montreal; Galeries Bartoux | Paris; GALLERIA STEFANO FORNI | Bologna; Gallery Aurora | Yang-san; Gallery G-77 | Kyoto; Gallery Henoch | New York; GALLERY JUNG | Seoul; Gallery TABLEAU | Seoul; GAMA GALLERY | Istanbul; GEMA LLAMAZARES | Gijón; Hang Art | San Francisco; Hashimoto Contemporary | San Francisco; HAVOC Gallery | Burlington; HEITSCH GALLERY| Munich; Hernandez Art Gallery | Milan; Heron Arts | San Francisco; HOHMANN | Palm Desert; Juan Silió Gallery | Santander; K+Y Gallery | Paris; Kim Foster Gallery | New York; Laura Rathe Fine Art | Houston; Lawrence Fine Art | Lawrence; Liquid art system | Capri; Lucía Mendoza | Madrid; MAC | Milan; Markowicz Fine Art | Miami; Momentum Gallery | Asheville; N2 Galería | Barcelona; NIL GALLERY |Paris; NINE Gallery | Gwangju; Oliver Cole Gallery | Miami; Peninsula Fine Art | Guanacaste; Projects Gallery | Miami; Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery | New York; Rele Gallery | Lagos; Retrospect Galleries | Byron Bay; RHODES | London; Ronen Art Gallery | Amsterdam; SASHA D espacio de arte |Córdoba; Sergott Contemporary Art Alliance |Rancho Santa Fe; Simons Gallery | The Hague; Spoke Art | New York; STOA | Estepona; TAMBARAN 2 |New York; Tauvers Gallery international | Kyiv; ten|Contemporary |Nevada City; The Light Gallery | Medellin; URGEL | FLECHA | Madrid; Vitavie Gallery | Toronto; VK Gallery | Amsterdam; Want Art Gallery | New York; Whitewall Contemporary | Delray Beach; Woolff Gallery| London; Z GALLERY ARTS | Vancouver; ZK Gallery | San Francisco.

Context Art Miami Fair Courtesy Ken Hayden Photography

Aqua Art Miami (www.aquaartmiami.com), the sister satellite fair to Art Miami, will kick off its 14^th edition at the Aqua Hotel (1530 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139).

The festive Preview has become the destination of influential collectors and art professionals who migrate from the Art Miami and CONTEXT fairs at the Pavilion to procure works by young, emerging and mid-career artists.

Throughout the years, Aqua Art Miami has continued to solidify itself as a completely unique art fair, consistently staying true to its signature relaxed yet energetic vibe. The 2017 edition featured 52 international exhibitors showcasing fresh new works in the intimate exhibition rooms that open into a beautiful courtyard, of the classic South Beach hotel.

A one-day fair pass to Aqua is $25. A multi-day fair pass (Aqua, CONTEXT and Art Miami) is $95. Students 12-18 years and Seniors aged 62 years and older are $20. Children under 12 years accompanied by adult are free. Aqua Groups 10 or more (Online tickets only) are $20. A Multi-Day Pass provides admission to Art Miami, CONTEXT and Aqua Art Miami Fairs, and complimentary shuttle service will be available between the fairs.

The VIP Preview will take place on Wednesday, December 5^th between 3pm – 10pm. On Thursday December 6^th, the fair will open 12 noon – 9pm. On Friday and Saturday, fair hours are 11am – 9pm, and on Sunday fair hours are 11am – 6pm.

2018 AQUA ART MIAMI EXHIBITOR LIST

212 Arts | New York; AC Contemporary | Buenos Aires; Alessandro Berni Gallery | Perugia; Art In The Game | London; ArtApparent | Miami; ArtHelix Gallery/SHIM | Brooklyn; Artig / SHIM | Brooklyn; Artsaroma | New Delhi; ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers) | New York; Aureus Contemporary | Fort Collins; BB Giordano | Boynton Beach; belenmorenoSTUDIO | New York; BEN Gallery | Guangzhou & Paris; Blackship | Miami; BoxHeart Gallery | Pittsburg; BP PROJECT : MARYAM ALAKBARLI | Baku & Paris; Bridgette Mayer Gallery | Philadelphia; CityArts Factory | Orlando; Elizabeth Clement Fine Art | Boston & New York; Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design, Georgia State University | Atlanta; EXHIBIT A | Corning; FF-1051 Gallery | Los Angeles; Fine Art Consultancy | London & Tokyo; Gallery Quinze | Pau; Gitter & Frascona | Miami Beach; HG Contemporary | New York; Imlay Gallery | Montclair; IRREVERSIBLE PROJECTS | Miami; John Sanchez Studio | Miami; Kevin Berlin Studio | New York; MID4ART | Miami; Orit Fuchs | Tel Aviv; Parsons Close Project | Springs, NY; reference: contemporary | Toronto; Robert Fontaine Gallery | Miami; RW Art | Washington, D.C.; SCAI | Seoul; Skip Hartzell Gallery| Port St. Lucie; Space 776 | Brooklyn; standARTe | Madrid; Steidel Contemporary | London & Palm Beach; Stella Ripley | Québec; Stephen Wilson | Charlotte; Studio Casey Waterman | Miami Beach; SuperChief | Queens; The Lawley Art Group | Dallas; Uncommon Beauty Gallery | New York; VAN GOGH Art Gallery | Madrid; Vicky Barranguet | New York; Whitespace Collection | West Palm Beach; Wolf & Nomad | Miami; Wynwood 28 | Art Gallery | Miami

Here are a few of the Art Works at Aqua Art Miami 2018:

Art in the Game_Zest_Going around in circles

BlackShip_Derek Hunter_2018

BlackShip_Paul Amundarain_Piel Anárquica

BoxHeart_Andrew Ooi_Aura

BoxHeart_Hannah Pierce_Apartment Building (blue)_2018

Upcoming Endeavors of Artist Patti Grabel

ARTS
LIVING

Adora Henson

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November 1, 2018

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Upcoming Endeavors of Artist Patti Grabel

Patti Grabel has been featured a few times here in the past and she has a two notable endeavors coming in the next few weeks you might want to check out. Curious myself, I asked Patti a few questions to further ignite curiosity and conversation. Patti’s answers surely satisfy curiosity (interview below)!

The first event including Patti to look out for is an exhibit at Iron Gate East. They will be hosting an opening reception for the group exhibition Love Is Not All on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 from 5 to 8 in the evening at 230 Bishops Lane, Southampton, NY. The exhibition features works by Meghan Boody, Patti Grabel, Ryan Michael Kelly, Jeff Muhs and Richard Pasquarelli.

“The artists selected for the exhibition are making works that to seem to, at their very core, explore the depths, limits and complexities of our relationship, both real and imagined, to ourselves, each other, and—for lack of a better word—love.

I’m thrilled to be exhibiting the work of these exceptional artists in this architecturally stunning residence. The dialogue taking place between the works in the exhibition play off of the idea of the home as both a gathering place and a place—when the party is over—for contemplation, privacy, reflection and intimacy. Our homes are where we come together, but also where we dream, alone.”

— Kelcey Edwards, Curator

The title of the exhibition, Love Is Not All, is drawn from a poem by the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and first-wave feminist Edna St. Vincent Millay in which Millay explains the inadequacy of love, beginning with:

Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink

Nor slumber nor a roof against the rain

However, Millay points out later in the poem that, despite love’s inability to sustain us, many a man is making friends with death…for lack of love alone. The final lines of the poem seem to express her belief that, despite the limitations of love, she would not exchange it for a life without it.

It well may be that in a difficult hour,

Pinned down by pain and moaning for release,

Or nagged by want past resolution’s power,

I might be driven to sell your love for peace,

Or trade the memory of this night for food.

It well may be. I do not think I would.

While there is arguably no theme more ancient and intrinsic to human history than Love, questions around what constitutes appropriate expressions of romantic love and sexual desire continue to be debated at every level of our society—from art to politics. It is fascinating to note the differences between the gendered “gaze” felt around the representations of femininity in the exhibition: from Muhs’ girdled cement torsos and Kelly’s cinematic erotic photographs, to Grabel’s photographs of a spoon suggestively cradling a pearl, and Boody’s children—magical and savage looking characters, disconcertingly presented like wild, miniature elf-queens seated at a debaucherous feast.

An interview with Patti:

1.Do you prefer solo or group exhibitions and why?

I love all types of venues. Solo exhibitions are an opportunity to show a variety of my work in depth. It feels like hosting a party because I put on my wearable art that is designed to be fashionable and fun. For example, I created a fabulous feathered skirt embellished with silver spoons and a black ruffled skirt adorned with spoons and replicas of lemons, limes, and cherries. For the upcoming event at Iron Gate, which is a group exhibition, I plan on wearing a bomber jacket with my motif on the back, a bit more low–key. It’s wonderful being a part of a group show and seeing how different artworks and artists respond to one another and how viewers bring their own perspectives.

2. Who named the show?

Kelcey Edwards named the show based on an Edna St. Vincent Millay poem by the same title.

3.How did this particular group of artists come together?

Kelcey Edwards picked the artists based on the concept of the show.

4.Does someone in your family have a nice spoon collection?

I have a collection of beautiful time-worn spoons in my kitchen. They are strategically placed next to my stove top. They appear like ladies in waiting. When I pick them up, we dance, create, stir, and serve our family and friends with meals created with love. When I pick up a spoon to start cooking or create an artwork, I am very aware of how this beautiful sculptural object extends my hand, arm, heart, and soul. We work in unison. This is why when someone tastes something I have made, they are not only tasting the delicious food, but the essence of the spirit in which it was created. The same is true with my artwork. When I paint a spoon, I use the same rhythmic motions as if I were stirring soup. I get the colors and textures I need, I immediately hang them to dry on a clothes-line in my yard. The sun, the moon, and the stars are nature’s oven.

5.How often do you use objects other than spoons?

While spoons are a central component in much of my current work, I use various objects with them to tell stories. You see, after the spoons dry, I place them on my studio floor. I project my stories, and they tell me theirs. I wonder if spoons could talk, what would they say? Every spoon has a story. Among the other items with which I compose are familiar things and found objects. For example, I incorporated red hot candies (a childhood favorite) as two spoons cradle, like lovers playfully cuddling in bed. I added phone wires because I see spoons as receivers of love. I tied red string to a spoon to signify strength and the power in the conductivity of the utensil. The spoon is also a gatherer. This beautiful object has the unique ability to bring communities and families together to share a meal. Humanity at its best. No matter who you are, it serves to feed not only those who hunger for food but for love and acceptance, too. This is clearly what we all need now more than ever.

6.Have you spent periods of your creation on other objects?

Recently, I began dabbling in creating a fashion line with my “Spoon Sayings.” These are messages that are important to me that I want to put out into the world. For example, I just created a jacket that is emblazoned with “See it, Create it, Believe it, Be it.” This sums up my personal credo and artistic practice in a way.

Last month, Bloomingdale’s invited me to be one of seven artists reimagining a pair of jeans for the launch of their new denim collection. This project opened my eyes to another way to tell a story. My mannequin, located on the 2nd floor of Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street, reveals aspects of my personal journey as well as universal touchstones.

The pants Patti Grabel reimagined for Bloomingdales.

A length of clothes-line is the belt, supporting the weight of over 150 spoons attached to the legs. The spoons are symbols of nourishment and one’s commitment to family. We feed our children, our children feed themselves, our children feed their children, our children eventually feed us. Replicas of cherries and vines symbolize the harvest. The back pockets are embroidered with SPOON FEED LOVE ACCEPT on one and ONE ANOTHER on the other. I placed a paint brush in a back pocket as an homage to the art of telling a story without words. Lastly, I leveraged the fact that denim is an iconic American emblem of hard work, dependability, and timelessness. As they get broken in like a wooden spoon, they develop a story and one worth telling.

The second of Patti’s endeavors happening soon is being featured at Chase Edwards Contemporary‘s Manhattan seasonal pop-up, opening on the Upper East Side (872 Lexington Avenue) on Thursday, November 8^th.

Chase Edwards Contemporary Opens Manhattan Pop-Up

Popular Hamptons Art Gallery Spreads its Influence

New York, NY – Chase Edwards Contemporary, specializing in mid-career contemporary artists, is pleased to announce the grand opening of their seasonal pop-up location on Manhattan’s Upper East Side on Thursday, November 8^th. An opening reception will be held that evening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm to meet with Owner and Gallery Director Bonnie Edwards, as well as several artists. Already a beloved fixture in the Hamptons, the gallery has opened a dual exhibition space to highlight their international lineup of established artists.

The centerpiece of the inaugural exhibition is a selection of recent works by Morgan Robinson, whose “wall jewelry” renders structural materials visually weightless. His iconic and versatile Curve 8 (2018), which can be mounted on a wall or as an independent structure, graces the entryway to the gallery’s main space. The elegant works incorporate materials such as rebar and feature automotive powder coating.

Chase Edwards features artists working in a variety of media, from oil paint to enamel to wall sculpture. Patti Grabel’s graceful photographic print Balance (2017) is a composition of painted wooden spoons designed to convey the power of stability and calm. Luminous resin panels by Brazilian-born Hamilton Aguiar gleam alongside Janet Jennings’ monumental matte seascapes that hover between abstraction and figuration. A mandala of butterflies cut from foreign currency by Charles Patrick provides an irreverent take on contemporary art.

Patti Grabel is known for her limited edition, photographic prints on paper or glass, which feature spoons that she has painted, hung to dry on a clothesline and arranged to tell stories. The narrative threads embrace many themes including nourishment, family, sensuality, creative expression, spirituality, and the liberating and necessary act of taking chances in life.

In addition to their texture and sculptural quality, Grabel uses spoons for their metaphorical richness. Everyday tools, they are also nurturing vessels giving and receiving in a single motion. Whether part of a set of heirloom silverware or a humble wooden spoon for stirring, they are used around the globe to make and deliver sustenance.

Grabel says, “Spoons are the most beautiful utilitarian object. It’s something you would open your mouth for easily and accept. It’s something we feed our children with, it’s what we feed our family with. When you’re holding a spoon, it extends your hand, which extends your heart, which infuses love and soul into what we cook.”

Grabel donates a portion of the proceeds from sales of her prints to City Harvest, a nonprofit organization feeding hungry New Yorkers for over 35 years.

A selection of works from her Lick the Spoon series and a solo exhibition from her Causing a Stir series were shown at Chase Edwards Contemporary in Bridgehampton, NY, in September 2017 and July 2018, respectively. Most recently, her prints were featured in a monographic presentation at Artiz gallery in New York City. Grabel was one of seven artists invited to participate in a project for Bloomingdale’s flagship store in midtown in conjunction with the launch of a new denim department. Her one-of-a-kind denim jeans embellished with spoons, replicas of berries and vines, and embroidery are on display through October.

One of her pieces was included in benefit event supporting Michael Bolton Charities in 2017, and a print was selected for the Museum of Arts and Design’s 2018 MAD Ball and their 60^th anniversary Diamond Jubilee Ball in 2017 for the silent auction benefitting the museum. A print was also selected by City Harvest for the silent auction at its BID 2018 benefit event.

Owner and Gallery Director Bonnie Edwards said of the pop-up, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to reach a broader audience and connect with some of our summer clients over the winter.” Edwards has more than 20 years of experience with galleries. In addition to the Bridgehampton location, which opened in 2010, she has operated in numerous destination spots in her career, including Maui, HI, Laguna Beach, CA, Nantucket, MA, Santé Fe, NM, and Palm Desert, CA.

Opening: Thursday, November 8^th

Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; Thursday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

New York City: 872 Lexington Avenue, between 65^th Street & 66^th Street

Bridgehampton: 2462 Main Street

The gallery is planning to host a roster of exhibitions, artist talks, and community events at the new location.

Trade War a Threat to U.S. Cannabis Companies?

Daniel Nussbaum

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October 28, 2018

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Trade War a Threat to U.S. Cannabis Companies?

The cannabis industry is well on its way to becoming a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Unfortunately, cannabis companies in the United States are already being forced to play catch-up against their global competitors, and a trade war with China could further devastate U.S. interests.

While the cannabis industry explodes in Canada — a trend most recently exemplified by Constellation Brands’ CA$5 billion investment in Canopy Growth — and legalization opens up new opportunities in western Europe, U.S. companies are struggling to keep up, despite promising retail growth figures. That is because the United States’ traditional competitive advantages are being nullified: state-level regulation means companies are competing in smaller markets, rather than a large, unified one, and Fed overhang has stalled access to crucial institutional capital. As Canadian producers cut licensing deals and secure footholds around the world, U.S. companies are left struggling to build out even mid-sized multi-state infrastructure.

The degree to which U.S. companies will be able to “catch up” will of course depend largely on how far ahead their competitors are by the time the U.S. legal environment changes to become more favorable to the industry. International markets could be locked up by the time U.S. companies really “get in the game,” and even if U.S. companies succeed at fortifying their domestic markets, they will become highly vulnerable once the market is opened up and companies like Canopy spend billions of dollars rolling up assets.

The United States’ trade war with China could significantly exacerbate these disadvantages. Generally, the costs of tariffs – such as those imposed in June on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports “containing industrially significant technology” — are borne by the consumer. When costs go up, consumers tend to look for alternative options, which governments in most cases hope is a domestic product. However, with cannabis, the alternatives will likely consist of black- or grey-market products; either products manufactured illegally, or else products smuggled in without tariffs that work with other legal products. Cannabis, having only been recently legalized at the state level in many jurisdictions, has already been forced to compete with black-market alternatives in California.

Perhaps the best illustration of how a trade war could push consumers to a black/grey market — and risk U.S. companies’ future competitive advantages — lies in the proposed tariffs on vaporization hardware and products. The 25% tariffs proposed in May by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) include “personal electric or electronic vaporizing devices,” including vaporizer batteries and pre-filled cartridges.

Cannabis concentrates, including vape cartridges, is currently the fastest-growing consumer segment of the cannabis industry, estimated to comprise up to 30% of sales in some markets, and with the potential to overtake flower as the primary consumption method in the near future. In 2017, the U.S. imported more than $42 million worth of vaporizer products from China, a 92% increase in the importation of these products from 2016.

The tariffs on vapor product devices are unlikely to change consumer preferences; people will continue to consume cannabis in their own desired way, and if prices get too high as a result of duties, consumers will look to grey- and black-market products as alternatives. This is especially likely given the nascent nature of the industry: cannabis is only recently legal in many states, and the black-market infrastructure is already well established.

Of course, vaporizer hardware and products manufacturers, including Pax and e-cigarette market leader Juul Labs, will feel the pain of any large-scale shift among consumers to grey- or black-market alternative products. But the shift will also significantly damage the broader cannabis market, as U.S. companies lose share to non-licensed competitors, states lose tax dollars, and consumers are pushed into unregulated markets. Money that would ostensibly be going to U.S. cannabis companies — which could conduct crucial R&D to innovate on products and medicines, build infrastructure and distribution capabilities, and attract top talent – will instead disappear underground. Meanwhile, global cannabis companies will remain unencumbered by these issues, and will continue to consolidate their leadership positions.

Other factors also contribute to the strong headwinds facing U.S. cannabis companies. Issues including a lack of access to banking, a lack of access to institutional capital, and tax complexities are already causing U.S. companies to lag behind their global competitors. In fact, my company, Tidal Royalty Corporation, was founded to help provide banking, financing, and regulatory guidance to cannabis companies in challenging markets. U.S. companies will need to meet these challenges head-on to acquire dominant market position in the global cannabis industry.

The current legal environment in the United States already poses significant challenges to U.S.-based cannabis companies seeking prominent position in the industry. A trade war could be catastrophic not just to consumers, but to state coffers, and to the position of U.S. players on a global basis for the foreseeable future.

Galerie Gmurzynska Hosts Dinner Honoring Alexandre de Betak, Designer Behind the Gallery’s Fire-Themed Booth at French Art Fair FIAC

ARTS

Adora Henson

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October 22, 2018

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Galerie Gmurzynska Hosts Dinner Honoring Alexandre de Betak, Designer Behind the Gallery’s Fire-Themed Booth at French Art Fair FIAC

Isabelle Bscher, Krystyna Gmurzynska, and Mathias Rastorfer of Galerie Gmurzynska hosted a private dinner to honor celebrated designer Alexandre de Betak, on October 17^th.

Mathias Rastorfer and Alisée Matta _ Credit Saskia Lawaks

A starry crowd of creatives turned out to fete de Betak’s fire-themed design for the gallery’s show-stealing booth at French art fair, FIAC. Vincent Cassel snapped a selfie with Bscher against the backdrop of a custom red fire truck on the banks of the Seine. Ellen von Unwerth, André Balazs, Caroline de Maigret, and Michel Gaubert were also photographed posing on the truck.

Caroline de Maigret _Credit Saskia Lawaks

In his visionary FIAC installation titled, On Fire, a diverse list of artists using or depicting fire in all forms throughout the 20^th Century are featured, from Joan Miró, Otto Piene, Yves Klein, Alberto Burri, Roberto Matta, up to Tom Wesselmann and others. The pieces are housed in a booth crafted from traditional industrial materials and painted in a color palette of fire-engine red and white.

Betak is a regular collaborator with Bscher and Galerie Gmurzynska, which will next be headed to Art Basel Miami Beach (December 6-9, 2018).