December 13th, 2011
Welcome back to this years’ chapter of Giving The Gift!
The sensory bombardment the American consumer is exposed to this time of year is enough to t
hrow the most steadfast of us off our game. Giving the Gift is a series that highlights local, creative businesses and thoughtful, unique gift ideas that will surprise and delight most anyone on your list, please click here to see all the write-ups.
This is something I fell into quite unexpectedly-and truthfully, equally unexpectedly, loved it!
Earlier this fall, reuniting with high school friends was the plan. We finally picked the date, but now, what to do?
Dinner somewhere or apple-picking were suggested (yawn)…then a colleague of Bert’s came up with pottery painting. I was not enthused, but it was the best option, so there is how we found ourselves at A Maze In Pottery. AMAZE,indeed!
A bright, happy, color-filled space, the feeling of serenity and creativity gives you a big old bear-hug the moment you cross the threshold. TOTALLY NOT an exclusive province for pre-schoolers, this is a place you want to know about for several reasons, more on that later
Set in a busy shopping center in the heart of Briarcliff Manor, it’s both convenient, and an escape. Owner Aggie Radzik, who holds a Masters Degree in Fine Art, Ceramic Design from her native Poland, opened this shop almost two years ago.
Here’s how it works: Shelves line the long walls, full of unpainted forms-maybe 400 to choose from, priced from $5.00 to $60.00. You buy the unfinished piece, and pay a small studio fee that includes time, paint, and glazing.
Idea books and a wide range of 
sample pieces give you food for thought…you pick your colors, then create, at your leisure. They fire it, and you pick it up about a week later.
There are mugs, plates, figures, as well as plain tiles that can be set into a tray, or a mirror. Glazes are lead-free, non-toxic, dishwasher and microwave safe.
While it’s a little late to have a gift made/fired in time for this years’ holidays, gift certificates ar
e available in any denomination, and I LOVE THIS-given on a decorated tile for presentation! They also have seasonal forms, so not too early to think about a heart mug for Valentines’ Day, a baby’s footprint wall plate for Mothers’ Day, Teacher Gift…
As homage to our reunion, we chose to paint the same form, a big pasta/salad bowl. With studio time I think it came to around $40.00 each (pretty much what we’d spend on a bowl, anyway), but even $20.00 could get 
someone a complete project.
Aggie and her staff are creative and encouraging. Jessica gently guided Bert, Cindy and I through our blank-bowl terror, helping us arrive at 3 very different and satisfying projects.
On another recent visit, Aggie was helping a customer design a 12-tile tray as a gift to grandparents from their 11 grandchildren. Together they came up with the design: each child had their name on a tile. along with a favorite motif, the 12th tile was for the grandparents’ names and the date.
It is quite the happening place. There are daily specials, and parties galore: great for kids, but grown up events too. Daily specials for all ages and groups, and events can be tailored to most any occasion you can think of.
See details, and calendar of events on their site, but bottom line, it’s a joyful experience, just go!!
Tags: fun and smiles, Marie Graham Westchester County Decorator, pottery painting Briarcliff Manor, supporting local business
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November 21st, 2011
As much as I would love this post to have a calm and moderate tone, sorry, it’s just not happening.
Just starting to come off the worst economic downfall most of us have ever been through, we find ourselves on the cusp of the start of the holiday shopping season.
Plan this morning was to write about promoting 2nd Annual Shop Small Saturday. This coming Saturday, November 26, the focus is on shopping at your local merchant, and supporting small business, which will, in turn support us all.
Watched the morning news first, was absolutely horrified to see wall-to-wall ads for big-box stores open all night, one gleefully adding the tag”…so you don’t have to wait outside.”
Folks-take a look at your downtown. See the empty storefronts?
Think about your own circle. Know anyone who is out of work, or had their hours cut back?
Money spent in the community puts dollars in the pockets of your neighbors, and strengthens us all. It is really that simple.
You don’t even need to be in a ‘big gift’ frame of mind. Have the last few years taught us nothing at all??
Last year I started a series called Giving the Gift, where ideas for unique, thoughtful and local gifts were highlighted, in the areas of Delight, In Honor Of, Entertainment, Enrichment, Membership, and Original Art. And yes, I have a bunch more of new ideas lined up for the days to come!
Will Hamm, a Realtor pal in Denver who works smart, and with his heart, shared a story written by a NEW Realtor friend, Toni Weidman from ReMAX of New Port Richey FL. Called Let’s Help Keep Our Local Businesses Open, Toni stresses the importance of not just buying local, but buying AMERICAN, and buying SMART. Click here to read her very simple, common-sense suggestions.
Look, I’ve been in retail 25 years. Trust me when I say big-box store management likens the American buying public to a gang of rats in a maze, looking for the cheese (in this case, cheap consumer electronics). With a few cheap TVs they manufacture drama, and attempt to re-train the consumer to think of shopping as a competiton sport. I say THEY need to be re-trained.
There is nothing wrong with big TVs, are we just that hard-up for them??
I understand these stores pay local taxes, and employ local people too, but a bad Black Friday will NOT cause anyone to lose their jobs in these stores. But even small actions of many COULD send all the right messages, on everything from quality of life, reminding them consumers hold the cards, and NO, we’re not stupid, and we’re going to be whores for a stupid TV…which will probably be just as cheap next week. SERIOUSLY.
SO-on Friday-sleep in. Make turkey and cranberry pancakes. Call some old friends and catch up. And make your shopping list for Saturday.
There is no single day where the consumer has more attention paid to them than the day after Thanksgiving. Please, choose to use your power for good. And thank you.
Tags: act local, don't be a whore for a cheap TV, shop small, shop smart, shopping in ossining, shopping in peekskill, shopping in pleasantville, shopping in tarrytown, shopping in white plains, supporting local business
Posted in A Day In The Life, Better Health/Better Life, Community/Greater Good, Dollars and Sense, Giving the Gift, Ruminations, Small Business Spotlight | No Comments »
June 4th, 2011
GRAND RE-OPENING: Manna Foods, 171 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains NY 10601
Like success stories? The kind where hard work, solid core values, sustained focus and commitment to a goal are how it happens? Well, me too- and you will LOVE this one!!
Running a small business has never been ‘easy’, but the last few years have presented even greater challenges. Some have been squeezed out, others hang on.
Last week, Manna Foods became twice the store it had been.
Operating in the same 1000 sf storefront since 1977, this health food store took down a wall, and expanded into the adjacent vacant store, doubling their space.
Niels Svendsen, Manna’s founder and owner, gives a lot of credit to the building’s owner, Paul Dillani, for his vision, sense of community and support.
Paul also owns the adjacent restaurants, The Porter House and Hudson Grill; sharing the outside dining space is one example of his wiser, big-picture philosophy.
As our economy is starting to regenerate, it’s a great story on its own, but it’s got an even better back story.
Their customers travel from all over Westchester, but to anyone who lives in lower Westchester, has ever shopped on Mamaroneck Avenue, or worked in White Plains-Manna Foods hardly needs any introduction.
For nearly 34 years, Manna Foods has been an anchor in the continually shifting face of retail in downtown White Plains . Simply: providing area residents good choices about healthy food is pretty much Niels’ mission in life.
The list of what to like about Manna Foods is substantial:
They carry a well-chosen assortment of certified organic, natural and minimally processed foods, beverages and produce, AND a full line of vitamins and supplements their own private label, plus several brand name lines all nicely discounted.
The Food Bar, where every weekday fresh vegetarian loaves and soups, stews, chilis, salads, wraps and burritos, along with fresh-squeezed juices are made for the lunchtime crowd.
(Doug gave the Macho Stew 2 thumbs up-tasty and satisfying; and after reading their NYT review- am now watching the daily menu for the next appearance of the curried brown rice.)
You can shop online, and healthier choices are both easier and more convenient with their website: there are recipes, resources and health news, as well as an exhaustive reference library, where all you might ever need to know about conditions, wellness, drugs, herbs and supplements is literally A-Z, under Treatment Options.
The interior is bright and airy, and ohyes, lunch in the back courtyard is a lovely, relaxing mid-day repast.
But IMO, what makes Manna Foods such a great find are the people, their passions and principles.
They have not just been a presence in downtown White Plains all these years, they have been a personality.
I have been an occasional customer for at least 15 years, and without exception, every person I’ve ever spoken to there knew what they were talking about, and genuinely wanted to help me-not ‘sell’ me.
Besides Niels, there are 7 other employees at Manna. In retail where turnover is HUGE, Mannas’ staff STAYS. Gregory (r), pictured here with Niels- goes back 32 years with Manna-first few years as a customer, but an employee all the rest.
Bottom line, Manna Foods is a gem. Stop in, see their ‘new’ space, have a California Burger in the back courtyard, and get to know these great neighbors.
Tags: good neighbors, supporting local business, the right attitude, White Plains
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May 6th, 2011
SAGE CLEANERS, White Plains NY
It’s an accepted moire that even under reasonable conditions, many small businesses do not make it.
The reasons, even the statistics themselves can vary, but the last few years have presented even greater challenges to the small business owner.
Local small businesses give our local economies a pulse, reason alone to support them.
When they persevere, and become part of the community they add heart.
When they perform a quality service, offer real value and are nice people to boot, well, you tell your friends.
Let me introduce Albina and Sungil Kim, owners of Sage Cleaners in White Plains. Their address is One Hall Place, and even if you lived nearby, you probably won’t recognize that street name.
A few years back, a legnthy construction project started to widen and strengthen the 287 overpass on Lake Street, and created this nub of a road,off Lake Street, just east of the Kensico Avenue intersection.
They are the only building on this street, between the Getty Station, and I-287.
It was during the latter stage of this project that Albina and Sungil first opened their doors, just about a year ago.
They had closed the first family-owned dry cleaning business they started in Boston 15 years ago, and moved back to NY to be closer to family. The name, “Sage” came from an honors program that their son Noel was in.
We were just looking for a convienently located place that had reasonable prices for Doug’s dress shirts, that didn’t need $___ of additional cleaning.
Albina knew my name the third time I was there, which I found to be very impressive.
Since then, they have rescued a forgotten credit card from an inside pocket in Doug’s blazer, returned a shirt, not cleaned, when they knew there was no hope for it, and most notably-Albina protects her clients from the parking enforcement nazi who lurks nearby.
Sage Cleaners is a full-service company, they do tailoring (hems/etc) and alterations; clean leather and suade, as well as drapes and bedspreads; and offer box storage.
Please stop by and check them out, you won’t be disappointed. Just watch out for the parking nazi!
Tags: saving money, supporting local business, White Plains NY
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February 13th, 2011
Grab your calendars, and your address book: your best justification for catching up with friends, having a new dining experience, while pumping up the local economy is coming!
The 5th Annual Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is returning, running March 14th thru the 27th…
OK, I know< technically, that’s 2 weeks, but all the more opportunities for yum-a-licious adventures, at great savings.
Simply, participating restaurants offer complete lunches for $20.00, dinners for $28.00. REALLY.
Many offer prix fix menus, along with the regular fare, and some may exclude certain days… to have your choice of destinations, go to the site now for listing of restaurants. Listed by county, in alphabetical order, so scroll all the way down for Westchester-easy to see menus, hours, locations, etc. Check it out, and make your reservations today!
Tags: cheap fun, Hudson Valley good life, local events, saving money, supporting local business
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December 20th, 2010
Of all the posts I planned for this series, this has been the hardest one to write. Have you ever had so many thoughts that all want to be heard at the same time, where there’s gridlock in the brain?
Have written about my fondness for whimsy before, and the simple truth is, I am crazy about this place. Don’t want to have this read as blather; but just can’t imagine a more aptly-named gift store than Whimsies Incognito.
Whether you are scrambling for a last-minute hostess gift, or just haven’t found that something special for that 
someone special, there is something wonderful here for everyone.
After outgrowing 2 different storefronts on Main Street, they are now located around the corner at 35 South Broadway in Tarrytown, their biggest location since first opening in downtown Tarrytown almost thirty years ago.
Jacqueleen Golabek, the owner explains, it just evolved as she was trying to figure out what she wanted to do ‘when she grew up’.
My pictures don’t do the store any justice, but it’s a sensory feast. There is vibrant color and textures everywhere you look, and thoughtful, creative displays that beckon, and draw you in.
Unusual, finely hand-crafted gifts are their specialty. Whimsies represents about 500 vendors; some local, but most in the US, the others through Fair Trade. Recycled, and creatively re-purposed materials are prominent.
From the upper right: a hand-painted wood fish clock with lovely pewter details ($105.00), wooden cheese tray and slicer sets with laser-cut details at either end ($28.-38.00) and quite an array of multi-colored hand-blown glass hummingbird feeders ($65.00).
Look closely at left and you’ll see hand-strung bottle-cap garlands on the tree ($22.00 for 3 feet). At right, figures of all nationalities holding hands encircle a round mirror, laser cut, then hand-detailed Hatian oil drum art ($100.00 )
Colorful weathered turquoise shutters have been re-purposed to display the handmade pewter and ceramic switch plates (starting at $20.00 for single switch/ceramic), and depression-glass plates are set into stained glass and framed ($98.00).
The printed word is also very important here. A 2011 quote-a-month calendar starts the New Year boldly proclaiming ” HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF, AND IN THE FUTURE”. ($13.00…I bought 6-how could I not??).
Ceramic squares with simple images that proclaim ‘peacable’ ( 3″ x 3″, $30.00 each), a metal switch plate cover that states, in all different fonts-”Home is where you are happy” ($28.00).
Books with titles like “Today is Super”, and local son Benjamin Cheever’s … umm…whimsical “The First Dog”, the story of Adam and Eve’s dog.
Handmade jewelry, crewel belts from Guatemala, the list goes on.
I have shopped at stores that have tried this model before, but none ever came close to succeeding like this.
Walking through, the store is a balm to the jangled-out soul. The care that has gone into selecting and displaying the merchandise is palatable, but never overdone or cliched.
Go-even make an afternoon of it-there are so many great places nearby to relax and have a bite to eat. Your gift worries will be over, and your heart will be happy.
Tags: fun and smiles, Gift giving, green decorating, green holidays, green home, supporting local business
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December 14th, 2010
Being in NYC’s backyard, we in Westchester are doubly-blessed. Close to the big blow-out events, closer to that same range of talent, in a more intimate setting, with a lot less hassle.
Be it comedy, drama, music or dance-the gift of entertainment is unexpected, both open-ended and specific, and always the right size. PLUS-because outdoor activities are limited in the winter, theater schedules are usually the fullest, so lots to choose from.
Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount at the box offices, or online; check with theaters for any subscription offers they may have. Wrap a great idea creatively, to surprise that special someone, ho
w about tucking it inside a big box of Good and Plenty, or Jujubes?
Here are a few good local places to start your search…with Christmas 8 days away, don’t delay!
The Emlin Theater in Mamaroneck is in it’s 39th year of providing quality entertainmentof all varieties. One third of their programs are children/family-friendlyl their Family Subscription discounts 20% for 5 or more of the many, many upcoming kids shows.
Jacob Burns Film Center Located in the heart of Pleasantville, I have written about this gem before. Very thoughtfully chosen mix of films, but of special note are their festivals-a chosen topic or star is featured in various works over say two weeks. Also-’An Evening With’ series, where actors/directors view a film with the audience and then Q&A.
Paramount Center for the Arts Debuting in June of 1930, the Paramount has been fully, beautifully and lovingly restored this past decade-just walking in and sitting down is a pleasure.
Great selection of music, theater, dance, and courtesy of 
Franzoso Contracting, Free Movie Nights, and looking into the future, I have 2 words: Englebert Humperdink. (4/27/11, REALLY).
Tarrytown Music Hall Opened in 1885, this is another historic treasure. Work to historically renovate and green update is on-going, and the craftsmanship is something to behold.
They typically draw 80,000 visitors annually, almost half of them children. Over the years we have seen Dave Brubeck, Dave Bromberg, several classic movies. They are ringing in the New Year big-time with Greg Allman, and have a heck of a schedule in the months to come.
Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase If I had to define a difference, PAC shows are uncommonly good.
Ballet, opera, chamber music and symphonies, make up the bulk of their programming, often hosting artists from around the world. But I also saw the late comedian George Carlin there 2002. And Pilobolus is coming!!
Tags: entertainment, Gift giving, Hudson Valley good life, supporting local business
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December 9th, 2010
Gifts are an expression of affection, and meant to bring enjoyment. Gifts that also help support and grow that source of enjoyment are among the most delightful to receive.
The gift of a membership to an organization is also a heck of a good value. Besides keeping the fan posted on upcoming events, there are perks like discounted, or even free event admission, upgrades, members-only events, product giveaways, and reduced pricing at affiliated shops or sponsors. For families with young children-you just cannot go wrong.
Here are some local favorites that do a great job of elevating us all.
Teatown Lake Reservation is an 800+ acres of nature preserve and education center, centrally located in Ossining, minutes off the Taconic Parkway, Route 134 exit. They offer a non-stop calendar of even
ts; hands-on and family friendly-to specialty hikes and workshops, many free of charge.
Advocates of nature-friendly living, and steward to the land, Teatown is a treasure-you have to go to their website to believe all they offer.
A big favorite is their their annual EagleFest: an annual celebration of American Bald Eagles, as they return to the Hudson Valley; it’s for Sat 2/5.
Individual memberships are $35.00 (Students/Seniors) to $50.00, and $75.00 for Family.
WFUV 90.7FM is a listener-supported public radio, licensed to Fordham University for-wow-almost 60 years. They feature contemporary/alternative music of every stripe, lots of original 
programing, NPR news and and have some of the most engaging hosts on the New York airways-names we have grown up with-Dennis Elsas, Darren DeVivo, Pete Fornatale, and Vin Scelsa’s Idiots’ Delight-running now 35 years.
My husband Doug never met a style of music he didn’t like, this station is a favorite. Membership was a great anniversary gift for him a few years back, this program has especially generous member perks and programs.
Basic membership is $60.00 and has several different levels, with thank-you gifts that escalate in value as the membership level rises.
Have written about museums before; very little can shake a funk, or inspire me like a stolen few hours learning about a time, idea, style or artist.
Hudson River Museum is one of my favorites for several reasons: it’s in a contemporary 
structure, joined to a great old house, right on the Hudson River. Maybe 15 minutes away, lots of free parking, they have a quality regular programs, a genuinely interesting schedule of shows and events, great gift shop and OHYES, there’s the planetarium. Seeing the seasonal night skies is such a change of pace fun adventure.
Unlimited free admission, then there is FWMA…Fairfield-Westchester Museum Alliance. Short story is that membership to one gets you free admission to the other seven. For a whole year. REALLY. $25.00-35.00 for Seniors, $50.00 for dual adults, $60.00 for a family.
Tags: Gift giving, giving back, supporting local business
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December 1st, 2010
One of the founding beliefs behind the refreshed home is that local, greater good and supporting the community will enrich us all, exponentially.
Art could have been one of the earliest examples of paying it forward. Art makes you happy, and by extension, makes the rest of the world a better place.
With these statements I am very pleased to launch the beginning of a series that will be running thru the month of December: Giving the Gift.
Each post will introduce you to some of the smart and creative people we have right in our own backyard: their talents, and where to find them, so 
any gift-giving you may do this season will not only be unique and meaningful for the recipient, but will pretty much guarantee your becoming a better world citizen, too.
Today I visited the Mamaroneck Artist’s Guild. Roughly 250 members strong, and showcasing original art in a dozen different mediums, the gallery is located on the corner of Boston Post Road (US 1) and Larchmont Avenue. Even on a grey and rainy day, it was a light-filled space, chock full of things I know you will love.
There were a number of artists as well as staff on hand, all very busy, checking in work, and 
setting up displays in anticipation for the opening day of their Holiday Sale on Wednesday 12/1…talk about timing, I got to see it all, first!!
Suzanne Montresor, the Gallery Manager was very gracious in letting me wander about, and pull some things out to create the vignette you see here. Ready?
Framed photo in back is a beautiful shot of fall foliage reflecting in one of the streams in the Rockefeller Preserve, roughly 18×24, $125.00 (Evelyne Aponte). Working clockwise: a textured vase in mossy tones, approx 12″ high, $95.00 (Gia Sachidanand), resting on top of a silkscreened silk scarf 12×54, $55.00 (Joan Stern).
Unintentionally the next pieces are from the same artist. Carol Flick has been collecting unique and exotic beads for 30 years. Her keychains are $10.00, the heart pendant, made of picture jasper and vintage beads, strung on a silk cord-$19.00. Rounding out this group is a journal-unlined paper inside, handmade silksc
reened paper outside, $22.00 (Mitchell Visoky).
This original unframed oil Provence, 18×14, and $300.00 had great character, but was also peaceful (Lorie Gurion). Lastly-for this post anyway-were these from Kathy Pure Wright. What to say except, ummm, de-lightful? (Sorry, couln’t resist)
.
Re-purposed lightbulbs (note the CFL on far left) that are painted, glittered, decoupaged and otherwise decorated-as ornaments, $12.00-20.00.
These are just a small sampling of the treasures that lie within. Your purchases not only support local artists, you are supporting the pursuit of art, as MAG gets behind a number of community events throughout the year. SO-what are you waiting for-GO!!
My thanks to the artists, and to Suzanne and Annette DeLucia Lieblein, the Assistant Gallery Manager-for taking the time to answer all my questions. MAG is open year-round, and runs a new show every 3 weeks.
Tags: Gift giving, giving back, supporting local business
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November 12th, 2010
Indeed!
Jacob Burns Theater, Pleasantville’s gem of an art house has done it again.
Now, thru Nov. 24th you can see some of Bogey’s finest classic characters on the big screen: included are Sam Spade The Maltese Falcon; as the workaholic tycoon who falls for the chauffeur’s daughter (Audrey Hepburn) in Sabrina, and tough as nails detective Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep.
Even if you know the story or have seen the movie before-if you have not experienced the pleasure of seeing a classic B&W movie on the big screen-GO! The storyline envelops you, the characters speak to you, heck, even the popcorn tastes better! I promise, you will be delighted.
Tags: Jacob Burns, local events, Pleasantville, supporting local business
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August 9th, 2010
Quotes inspire me. Several years ago Ellyn Spragins put together her first book of letters famous and semi-famous women wrote to their younger selves, What I Know Now.
Reflecting on what was a dark and stressful time in her 30′s, full of work, family obligation and illness, Olympia Dukakis counseled her younger self, observing that “‘You will come to understand that by purposefully capturing happy moments, you expand the soul.”
On a daily basis I misplace keys, glasses, and the like; and torture myself with-did I lock the door/leave
water for the dog/flush?-but I remember this quote, it always centers me.
Sunday I not only purposefully captured a bunch of happy moments on my own, I witnessed others doing the same.
Two wonderful, funny and very smart friends-Deb Swee and Patrice Costa-after both jumping ship from their corporate backgrounds- launched a new venture; Doug and I-along with Bruce and Ginny* attended the inaugural event. (*Regular readers will know that Bruce and Ginny are Dougs’ and my partners in crime fairly often; always up for a new adventure, or checking out a new place, they are voracious foodies, and this was definitely up their alley.)
Culinary Collaborations www.culinarycollaboration.com looks to their fan base for feedback in creating all types of interactive food events. Upcoming events include an organic farm tasting/tour, making gnocchi with Hannah Hopkins of TV’s Chopped! , Seafood 101 and a more casual Burgers and Sides event.
Our event Sunday was Sunday Supper at Cutillo’s Restaurant in Carmel. The house Chef Patric
k Cutillo was raised in has now been open as a restaurant since the early 90′s, an running it really is a family affair.
The first event was making fresh mozzarella-right in front of us! Cheese curd, hot water and salt, who knew?? I just assumed you needed to be in proximity to dairy animals to make cheese…somethi
ng I was pretty sure the co op board would not be pleased with.
Said mozzarella quickly became a delicious Caprese salad; and was followed by pork tenderloin with peach brandy sauce, Giombotto (a diced and simmered vegetable dish) and Aborino rice.
Then…!
Not only a great meal enjoyed in a charming setting with a very social group, but a unique and-seriously-very reasonably priced experience: this event-cooking lessons, and 3 course meal with glass of wine, coffee, tax and gratuity was $67.00 per person.
New events are always being planned, check it out, your soul will thank you!!
Tags: fun and smiles, good idea, Hudson Valley good life, local events, supporting local business
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June 13th, 2010
Every time I come out of a movie from Jacob Burns, I always remember-again-how much I enjoy that theater, and on several levels.
Easy to get to, easy to park, and Magic Wok, our favorite Chinese restaurant right around the corner. It’s local, it’s quality and it’s different. It’s also nostalgic, as I saw many movies there as a teenager, way back when it was the Rome Theater. It also has a very cool piece of wall art, past Theater 1, by the rest rooms, a perpetual motion machine made from scrap metal and ping pong balls.
Just saw ‘Please Give’, an indie I only heard of today, but seems a lot of people have heard about this. ANYWAY
It’s real slice-of-life, dealing with life, death, furniture, money, stuff, giving, receiving, wanting, taking, family, real estate, love, guilt, AND the the desire to make a difference, to make the world a better place. Often very funny, and sometimes achingly sad, but 100% real. Wow, it hit all my buttons, see it if you can.
Tags: cheap fun, fun and smiles, Jacob Burns, Pleasantville, supporting local business
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March 20th, 2010
Art in general makes me feel like a more complete person. It’s not a scholarly viewpoint, but an emotional one. I’m sure others have a much more eloquent way to express it, but to see and feel a little bit of another’s’ heart and soul expressed visually- makes me happy.
Have attended local craft and trade shows for years, and been uplifted both personally and professionally by what I’d see, and the good karma I’d feel from being in the midst of happy and creative people.
On Thursday I attended the trade-only first day of the Architectural Digest show down at the Piers. Each year there’s a different feeling, and this one, while delightful as always, had a very genuine, attainable while still semi-out-of-the-box feel to the artwork.
Organic and crafted were 2 words that kept coming to me. Solid, and most with natural materials, the presence of both artist and their talents were apparent. Two of the artists I connected with were happily both
reasonably local, and very approachable.
Amy Eisenfeld Gesner is based in West Hartford (but has exhibited right here in the County Center in White Plains) creates dimensional wall art using tightly-rolled paper, with her pieces ranging fro
m $300.00 to $6000.00.
My amateur photos do not do her pieces justice; in particular, I was absolutely mesmerized by this piece on the right.
Jamie Harris has his studio in downtown Brooklyn, and creates in glass. Modern, but not hard or edgy; his designs are colorful, flexible, and full of energy. In particular I liked his free-form glass bubble installations-a lot of movement to them, they can be designed and plac
ed to compliment whatever space you have.
I’d use them to soften an overly-contemporary space, or create more of a flow in those long, deadly hallways you find in commercial spaces. These pieces are priced individually, $400.00 for a single/solid element, to $1400.00 for the carved/multi-color ones.
Spring brings an explosion of local Art events, and I will make continued mention of them as the season progresses. Amy and Jamie (sorry, really didn’t see that coming!) are two of many who have much to share. Art is subjective and intensely personal, but in the months to come, give yourself a treat: go to some shows, and see what can make you happy.
Tags: fun decorating, green decorating, supporting local business
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hrow the most steadfast of us off our game. Giving the Gift is a series that highlights local, creative businesses and thoughtful, unique gift ideas that will surprise and delight most anyone on your list, please click here to see all the write-ups.
Set in a busy shopping center in the heart of Briarcliff Manor, it’s both convenient, and an escape. Owner Aggie Radzik, who holds a Masters Degree in Fine Art, Ceramic Design from her native Poland, opened this shop almost two years ago.
sample pieces give you food for thought…you pick your colors, then create, at your leisure. They fire it, and you pick it up about a week later.
e available in any denomination, and I LOVE THIS-given on a decorated tile for presentation! They also have seasonal forms, so not too early to think about a heart mug for Valentines’ Day, a baby’s footprint wall plate for Mothers’ Day, Teacher Gift…
someone a complete project.
