NYC Urban Life

BBC Fine Art and Craft Fair

2013-05-18T03:33:00.001-04:00

Spend a beautiful day in the West Village, searching for treasures on the charming tree-lined streets and finding the perfect piece of art. Sponsored by the oldest block association in the city with the mission of raising dollars for community services.

Saturday May 18* from 11:00am, in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City

Photography of the American Civil War

2013-05-17T18:33:00.001-04:00

More than two hundred of the finest and most poignant photographs of the American Civil War have been brought together for this landmark exhibition. Through examples drawn from the Metropolitan's celebrated holdings of this material, complemented by important loans from public and private collections, the exhibition will examine the evolving role of the camera during the nation's bloodiest war. The "War between the States" was the great test of the young Republic's commitment to its founding precepts; it was also a watershed in photographic history. The camera recorded from beginning to end the heartbreaking narrative of the epic four-year war (1861–1865) in which 750,000 lives were lost. This traveling exhibition will explore, through photography, the full pathos of the brutal conflict that, after 150 years, still looms large in the American public's imagination.

Now through to April 2.

http://bit.ly/18R4eOQ

Metropolitan Museum

Fifth Avenue at 84th Street

New York, NY

A Different Kind of Order

2013-05-17T17:57:00.001-04:00

Every three years, ICP's curators round up some of the most interesting contemporary photography and video works from around the world.

The 2013 Triennial, A Different Kind of Order, focuses on artworks created in our current moment of widespread economic, social, and political instability.

The exhibition will include 28 international artists who employ photography, film, video, and interactive media. Many of their works reflect the growing importance of new paradigms associated with digital image making and network culture.

A Different Kind of Order: The ICP Triennial

May 17 - Sept. 8

International Center of Photography

1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street

Socrates Sculpture Park

2013-05-17T17:42:00.001-04:00

Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale sculpture and multi-media installations in a unique outdoor environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public.

This year's summer exhibitions include do it (outside), a selection of artists' instructions interpreted by other artists, performers, community groups, and the public; FOLLY: tree wood, a rigid yet airy geometrical wooden structure placed within a grove of trees where a formal, ornate chandelier will be suspended; and Beyond the Hedges (Slivered Gazebo) by Heather Rowe SOA'01.

Park: Summer Exhibitions

May 12 - Aug. 5

Socrates Sculpture Park

32-01 Vernon Blvd

Long Island City, NY 11106

Recycling on the Upper Weest Side

2013-05-17T17:29:00.001-04:00

This morning I noticed some new additions to the Upper West Side.

These were on 106th and Broadway.

Top 10 Manhattan Spots to Find Pet-Friendly Apartments

2013-05-13T23:21:00.005-04:00

If you think it’s hard to find a home in Manhattan due to the shortage in inventory, just imagine how pet-owners might feel. Many apartment buildings have gotten more strict about their pet policies, making it increasingly difficult for owners of pets of a certain size, breed and, of course, number to find a welcoming home.

In case you’ve been home hunting in Manhattan for a while now, trying to find an apartment for you and your Fido, this post may help you decide where to start your search.

Point2Homes has looked at listing descriptions and city property records and compiled lists with top-10 neighborhoods, streets and buildings where you can find a place that allows pets.

So, where exactly can you start? Check it out and learn more.

Things that cheer up the day

2013-05-11T10:34:00.001-04:00

Something shiny red on a rainy day.....

Randall's Island Bridge

2013-04-27T13:51:00.001-04:00

It's isolated but there are some impressive architectural structures on this little island between Manhattan and Queens.

"Girl Rising" Limited Engagement April 20-25

2013-04-21T04:47:00.001-04:00

Last month I took my two eldest children to see "Girl Rising"; it spawned a lot of questions and comments which was exactly what I had hoped. "Girl Rising" journeys around the globe to witness the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change a girl - and the world.

"Girl Rising" just started a one-week run at Regal Union Square Stadium 14, at 850 Broadway and is only playing until April 25th. Here is a link to the trailer: http://10x10act.org/girl-rising/

It's a great film - not too heavy - that clearly communicates what we already know - that when you educate a girl, you educate a nation. Educating a girl developing country has a multiplier effect...
- she‘ll marry later and have fewer, healthier children
- for every extra year of schooling, her income will increase by 10 – 25 percent
- and she’ll reinvest 90 percent of the money she earns back into her family.
No matter who you are and what you believe in, thats a great ROI.

Find out more at: www.girlrising.com.

Randall's Island Urban Garden

2013-04-20T12:38:00.001-04:00

Randall's Island Urban Farm is hosting an event today. Paper flower making, Japanese painting and gardening for visitors to the south side of the island.

Spring Flowers

2013-04-20T09:48:00.001-04:00

New York City is in bloom!

UWS Elementary School Hosts Online Auction

2013-04-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

PS 166 - The Richard Rodgers School of Art & Technology - on the Upper West Side is hosting an online fundraiser auction.

Over the past 6 years more and more schools are cost-effectively raising funds in an effort to close the gap between slashed city budgets and the growing

costs of programs to meet the needs of students.

Public school 166 is a public elementary school located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The mission of PS 166 is to create and maintain a caring environment in which the individual differences of students and teachers are recognized, encouraged and promoted to make the most of the teaching, learning and growing process. Students work in a manner that best serves their needs and fulfills the new learning standards. Teachers are inspired to use teaching styles and techniques which maximize their individual abilities and philosophies as well as including original ideas and abilities of the students. Parents are expected to be part of the children's education and will be encouraged to be successful in this participation.

Take a look, grab a deal and support the school - http://bit.ly/157bx4S.

Annual Shearing of the Heathers

2013-04-11T21:16:00.001-04:00

This sounds like such a cool thing to do on a spring weekend....

Saturday, April 13, 201310:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.The 3-acre Heather Garden is the site of our annual rite of spring – the shearing of the heather by members of the Northeast Heather Society and garden staff. In addition to the shearing, visitors can take tours of the garden, learn what is so Special about Heaths and Heathers, hear The New York Scottish Pipes & Drums, and join a children’s workshop while enjoying the garden’s spring beauty and panoramic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades.

Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park.
Cabrini Boulevard & Ft Washington Ave., Manhattan
Directions to this location

Location Details: The Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park. Enter the park from Margaret Corbin Circle where Fort Washington Avenue and Cabrini Boulevard converge.

This event is free.

Riverside Park in Early Bloom

2013-04-07T12:49:00.001-04:00

The daffodils are greeting visitors to Riverside Park on the UWS.

Sports For All, May 4

2013-04-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

The New York Public Library in partnership with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and NYC Adaptive Climbing is hosting a free program to introduce adaptive sports on Saturday May 4th. Exhibitors and presenters will introduce attendees to sports for children, teens, and adults with widely-varying abilities.

The event is free and open to everyone. Encouraged to attend are individuals and families/friends/caregivers of those with vision, mobility, and cognitive disabilities.

There will be a wide variety of organizations represented at the event including Achilles International, NYC Parks and Recreation Adapted Aquatics, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Gallop NYC, Henry Viscardi School, Kicking the Spectrum, Leaps of Faith, Long Island Bombers, New York Association for Blind Athletes, NYC Adaptive Climbing, Peak Potential, Round Star Foundation, Row New York, Seido Karate for the Blind, Tennis Serves, VISIONS Services for the Blind, Wounded Warrior Project.

Accommodations such as Assistive Listening Devices, ASL interpretation and Real-time (CART) captioning can be arranged with a minimum of two weeks notice. Contact Brigid Cahalan at 212-340-0951 or brigidcahalan@nypl.org

When

Saturday, May 4th 2013, 10:30-4:00 pm.

Where:

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 5th Avenue & W. 42nd Street. Berger Forum and South Court Auditorium. Accessible Entrance is located at 42nd Street between 5th and 6th

Avenue.

NYC Spring Affordable Art Fair, April 3-7

2013-04-04T12:30:00.002-04:00

New York's Spring Affordable Art Fair opens today and lasts through to Sunday. If your walls are bare and you're striving to raise your sophistication level beyond the IKEA print, this is the place for you.

With thousands of contemporary original paintings, prints, and sculptures and photographs, here’s the place to not only get cultured but to also invest in a great piece of art and support ...well, an artist!

At their website you can learn...how to buy art, better understand the different art movements, and get prepared on what to expect. All with out pretension or intimidation. Whew!

When: April 3- 7, 2013, 11am – 8pm
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC.
Cost: Free to kids under 12, $10 students/seniors, $15 adults

Swans are Back in Harlem Meer

2013-04-02T21:12:00.000-04:00

Must be spring in New York City!

Mommy and Me Yoga Event, April 7

2013-03-27T09:39:00.001-04:00

Half Dozen, the toy and book boutique and hair salon at apple seeds Chelsea, will be hosting a free Mommy and Me Yoga event on Sunday, April 7th from 10:30am to 12:00pm. The party will feature a Mommy and Me Yoga class, story time, an arts and craft project and more. RSVP is required as space is limited.

What:
half dozen boutique and salon at apple seeds will be hosting a free Mommy and Me Yoga class, inspirational story time and a Yoga inspired arts and craft project with Nitya-Lydia Griffith (certified yoga instructor).

Where:
half dozen boutique and salon: 10 West 25th St, New York, NY 10010

When:
Sunday, April 7, 2013
10:30am- 11:00am Yoga Demo
11:00am - 11:30am Inspirational Reading
11:30am - 12pm Yoga arts and craft project

Cost: Free

RSVP:
Please RSVP to halfdozen@appleseedsplay.com or call 212-792-7590*216.
Limit 3 guests per family.

Free Kids Classes at West Side Y

2013-03-25T07:27:00.002-04:00

Need to keep the kids busy while the schools are closed this week??

The West Side Y - 5 W 63rd Street between CPW and Broadway - is offering some great FREE programs for anyone in the community. No membership required, nor is advance registration is necessary except for swim classes and infant CPR. All the classes are drop in, so feel free to pick and choose what you would like to attend....and go!

NYPD vs NHL Alumni Game @MSG

2013-03-24T12:36:00.001-04:00

My previous blog post was about this fundraiser game at MSG. http://bit.ly/11zzZe5

It sounded like such a great game that I took the family and here we are!! It's a good atmosphere, we can watch affordable, good hockey and support some worthy causes....win-win-win.

Funny....Ron Duguay is still not wearing a helmet and his hair is still gorgeous!

NYPD Hockey vs NHL Alumni Fundraiser

2013-03-23T07:01:00.001-04:00

Sunday March 24 , NYPD Hockey will be playing NHL Alumni to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina relief and other charities. Great family event.

Madison Square Gardens @ 12:00pm.

Pop Up Sake Bar

2013-03-21T09:25:00.001-04:00

This looks promising...!!!

From Daily Candy......

What: Switch up your happy hour routine with a dose of the Japanese rice wine. Choose from more than 90 varieties made by craft brewers from across 24 prefectures.

Why: Up to this point, your knowledge of sake includes shooting while downing all-you-can-eat sushi. Learn more from sommeliers and sake samurai (yes, samurai).

When: Tonight, 4-7 p.m.
Where: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 87 E. 42nd St., b/t Park & Lexington Aves. Tickets ($25) at eventbrite.com - https://www.eventbrite.com/event/5665297056/efbevent

Alamo Drafthouse Moves into UWS

2013-03-15T23:35:00.001-04:00

Alamo Drafthouse is moving into the Upper West Side, and that's a good thing for the Metro Theater, their new home.

Alamo Drafthouse is an ever growing entertainment lifestyle brand that is dedicated to keeping the movie-watching experience safe for movie fans, serving quality food and drinks, and upholding high presentation standards. Sounds promising for Upper West Siders.

Alamo Drafthouse touts itself the theater for movie fans by movie fans amd functions on a few principles will undoubtably resonate with this community:
- No unaccompanied kids at movies and only allow babies at select "baby day" screenings.
- A zero-tolerance policy towards talking and texting during the movie. If you talk or text, you will receive one warning. If it happens again, you will be kicked out without a refund. Yikes!
- They strive to be leaders in presentation quality.
- They support local breweries. This sounds fun...!
- They strive to serve quality, fresh-prepared food. Even more fun..!

They also strive to be good neighbors. Their goals for their biz on the UWS??
- Share the movies we love with as many people as possible.
- Be a community cultural center.
- Build an audience for classic, golden era cinema.
- Build an audience for foreign language films.
- Build a youth and collegiate cinephile audience.
All noble and good goals to aim for.

The Metro, an Art Deco landmark, has had numerous incarnations over the years and most recently developers announced plans for a shopping complex that never materialized. The facade is landmarked but the interior is not, which give the new tenant the opportunity to make the theaters and commons areas as fabulous as they like without having to jump through hoops with the city.

Hoping for good things from Alamo Drafthouse.

UWS Flowers

2013-03-14T23:28:00.002-04:00

In New York, bodegas and flowers go hand in hand. And that can be quite convenient if you're late and you need a peace offering, or you just need a bouquet of color to get you through the last month of gray winter days.

Spring flowers

Academy Floral - family owned

For me, the blue and pink daisies have an unsettling vibrancy, as if too many drops of food coloring got tapped into the water. I prefer the the natural blooms - tulips, forsythia, and for the hint of spring that gives me hope of warmer days soon to come - pussy willows! Academy Floral is one of my favorites (on the UWS @ 107th) Its a family run shop - any one who reads my blog know how much I value the small family-run businesses on the UWS. The staff have remained consistent over the years; they've seen my family grow and enjoy teaching the kids about the different blooms.

Pussy WIllows

EDO POP: The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints

2013-03-11T07:41:00.001-04:00

On exhibit now at the Japan Society, Edo Pop - The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints.
Edo Pop playfully juxtaposes classic ukiyo-e prints from masters like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige with contemporary works inspired by these artists and their works. Delve into worlds created by the power of Edo period and contemporary popular culture.

On May 12 the Japan Society is hosting a family-friendly printmaking workshop inspired by the works found in Edo Pop. Included is a discussion of selected works in the exhibition and an explanation of woodblock printmaking techniques. A printmaking workshop devoted to a variety of techniques follows, with time for show-and-tell with all participants.

Gallery Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11 am-6 pm; Fri. 11 am-9 pm; Sat. & Sun. 11 am-5 pm; closed Mon. & major holidays. Docent-led walk-in tours are conducted Tues.-Sun. at 12:30 pm.
Japan Society
333 East 47th Street
New York, New York 10017