



April 27 & 28, 2024
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark 12-3pm each day
@ the 41st Magic City Art Connection
Restaurants & Chefs, Wine, Cocktails & Spirits, Craft Beer, Seated Tasting Seminars & Demos, plus a Commemorative Stemless Wine Glass
TICKETS ON SALE IN APRIL.
Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets longterm financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.
While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances and with those that we love.
Gameday Men's Health celebrates its grand opening this month in Vestavia Hills. Conveniently located by Lifetime Fitness and Slice Vestavia, Gameday was created to help men suffering from low testosterone optimize hormonal health in a comfortable environment complete with flat-screen TVs, overstuffed chairs, and complimentary refreshments. Gameday offers in-office lab work, efficient appointments, and tailored treatment options, including Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), HGH Therapy, and Vitamin Therapy.
The work of Birmingham-based artist Annie Kammerer Butrus will be exhibited in Venice, Italy, as part of the Venice Biennale 2024. Beyond Boundaries is the seventh edition of the European Cultural Centre's Personal Structures project and runs from April 20 until November 24, 2024. Butrus' paintings from her "Internal:External" series will be displayed at the Palazzo Bembo.
This year's 41st Annual Magic City Art Connection takes place Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28 at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. This year's Featured Artist, Bryce Speed, is Associate Professor of Art in Painting at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Festival goers can expect exhibits from 200 local, regional and national artists. The festival's tasting event, Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham, will take place Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, from 12-3 pm.
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want
Mortgagebanc mortgagebancllc.com | 205.986.4220
McGowin-King mcgowinking.com | 205.879.7775
Jeff Prior, Regions Bank
https://www.regions.com/directory/mortgage-loan-officer/al/birmingham/ jeff-prior | 205.307.4311
Allen Mortgage allenmtg.com | 205.395.3067
Birmingham Mortgage Group bhammortgage.com | 205.259.1656
Kirkwood By the River kirkwoodbytheriver.com | 205.956.2184
Danberry at Inverness danberryatinverness.com | 205.443.9500
Longleaf Liberty Park longleaflibertypark.com | 205.259.7149
Morningside of Vestavia Hills fivestarseniorliving.com/communities/al/birmingham/morningside-of-vestavia-hills/?local=gmb | 205.822.4773
Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community rlcommunities.com/communities/alabama/cahaba-ridge-retirement | 205.545.5978
Bryant Bank bryantbank.com | 205.968.3343
Servis1st servisfirstbank.com | 205.949.2200
FirstBank firstbankonline.com
Southern States Bank southernstatesbank.net
Oakworth Capital Bank oakworth.com | 205.263.4700
Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham - Irondale Campus mbbhm.com/mercedes-benz-of-birmingham-irondale-al | 205.848.7000
Lexus of Birmingham lexusofbirmingham.com | 205.413.8152
Royal Buick GMC royalbuickgmc.net | 205.978.4141
BMW of Birmingham birminghambmw.com | 800.550.3865
Porsche Birmingham porschebirmingham.com | 205.397.2710
Hapbridge hapbridge.com | 205.536.9151
Greenhalgh Insurance greenhalghinsurance.com | 205.967.8800
Bates, Roberts, Fowlkes & Jackson Insurance, Inc. batesia.com | 205.956.0563
Cobbs Allen cobbsallen.com | 205.414.9341
Stead & Fuller Insurance, Inc. steadandfuller.com | 205.414.1476
ESCAPE THE CITY.
ESCAPE THE CITY.
Embrace the lake. Embrace the lake.
We keep what we invest in, period. So, when we choose not to invest in our health, we lose it. Coming from someone who spent almost eight years caregiving for my medically fragile kids and losing myself altogether, I understand the temptation to put others first in the name of selflessness. The truth? Pride causes us not to put on our oxygen masks first to best thrive for ourselves and the people around us. When we don’t know where to start, having some semblance of a guide is always helpful. When consistently done, I have found these simple
“All investments that matter are marathons, not sprints.”
things life-changing and life-giving. We are what we eat in different ways, and putting primarily whole, unprocessed foods in our bodies is the best way to get the most nutrients. Hydration is also vital—aiming to get at least half our body weight in ounces daily. Moving our bodies consistently and staying active outside the gym is also critical. If you aren’t doing anything? Start small! Two to three 30-minute weekly walks are the perfect way to begin a new habit.
Just remember: it doesn’t have to be all-ornothing. All investments that matter are marathons, not sprints. Restore Hyper Wellness has been my favorite (and, in my opinion, the most efficient way) to add things like Cryotherapy and Infrared Sauna to my routine. Restore offers so much more than those two things, but for me, those alongside therapy have been two of the main components of my trauma healing process. There are so many benefits to cold and heat treatment, and committing to adding those two things to my (ideal) weekly schedule keeps me feeling more clear-headed and ready to tackle the daily obstacles that will likely come. My biggest advice? Invest in your health before you aren’t given the option to do so— which could happen at any moment for any of us. Choose to add yourself to the equation this year. The world will thank you.
Local experts share advice on growing a fine art collection
ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHRLibby Pantazis, owner and curator of Canary Gallery, confesses that she once let a work of art she loved pass by without snagging it for her collection, and it haunts her. The broader meaning of art, she declares, is whatever brings joy into your life, whether it’s flowers, books or a painting– and the cost of
“If you love something, buy it, and you’ll work everything else out.”
letting joy slip away is greater than anything monetary. “Buy what you love, and it will bring you happiness for years to come,” she says.
But what about our real-world wallets? While finances are reality, we ought not to let sticker shock keep us from our art-related dreams. Instead, Libby advises to ask the artist or gallerist whether a price is final; you could be pleasantly surprised. For those with tighter budgets, art fairs and markets can be a great place to start since you’re often buying directly from the artist. “Whenever an artist goes on the road, he or she may be more willing to negotiate,” she says.
Dr. Graham Boettcher, director at the Birmingham Museum of Art, says newbie collectors may want to seek camaraderie with others who appreciate art, and becoming involved with the local museum is a good way to
start. At the BMA, a group of patrons known as Emerging Collectors learn about different types of art through programs or even visits to private collections. “Groups are a great way to learn about art from artists, curators and fellow collectors,” he adds.
Graham and Libby agree that the information available online is a game-changer, and it’s important to research a piece of art thoroughly, particularly when you plan to buy without seeing it in person. For collectors buying art out of financial rather than personal interest, research is even more necessary – a search online can provide data about the history of the work as well as the artist.
“Unless there's a sense of urgency – such as buying at a live auction or estate sale –it's advisable to take your time and do your research,” Graham remarks.
If you purchase a piece without physically seeing it, recognize that things can be edited,” Libby adds. “ If you can, reach out and go see the piece in person . . . or at least reach out to someone who’s at the gallery and do a video call. I do it multiple times to see what sunlight does to a piece. You get a truer read with sunlight than with LED.”
For art on sale at Canary Gallery, a backstory is available in the form of a one-page document known as a certificate of authenticity. This document includes the title of the art, the date purchased, the amount paid, a photo representation of the work and any awards or shows in the work’s history. It is also signed by the artist. “Purchasers can take it to their insurer, and if they ever sell the art, it can go to the next purchaser,” Libby explains.
A beloved artwork can influence the overall look of the home – and it should, says Libby.
Changing the color of paint on a wall or adding a couple of throw pillows or rugs is far easier than finding one-of-a-kind art you truly love, and many designers who visit Canary Gallery with their clients have said the same. “If you love something, buy it, and you’ll work everything else out,” Libby says. “It might take a while, but that’s what makes it pleasurable – the patience it takes to seek out the right elements and bring them into your home.”
“Whenever I would experience writer’s block, I’d stare at the drawing, hoping for a spark of inspiration. We’ve been through a lot together!”
As art collectors themselves, Graham and Libby have cherished pieces inside their homes (though Graham points out he’s careful never to compete with the Museum for acquisitions), and naturally, these have their own stories. For Graham, his doctoral thesis, which he wrote about the German-American painter Emanuel Leutze, was inspired by a special drawing.
“I purchased an original pencil drawing by Leutze from around 1853 entitled Der Landsknecht (German for ‘servant of the country’), depicting mercenary soldiers of the late 15th and 16th centuries,” he says. “Whenever I would experience writer's block, I'd stare at
the drawing, hoping for a spark of inspiration. We've been through a lot together!”
In the Pantazis home, a particular piece of art that Libby “absolutely adores” is a snowscape entitled Hiver (Effet De Neige) by a Greek painter who shares her last name: Pericles Pantazis. The painting, purchased at an auction by Libby’s husband as a birthday gift, depicts a snowy ridge and a tree without leaves. In the background is a village, “probably Brussels,” suspects Libby. The painting is part of a series of three, and her own is her favorite.
“I’ve been offered money for it every year,” she laughs, “but it brings me so much joy, I will never let it go.”
“Trust your instincts, buy work that speaks to you, and don’t ever be intimidated.”
Alex Kunzman’s art collection started in high school. “My parents would often give me art as birthday or holiday gifts, with most being procured at Magic City Art Connection,” he says. Kunzman’s mother, Eileen, founded the annual art festival in 1984 when Alex was nine. “Find Art” is the festival’s slogan, and opportunities abound for novice and seasoned collectors alike.
Kunzman now serves as MCAC’s co-director and marketing director, managing the annual tasting event, Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham.
As a lifelong collector, Kunzman finds it virtually impossible to pick favorite pieces. Still, he notes, "The piece that
launched my micro collection of works featuring rabbits was a piece by Birmingham artist and 2004 MCAC Emerging Artist Merrilee Challiss.”
At this year’s 41st Annual Magic City Art Connection, running April 26 through 28 at Sloss Furnaces, Kunzman is especially excited to see the works of this year’s Featured Artist, Bryce Speed. “My collection varies, but I tend to lean pretty modern in style. Mark Rothko is one of my favorite artists of all time,” he says.
Kunzman’s advice for those considering an art purchase: “Trust your instincts, buy work that speaks to you, and don’t ever be intimidated.”
As a financial advisor, I keep up with many topics, from market returns to economic news to investment trends. Two topics have been at the forefront of investors’ minds: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ESG Investing. First, let’s talk about AI and its impact on investing and the market. I certainly do not proclaim to be an expert on AI, but I will make a few conceptual notes on how it might impact markets. What is Generative AI? This technology has made great strides over the past several years. It involves the use of algorithms and machine learning to create content. One of the most notable benefits of generative AI in investing is its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. In the financial world, access to real-time information is paramount. Generative AI systems can analyze news articles, financial reports, and social media sentiment at a pace far exceeding human capabilities. Markets are essentially a giant information processing mechanism. If you believe in efficient markets, you believe that fair prices will be set for securities through the more than $675 billion being traded daily in world stock market exchanges (daily average in 2022). As AI increases the speed
at which information is processed, more information is incorporated into trading, and one could argue that markets become more efficient. Generative AI is new, but Artificial Intelligence has been around for quite some time and has been used in portfolio management to process information and make management more efficient. Humans have not been successful in predicting the direction or outcomes of the stock market. AI is also likely to need help in doing so. Generative AI will likely disrupt some industries and have an impact on the labor market. Still, analysts expect it will be a net positive for economic and job growth. Of course, there is much more to understand, and I look forward to tracking how AI is incorporated into the investment industry to better serve clients. Next, let’s talk about ESG, a charged and often misunderstood topic. You’ve likely heard of ESG Investing. ESG stands for “Environmental, Social, Governance,” meaning an investment or product with some sort of goal to address one or more topics. I want to take a step back and provide a broader picture of what I will call Values Driven Investing. Suppose you have donated to a charity or chosen to shop at
“HUMANS HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN PREDICTING THE DIRECTION OR OUTCOMES OF THE STOCK MARKET. AI IS ALSO LIKELY TO NEED HELP IN DOING SO.”
a small local business instead of ordering from Amazon. In that case, you are a values-driven investor, not in the sense of the stock market but in the sense of funneling your capital toward something you believe in. “Socially Responsible Investing,” or SRI, goes back thousands of years to the Quakers refusing to participate in the slave trade. You can think about values-driven investing as existing on a continuum, with some investors focusing on financial outcomes first, with values-driven outcomes secondary and continuing on to values-driven outcomes being considered first (or solely, in the case of philanthropy). While there are many different opinions on what values to consider when investing, it is important to remember that there are multiple ways to “vote with your pocketbook.” How can you implement values-driven investing in your financial portfolio? You can start by asking yourself a few questions: What are my goals, and am I on track to meet them? What do I want and need in terms of financial returns? What are my values? Which do I want to prioritize in my portfolio? Social outcomes and personal values or financial return? It is important to note that there are many arguments about values-driven investing (ESG, SRI, Impact) and whether these themed investments are poised for higher or lower returns. There isn’t clear proof either way, so if you take a values-driven approach, make sure that you stay true to sound investment principles, like diversifying your portfolio, keeping costs low, and taking a long-term view.
“WHILE THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON WHAT VALUES TO CONSIDER WHEN INVESTING, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS TO “VOTE WITH YOUR POCKETBOOK.”
Investment advisory services offered through Navigate Wealth Management, an SEC-registered investment advisor able to conduct advisory business in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. Navigate Wealth Management also markets investment advisory services under the name Abeona Wealth. Content contained herein should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment advice or for the purchase or sale of any security, insurance, or other investment product. Investments involve risk including the potential for loss of principal. Consult with a qualified advisor, accounting, tax, or legal professional before implementing any ideas or strategies discussed here.
Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 337 transactions totaling over $165 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."
Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.
Work in partnership with your body. Listen to it, support it, give to it, forgive it — and I promise it’ll give back. Repeat after me: I love myself as the most important and committed partner I will ever have
Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness, fuel your body in a way that is sustainable for both you and the planet, practice gratitude and empathy, give yourself grace when you lose routine, don’t try to make changes overnight, ditch the guilt, and always always be kind to yourself.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos
• Zest and juice from one lemon
• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard
• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.
2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.
3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.
4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise, then sliced into crescents
• 1 red pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into slices
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups mushrooms, quartered
• 1 large boneless, skinless, pasture raised chicken breast, cut into cubes (omit to make vegan)
• 2 cans coconut cream
• 1 container curry paste or 3 tablespoons dried curry powder
• 2-4 cups bone broth, chicken stock, or vegetable stock
• 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, minced
• 4 limes, 2 juiced and 2 quartered
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2-4 Tbsp. avocado, olive, or coconut oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1. Season the chicken with ¼ of the curry powder/paste, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Sear on medium heat in 1 tablespoon desired oil. Once browned on each side, remove from pan, and set aside.
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil and sauté the onion on medium heat until softened and translucent, roughly 2-3 minutes
3. Add the garlic, ginger, broccoli, zucchini, red pepper, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté on medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the chicken back in, along with the coconut cream, remaining curry powder/ paste, and broth.
5. Bring to boil, reduce to low heat, and simmer for 10-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from heat and finish with lime juice.
Serve with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or add extra broth to create a healing soup. Garnish with sliced avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Think
APRIL 2024
APRIL 5TH-21ST
A collaboration of Red Mountain Theatre & UAB Department of Theatre. Two educational powerhouses unite in Sister Act to bring professional theatre resources together with the next generation of musical theatre talent—for one incredible production! ThursdaySaturday at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2 PM.
APRIL 11TH
Avon Theater | 6:30 PM
Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango is an impressively modern take on the Argentinian dance staple: the tango. Piazzolla takes the simple but dramatic genre and infuses it with jazz, chromaticism, and dissonance; taking the listener on a wildly unique ride. Additionally, the audience will be dazzled by Edvard Greig’s Holberg Suite. Composed to celebrate the birth of Ludwig Holberg, Grieg takes on the various dance styles and compositional techniques popular at the time of Holberg’s life.
APRIL 12TH-13TH
St. Elias Maronite Church
Voted a Family Favorite by ‘Birmingham Parent’ in 2022, this festival highlighting Lebanese culture, food, and music is a blast for all ages! Since 1999, the festival has committed to donating 25% of its proceeds to local and national charities.
APRIL 20TH
Homewood Central Park
This year’s event supporting Animal-Assisted Therapy is disco themed, so put on your boogie shoes. Registration for the 5K is $30 and the 1 mile fun run is $25.
APRIL 26TH & 28TH
Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre at ASFA
This one-act opera is filled with passionate music based on an actual crime. Pagliacci features a leading tenor role considered to be one of the most challenging in opera. This roller coaster of an opera will have you on the edge of your seat! Featuring rising opera stars along with the Opera Birmingham Chorus, accompanied by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. April 26 at 7:30 PM & April 28 at 2:30 PM.
APRIL 26TH-28TH
Sloss Furnaces
Birmingham’s largest art festival spotlights 200 juried, fine artists from around the country in all mediums alongside Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham, Imagination Festival workshops for kids, two performance stages, a cafe, and more.
APRIL 26TH-28TH
Barber Motorsports Park
The only Indy Series event in the Deep South, this motorsports event draws tens of thousands of race fans every year.
APRIL 27TH
Ross Bridge | 6:00 PM
This one-of-a-kind fashion show is an opportunity to redefine beauty and to celebrate every person’s right to define it for themselves. As a community, we come together to affirm that they are beautiful exactly as they are, while they help change our perception of beauty one model at a time. To us, beauty is difference, courage, kindness, and joy. The Arc of Central Alabama serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
APRIL 28TH
Homewood 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Hollywood Garden Club is pleased to announce its biennial fundraiser the Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes. This year marks 100 years since the Hollywood Land Company was incorporated for the purpose of developing the state’s first planned community of Spanish Colonial Revival style homes. This year’s tour features three homes. For tickets: bit.ly/hollywoodhometour2024.
MAY 4TH
The 67th Annual Museum Ball
Birmingham Museum of Art | 6:00 PM
Ball Co-Chairs, Chinelo Diké-Minor and Randall Minor, along with Stephanie and Houston Smith, have planned A Night of Enchantment, a festive black-tie evening inspired by the Museum’s Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition. In addition to providing funds for arts education, your contribution will have a significant impact as we all continue to benefit from the Museum’s important role in the cultural life of our community.
MAY 4TH-5TH
The Garden Conservancy will premiere its latest documentary film, A Garden in Conversation: Louise Agee Wrinkle’s Southern Woodland Sanctuary, on Sunday, May 5 at 3 PM at the Virginia Samford Theatre. A panel discussion led by Garden Conservancy President & CEO James Brayton Hall to follow.
Garden Conservancy Open Days™ will take place May 4 with four private gardens opening their gates to the public.
To register: gardenconservancy.org
JUNE 3RD
The Megan Montgomery Foundation is hosting its 2nd annual Charity Golf Outing at Greystone Founders Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit Megan’s Foundation to prevent relationship violence before it starts. Hole sponsorships and foursomes are still available. For more information, contact Rod Clark at 205-613-4570 or Rod.clark108@outlook.com.
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