APRIL 24, 2014 The Spirit 15
Wendy Shalen drawing her self-portrait, which she titles “Remembering Babs.�
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May 27th-May 31st, 2014
SoirĂŠe in the Park 5VFTEBZ .BZ 1. t 5IFPEPSF 3PPTFWFMU 1BSL
$150
A cocktail event under the stars to celebrate and raise funds for New York City's beautiful Theodore Roosevelt Park, surrounding the American Museum of Natural History. With proceeds benefiting the park, this festive occasion within a beautiful setting will have live music and feature champagne and hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chris Wyman (Corvo Bianco), Maria Loi (Loi Restaurant), Cesare Casella (Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto), Sarabeth Levine (Sarabeth's), Matthew Oetting (Caffè Storico), Rodney Mitchell (Calle Ocho), and Theodore Roosevelt Park Lala Sharma (Savoury Indian Restaurant & Bar).
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'SJEBZ .BZ 1. t 8 UI $PM "WF dren. Watercolors and etchings of Samantha cradling Mia suggest a deliberate symmetry with a silverpoint drawing of Mia as an infant, sleeping on her father’s chest. Though she’s always done figurative work, some of Shalen’s recent shows had a more political bent. In 2010 she exhibited portraits of homeless people, and her 2012 mixed media show “Washed Ashore� in Pound Ridge, New York, incorporated trash she found on beaches into watercolor and pastel seascapes. A few pieces directly responded to the BP oil spill. Shalen has also taught art since she graduated from Brandeis University in 1973. While a teacher at Birch Wathen Lenox School on the Upper East Side in the 1970s, she took courses at the Art Stu-
dents League, where she now teaches. “In the summer I teach in the same room where I took classes,� Shalen said. “Which is really kind of crazy cool. I want to pinch myself.� The oldest piece in “Family Matters� was done in 1980, the year her grandmother died, at the age of 90, and the year Shalen’s twins were born. Her strongest memories of her grandmother Sophie are of her knotted, arthritic hands constantly in motion as she knitted, crocheted and sewed cloth napkins, lace and beaded collars. Shortly before Sophie’s death, Shalen drew a charcoal portrait of her grandmother wearing a shawl she’d knitted herself. “Much of the show is dedicated to her creative spirit,� Shalen said. “My mother was never
happy about me remembering [Sophie] that way, unfortunately. It’s difficult to look at.â€? In a nod to her grandmother’s own artistic expression, Shalen, who also makes paper from her own recycled watercolor paintings, created a series of thick, stark white paper for the show, imprinted with pieces of her grandmother’s lace and crocheted linen. “You know, you’re getting older and you really do have a certain perspective on what is important here,â€? said Shalen. “And really, your family is important. Especially as an obsessed artist. Most of us, we do this, we think about it all the time, and I think it’s important to have the perspective that your family is really important and maybe ďŹ gure out a way to do the work that you do but also show your love for your family.â€?
Travel Channel's Adam Richman returns for the fourth consecutive year, along with Food Network star and Iron Chef, Alex Guarnaschelli of NYC's Butter Restaurant. The duo will oversee 40 restaurants from the Upper West Side showcasing their most innovative comfort dishes, and competing to win this year's "Best Comfort Food Dish". We'll be introducing you to new restaurants as well as the neighborhood favorites. The high-energy excitement of the evening will be amplified with renowned wines, creative cocktails, and the returning beats of NYC's DJ PHRESH.
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$105, 2/$185
Adam Richman, Host Travel Channel
Best of the West
Alex Guarnaschelli, Host Chef, Butter Restaurant
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4BU .BZ t 7*1 1. (FO "EN 1. t 8 $PM "WF Highlighting the best of the Upper West Side's culinary scene, Best of the West will showcase signature fare created by over 40 celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. Hosted by Jill Martin, Emmy award-winning TV personality and NY Knicks broadcaster, the evening will feature gourmet fare created by some of the Upper West Side's most talented chefs and restaurants. Honoring renowned chef and owner Daniel Boulud, culminating in a magical evening with music by the Silver Arrow Band, spectacular food, and enticing cocktails. VIP tickets are available for those who want early access to the chefs, food and drinks.
Daniel Boulud, Honoree
$135, 2/$250 VIP $225
Jill Martin, Host Broadcaster, New York Knicks Contributor, Today Show
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newtasteuws.com “Bedtime,� a watercolor of the artist’s daughter, Samantha, and her granddaughter Mia.