Brooklyn Museum Increases Admissions Effective March 21, 2009

Brooklyn, NY…March 20, 2009. The Brooklyn Museum announced today that it will increase its suggested admission fee to $10 for adults and to $6 for older adults and students with valid identification, effective Saturday, March 21, 2009. Admission, which has not been increased since 2004, is currently $8 for adults and $4 for seniors and students. Admission for Target First Saturdays, the Museum’s evening of art and entertainment, will continue to be free from 5 to 11 p.m. as will general admission for Members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Target First Saturdays are also supported through funds from a major endowment from the Wallace Foundation.

“We truly regret that the challenges created by the economic downturn have made it necessary to modestly increase the admissions fee at the Brooklyn Museum. We are grateful to the Department of Cultural Affairs for its support as we move forward with this suggested admissions increase.

 

I was under the impression that everyone loves art, especially teenagers.  You know, trying to find themselves, adapting to new things and such.  Art is very interesting and personally, I love it.  If you’re an art lover and you are between the ages of 10 and 18 or you know someone that may be interested that is within that age range, please pass this along.

Image provided by: www.lgreyhot.com

Event: Art Classes for Teenagers (Ages 10-18)

Date: Starting February 25th, 2008  (10 after school or weekend classes)

Organization: Educational Alliance

Location: 197 East Broadway between Jefferson & Clinton Streets.

Contact: 212-782-2300 ext 378 or educationalalliance

- think24seven

Love is in the Air

I must confess that Valentine's Day is my least favorite holiday. I find that it doesn't bring people together like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It comes across as a tattered holiday and often a filler to produce more money in cards, candies, flowers, etc during the quiet months. However, New York City tends to be a hopeless romantic around this time of year offering sights, events and other happenings worth being a part of. So whether you are a local or a tourists, here are some romatic ideas for you and your special someone:

 

The 2009 City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival - Stay warm with the many exotic flavors of Hot Chocolate this bakery has to offer including a Love Potion Flavor. Check out details of this event at www.hot-chocolate-festival.com

 

Art & Love in Renaissance Italy - What better way to re-discover the essence of love by going back to the time period that enhanced it the most. See art work of venus & cupid and other art works that celebrate love & marriage. Exhibit ends Feb. 16th. www.metmuseum.org

 

Empire State Building - Every year at the Empire State Building, 14 couples walk down the aisle on Feb 14th. This is an event you have to plan in advance if you are considering marriage. Otherwise, relive the moments of "Sleepless in Seattle" or "An Affair to Remember" by heading up to the Observation Deck and being on top of the world with a loved one. www.esbnyc.com

 

Valentine's in Times Square - If you looking for love then look no further at the cross roads of times square. From the temporary "Valentine to Times Square" heart sculpture being exhibit from Feb 13th - 22nd at Duffy Square, to a series of Love Banners created by 12 top graphic designers and don't forget the discounted deals on restaurants and hotels or even seeing a Broadway Show in Times Square. Love will be everywhere in this area. For further details on the various events in Times Square visit www.timessquarenyc.org

 

What a week it has been for New York and the rest of the nation. From the celebrations of a new president to the events happening in NYC this week, here are a few things to check out while you are in the city: Restaurant Week Until Jan. 30th, over 250 of the finest restaurants take part in this annual event of offering discount rates or pre-fixed prices of a three-course lunch or dinner. For information on various participating restaurants, visit http://nycgo.com/restaurantweek Raphael to Renoir About 120 drawings on display showcasing about 500 yrs of Art History from the Renaissance to the 1900’s and representing a diversity of artistic schools in Italy, France, Great Britian and much more. Other famous artists included in the exhibit are Van Gogh, Degas, Goya, Rembrandt and many more as well as other less-known artists that were just as equally great. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue on 82nd Street, 212-535-7710, www.metmuseum.org On the Money: Cartoons for The New Yorker Celebrating the art of the cartoonist, On the Money: Cartoons for The New Yorker features approximately eighty original drawings by some of The New Yorker's most talented and beloved artists who have tackled the theme of money and the many ways in which it defines us. The Morgan Museum & Library, 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, 212-685-0008, www.themorgan.org Chinese New Year Splendor On Jan 24th & 25th, Chinese New Year Splendor returns to Radio City for 4 spectacular shows to ring in the new year! The Splendor brings to life classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. Based on ancient heroic legends and modern courageous tales, this show and its breathtaking beauty are not to be missed. Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Avenue between 50th & 51st Street, 212-307-7171, www.radiocity.com

As the beginning of fall comes this Sunday, most of the summer time events will now come to a close. Some of NY’s most historic places have already closed forever such as Coney Island Astroland Park. But another landmark will close forever, a yearly event ends and some are weekend events worth checking out as well as new beginnings for NYC. Enjoy the last days of summer weekend.

Whether you are taking pictures or going to a game, regardless, this is the last weekend to see enjoy one last game at good old Yankee Stadium fully operational before closing it’s doors on Sunday, September 21^st. So enjoy the trip down memory lane where players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gerrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and even the players of today have made history and the stadium a legendary cathedral that will now vanish. And soon to come will be the end of Shea Stadium so stay tuned.

This is also the last weekend to enjoy the most popular street fair, The San Gennaro Festival. The hours of the festival is from 11:30am until 11:30pm, rain or Shine. The festival runs along Mulberry Street starting on Houston Street all the way down to Canal Street. This is a great way to enjoy Italian food, music, games and much more on the streets of Little Italy.

Feel like getting out of the city? Head out to the Queens Farm Museum and check out the 26^th Annual Queens County Fair. A traditional county fair with blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more. Enjoy the Amazing Maize Maze, pie-eating and corn-husking contests, Big Apple Circus Variety Acts, make-your-own-scarecrow, hayrides, petting zoo, carnival rides, and midway. Visit our Bavarian Garden, Irish and German bands, craft and food vendors. Fun for the entire family! Check out the website for directions, time and admission prices.

 

Enjoy culture and pride and at African American Day Parade. Venture up to Historic Harlem and enjoy the rythym and sounds of the African American Parade. Parade begins at 111^th street & Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard all the way up to 142^nd Street. Parade is a rain or shine event and will begin at 1pm.

Looking to tap into your artistic or creative spirit? This weekend, a new exhibit at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) will open. Experience the works of Van Gogh and the Colors of Night that will start this weekend all the way through to January. This exhibition will present new insight into Van Gogh's depictions of night landscapes, interior scenes, and the effects of both gaslight and natural light on their surroundings. Representing all periods of the artist's career, the exhibition will comprise over two dozen works of superlative quality—several of which have never been seen together, even though they were very clearly conceived with each other in mind. This is a rare opportunity to see the masterpieces of Van Gogh in this traveling special exhibition.

 

First Fridays

Well, it’s now May (half of ’08 is already gone!) and that means that some places has their first Fridays of the month events. Here are some tips:

 

Museum of Natural History

Central Park West at 79^th Street

Event: Starry nights swing with Live Jazz, mouth watering tapas, wine and other beverages at The Rose Center.

Phone: 212-769-5100

 

Bronx Museum

1040 Grand Concourse @ 165^th Street – south building (lower gallery)

Event: Their First Friday event is titled “Dance to the Music! A Look at Hip Hop. Dance. Culture”. Explore the history, relevance, and future of hip hop dance and the culture that birthed it.

Phone: 718-681-6000 

 

Weekend Events

Gateway of Nations Powwow

From June 6th thru the 8th, The Red Hawk Native American Council will be hosting their annual Powwow at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. Celebrate the first nation with traditional music, dances, arts & crafts and much more. The event is open from 11am to 7pm. For more information visit www.redhawkcouncil.org/calendar/june19.htm Admission to the event is $10; Free Parking.

Location: Floyd Bennett Field: Recreation Area, 50 Aviation Road – Brooklyn

Phone: 718-686-9297

 

National Puerto Rican Day Parade

iViva Puerto Rico! Come Celebrate the rhythmic latin music, dancing, performers and the traditions and pride of the shining star in the Caribbean. Parade will begin at 11am, going up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street. Thousands of people attend this parade ever year so expect large crowd and road blocks. Public transportation is advised for this festive event. For more information please visit www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org

Location: Manhattan – 5^th Avenue from 44^th Street to 86^th Street

Phone: 718-401-0404

 

Also an honorable mention, Cold Stone Creamery on Astor Place will be having their “OCHO LOCO” 8 cents a scoop deal on June 8th. You will need a special coupon via text message on your phone for this special deal. This will be a great way to keep yourself cool this warm weekend. Click here for more information Enjoy!

 

Once a year New York City holds one of it’s biggest block parties the city has to offer. Tonight is the 30th annual Museum Mile Festival. This first started out as a way to increase the support for arts during the fiscal crisis of the 1970’s. Museums decided to open their doors to the public and tourists to increase awareness in supporting the arts. Ever since the very first festival, The Museum Mile Block party has been an instant success exposing their attendees to artistic riches and other incredible collections. Today, many tourists make this event a part of their vacation and the City of New York has officially named Fifth Avenue from 82nd Street to 105th Street as “Museum Mile” and making this section of the city a major cultural resource.

 

To attend this amazing event is free of charge, rain or shine and begins at 6pm. The Museum Mile Festival runs along 5th avenue from 82nd Street to 105th Street. All 9 museums will be open free of charge and gives people a chance to visit participating museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Goethe-Institut/ German Cultural Center, Neue Galerie New York, Guggenheim Museum, National Academy Museum, Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, The Jewish Museum, Museum of the City of New York and the El Museo del Barrio. Enjoy street performances, musical interludes, creating your own chalk art on the street and much more while strolling down 5th Avenue. For more information visit www.museummilefestival.org

 

Cai was born in the Fujian Province of China and originally studied stage design at Shanghai Drama Institute. In the 1980's he emerged as a member of the burgeoning experimental art world during China's postreform era. After moving to Japan, Cai mastered the use of gunpowder as a medium and started to create his signature gunpowder drawings and the related outdoor explosion events thus integrating the relationship between science and art. This also signified Cai's philosophy of conflict and transformation are interdependent conditions of life and art. Cai also creates social projects to engage with local communities to produce art. The Guggenheim is proud to present Cai's art as a process that unfolds in time and space dealing with transformations and connectivity such as East vs. West, Traditions vs. Contemporary, the artist is expanding the meaning of the phrase "I Want To Believe".

With all the information above about the artist said, I still did not know what to expect from this exhibit. I must say that I am so glad I caught this exhibit before it ends this coming weekend. You definitely have to check out Cai Guo-Qiang: I Want To Believe exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum. Most of the concepts at this exhibit is very unique and very cool. The minute I walked, I was already fixated on his art. I have heard and seen some of his art work before, but I have not seen his work at this extensive level.

Every room was very interesting to me. Some things were live, some things you can interact and some things you watched. I must admit that his use of gunpowder as a medium is unique and inventive and the results of the gunpowder use is amazing. And then there were these very realistic sculptures that were so wonderful. I really paid attention to details of this and also the fact that you were put into the middle of each scene with these sculptures and other installation artworks was amazing. Also, check out his videos of fireworks and other dancing explosives that are so beautiful and yet showcases a dangerous side too. My personal favorite was the display of suspending cars. To me it was just visually pretty. There are so many wonderful things in this exhibit and it should not be missed. If you are looking for artistic inspiration or even innovative perspective of art then check out this exhibit that will end on Wednesday, May 28th. Don't miss it!

Ever want to feel like Wonder Woman or Superman without wearing the tights and cape? Then I highly recommend you check out the new exhibit "Superheroes: Fashion & Fantasy" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This exhibit explores the symbolic and metaphorical associations between fashion and the superhero. From Sportswear to movie costumes, these objects will reveal how superheroes serve as the ultimate inspiration in fashion and it's ability to empower the human body. The limited exhibit will be on display until September 2008.

 

Introducing the brand new "Sports Museum of America". New York City now has a new attraction to add to it's list of things to see while in New York. The Sports Museum of America is the only museum in the nation to celebrate all the sports Americans love under one roof.

The museum showcases the history, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture. The museum is designed to excite and delight the fans and athletes in all of us. The Sports Museum of America is an interactive, multimedia connecting visitors to the sports they love through technology, memorabillia and artifacts donated by the hall of fame, other museums, private collections and athletes. Among one of the artifacts on display, Sports Museum of America is now home to the Heisman trophy, college football's top honor. So come and discover a favorite sport and athlete or re-live your favorite sports memory and athlete.

First Fridays

Well, it’s now May (where is the time going?)  and that means that some places has their first Fridays of the month events. Here are some tips:

Guggenheim Museum

1071 Fifth Avenue at 89^th Street

Event: Enjoy drinks, explore galleries and listen to the best DJ’s in town every first Friday of the month. Tonight Shepard Fairey will be spinning a mix of old school hip-hop, rock, 80’s music and other unexpected oddities.

Phone: 212-423-3500

 

Museum of Natural History

Central Park West at 79^th Street

Event: Starry nights swing with Live Jazz, mouth watering tapas, wine and other beverages at The Rose Center.

Phone: 212-769-5100

 

Bronx Museum

1040 Grand Concourse @ 165^th Street – south building (lower gallery)

Event: Their First Friday event is titled “Urban Noise: Rockers, Punk & Beyond”. Get ready for a rock n roll extravaganza.

Phone: 718-681-6000 

 

Weekend Events

Drums Along The Hudson

The Sixth annual Native American Festival and Shad fest will take place on Saturday only from 11am to 6pm rain or shine. Along with Native American dancing there will also be indigenous dances from Hawaiian, Spanish, Belly Dancing, Capoeira and much more to be presented.

Location: Inwood Hill Park at 218^th Street, 4 Blocks West of Broadway.

Phone: 212-627-1076 ext 18

 

Sakura Matsuri

New York’s “rite of spring” will be taking place on Saturday & Sunday rain or shine. This is the 27^th year of celebrating Japanese Culture and the blossoming of about 220 Cherry Blossom trees and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Enjoy Taiko drumming, Martial Arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, bonsai pruning, performances and much more.

Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden,  1000 Washington Avenue

Phone: 718-623-7200

1. Conde Nast Building 4 Times Square, Manhattan, by Fox & Fowle Architects, 1996-1999. This 866-foot-tall skyscraper in the heart of Times Square is what Bell calls "environmentally correct," with state-of-the-art air quality and energy conservation systems. 2. Brooklyn Museum Entry pavilion and plaza, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, by James Stewart Polshek, 2004. The glass and steel circular structure modernized the museum's imposing 19th century Beaux Arts facade while making it inviting and accessible, a suitable centerpiece for Brooklyn's burgeoning hipster art scene. 3. Prada New York 575 Broadway, near Prince Street, Manhattan, by Rem Koolhaas, 2001. A wave of zebrawood is the centerpiece of Prada's flagship store, in Soho. "It displays the merchandise, it doesn't sell it." 4. Rose Center for Earth and Space At the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan, by James Stewart Polshek, 2000. This illuminated 87-foot-diameter sphere, which appears to be floating in a huge glass cube, houses the Hayden Planetarium and Space Theater. 5. Apple Store SoHo 103 Prince St., Manhattan, by Ronnette Riley and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, 2002, with Apple's creative team, including CEO Steve Jobs and others. If you're looking for the Apple Store on Prince Street, you'll be forgiven for doing a double take or maybe even walking right past it. The exterior is a 1920s stone and brick post office, with the original "STATION A" signage above the entrance. The inside is distinguished by clean, white space and an inviting glass staircase to a glass bridge upstairs. 6. Grand Central Terminal 42nd Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan, by Reed & Stern and Warren & Wetmore, 1903-1913, restored by Beyer, Blinder & Belle, 1998. The famed train station's Beaux Arts Classical design is known for its arches, clock, constellation ceiling and cathedral windows. The building's beauty was restored in a project completed in 1998, and the corridors were enlivened with exhibition space and interesting places to eat and shop. Free tours ($10 suggested donation) sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; meet at the information booth on the main concourse. 7. Morgan Library Expansion 33 E. 36th St., at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, Renzo Piano, 2006. Piano's expansion of the Morgan Library, a 1906 Beaux Arts building designed by McKim, Mead & White, is considered one of his masterpieces, with glass walls linking the old and new. 8. Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Ave., at 42nd Street, Manhattan, by William Van Alen, 1930. This building is not as well-known as the Empire State Building, but Bell thinks it should be (even though it doesn't have a public observation deck). It's a phenomenal example of Art Deco architecture that is both elegant and fun, from the distinctive tiered crown, easily picked out from the city skyline, to the enormous gargoyles shaped like radiator caps. 9. Hearst Tower 951-969 Eighth Ave., near 56th Street, Manhattan, by Sir Norman Foster, 2004. This 42-story tower was built atop the original six-story home of the Hearst media empire. The diagonal gridwork and see-through glass panels, with no vertical supporting columns, make this sleek design unique in the world. 10. Seagram Building 375 Park Ave., near 53rd Street, by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson (design architects) and Kahn & Jacobs (associate architects), 1958. "It was this building that transformed our skyline." The building is a perfect glass box, elegantly proportioned and set back 90 feet from the street.

If you are wondering what beyond Earth looks like...head over to the American Museum of Natural History and take a peak of these extra-terrestrial pictures. fractalontology.files.wordpress.com

When:

Daily (ends April 6)

Event Phone Number:

212-769-5100

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/...

American Museum of Natural History

Neighborhood: Upper West Side

American Museum of Natural History

175-208 Central Park Way

New York, NY 10017

212-769-5100

"See over 30 spectatcular photographs captured from space of four equally stunning but radically different extra-terrestrial landscapes."

At the Guggenheim Museum. When:

Every 1st Friday of the month 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Price:

$25.00; free to Guggenheim members

Event Phone Number:

212-423-3500

http://www.guggenheim.org/firstf...

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Neighborhood: Upper East Side

1071 Fifth Ave.

New York, NY 10128

212-423-3500

The Guggenheim Museum has cooked up this little activity in an effort to promote more clientèle.

"Drinks, DJs and awe-inspiring art are the perfect setting for mingling, either with one you know or one you hope to know. The entrance fee may be a little steep, but poking around the museum after hours satisifies everyone's inner naughty child."

Ok, so you don't get my title. Let me clear it up for you. Two for one...anyone?

When:

Fridays : 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Price:

$7 drink minimum; additional charges for concerts

Event Phone Number:

212-620-5000 x344

http://www.rmanyc.org/

Rubin Museum of Art

Neighborhood: Chelsea

150 W 17th St

New York, NY 10011

212-620-5000

It's Thursday, you deserve a little something and since tomorrow is the END of the week, party on people...party on!!!