I have been awfully slack about the blog in recent weeks. So, I thought I would do a brief catch up on my world.

• We went to the Museum of Natural History and made this video….

• We took .

•  I added to .

This past Friday night I had the unique opportunity to hit up a gallery in Greenpoint to see about 50 or 60 unique works by female artists from all over the globe. I went not knowing what to expect and really as the guest of my dear friend, artist dreXeL.

Arriving at the rather nondescript Alphabeta on 70 Greenpoint Ave in Brooklyn I kind of thought it was going to be another small gallery space that was more about getting people to a store/resaurant/bar than the art itself. I was totally wrong. This night was all about the art.

YOUNITY was founded in the big apple in 2007 by international artists Alice Mizrachi and Toofly. After having spent years in the contemporary art world they felt a large void in the organized presence of female artists and that, by in large, they had showcase in which to display their works and ideas. Galleries were too rigid and other locations didn’t allow for the sort of personal expression they needed. So Alice and Toofly decided to find their own space. They had three goals:

1. Create a place where females could tell their stories in more universal, down-to-earth voices
2. Build a stable community in which they could teach the next generationof women the process of curating exhibitions and successfully spreading artistic ideas
3. Allow members to explore their own flavor while retaining their identity within the context of a collective body

Perhaps for me the best piece of the night was the Pen and Ink piece ‘Good Intention’ by Dee Keating. A very simple 8.5 x 11 piece of notebook paper adorned with words such as acceptance, sorrow, joy, wisdom, blessings, and truth, ‘Good Intention’ seemed to really capture a la high school notebook the anxieties and concerns that dominate adolescent life. The best part though was the sense of voyeurism you felt when looking into the spiral bound heart of the artist.

Other quality pieces that caught my eye were ‘Untitled’, a black and white photograph of a hispanic teenager in the city, by Irene Stergios as well as Naomi Martinez’ ‘Music=Love’, a pen and marker piece on bristol paper, and the silkscreen ‘Untitled’ by Swoon.

Red Jacket Orchards Cranberry Apple Cider.

Find it.
Get it.
Drink it.
Now.

Friday afternoon my buddy Oscar and I ventured midtown to Target Free Friday at the Museum of Modern Art. I was especially interested in their Pre-Fab exhibit. Considering we only waited on line for about forty-five minutes and the museum was well kept, it was enjoyable experience. If you want to see some images from the afternoon you can simply click here .

I never was much of a skater. I had several boards. I read the magazines. I watched the videos. But I could never really “get it.” Since those formative years I have been fascinated with the ballet inspired by a man and his board. Last night I got the chance to take a few shots of some skaters outside the Brooklyn Museum. Feel free to check those out here.

Coney Island is one of those places like South of the Border; better left as mental myth than seen in person. Yesterday Joe and I headed out (depsite the supposed 99 degree heat) to see and capture on film the sights of the daytrip mecca of New York urbanites hungry for the smell of the sea. Armed with hopes of old carnival attractions and their ghostlike barkers we found ourselves hot, dehydrated and miffed as to the legend of it all.

I thought I would take a second to share my excitement with you two of the latest additions to my growing shoes collection. Now I don’t collect much. In fact, I only collect art (mixed media, mostly) and Nikes. And living in Brooklyn is like an art collector living in Christie’s main auditorium. Needless to say that on my budget I hardly add to my collection. But when I get a chance I go for it with gusto. So, without further ado, I introduce to you:
the latest offering from the Jordan Brand, the Rising Stars . The kicks feature both Zoom Air and Max Air technology. They are largely black but have a wonderful sort of paint splatter effect. They are extremely comfortable and match almost everything.

This second pair is the Nike Vandal Hi. The Vandal has a cartoon graphic right behind the heel. The shoe is clean and rather conservative with a traditional shoe strap held by velcro.

Yesterday afternoon Emily and I finally hosted our housewarming party…2 months after moving in. We had been waiting for our couch to arrive in its entirety as we wanted the house to look as beautiful as we feel it does. It must have because we received lots of compliments from our friends, past co-workers and even family member who were able to stop by.

We were fortunate enough to be able to offer a spread of cheeses and crackers, mini pizzas, cous-cous, finger sandwiches, chips and salsa/cheese, cookies, cheesecake, and lots of wine. It was a wonderful time and Emily and I really enjoyed being able to open our home to everyone. It was exhausting. Don’t get me wrong. We washed more dishes when everyone left than I care to think about now. If you want to see any of the pictures you are welcome to visit my Flickr page here .

It has been about four years since I have seen a Broadway show. Considering my bachelors studies and my love of theatre mixed with my new home here in New York, there is simply no excuse for that. Well, tonight that dry spell ended as I found myself in the seventh row of the Richard Rodgers Theatre seeing “In The Heights “.

With a story and music conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “ITH” tells a story of the Washington Heights neighborhood and it eclectic mix of Latinos and colorful characters. The music is amazing as it is fresh, modern and hott! Several of the performances were outstanding as well and proves why the show is up for multiple Tony Awards.

I don’t have much else to say about the show without sounding like a complete critic/review writer but I do want to make note of how vibrant and rich New York and its neighborhoods are. Just after the show was over I stood in Times Square looking up at the buildings and the lights and again had that feeling of awe. I live in New York. I am not sure when it became my dream to come here or if it even is the whole dream. But whatever part of it it is, I am here now and as of tonight…I am back in the show!