New York City is a vibrant canvas of creativity, constantly adorned with mesmerizing outdoor art installations. We’ve scoped out 8 outdoor installations to check out in your wanderings. Can you believe The New Yorker Magazine is celebrating 100 years?  Head to the New York Public Library for a special exhibit celebrating “A Century of The New Yorker.” After the cold winter we are experiencing, you will definitely be ready for our 8^th Renewal Summit on May 16!!! Save the date. The New York Historical Society has a special exhibit on Falco, the beloved owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo.  Our Long Island reporter shares ways to give back. And our roving photographer takes us inside the Eldrige Street Synagogue.

Save the Date

Anne Akers and I are excited to announce the 8^th annual Renewal Summit on May 16^th back at the beautiful Scandinavia House. It will be an awesome day of special guests, experts in health and wellness, travel options, the presentation of our Woman of Purpose Award, awesome exhibitors, connecting with other awesome tomatoes, and a wine reception at the end of the day.

 Celebrating 100 Year of The New Yorker Magazine

The New York Public Library is celebrating the 100th anniversary of The New Yorker magazine with a special exhibit titled “A Century of The New Yorker.” This exhibit will open on February 22, 2025, at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. It will showcase the history of The New Yorker from its launch in 1925 to the present day, highlighting the people, stories, and ideas that have defined the iconic magazine.

The exhibit will feature founding documents, rare manuscripts, photographs, and timeless cover and cartoon art drawn from the Library’s rich holdings, along with artifacts from other renowned institutions. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the United States’ most important magazines.

The exhibit will explore the literary cosmopolitanism The New Yorker forged throughout its one-hundred-year history, from the roaring twenties through the digital age. It will highlight the role of well-known creators such as E.B. White and Vladimir Nabokov, as well as underrepresented and unsung contributors—from artists and copyeditors to typists and fact-checkers.

The exhibit is part of a year-long celebration that will include various programming and events, such as a film series at Film Forum and the digitization of the magazine’s hundred-year archive. If you’re a fan of The New Yorker or interested in the history of American culture, this exhibit is definitely worth a visit! GET THE DETAILS.

Giving Back, Long Island Style

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but the spirit of love doesn’t have to fade with the last box of chocolates. True love—the kind that lingers long after the roses wilt—is found in the ways we lift others up. For successful women like us, love isn’t just about romantic gestures; it’s about generosity, connection, and leaving a meaningful impact. And what better way to embrace the month of love than by giving back? Long Island is filled with opportunities to spread kindness, whether by mentoring young women or comforting shelter animals. After all, love isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we show and do. GET THE DETAILS. 

Roving in the Eldridge Street Synagogue

Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens writes: 

The Jewish people have always been a resilient people. The Eldridge Street Synagogue is another shining example of this.

It was built in 1887 by a wave of Eastern European Jewish immigrants who were part of the 2.5 million Jews who settled in America between 1880 and 1925. The majority landed on the Lower East Side of New York City contributing to its thriving neighborhood and culture. These were the glory days we’ve seen depicted with diverse socioeconomic people from different countries building a flourishing community together as  pushcarts rolled through the rough cobblestone streets and American roots were deeply planted.

Eldridge was the first synagogue built as a house of worship for and by this group. It remained grand and elaborate for half a century until in 1924 Immigrant Quota Laws were enforced. This change combined with families moving away from the dense area, caused the Eldridge Street Synagogue to begin to fall into disrepair. Parts of the building including the grand main sanctuary were closed off and over time, fell into extreme decline.

One hundred years after the building was complete, the age-old hidden space of worship was rediscovered. and preservationist Roberta Branded Gratz came to the rescue to begin the physical stabilization and restoration process. 20 years, 20 million dollars and 18,000 donors  later, the temple was was brought back to all its glory and more. In 1996 the building became a landmark and eventually the Museum At Eldridge.

The space continues to evolve. In 2010 artist Kiki Smith and architect Deborah Ganz were commissioned to create the most mesmerizing, celestial stained glass window using groundbreaking techniques to deliver an awe-inspiring contemporary masterpiece.

The museum is truly a hidden gem tucked away at 12 Eldridge Street in Chinatown. Any visitor can see this beautiful story of redemption that can only be achieved when proud people come together.

Outdoor Art Installations All Around the Town

New York City is brimming with outdoor art installations this winter. The city’s streets, parks, and iconic landmarks are showcasing an array of innovative and thought-provoking pieces. From the reimagined “The Gates” in Central Park to the whimsical “WHAT IF THEY BARK?” on The High Line, there’s a plethora of captivating works waiting to be explored. As you wander through the city, you’ll encounter art that celebrates nature, addresses environmental issues, and even brings a touch of surrealism to the urban landscape. Embark on an artistic adventure and discover the unique installations that make New York City a living gallery.

 Here are some highlights you can check out:

1. **”The Gates” in Central Park**: This iconic public art project by Christo and Jeanne-Claude is being reimagined through an augmented reality experience available on the Bloomberg Connects app. You can experience the flowing orange flags in Central Park from February 12 to March 23.
2. **”Love Ever After” in Times Square**: This visually striking heart sculpture, made from over four dozen oyster cages, changes color and shape as you move around it. Created by Pernilla Ohrstedt Studio, it will be placed in the New York Harbor by the Billion Oyster Project once the installation wraps up.
3. **”MoonGARDEN” at Pier 17**: This immersive art installation at Pier 17 by Fulton Street and Seaport Square is worth braving the cold for. It features stunning light displays and interactive elements.
4. **”Cracked Ice” in the Garment District**: Created by artist Del Geist, this installation features stones hoisted on stainless steel beams, symbolizing boulders suspended from ancient glaciers. It invites reflection on the dynamic forces of nature and climate change.
5. **”Parabolic Light” in Central Park**: Fred Eversley’s latest addition to his Cylindrical Lens series, this magenta and semi-transparent sculpture allows visitors to see how light waves reflect and refract over time and space.
6. **”The Dumbo Projection Project”**: From January 18 to April 20, you can check out outdoor video art projected onto Dumbo’s iconic infrastructure. The screenings include Victorian floral bouquets, works following New Yorkers, and surrealist animated stories.
7. **”WHAT IF THEY BARK?” on The High Line**: Cosima von Bonin’s playful installation features fish wearing theatrical costumes, playing musical instruments, and holding checkered missiles.
8. **”City Ecology” in Bella Abzug Park**: This installation by Sui Park consists of colorful and complex patterns scattered around the park, reflecting on the countless communities and hubs of activity that make urban destinations like NYC so beautiful.

These are just a few of the many outdoor art installations you can explore in NYC right now. Enjoy your artistic adventure!

The Year of Falco

The New York Historical Society is hosting an exhibit titled “The Year of Flaco,” celebrating the remarkable journey of Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of New Yorkers. Flaco escaped from the Central Park Zoo in February 2023 and lived freely in New York City for a year before his untimely death in February 2024. If you’re interested in urban wildlife and the story of this beloved owl, this exhibit is a must-see!

The exhibit showcases photographs, videos, and tributes from admirers, highlighting Flaco’s adventures and the impact he had on the community. It also addresses the challenges faced by urban wildlife and offers insights on how residents can support local bird populations. The exhibit runs through July 6, 2025. GET THE DETAILS.