Photo Nicole Freezer Rubens

Even as the temperature drops, New York City remains a vibrant playground of indoor activities. From dazzling cabaret shows to captivating museum exhibits, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Winter sales and unique pop-ups, including the exciting collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami, captured through the lens of our roving photographer, add an extra layer of excitement. Don’t miss our special event that we hope you’ll join us for. Meanwhile, on Long Island, it’s the perfect time to dive into culinary classes and sharpen your cooking skills. Bundle up and enjoy the season!

Feb. 2. Join Us for an Inspiring Afternoon

Anne Akers and I invite you to join us for an inspiring afternoon on Sunday Feb. 2. Thanks to the generous donations to our Giving Circle, we will present our second $5,000 grant to Hearts of Gold a nonprofit founded by Deborah Koenigsberger that is dedicated to helping women and children transition out of shelters. Deborah will host us at her store,  TTH Vintage Boutique, NYC’s premier resale store, which also employs women who are rebuilding their lives at the boutique.

Also joining us will be Cat Curry-Williams, co-founder of She Angels Foundation, author and TEDx speaker. Cat will have signed copies of her bestselling book, Philanthropy on a Shoestring, for the first 25 people who register for the event.

The event is FREE, but you must register to attend.

Date: Sunday Feb. 2 from 4 PM to 7 PM

Host: Deborah Koenigsberger, Founder Hearts of Gold

Venue:  tth Vintage Boutique, 40 West 25th Street, NYC

Wine, lite bites, and shopping too.

REGISTER HERE.

THE Sale of the Season

Sure, sales are everywhere, but Gabrielle Carlon’s collection of beautiful clothes in fabulous colors and luxurious fabrics stands unrivaled. Believe me, this is one sale event you simply can’t afford to pass up.Gabrielle Carlson Studio, 1034A Lexington, NYC. gabriellecarlson.com

Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami Create a Happy Place

Our roving Photographer Nicole Freezer Rubens writes: 

Visit a new happy place where art meets luxury goods and the results are a joyful pop of color! The historic fashion brand Louis Vuitton and long time collaborator artist Takashi Murakami created a whimsical world to exhibit their latest joint project. Throughout January, the Louis Vuitton store in SoHo located at 104 Prince Street has been temporarily transformed into a pop-up shop reflecting the aesthetic of the two brands when combined. The space is small and intimate with only a few guests allowed in at a time. The design is inspired by Tokyo’s modular capsule hotel rooms, simultaneously extremely minimal and decadent.

You enter this bright, color-blocked, playful space, it is not only a store but a mini museum. Intricate pieces from Murakami’s previous collaborations beginning in 2003 are on view, as well as the new fanciful ones that are for sale. There is also a mini movie theater showing the artist’s inspired imagery from 20 years ago, and a very bubble gum pink cafe with beautiful specialty coffees, cakes, and paper goods.

If you make a purchase, you get the grand prize of receiving a token to use around the corner in a giant cartoon-like LV Murakami bubble gum machine where the bauble prizes include stickers, games, and trading cards. Similar pop-up shops are also in London, Milan, Seoul, Shanghai, and of course Tokyo.

After you put your name down, Soho is yours to explore as you wait to be texted for your turn. The overall experience is worth the wait as this creative space is pure fantasy and a glimpse into the past and the future where luxury and usable art collide.

~Nicole Freezer Rubens is the author of “The Long Pause and the Short Breath”

Flavorful Journeys Begin in Culinary Classes

This winter might be the perfect time to take your culinary skills to the next level. Our Long Island reporter, Andrea Peponakis says slice, dice, and spice up your food, and your life, by attending a culinary class taught by master chefs. These culinary classes offer the perfect blend of hands-on learning, creativity, and delicious rewards. Guaranteed fun is the main ingredient. So, tie on your apron and prepare to stir up something amazing. GET THE DETAILS.

Feb. 1. London by Night

Kati Neiheisel (a Tomatoes Got Talent finalist) returns to Pangea in an encore of her new show featuring songs performed or inspired by Julie London. London was known for her smooth, smoky and sultry delivery of jazz-inspired tunes, many of which were written by her husband, jazz pianist Bobby Troup, best known for writing the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Directed by Lina Koutrakos, with musical director Gregory Toroian on piano, Skip Ward on bass, and David Silliman on drums, London by Night also features songs written by Caroll Coates, Arthur Hamilton, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Willie Nelson, and more. Pangea 178 2nd Ave, NYC, 10003. Tickets online $20: https://cur8.com/18134/project/128001

Feb. 19. Susan Mack’s No More Blues

Susan Mack, another Tomatoes Got Talent finalist, and nominated as best vocalist by BroadwayWorld NYC Cabaret Award, returns to Chelsea Table & Stage for an encore performance of No More Blues (Winter Edition❄️) on Wednesday, February 19. Showtime is at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00). The venue is beautifully chic and the food is delicious, so come early to enjoy “dinner and a show”.  She is joined on stage by Tedd Firth (Musical Director/piano), David Finck (bass) and Eric Halvorson (drums), with direction by Lina Koutrakos.  BroadwayWorld review HERE!   Tickets and more information HERE!

What’s On at the Museums

New York City is always buzzing with exciting art exhibits and winter is a perfect time to visit! Here are some of the top ones currently on display at the Morgan Museum, The Whitney, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Morgan Library & Museum

1. Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s Legacy (October 25, 2024 – May 4, 2025): This exhibition celebrates the life and career of the Morgan Library’s inaugural director, Belle da Costa Greene, highlighting her contributions and acquisitions.
2. Franz Kafka (November 22, 2024 – April 13, 2025): This exhibit explores the works and influence of Franz Kafka, showcasing his relatively small but impactful body of work.
3. Collections Spotlight, Spring 2025 (January 14 – May 4, 2025): This rotating exhibition features illuminated manuscripts, literary manuscripts, and printed music from the Morgan’s collection.

Whitney Museum of American Art

1. Edges of Ailey (September 25, 2024 – February 9, 2025): This exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey, featuring visual art, live performances, archival materials, and a multi-screen video installation.
2. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and the Last Gullah Islands (December 5, 2024 – May 2025): This exhibit explores the Gullah Islands and their cultural heritage through the lens of photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe.
3. Hyundai Terrace Commission: Torkwase Dyson (Through February 2, 2025): This outdoor installation by Torkwase Dyson is part of the Whitney’s public art program.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1. Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300–1350 (Through January 26, 2025): This exhibition explores the development of painting in Siena during the 14th century.
2. Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–Now (Through February 17, 2025): This exhibit showcases the works of Black artists inspired by ancient Egypt.
3. Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph (Through March 16, 2025): Featuring the architectural designs of Paul Rudolph, this exhibition highlights his innovative use of space.