Yvonna Russell's Blog, page 2

Amy Sherald: American Sublime

Breonna Taylor, 2020 Amy Sherald

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” said Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. African American painter Amy Sherald painted a world she did not see in her signature portrait style, depicting Black life.

Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance), 2014 Amy Sherald

Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the Whitney Museum of American Art presents the artist’s first New York museum solo show, from April 9th through August 10th in Manhattan. The exhibition of fifty paintings explores her stellar career from 2007 to date.

“Imagination allows you to bend the rules of the temporal world. I just want them to see that a more beautiful world exists beyond the confines of your environment.” shares Amy Sherald.

The magic realism of her traditional portraiture shows underrepresented African Americans in everyday quiet authentic moments. Representation and race have danced a pas de deux in her art referencing real life in her childhood fascination with family photographs — a black-and-white portrait of her grandmother in particular.

If You Surrendered to the Air, You Could Ride It, 2019 Amy Sherald

Often Amy is inspired by the great black woman authors Octavia E. Butler, Zora Neale Hurston, Lucille Clifton, and Toni Morrison to use quotes from their books as titles for her poetic work of Black life in American art.

The Bathers, 2015 Amy Sherald

After receiving a BFA from Clark-Atlanta University Amy went on to a MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art. After receiving her Master’s degree, Sherald went to Norway for a year to study under painter Odd Nerdrum, who taught her the classical technique of grisaille, using shades of gray rather than naturalistic brown tones. Beginning a portrait method of painting in monochrome, usually gray, for technique allowed Sherald to achieve her signature style.

What’s precious inside of him does not care to be known by the mind in ways that diminish its presence (All American), 2017 Amy Sherald

While she toiled as a waitress for ten years to support herself she continued working in her art studio in Columbus, Georgia. Amy regularly traveled to the Whitney Museum for inspiration in the works of Alex Katz, Edward Hopper Barclay Hendricks, and Andrew Wyeth. A powerful manifestation, Amy decided in 2007 that she would have a show in the Whitney Museum of Art.

The Rabbit in the Hat , 2008 Amy Sherald

The whimsical Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” inspired painting, Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance), won Sherald the Outwin Boochever Portrait competition organized by the National Portrait Gallery. Her star continued to rise, Amy received the 2017 Anonymous Was A Woman Award; the Smithsonian Ingenuity Award, the Pollock Prize for Creativity, and the David C. Driskell Prize in 2018.

Listen, you a wonder. You a city of a woman. You got a geography of your own., 2016 Amy Sherald

The first African American and woman to win the honor brought her to the attention of First Lady Michelle Obama for her Presidential portrait commission.

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, 2018 Amy Sherald

President Obama told Sherald, “I want to thank you for so spectacularly capturing the grace and beauty and intelligence and charm and hotness of the woman that I love.”

Vanity Fair commissioned a painting of Breonna Taylor for the magazine cover. The issue co-edited by Ta-Neshi Coates focused on Black Lives Matter activism sparked by the wrongful shooting death of Breonna by Louisville police officers. The portrait was done in Herald’s signature technique using photos and videos provided by her family. Breonna wears a beautiful turquoise dress by Black designer Jasmine Elder and an engagement ring on Taylor’s finger to honor the love between Taylor and her partner, Kenneth Walker to celebrate a promising life tragically gone too soon.

For Love, and for Country, 2022 Amy Sherald

“It is a great honor to work with Amy Sherald, one of the most compelling, generous, and impactful artists of our time,” said Rujeko Hockley, Arnhold Associate Curator at the Whitney Museum. “Her unwavering dedication and commitment to what she has called the ‘wonder of what it is to be a Black American’ is deeply felt, and I am thrilled to share her visionary work with our audiences.”

The Whitney presentation of this exhibition is organized by Rujeko Hockley, Arnhold Associate Curator, with David Lisbon, curatorial assistant. Amy Sherald: American Sublime is organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and curated by Sarah Roberts, the former Andrew W. Mellon Curator and Head of Painting and Sculpture at SFMOMA.

They Call Me Redbone, but I’d Rather Be Strawberry Shortcake, 2009 Amy Sherald

“American Sublime is a salve,” said artist Amy Sherald. “A call to remember our shared humanity and an insistence on being seen.”

Amy Sherald: American Sublime is sponsored by Delta, Bank of America, and major support from the Ford Foundation.

A Midsummer Afternoon Dream, 2020 Amy Sherald

Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the Whitney Museum of American Art opens April 9th — August 10th in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.

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Young Concert Artists Annual 64th Gala Kickoff

Dan Kellogg, Zlatomir Fung, Judith Pisar, Clive Gillinson, Chaeyoung Park

Philanthropist and Young Concert Artists gala chair Judith Pisar invited the Benefit Committee and supporters to an invitation-only reception in her modern art-laden Upper East Side duplex on Monday, March 3, 2025. The musical evening was to kick off the upcoming Young Concert Artists 64th Annual Gala, which benefits the artistic future leaders of classical music.

Julie Lindsey, Hsing-ay Hsu, Paul Huang

No dilettante Judith has been actively involved with Young Concert Artists for six decades. The grande dame and founder Susan Wadsworth is a dear friend of as many years.

Ronald Abramson, Susan Wadsworth

“I have been a friend of the organization for 60 years. I have stood next to the founder, Susan Wadsworth, for all these years. It’s an emotional commitment. Every YCA gathering is special to me. But this one, this year, this upcoming Gala feels all the more important. As the world becomes impossibly turbulent, it is a time for us to stand together and support the future of our youth,” Judith shared.

Mic Herring, Susan Wadsworth, Philip Caggiano, Christina Baker

The gala honoree Sir Clive Gillinson enjoyed an evening away from his important position as the much loved Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall.

Anya Gillinson, Clive Gillinson

Clive Gillinson told the crowd, “There are so many different ways to help young musicians, but YCA is one of the most important. They nurture the finest talent who are going to be the people who inspire others throughout their lifetimes.”

Lauren Walsh, Lisa Walsh Hawkins, Andrew Hawkins

Founder Susan Wadsworth, the YCA Board Members Beatrice Francais, Marlene Herring, Karen Lindquist, Joanna Ostrem, Judith Pisar, Mitchell Sikora, and Raina Subrahmanyam and special guests Ronald and Anne Abramson, Anya and Clive Gillinson, Mark Gude, Lisa and Andrew Hawkins, LaVon Kellner and Tom Roush, William Little, Galina Novikova, Liane Pei, Stanley Shuman, Sarah Billinghurst Solomon, and Lauren Walsh gathered around for conversation, wine, champagne, bites of mini quiches, spicy wontons, sushi, shrimp cocktail, and spanakopita.

Sir Clive Gillinson

Inspiring to hear first hand powerful stories from the YCA staff who provide career support to emerging musicians through artist management, debut concerts, and performance opportunities to exceptional young artists, helping them establish successful careers in classical music.

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For the musical interlude, guests gathered around Pisar’s grand piano for performances by YCA alumnus, cellist Zlatomir Fung and YCA pianist Chaeyoung Park. Fung, a winner of the 2017 YCA International Auditions, went on to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition’s Cello Division in 2019 — as the youngest artist ever to do so — when Clive Gillinson chaired the jury. 2024–2025 marks Fung’s first season on the cello faculty at his alma mater, The Juilliard School.

Alexandra Gardner, Judith Pisar, Mark Gude, Sandra Gardner

“YCA’s work is only possible because of our devoted supporters,” said YCA President, Daniel Kellogg, “and it’s thanks to so many of you in this room that we are going to have a wonderful and festive gala. I want to especially acknowledge YCA founder Susan Wadsworth, without whom none of this would be possible.”

Sarah Butler, Tom Roush, Lavon Kellner.

Judith invited everyone to a buffet supper alongside musicians, YCA board members, supporters, and the gala honoree following the performance.

Judith Pisar, Galina Novikova

The post-concert reception in Judith’s dining room was a buffet of fresh whole salmon and vegetable terrine, polet frite, lasagna, and caesar salad, which was delicious. The repasse was complemented by a selection of red and white wines plus champagne. The icy snap on a March night was perfect for the cozy evening and the overflowing party.

Stan Schuman, Andrew Hawkins

On behalf of YCA Board Chair Paul Sekhri, his husband, Mark Gude, shared “We are so delighted to honor you (Clive) at our gala. You are a hero in the arts, and the impact you’ve had on the world and young artists is tremendous.”

Mitchell Sikora, Clive Gillinson, Judith Pisar

Looking forward to the glamorous Young Concert Artists 64th Annual Gala honoring Sir Clive Gillinson, which will be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 17th in Manhattan. The black tie optional benefit will be incredible starting with a cocktail party, a sumptuous sit-down dinner, classical music performances by eight-time Grammy award winner Emanuel Ax, famous alumni and rising stars, a dessert reception and a live auction of exclusive luxury getaways and experiences. The splendid evening will be pitch perfect.

PHOTOS by John Sanderson for Annie Watt Agency

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Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature

Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog ( Caspar David Friedrich)

Until you travel to Germany and see Germany’s most beloved landscape painter’s inspiration, the best thing is to see Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Widely regarded as the leading figure of the German Romantic movement, Caspar David Friedrich produced vast and mysterious landscapes and seascapes with signature motifs of moonlit skies, Gothic ruins, isolated figures, and misty panoramas that explored the theme of human helplessness against the forces of nature. The first major comprehension exhibit of the artist called “The Painter of Stillness “ to be presented in the United States.

The Watzmann ( Caspar David Friedrich)

“The most significant German Romantic painter, Caspar David Friedrich brilliantly illuminates our understanding of the natural world as a spiritual and emotional landscape,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Max boasts, “This very first major retrospective in the United States of Germany’s most beloved painter follows the celebrations of Friedrich’s work in Europe on the occasion of the artist’s 250th birthday in 2024. We are thrilled to collaborate with our German museum colleagues and many other generous lenders on this rare opportunity to reflect on Friedrich’s portrayals of nature and the human condition.”

The Evening Star (Caspar David Friedrich)

Beginning with his career as a printmaker and draftsman in Dresden, Germany the collection explores themes through his four-decade career; spirituality and religion; the experience of the infinite and unknowable; the passage of time and mortality; solitude and companionship in nature; and the mixture of beauty and danger that the Romantics called the sublime. Frederich made his professional breakthrough, submitting ambitious ink-wash drawings of the spare coastal landscape island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea to public exhibitions in Dresden and Weimar.

Monk by the Sea (Caspar David Friedrich)

Although solitude was an important theme in his art at The Dresden Academy of Art, where he became a member and later a professor, Caspar became a part of a creative community of artists with whom creative practices exchanged ideas and methods. During this period, the companionship that shaped Friedrich’s art is documented in drawings made while sketching alongside other artists and commemorated in paintings such as The Met’s Two Men Contemplating the Moon.

View of Arkona with Rising Moon (Caspar David Friedrich)

For the first time together two iconic works of the German Romantic movement from museums loaned for the exhibition are Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (Hamburger Kunsthalle) and one of his most extraordinary meditations on faith and solitude Monk by the Sea (Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin). Both canvasses articulate a profound connection between the natural world and the inner self, or soul.

Spectacular drawings deploy to evoke solitude, melancholy, and longing, View of Arkona with Rising Moon (The Albertan Museum, Vienna) shows his technical virtuosity and alignment with the Romantic taste for mood and mystery.

Friedrich’s works assail “the unknowable hereafter… the darkness of the future! Which is only ever sacred intuition, to be seen and recognized only in belief.”

Moonrise over the Sea (Caspar David Friedrich)

Friedrich’s interest in the passage of time is depicted in Dolmen in Autumn (Albertinum, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden), which conjoins nature’s cycles with the rhythms of human life and history. Intrigued by winter, Friedrich created numerous works that capture the season’s subtle colors and evoke duality with death and rebirth.

Encapsulating this dynamic is Moonrise over the Sea (Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin), in which figures onshore gaze across an expanse of water toward incoming ships and, beyond them, the horizon, Friedrich evokes the promise of self-discovery within nature.

Woman before the Rising or Setting Sun (Caspar David Friedrich)

An avid hiker, Friedrich’s paintings appealed to the Romantic period’s interest in lofty mountain peaks and the mixture of beauty, danger, and awe of high elevations in The Watzmann (Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin; loaned by Deka, Frankfurt am Main).

Two Men Contemplating the Moon (Caspar David Friedrich)

Falling out of favor as the era changed Caspar’s canvases continued structuring his compositions around swaths of land, water, and sky including his later canvases, among them The Evening Star (Freies Deutsches Hochstift, Frankfurter Goethe Museum, Frankfurt am Main).

In the end, challenged by health issues from a stroke his intimate perceptions of the individual and the natural world are seen in his work, The Stages of Life (Museum der bildenden Künste Leipzig), a poignant meditation on family, mortality, and generational continuity.

Wanderer_auf_Barkasse-Internes (Verwendungsrecht)

After the exhibition preview on February 3rd, Germany Travel hosted a three-course luncheon complemented by select German wines at the Liederkranz Club on the Upper East Side. The Liederkranz Club began 175 years ago and was founded by 25 German heritage singers to promote artistic endeavors and good fellowship.

Lohmen View of the bastion in Saxo n Switzerland (Michał Maj)

The buzz at the table was the destination travel to Germany in the footsteps of Casper David Friedrich’s life. The guided tours of his birthplace Greifswald, The Caspar David Friedrich Trail. The Isle of Rügen, where he romanced his wife Caroline, and the mountains he hiked solitary or with his Dresden artists friends. Friedrich’s art presents the beauty of nature in his homeland as an inspiration for personal and philosophical discovery. Friedrich painted numerous scenes with the expressive power of perspective, light, color, and atmosphere, inspired by the geography and daily life of places well known to him.

Rugen-Chalk Cliffs National Park Jasm und ( Francesco Carovillano )

Friedrich shared his creative philosophy “The task of a work of art is to recognize the spirit of nature and, with one’s whole heart and intention, to saturate oneself with it and absorb it and give it back again in the form of a picture.”

Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature presents 75 works of art; oil paintings, finished drawings, and working sketches from every phase of the artist’s extraordinary journey and enduring artistic legacy.

The Stages of Life (Caspar David Friedrich)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature, the first comprehensive exhibition in the United States dedicated to the nineteenth-century German landscape painter Caspar David Friedrich, which will be on view through May 11, 2025.

All artwork images courtesy of Met Museum

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American Austrian Foundation’s ‘Music for Medicine’ Gala

Music for Medicine Gala

American Austrian Foundation (AAF) Music for Medicine Gala presented a magnificent evening of classical music, a lively auction, and supper to benefit the Open Medical Institute on Monday, December 2nd in Manhattan.

Hubert Heiss, Helene Steinhaeusl, Wolfgang Aulitzky, Barbara Tober, Jonathan MarderDavid Trost, Joanna Weeks, Nicole Lamparello, Cory Terzis

The chilly December night was perfect for the holiday decorations and candlelit tables inside The Metropolitan Club, the cocktail party was overflowing as guests AAF Chairman Thomas J. McGrath and his wife Diahn, Executive Director Katharine Eltz-Aulitzky, Medical Co-Directors James Callahan and Nancy Wolf, as well as Noreen and Ken Buckfire, Carole and John French, Lee Fryd, Michele Gerber Klein, Kelly and Dr. Robert Kim, Michael Koch, Betsy McCaughey (Former Lieutenant Governor of New York), Margaret Crotty and Rory Riggs, and many more arrived.

Robert Kim, Kelly KimTereza Guimaraes, Carlos Guimaraes

Since 1984 a group of Americans and Austrians keen on fostering closer ties between the two countries founded The American Austrian Foundation (AAF). AAF created the Open Medical Institute (OMI) in 1993 as an educational initiative for medical professionals to improve healthcare on a global scale. As countries struggle to care for patients amidst collapsed medical systems and economies, many physicians leave for better opportunities elsewhere, creating a brain drain of physicians and jeopardizing the health of millions living in less developed countries. OMI has awarded more than 28,300 fellowships to physicians in 133 different countries and granted 3,600 observer ships in Austrian and American hospitals.

Carlos Guimaraes, Pablo Legorreta, Wolfgang Aulitzky, Maria Herrera

After welcoming remarks by Dr. Wolfgang Aulitzky, Medical Director of AAF, he sincerely thanked the evening’s chairs, Dr. Antonio Gotto and Barbara Tober.

Robert Wessely, Wolfgang Aulitzky

“In Nigeria, every single week more than 50 physicians are leaving the country. This is why we designed OMI to give doctors the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care in their home countries. It promotes brain gain instead”, said Dr. Wolfgang Aulitzky highlighting a long-standing reputation of support to the international medical community.

Robert Wessely, Thomas McKnight, Renate McKnight, George Moeschlin

He introduced Pablo Legorreta, founder of Royalty Pharma, who expressed his wholehearted gratitude for the medical community’s support.

Benjamin Schmidt, Kelly Kim, Robert Kim

“The generosity that exists among Americans is unlike any other in the world”, shared Pablo Legorreta at the gala dinner. “That’s why the Open Medical Institute (OMI) program works so well. American doctors are generous with their time and knowledge. If you ask doctors from other parts of the world to actually close their practice for a week and go teach, it’s very hard to persuade them to do that. But in the U.S. that happens all the time.”

Barbara Tober, Jeffrey MosesCarole French, Josef Woehrer

Sebastian Breit, Oboe, Katharina Engelbrecht, Violin, Sebastian Fuehrlinger, Viola and Wolfgang Haertel, Cello members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performed Georg Druschetzky’s Quartet for Oboe and String Trio in G Minor, Benjamin Britten’s Phantasy Quartet OP. 2 for Oboe and String Trio, and the finale Mozart’s Oboe Quartet, F Major KV 370.

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The Music for Medicine auctioneer invited benefit supporters to live bidding on a Porsche Chronograph all-black numbered edition timepiece, a Vienna City of Dreams trip, dinner at Michellin-starred chef Eduard Frauneder’s downtown restaurant Schilling, a four-day retreat in Atitlan, Guatemala for yoga and hiking, a Tiffany East West travel watch, Aena ‘Flower Power’ earrings in peach adorned with rose-cut white diamonds in 18-carat gold, a handcrafted porcelain Augarten Vase, and other luxuries to benefit the faculty of The Salzburg Weill Cornell Seminars and the Open Medical Institute programs.

Bruce Goodman, Betsy McCaughey

The post-concert benefit dinner served a starter of salmon tartare and black caviar with avocado wasabi aioli, a choice of char-grilled filet mignon with pencil asparagus, parmesan carrots, and port reduction or roasted halibut with kale and butternut squash dressed with citrus & sage emulsion. A bountiful dessert of olive oil cake was complimented by mixed berry garnish, sour cherry compote, and whipped cream.

Susan McCone, Thomas McKnight, Camille Gillespie, George Moeschlin

Enchanted guests were gifted a silver bag containing a collection of Staud’s Wien preserves. The proceeds from the sold out one-night benefit support the Open Medical Institute (OMI) commitment to addressing the global challenge, impacting the lives of thousands of healthcare professionals and their patients.

Susie Daily, Jeanne Andlinger, Barbara Tober, Katharine Eltz-Aulitzky, Carole Lee

PHOTOS BY PATRICK MCMULLAN AND JARED SISKIN

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vildwerk.

This Bitter Earth (Hisae Aihara Photography)

“vildverk” is Dutch for wild works. Celebrated choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, Henning Rübsam, Gianna Reisen, Briana Reed, Mara Galeazzi, Jacqulyn Buglisi, and Joshua Beamish and renowned dancers Preston Chamblee and Unity Phelan (New York City Ballet), Benjamin Freemantle (San Francisco Ballet), Jason Kittleberger (L.A. Dance Project), Lloyd Knight (Martha Graham Dance Company), Fernando Montaño (Cuban National Ballet), Luciana Paris (ABT), among others got wild for the inaugural dance season of vildwerk. The New York City based nonprofit vildwerk.’s mission is to protect and preserve our beautiful planet by inspiring and educating through the performing arts to save, rewild, and restore biodiversity locally and globally.

Monarcas (Hisae Aihara Photography)

The eight ballets reimagined ecological crises, including animal extinction/trafficking, butterfly migration, and climate change, for the theme’s opening night, Time to Protect Our Planet, on Tuesday evening, October 15, 2024, at El Museo Del Barrio Theater in Manhattan.

Divinity in Paradox (Hisae Aihara Photography)

“Every day, there are little stories happening all around our planet — like a nearly extinct pink caterpillar in the Amazon, or the endangered macaw.” said founder Chiara Gorodesky, “vildwerk. is a group of dancers, choreographers, visual artists, musicians, and composers, bringing these stories to life. Art inspires us to take action. It’s time to protect our planet.”

The two-day ballet performance cast dancers from the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Buglisi Dance Theater, Complexions, and LA Dance Project.

Network (Hisae Aihara Photography)

Ara means “macaw” in the Brazilian Tupi language. Joshua Beamish’s work draws attention to the migration of species in the rainforest, performed by Benjamin Freemantle, Luciana Paris, and Lloyd Knight in collaboration with Nature and Culture International.

Toujours (Hisae Aihara Photography)

Network was a contemporary dance piece and artistic collaboration with David K. Israel, who performed his score live. Gianna Reisen’s choreography explores mycorrhizal fungi and their relationship to plant life with performers Jonathan Fahoury, Vinicius Silva, Peter Mazurowski, and Alyssa Rose Bulin. Samantha Bass provided visuals with photo documentation by Stephanie Diani. The Mycorrhizal Fund supports the work.

The Golden Turtle (Hisae Aihara Photography)

Toujours was a dramatic tour de force by Mara Galeazzi, whose choreography and dance — alongside Jason Kittelberger — was an unforgettable work about the extinction and loss of species.

Moss Anthology: Variation #5 (2024) (Hisae Aihara Photography)

Monarcas was inspired by a bus ride in Mexico to a butterfly sanctuary. Henning Rübsam’s choreography is dedicated to butterfly migration, performed by Luciana Paris, Fernando Montano, and Eriko Sugimura in honor of philanthropist Barbara Tober.

Ara (Martin Broen Photography)

Moss Anthology: Variation #5 (2024) was choreographer Jacqulyn Buglisi’s work was specially created for vildwerk in support of its conservation initiatives performed by the Buglisi Dance Theatre.

Matt Clark, Chiara Gorodesky, Mara Galeazzi (Getty Images)

The haunting and sensual choreography of Christopher Wheeldon’s pas de deux with dancers Unity Phelan and Preston Chamblee was a dream. This Bitter Earth was a breathtaking and poetic dance set to a remix of Dinah Washington’s soulful rendition of This Bitter Earth and Max Richter’s On the Nature of Daylight.

Christopher Wheeldon, Damian Woetzel (Getty Images)

The Golden Turtle is about trafficked and abused turtles, performed by Mara Galeazzi, with music by Felipe Perez Santiago, in collaboration with Re:Wild and Turtle Conservancy. Joshua Beamish’s choreography explores the inner turmoil of species experiencing habitat devastation and poaching as part of the illegal turtle trade through the performance.

David K. Israel, Gianna Reisen, Stephanie Diani, Dennis Sheridan (Getty Images)

Climate change was the highlight of Divinity in Paradox’s exuberant and sexy choreography of Briana Reed’s work inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:13 (And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love), with performers Fernando Montano, Luciana Paris, Eriko Sugimura, Amar Ramasar, Gabi Roller, Erin Gonzales, Sydney Williams, and Jacob Rodriguez.

Mara Galeazzi, Unity Phelan, Preston Chamblee, Chiara Gorodesky, Lloyd Knight (Getty Images)

When vildwerk. founder Chiara Gorodesky envisioned combining her two loves, ballet and turtles for the first season, she dedicated to #TheRubyInitiative: a conservation effort to restore populations of the endangered Burmese Roofed Turtle. An accompanying photo exhibition by award-winning photographers Samantha Bass, Martin Broen, and Stephanie Diani narrated the journey of Ruby, who was rescued from 20 years of abuse.

Barbara Tober, Sharon King Hoge (Getty Images)

Said President of Nature and Culture International, Matthew Clark, “We are here to celebrate this beautiful, fragile planet that we are privileged to have inherited, and to also recognize that we are in danger of throwing away this inheritance.” Ruby now serves as a beacon of hope for one of the rarest turtle species in the world.

Joshua Beamish, Kathy Eilers (Getty Images)

Post-performance reception at the El Museo del Barrio followed the entrancing performances of the dancers who mingled with artists, patrons, wildlife and nature conservationists, writers, thought-leaders, key influencers, business people and philanthropists Michele Cohen, Sharon King Hoge, Era Jouravlev, Lola Koch, Consul General of Mexico Jorge Islas López, Emily Reifel, Ted Taylor, Barbara Tober, Damian Woetzel among them.

Amar Ramasar, Briana J. Reed (Getty Images)

Cueing the music for ballets about the climate crisis vildwerk. allowed the dazzled audience to reflect on doing our small part in practical ways with ethical and social responsibility.

Chiara Gorodesky, Andrés Mejía Pizano — Cónsul General Central de Colombia en Nueva York, Natalia Reyes (Getty Images)[image error]

French Heritage Society Celestial Ball Kickoff

Rebecca Seawright, Jean Shafiroff, Cece Black, Jennifer Herlein / PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The beautiful and fashionable philanthropist Jean Shafiroff’s invite requests her guests for the upcoming French Heritage Society Celestial Ball kickoff cocktail party dress festive. The fête anticipated the upcoming French Heritage Society Celestial Ball on November 15th in Manhattan, celebrating the historic reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and recognizing the role Americans — both philanthropists and artisans — played in its restoration. Since the devastating fire, FHS raised funds through a dedicated Notre-Dame Fire Restoration Fund.

Camelia Entekhabifard, Candace Bushnell, Jean Shafiroff, Michael Spinks PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The French Heritage Society’s mission is to protect the treasures of French architectural and cultural legacy in France and the U.S. through raising funds for preservation, restoration, and education. The 42-year-old nonprofit has awarded approximately 685 restoration and cultural grants to properties throughout France and the United States and selected and supported more than 580 university students who have crossed the Atlantic for internships at esteemed institutions.

Jean Shafiroff, Sharon Bush, Katlean de Monchy, Pamela Wright PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

On the evening of September 25th, we arrived at host Jean and Martin Shafiroff’s splendorous Belle Epoque decor apartment. A photographer from Patrick McMullan snapped arrivals as Jean welcomed guests into her residence in a stunning Oscar de la Renta sequin gown.

Paul Danello, Virginia Loving PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

Fashionably attired FHS Board Members Jennifer Farrell, Rosann Gutman, and Liz McDermott Barnes mingled with flutes of champagne. Of the many elegant guests paraded in their finest were Pauline Argenson and James Demmert, Allison Baroness von Arnim, Susan and Jerry Baker, Bettina Bennett and Gordon Beck, Lee Black, Sharon Bush, Candace Bushnell, Talia Carner, Liliana Cavendish, Yann Coatanlem, Francine Crocker and Dirk Adams, Patricia Cossutta and Puly Rincon, Paul F. Danello and Virginia Loving Pope, Wendy and Robert Federman, Vincent Festa, Silvia Frieser, Elena Gibbs, Julia Haart, Rolf Heitmeyer, Sylvia Hemingway, Gabriella and Vincent Kristov, Stewart F. Lane, Margo Langenberg, John Lutri, Ruth Miller, Pamela Morgan, Deanna Passarelli, Lauren Day Roberts, Anna Rothschild, Michael Gregson Reinert-Sessions, Patricia and Thomas Shiah, Michael Spinks, Hank Stampfl and Todd Burnsed, Andrea Wernick, Preston Wilson, Pamala Wright, and Nina Yacavino.

Lee Black, Valerie Lettan PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The waiters passed appetizers of sushi, chicken cordon blu bites, shrimp cocktail, spoons of scallops escabeche, fillet mignon on torte, mini croque monsieur and olive tapenade on toast complemented by Moet and Chandon champagne, and French wines.

Deanna Passarelli, Andrea Warshaw Wenick PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The soiree was in full swing, but it was time for remarks from FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein and FHS Board Member and former FHS Gala honoree Jean Shafiroff, as well as FHS Events Chair CeCe Black.

Nina Yacavino, Soneca Guadara, Katherine Whitehead PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The delightful New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented Jean and Martin Shafiroff and the French Heritage Society with certificates of recognition from New York State for their contributions and service to preserving French architectural and cultural legacy both in the United States and France.

Elizabeth Hartnett, Sean Randall, Jennifer Herlein PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

Open to all lovers of France, the French Heritage Society has 11 chapters, 10 in the U.S. and one in Paris, and membership includes access to all.

Gabriella Khristov, Vincent Khristov PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

Upcoming FHS celebrations are Dinner at the Residence of the Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili in Washington, D.C. on October 7th, Chairman’s Circle trip to the Côtes du Rhône October 17–23rd, New York Gala Dinner Dance on November 15th, Thanksgiving Dinner in Paris on November 26th, Palm Beach Gala Dinner on February 16th, 2025, and the Diner des Mécènes in Paris on May 20th, 2025.

Gerald Baker, Suzanne Baker, Helen King, Isabelle Orlansky PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The French Heritage Society Celestial Ball evening’s honored guests are Odic de Schiétère-Longchampt, interior designer and steadfast champion of FHS and artisans who specialize in French decorative arts, and Hank Silver, the American carpenter who spent a year-and-a-half rebuilding the wooden roof framing of the cathedral’s nave. The annual Gala Dinner Dance is a black-tie affair with music and dancing provided by the Bob Hardwick Sound at a private club in Manhattan.

Jean Shafiroff, Pamela Morgan, Sylvia Hemingway PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC

The balmy autumn evening ended, and guests left with assorted chocolates from Ferrero Rocher and plans to rendezvous at the French Heritage Society Celestial Ball on November 15th in Manhattan. Un bonne nuit!

Jean Shafiroff, Alex Hamer, Francine Crocker, Dirk Adams PHOTOS by Jared Siskin/PMC[image error]

Casita Maria Fiesta! Gala Kickoff

Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Michele Gerber Klein, George Corton, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Wed Gordon, Sissi Fleitas, Darlyn Portes (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

When the bold and beautiful get together for a good cause, the event is spectacular. The Casita Maria Fiesta! Gala kickoff was held at the Carolina Herrera Flagship Madison Avenue store on the evening of September 18th in New York City.

HRH Prince Dimitri de Yugoslavia, Alejandra Cicognani Wes Gordon, Candace Bushnell (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

This year’s black-tie gala to benefit Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education honors philanthropist Lucy Doughty, Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon, and gallerists James J. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui of Wally Findlay Galleries International. The annual gala will honor the industry leaders’ outstanding leadership and contributions to business, philanthropy, and culture.

“Carolina Herrera is one of our earliest honorees and longest supporters”, said Board Chair Jacquline Weld Drake. “The fashion house is one of the most prestigious Latino brands in the world. Honoring Wes is honoring our past and our future, as well as Latin culture.”

Amy Fine Collins, Candace Bushnell (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

Ladies were swooning over the designer’s clothes and accessories with champagne cocktail flutes in hand, climbing the second and third floors to see the collection.

Wes Gordon and Jennifer Fischer (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

On the second flight, an Andy Warhol portrait of Carolina Herrera beckoned you to the third floor, where VIP fittings happen and the evening wear presented like art.

Lulu de la Peña, Sofia de la Peña (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Sarah Mahlof, Jodie Lichtenstein (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

Board Members George Corton, Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Sissi Fleitas-Refaie, Michéle Gerber Klein, and Darlyn Portes greeted friends and supporters.

Jacqueline Weld Drake, Wes Gordon, Darlyn Portes, Katlean de Monchy (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Marc Rosen, Margo Langenberg, Christopher Mason, Cathy Sloane (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

The cocktail party guests Steven M.L. Aronson, Edgar Batista, Candace Bushnell, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Amy Fine Collins, Jennifer Fischer, Susan Gutfreund, Sharon King Hoge, William Ivey Long, Fern Mallis, Muffy Aston Potter, Marc Rosen, Mary Snow, Daisy Soros, Christopher Walling — sipped on champagne and tried on gowns and jewelry, with partial sales benefiting Casita Maria.

Jennifer Fischer, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Michel Witmer, Sissi Fleitas (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Fern Mallis, Jill Brooks, Lee Fryd (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Penelope Herrera, Natalia Finnis-Smart (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Albert Hong, David Lee (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, the oldest Latin charity in New York City, provides high-quality arts education to over 1,000 students each day. Located in the country’s poorest district, the South Bronx, Casita Maria creates a safe, welcoming community for youth and families, producing well-rounded individuals who fulfill their dreams.

Eugenia Bullock, Janna Bullock. Michele Gerber Klein (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Victor Roquette, Sabina Wirth, Alicia Lubowski-Jahn (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)Fern Mallis, William Ivey Long, Alejandra Cicognani (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

Jacquline Weld Drake and HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia will chair the splendid evening benefit on October 21st at the iconic Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.

Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Michele Gerber Klein, George Corton, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Wed Gordon, Sissi Fleitas, Darlyn Portes (Photos by Annie Watt Agency/Barry Williams)

The 90-year-old nonprofit Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education will celebrate a big anniversary. Casita Maria Fiesta! Gala will be the grandest benefit soiree of 2024, with a cocktail hour, elegant sit-down supper, and dancing to the Latin music of a live band. Feliz Fiesta!

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BAAND Together Dance Festival

BAAND Together Dance Festival ( Photography Daniel Arnold )

A pas de deux kicked off, the BAAND Together Dance Festival with the boldly staged performances of NYC’s most iconic dance companies — Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

George Balachine’s Duo Concertant ( Photography Daniel Arnold )

“Life, Liberty, and Happiness” is Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City curatorial theme against the backdrop of global conversations on healthy communities, gender equality, and inclusivity. The evening program is a testament to the uplifting power of multicultural live arts with collaborative and creative artists.

Sombrerismo ( Photography Susan Bestul)

BAAND Together Dance Festival returns to the stage for an extraordinary evening of dance company performances of classic and new commissions by master choreographers.

Night Falls ( Photography Rosalie O’Connor)

The exquisite selection of five pieces was curated by the artistic directors of each company, Eduardo Vilaro (Ballet Hispánico), Matthew Rushing (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Susan Jaffe (American Ballet Theatre), Jonathan Stafford (New York City Ballet), and Robert Garland (Dance Theatre of Harlem).

Night Falls ( Photography Rosalie O’Connor)

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s exuberant and whimsical Solo was an audience favorite performed by Chalavar Montiero, Yannick LeBrun, and Patrick Coker.

Solo ( Photography Daniel Azoulay Studio)

Surrealist Magritte inspired Ballet Hispánico, Sombrerismo performed by Fatima Andere, Amir J. Baldwin, Antonio Cangiano, Paulo Hernandez-Farella, Dylan Dias McIntyre, and Omar Rivera and choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Complete with signature bowler hats the mixed-gender cast represented culture throughout the world.

Solo ( Photography Daniel Azoulay Studio)

American Ballet Theatre presented Night Falls, an intimate dusky pas de deux performed by soloist Chloe Misseldine and Thomas Forster, choreographed and costume designed by Brady Farrar.

Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) (Photography Theik Smith)

George Balanchine’s romantic choreography for Stravinsky’s Duo Concertant was first performed in 1972 at Lincoln Center’s New York State Theater. The pas de deux is performed by New York City Ballet soloists Megan Fairchild and Anthony Huxley.

Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) (Photography Theik Smith)

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s inspiration was composer James Blake and the restrictions of the pandemic facing the formidable talented company to create an evolving work The Barre Project. Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) choreographed by William Forsythe and performed by dancers Derek Brockington, Micah Bulard, Kouadio Davis, Ariana Dickerson, Lindsey Donnell, Alexandra Hutchinson, Elias Re, Ingrid Silva, Delaney Washington, Stephanie Rae Williams, David Wright.

Sombrerismo ( Photography Susan Bestul)

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is the cultural mecca of live performing arts in New York City nurturing innovation, and artistic inspiration on stage and off. The suggested ticket price:$35 available on a choose-what-you-pay basis online makes great dance accessible to all New York audiences.

George Balachine’s Duo Concertant ( Photography Daniel Arnold )

The dance performance gems were made possible with support from the luxury brand CHANEL. BAAND Together Dance Festival runs July 30th through August 3rd at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan.

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Kamala Takes All

Kamala Harris Vice Presidential Portrait(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The first African American woman to run for President, trailblazing Shirley Chisolm said, “If you can’t get a seat at the table. Pull up a folding chair”.

Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s replacement for the Democratic presidential nomination has a seat at the table. So what observations are accurate Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Allysia Finley, in your recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece “ Another Coronation for Kamala”.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at the kickoff for the Reproductive Freedoms Tour, Monday, January 22, 2024, at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 7 in Big Bend, Wisconsin. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

I am surprised a journalist would not base her opinion on facts and figures. I find it interesting when you talked about the Vice President’s preparedness you used dusty references from her Senate campaign of 24 years ago. See what I did there, I made an observation based on a fact. I understood the assignment and did my homework. You stated there was lavish spending and a high turnover of staff in her Senate campaign. How many people? What are their positions? Where are the receipts? Without numbers, names, and dates that is a broad statement, Ms Finley.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris speaks at L.A.’s Families Belong Together (Photo Luke Harold)

Also in all seriousness, as a female journalist, you dabbled in a bit of sexism and micro-aggression when discussing San Fransisco Mayor Willie Brown as a “kingpin’ and “beau”, however to wrangle in endorsements from the outgoing Senator (not Ms.) Barbara Boxer, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Gov. Jerry Brown, and Barack Obama speak volumes about her preparedness then. Your criticism of her appeal to donors and fundraising skills is a bit premature. Since announcing her candidacy 80 million dollars have been raised and she secured enough delegates for her party nomination. You mentioned Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley, slammed her as “soft on crime” but yet you wrote of her alleged power used to destroy livelihoods and businesses. Now which is it?

Vice President Kamala Harris participates in a roundtable discussion on gun violence prevention and mental health, Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Eastway Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Our beautiful, intelligent, and poised Vice President Harris elegant in pearls and pantsuits is in your opinion “heiress apparent”. I got a good giggle from your term, “heiress apparent”. I thought it was some snapback from the movie, “Mean Girls”. Realistically I don’t know what your qualifications for President of the United States are here would be a good place for research before writing your opinion. Our Vice President of the last 3 years is a lawyer, Attorney General, and U.S. Senator who is qualified for the task at hand. You can’t sit with her.

All photos courtesy of WikiCommons

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Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

Lilah Ramzi in Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

Vogue features editor, fashion historian, and femme du monde Lilah Ramzi loves St. John Knits. Agreed. Fashion enthusiasts are passionate about the St. John brand’s signature look empowering confident women with luxurious style, thoughtful designs, and sumptuous quality. Lilah turns heads and is a paparazzi favorite for her elegance often attired in vintage fashion at the Met Gala, Un Ballo in Maschera, Luisaviaroma X UNICEF Capri Gala, New York City Ballet opening nights plus Paris New York and Italian Fashion Week and everywhere she goes.

Lilah Ramzi in Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

The dream collaboration between the cool brunette beauty with impeccable taste and the American heritage fashion house coveted for its timelessness and craftsmanship was a natural fit for a curated St. John archival collection. Her bonafides having worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and the Council of Fashion Designers of America meant a partnership with the oldest American luxury house, founded in 1962 on the premise of a simple, elegant, and versatile knit dress was kismet.

Lilah’s greatest pleasure as a fashion curator, “I love being able to discover fit and construction in a way that you can’t do by visiting a museum or reading a fashion history textbook. Being able to interact with vintage pieces (and sometimes, try them on!) is such a unique way to understand a garment fully. In sourcing these pieces of vintage, I was able to immerse myself in the world of St. John. My favorite part? Discovering the many labels! Tracking the evolution of the typography of the St. John labels was a fun task”.

The ‘Lady in Red’ is a winner from the vintage collection includes a stunning red knitted maxi dress from the early 1970s, featuring crochet details on a high-neck collar.

Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

This cool print sheath blends 1970s flair with modern relevance for summer nights out in 2024.

Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

This iconic LBD is pure 90s minimalism and boasts a body-hugging fit with straps made of tortoise shell-like linked chains, showcasing the signature St. John hardware details.

Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

The timeless cardigan from the early 2000s flaunts a knitted collar, a sculpted fit, and gold-plated button details that are perfect for a mix and match with jeans or a skirt.

Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

This two-piece white pantsuit captures the easy-California spirit of St. John Knits.

Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

“I was approached by St. John to help curate the launch of Selects partly because I already have an extensive collection of vintage St. John! Several of the pieces I’m wearing in the campaign (the long-line black cardigan with white ruffles and the black maxi coat with “hot-fix” sequins) are from my own wardrobe. I am also coveting something currently in the sale that I might have to pull the trigger and buy, though — this two-piece striped cardigan and dress set is just beyond” adds Lilah.

Lilah Ramzi in Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits

The St. John production team has rehabbed every piece from the vintage collection, bringing them back to their original state. The testament to the timeless style of St. John designs is the Resort 24 collection can be styled with Lilah’s curated vintage pieces. The St. John team redux kept the DNA of the brand but offers new and established clients a modern and fresh take on the St. John Woman.

St. John Knits Resort 24St. John Knits Resort 24

Celebrated beauties on the red carpet who also love wearing St. John style include Andie McDowell, Brooke Shields, Candace Bushnell, Regina Hall, Marcia Gay Harden, Elizabeth Moss, Katy Perry, Viola Davis, Phillipa Soo, Rebel Wilson, and Shonda Rhimes.

St. John Knits Resort 24St. John Knits Resort 24St. John Knits Resort 24

Don’t play, the rare opportunity to own a limited edition piece of history, reflecting the brand’s iconic designs is going fast. The Lilah Ramzi x St. John Knits Vintage Collection is available exclusively online at stjohnknits.com now.

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