New Art at New York Fair

The Spring Masters New York Fair that took place at New York’s Park Avenue Armory at the beginning of May, hosted 51 artists.  While most of these hail from America, some come from Europe and others, such as Phoenix AncientArt, which have galleries in both US and European blood running through them.  Many of these are first time exhibitors.

The particular attraction with this fair is that it is located in the hub of Manhattan.  According to manager of C Grimaldis Gallery, Jennifer Tam, “New York provides access to important local and international collectors.”  Thus as well as European and American artists, Hidenori Ishii (Japanese), Chul Hyun Ahn (Busan-born) and others are exhibiting their works.  New York is home to international art and the fair reflects that.

In addition to its global attraction, the fair is bringing more affordable artworks as well.  As one gallery spokesmen pointed out, some of the paintings that were brought to the fair were from new artists including Linda Saccoccio and Eva Malhotra.  Exhibit attendees can purchase their works for as little as $3,000.

One dealer exhibiting, Armand Bartos, explained why he appreciates this fair so much.  “The art market has become increasingly event driven, and collectors seem to like the social interaction provided by fairs and auctions ... As a dealer, I want to be at the fairs, which is where the collectors are! They come to the fairs to buy. Also the fair offers me, as a private art dealer, a good venue where my clients and I can sell fine works of art. The transactions are discreet. The works of art don’t get ‘burned’ as they are when they go unsold at auction.”

Moda Manhattan Show

The five-yearly Moda Manhattan Show – to take place between May 4^th and May 6^th – has been growing tremendously each year since its 2002 launch. Today, it attracts over 14,000 visitors, offering them the latest exhibit design and amenities.  Suited to its environment, it takes place in the fashion capital of the world – The Javits Center, New York City.

Presenting upscale apparel in a “refined, elegant and progressive show setting,” attendees are almost spoilt for choice ranging “from classic themes to innovative design.” At this particular show, the focus will be on “essential shades, rich tones and deep hues in many collections.”  Indeed, “Moda’s Ready-To-Wear focus continues to thrive for the Modern Contemporary customer.”

Opening times: Sunday and Monday (4^th and 5^th May) 9am to 6pm and Tuesday (6^th May) 9am to 4pm.

Getting Away from It All

New York is an absolutely fabulous place to live.  From the city’s iconic skyline, Manhattan’s grid, the fact that everything stays open so late (bars til 4 am!) and the extremely high life expectancy (such as Susannah Mushatt Jones, 113 year old NYC resident who is currently the world’s third oldest person), this is a great place for anyone to live.

But it doesn’t come without its problems. A recent report found that the city’s 311 complaint hotline receives an average of 300,000 annual calls about the noise.  Perhaps that’s why it is so often referred to as “the city that never sleeps.”  Still, that’s not fun when you’re trying to sleep there.

So, where can you go to get away from it all?  Switzerland is pretty antithetical to everything that is New York, so this article examines three areas there and tries to get a sense of the experiences people have.

First, Saas-Fee – is a stunning area, perfect for a relaxing, “get-away-from-it-all” break.  For a couple who just wants to leave all the craziness behind for a bit, it truly is perfect.  In fact, that’s exactly what one couple did.  Marnin Michaels and Melissa Kaplan recently purchased a ski chalet in the neighborhood.  Michaels describes it as “a second-tier ski town…nestled under a ring of glacier-topped mountains and enjoys sun most of the winter.” What could be a better way of escaping it all than that?

Then there is Atelier, described by one travel reviewer as “paradise in a private winter wonderland.”  Now, New York may be many things, but privacy and silence are not words often associated with it.  The Atelier on the other hand, was dropped into the middle of a secluded private fairy tale forest and houses a fireplace, sitting rooms, gallery and more. Ambience is its middle name.

Nendaz is romantic, relaxing, picturesque and in fact, simply breathtaking. This is exactly what many people should expect to find at the Haute-Nendaz Chalet. After a few days of taking in the Rhone Valley view and biking in the alps, New Yorkers might actually be excited to get back to the hubbub of New York City…but always remember the relaxation possibilities a mere flight away!

Skylark Lounge Hits New York

If you’re looking for a place to see and be seen in Midtown, this might just be it. Located on above the 30^th floor of 530 Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Skylark Lounge includes a bar and soon-to-open terrace. It required two years of construction and an $11 million investment.

As Savitt Partners Founder and President Robert Savitt explained, “I have worked in this area for more than 30 years and we have over 300 tenants. I know so many people and everyone had the same complaint, ‘Boy, we have nowhere to go to.’”

The bar is open Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved for weddings, private dinners and other events.  In May, when the rooftop bar and terrace are open for the 141 people they will hold, people will have a view of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the New Year’s Evve ball drop.

As Savitt explained his connection to the Garment District and to his vision, “My whole thing with the Skylark is that it will not only keep the fashion people that are here but it will also bring the ones who left back because now there is a place to eat and drink.”

The menu, created by Awerbuch and Kirsch, are sliders, lobster tacos and French frieds and more. The general manager, Andres Rizo, keeps everything running smoothly from 4:30 pm until midnight.

Skylark Lounge is definitely the new place to be.

Dr. Harvey Finkelstein on How New Yorkers Deal with Back Pain

Lower back pain is a major complaint of young adults throughout the world.  Particularly in America though, a substantial amount of cases are reported annually.  Indeed, according to RC Lawrence of the National Arthritis Data Workgroup, data from the national survey showed that every year, around 15 percent of adults report “frequent back pain or pain lasting more than two weeks.”

There are a variety of methodologies employed to try to tackle this issue. Some individuals, such as Dr. Harvey Finkelstein, take a holistic approach to treating these symptoms.  Together with his staff, Finkelstein looks at his patients as “individuals,” and tries to figure out what will be the most effective treatment method for each one.

While over the years researchers have struggled to find a reason why lower back pain is so widespread, little has been conclusive. Thus, while no definitive solution is available at this time, it is important for pain specialists to look at each case individually – in a holistic manner – such as Finkelstein and his staff do.

What pain management experts have concluded however, is that there are a variety of known causes of back pain.  This includes: repetitive stress, chronic illness, pinched nerves and workplace-related injuries.  Today, there are a whole slew of safe and effective therapies that can really alleviate back pain, enabling the patient to resume their day-to-day activities in a most normal way as possible.

NY To Open Luxury Bathroom Facility

Commuting New Yorkers and city visitors will be able to relieve themselves without concerns for their hygiene as soon as this summer, thanks to a new project in Manhattan.

Wayne Parks, an entrepreneur from Fairfield, CN, is opening New York’s first “luxury bathrooms and private day storage”. A self-proclaimed germaphobe, Parks came up with the project idea after touring the city (and its public restrooms) with his family. Posh Stow and Go, as he calls it, will provide commuters with access to clean facilities throughout the day. The first location will be in Midtown Manhattan near Penn Station and Grand Central Station.

Posh Stow and Go will cover 3,000 square feet, and features spacious individual bathroom stalls as well as private showers. The facilities will be open from 9:00am to 11:00pm, 363 days a year. Personal storage lockers will also be provided to members.

Patrons must sign up for a membership in order to use the Posh Stow and Go facilities. The membership fee $15, and there are also packages for three, six or ten days at a time. Those cost $8, $7 and $6 respectively.

 

7-Eleven Expands in Manhattan

7-Eleven, America’s beloved convenience store, has been working hard to expand in Manhattan since 2011. Though the chain struggled a bit in the beginning, it has since opened 37 stores in NY, with its five newest venues opening in the past six months.

In lieu of its rapid expansion, 7-Eleven launched an innovation group aimed at testing new digital offerings for customers. The project, which began two years ago, has tested products ranging from Amazon Lockers to automated key-making kiosks.

"When a retailer comes to New York City, you have to win over the city and earn your spot- you can’t just come in with your normal concept,” Johannes Leonardo’s chief executive Mike Duda said. “Utilities like the Amazon Locker and other things are something smart and extra that you can’t get somewhere else.”

The chain is also making some changes, including its new fresh salad options as well as craft beer sales. It will be changing its appearance a bit as well, softening harsh lighting and colors with new awnings and other aesthetic features. In the past, the convenience store chain has dealt with complaints from local blogs and activists. The store hopes its new improvements will help ease some of the neighborhood’s concerns while continuing to attract business from both Midtown residents and visitors.