Blog No. 235: Picasso at the Gagosian Gallery in NYC, National Dance Institute Event of the Year, The Dogs Poundcake and Milkshare Revis

National Dance Institute Event of the Year

Father's Day is not my favorite holiday since both my own dad and my daughter's and son's dad (my late husband Gert Mathiesen) are no longer with us but what makes up for it is the pure joy of experiencing National Dance Institute's Event of the Year performances at the Skirball Center of NYU, where over 200 kids from New York City public schools perform every Father's Day Weekend. This year's theme was The Evolution of Rock and Roll, complete with (loud) live music (my apple watch warned me I was way above the safe decibel level--I didn't mind). NDI's Event of the Year is always fabulous and a shot of real pure joy...Definitely a highlight of my year every year. I know it will not do it justice but here are a few clips to give you a taste so you are sure to attend next year's Father's Day weekend shows if you are in New York. Next year marks their 50th year--the best kids' organization in the New York City public school system. Not everyone goes on to be a dancer but they make lifelong arts lovers and confident kids out of anyone the program touches...To prove the point, many of the organization's teaching artists and administration (including their Executive Director Germaine Jones) are alumnae. Check out the NDI website for future events.

Picasso
at the Gagosian Gallery

The current Picasso exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery in NY includes art in the collection of Picasso's daughter Paloma Picasso--some of the pieces have never been shown before to the public. The exhibit is not a large show but it includes some real gems, and represents the breath of Picasso's work--everything from painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics--he did it all...In every single one of those mediums, there is no other artist in my book that even comes close...

The Friendship of Pound Cake and Milkshake: Two Deaf Dogs

Everyone who has ever had a dog (and I have had four over the years) knows that deep feeling of love and joy that only a pet can bring.

I have been following my two favorite instagram dogs Pound Cake and Milkshake for a while now, featured on James Coburn's instagram @Make.Life.Happen--two deaf dog rescues who were adopted by a loving family and found not only a loving home but each other too!

I'd like to invite you to send me photos of your favorite dog (or any other pet you love) and I will share some of the images in a future newsletter...And Let me start the chain by introducing you to Frenchy, my daughter Morgan's and her boyfriend Danny's rescue from Tennessee who I get to take care of quite often (or she takes care of me, more like it)..

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Frenchy, a rescue from Tennessee

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on paper 12” x 15”

Charity of the Week:
National Dance Institute

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About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.