Museums – kaysnycways

On my walk: An illustrators’ museum…who knew?

Or…It is amazing what one discovers by just taking the time to look!

The Museum of the Society of Illustrators

Walking along, minding my own business, just looking to see what’s new on my stroll, or interesting, or just eye catching. I think I’ve walked by this museum countless times and never paid attention. I was probably walking with a destination in mind…no excuses. It’s closed now due to the Covid-19, but you know I’ll be going when it reopens.

As I scrolled through their website, I was taken aback by its history, its galleries, its programs and the building itself. The museum is housed in a lovely brownstone on 63rd. The Society was founded in 1901 and bought the brownstone in 1939. Check out their website for more on this remarkable place. And, as a bonus, a great looking bar and cafe, 128 Bar and Bistro. Their French Martini looks pretty good! societyillustrators .org/

The panel on the outside of the museum, Women In Comics, is the work of one of the illustrators in the exhibition, Afua Richardson, an African-Native American multi-talented woman! WOW! Read below.

” Afua Richardson is an American illustrator best known for her work on the Eisner award winning series, Black Panther World of Wakanda. In addition to being an illustrator and writer, Afua is a musician, vocalist, performer, songwriter, voice actor, activist, and mentor, she has been aptly called the Jane of all trades “ From her website: afuarichardson.com/

This City continually amazes me. Love discovering new wonderful things and the City never disappoints: One of the reasons I want to live here and no where else!

Love this City!
Stay safe and wear a mask!

KAY’S NOTES: Hidden gem, was the way one writer described the museum. Can’t wait to go and when I do… I’ll write a post about this “gem”!

Disclaimer – I try for correct info on kaysnycways – but no guarantees people

KNIGHTS and TEMPLES and MONETS…OH MY!

Or…hints on visiting the Met Museum with granddaughters 10, 9 and 7 guided by 2 grandmothers.

I’m pretty sure that most of you already know much of what is in this post, but I’m going to tell you anyway just in case. These hints have worked for me over the years when going with young children. Older kids are a whole other story to be saved for another time.

FOR A FUN VISIT

Suggestion 1: Really helps to have a partner with you – my co-grandmother was the best! Keep your sense of humor (lol)

Suggestion 2: Go early. In fact, if you can get there when the museum opens all the better. It gets very crowded as the day progresses especially on weekends or holidays. We went on President’s Day and met at 10.

Suggestion 3: Although it’s fun going up those big steps to enter the Met, if you can manage them (kids fine, but grandmothers…not so much), an alternative is to use the entrance on 81st street, which is left of the steps facing the museum. The lines are less, there’s a bathroom, coat check, not as crazy as main floor and no steps!

Suggestion 4: Have a plan. Take plenty of photos. Be sure everyone has a map of the museum and check out any special events.

Suggestion 5: Start with something they have seen before and liked or never saw, but you think they would like. We headed to the Temple of Dendur walking through the Egyptian wing with all those hieroglyphics and mummies and jewels… a big hit!

Suggestion 6: Definitely see the knights and armor right off the American Wing. One granddaughter, after looking at them with their lances. weapons and shields ready to battle said, “And I’m afraid of the basketball?”

Suggestion 7: See the classics and watch out for boredom. It can happen quickly. Impressionists are good as is the contemporary wing. We only made it to the impressionists, which they liked as they recognized some of the works.

Suggestion 8: Any special exhibits? We saw JEWELRY: THE BODY TRANSFORMED with unique pieces, such as these sandals. It was our unanimous opinion that they would be very uncomfortable especially with one toe missing.

Image result for MET JEWELRY EXHIBITION — YIKES!

We took our photos under the glass enclosed gold jeweled encrusted crown pretending we were wearing it atop our heads. The other wasn’t bad — but we went for the bling

The AdventurineÂ PostsÂ The MET Exhibit Asks: What Is Jewelry? — Bling? Oh yeah!

Suggestion 9: Eat before they are starving. Go early! Cafeteria downstairs is great and has all the food they like. During lunch we talked about our favorite artists. One of our granddaughters couldn’t remember an artist’s name, but said he was her favorite. He drew pictures without faces she said and sketched a rough drawing on her paper cup. We all knew at once who the artist was, just couldn’t remember the name either. So we googled it and discovered, of course, Keith Haring!

Photo courtesy of Keith Haring Foundation

Suggestion 10: Before you leave stop at the gift shop for a souvenir. Price limit is a good idea. We set under $10…lots of choices, they were happy. We had stayed about four hours, which is just about the right amount of time for this age group. I think! We all had a really great time.

CLOSING WITH MY USUAL ‘LOVE THIS CITY’ WITH THE ADDITION OF “AND LOVE SHARING IT WITH GRANDCHILDREN”!

KAY’S NOTES:

It was really fun and they want to do it again. In fact, our next trip will be to The Whitney. A whole other vibe as suggested by my good friend and co-grandmother! Of course, we’ll return to the Met we only touched the tip of this cultural masterpiece.

Photos courtesy of Met Museum, Keith Haring Foundation, The Whitney and my smart phone.

Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
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BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

Or…Want a free pass to a NYC museum? Pull out that library card!

You’ve seen those infomercials that tell you to order some wonderful miracle product that you can’t live without and once they’ve almost got you hooked…they throw in…”But wait…there’s more!” And then they tell you about some great thingamajig that goes along with the other thingamajig and there you are…ordering. Well friends, that’s what’s going on with a New York , Queens or Brooklyn Library card!!!!

Culture Pass

Here’s how it works

Use that library card to borrow those books, do that research, watch that movie, attend that lecture, use their restrooms and then..to reserve a free museum pass . All you have to do is go to the
Culture Pass website enter your library card number and password and select the venue of your choice. If you don’t have a library card now’s the time to get one. Anyone who lives, works or studies in New York State can get a NYPL library card and even if you’re just visiting there’s a short term visitor card available (didn’t know that).

The day the program was announced, July 15th, the NY City Library received over 5000 on-line applications for library cards usually it’s about 290! But wait there’s more…over 9,500 free passes to the Met Museum, Whitney and MoMa are now reserved-sold out (well not sold ’cause it’s free). There are 33 institutions in Culture Pass and more coming. One caveat – you can only go once a year to each venue. Good news is that a pass can be for 2 to 4 people depending on the institution. This City and Library initiative is focused on allowing more access to the culture this City has to offer that may not otherwise be affordable to many. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is on the list and its ticket alone can be $33 for one person.

Culture Pass is THE hot ticket

Right now(July 23) all passes are gone, but as of August 1 and the first of every month thereafter reservations are open again.

My friends from across the country talk to me about the cost of living in NYC and discuss how their rotisserie chickens are only $4.99 and gasp at my $8.99. Of course, they’re right, but you can’t beat the quality and quantity of free-bees this City offers. (Let’s not talk about apt costs and parking-that’s a whole different story) BTW the Met Opera’s free summer HD outdoor series starts on August 24th – more info in my next post.

AS ALWAYS, LOVE THIS CITY!

KAY’S NOTES: (Now that news of Culture Pass has hit all the papers and social media many of you are probably well aware of this program; however, I thought I would be remiss if I didn’t write this post just in case.)

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: From Culture Pass website: Dozens of organizations participate in Culture Pass, from children’s museums and public gardens to historical societies and heritage centers. View the full list of participating organizations to see what interests you — whether it’s fine art or history, nature or photography. https://www.culturepass.nyc/

GOOD TO KNOW: (FROM NYPL website) There are 92 locations to get a library card or you can apply for a library card online.

Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.

WE SALUTE OUR GREAT WOMEN AND MEN! FLEET WEEK IS BACK!

OR………

NYC Fleet Week 2018: What You Need To Know

MAY 23 TO 29 — MORE THAN A DOZEN SHIPS AND OVER 2,300 SAILORS, MARINES AND COAST GUARD MEMBERS HERE IN NEW YORK CITY!!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

ALL KINDS OF EVENTS GOING ON — SEE WEBSITE IN KAY’S NOTES FOR MORE INFORMATION.

KAY’S NOTES:

iMPORTANT TO KNOW: CHECK OUT FLEET WEEK WEBSITE FOR ALL EVENTS FOR THIS GREAT CELEBRATION OF OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN! http://militarynews.com/app/fleetweeknewyork/index.html

GOOD TO KNOW: The Met Museum offers free admission to all service members and vets during Fleet Week and I believe (not sure) that they continue this till Labor Day. (maybe others as welll)

Photos: Courtesy of Fleet Week site.

Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.

Summer Camp for Seniors at MoMA – Free!

Or…why didn’t somebody tell me…is it sleep-away?

Finished reading the paper and finished the crossword and checked out anything of interest on my phone. Well…. yeah…. and yeah again. I love the Museum of Modern Art and how I missed this, I just don’t know. The events are sold out except for the ones in July only because registration hasn’t yet opened. Really sorry about missing the workshop on Smartphone Street Photography and the Contemporary Art in New York City event. How did I miss this program at MoMA, I ask again. A summer camp for Seniors…Wow!

Summer Camp for Seniors is just part of the Prime Time program for seniors 65 and older at MoMA. Check out their website for full info.

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Prime Time is an initiative to engage older New Yorkers at MoMA and in the community. Each month we offer multiple programs that encourage older adults of diverse abilities and backgrounds to learn about modern and contemporary art.

For more information, please call Prime Time at (212) 333-1265, fill out our contact form, or e-mail primetime@moma.org.

These events for June are sold out.

Prime Time Summer Camp:
Smartphone Street Photography
Prime Time Summer Camp: Crafting Sunprints
Prime Time Summer Camp:
Contemporary Art in New York City
Prime Time Summer Camp: Gestural Painting
July Events:
Prime Time Summer Camp: Landscape Drawing Workshop
Registration opens June 27th at 9:30 AM
1. 1. Monday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
    
    Section I
  2. Wednesday, July 26, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
    
    Section II
    
    LOVE THIS CITY!

What to do with a teenager visiting the City for the first time since she was three, I ask!

HERE’S WHAT!

Uniqlo and Bloomies, Zara, H & M

A pop up store in SOHO we went to all of them

We gave a wave to Liberty then ate at Battery Park

Met up with her cousin for fries at PJ Clark

Heading to see “Wicked” on a very stormy night

Traffic traffic everywhere, did gives us a fright

But rest assured we made it with extra minutes too

We settled in our seats and both gave out a.. whew!

Made it home by twelve … like Cindy at the ball

Into bed and ready for that early morning call

MOMA was exciting with the artist “It’s all true”

The temperature was rising, loved this cool venue

The Guggenheim! A treasure, thanks to Mr. Wright

Then Lincoln Center and its Plaza glowed for us one night

Along the shady Central Park, we strolled Fifth Avenue

We saw Met’s Manus x Machina, so beautiful to view

A get together with a friend she hadn’t seen in years

Oh those hugs and kisses and oh those many tears

But as the famous saying goes, “All good things must end!”

She left for home, but this I know – she’ll be back again!

Thanks to my beautiful niece (soon to be 17) for showing me a wonderful time in 4 short days!

Kay’s Notes:

Important to know: Go with the flow- my niece knew what she wanted to do. I just hit the highlights in my little poem… We spent more time at The Met to see on the roof the replica of the house from Psycho – and The Temple of Dendur. All the museums were packed because it was that notorious “heat dome’ weekend. We saved for a cooler time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and do the Empire State Bldg among other sites.

I found out when she was leaving that the next time she’s here – she wants to go to several parks – and sketch. Sounds good to me…. blankets, some food, love it!

Good to know: Manus x Machina at the Met. It’s part of the Costume Institute at the Museum and the clothing is beautiful – well worth going to before it closes September 5.

*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.

It’s official – it’s summer!

The City will be bouncing all summer long with hundreds of fabulous events. Here are some of the major sites I use to find out what’s happening. I will keep updating this post as new things pop up and they will. To get us started and so we can mark our calendars –check them out. Hundreds of free- easy to get to – events!

Lincoln Center www.lincolncenter.org

Central Park. http://centralpark.org

Hudson River Park http://www.hudsonriverpark.org

River to River Festival lmcc.net/news/river-river-2016- June 16-26.

New York City Go http://www.nycgo.com

Free Shakespeare http://www.shakespeareintheparkinglot.com

And, don’t forget the beaches – we are surrounded by water!

Rockaway Beach — ROCKAWAY BEACH – 1 SON AND 4 GRANDDAUGHTERS A FEW YEARS AGO!

Kay’s Notes:

Important to know: There really is so much to see and do and so little time. I make a list and mark my calendar (on my phone and the one on my wall) otherwise, I wake up and realize that I missed the event the day or night before that I really wanted to go to.

Good to know: Picnics and blankets in the parks are so much fun. Bring books, newspapers, balls, and get ice cream and gelato from one of the food trucks. Now sitting on a blanket is great – but getting up from a blanket can be a challenge and…the process of getting up is not a pretty sight, if you know what I mean. So you might want to bring a folding chair.

Restrooms: – Will take a little work …each site will have restroom locations on their sites so you might want to take note of them before you go there.

*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people. Photo of Central Park courtesy of NYC

Kay’s Free Picks – Night at the Museums Downtown Event Passed – was June 21

TUESDAY JUNE 21 4 TO 8 pm

FREE MAJOR EVENT –

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUMS – DOWNTOWN

www.mjhnyc.org/nightatthemuseums

From the Night at the Museums’ website.

“The museums and historic landmarks of Lower Manhattan are an American treasure. Explore one of the most diverse and concentrated groups of museums in the world – 15 sites – all within comfortable walking distance of each other.

Special this year are free musical celebrations on the 21st, the longest day of the year, with over 1,200 concerts on streets, sidewalks, and parks across the five boroughs.

Museums include: African Burial Ground National Monument, The Anne Frank Center USA, Federal Hall National Memorial, Fraunces Tavern® Museum, Museum of American Finance, Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, National Archives at New York City, National Museum of the American Indian—Smithsonian Institution, National September 11 Memorial Museum, 9/11 Tribute Center, Poets House, The Skyscraper Museum, South Street Seaport Museum and Wall Street Walks.”

Note: some museums require advance reservations – still free – but necessary .

Hope to see you there!

Enjoy!

Kay’s Notes: Just go to their website – everything you ever wanted to know about Night at the Museums is there!

Picasso and Paula

Picasso and Paula is what started my blog!

PICASSO AND PAULA

Picasso Sculptures at MOMA! What can I say but the exhibit was fantastic! About 62 years of his sculptures. It took the full 4^th floor of the museum. It wasn’t crowded that day, surprisingly, so I was able to take it all in – incredible. I sat for a while on one of the benches (knees you know) in the room filled with his later works and then happily left and took the elevator down.

Now as many of us know, any visit to a museum requires a stop for a glass of wine (or something) and a bite either to think about the art or just because you’re hungry and need to sit or all three. I walked over to the Bar Room at MOMA and was enjoying a lovely pinot noir and miniature tuna sliders when a woman and her friend were seated at the table next to me. It is a fact that I try not to listen too intently to other people’s conversations unless, of course, I catch something really interesting. And, I must say, theirs certainly peaked my interest.

He said, “So how does it feel to have your first book published in a few months?” Whoa, I thought, leaning in to hear a little better.

“What?” I wanted to say as I tilted my good ear in their direction. She mumbled something. “Speak up” was on the tip of my tongue.

I picked up words like “fiction” “agent” “friends” “supportive” “spring”. Time, I decided, to call a sister with better hearing than me. I considered just putting my phone on their table so she could listen and tell me what they were saying, but then decided not a good idea . I sent a text instead.

While I can’t repeat the exact words my youngest sib wrote (expletives) , what I can tell you is that she called me a chicken with a few “cluck clucks” thrown in. And then texted in caps, “LEAN OVER AND ASK THE AUTHOR ABOUT HER BOOK!” With those words and the wine kicking in I moved over closer still and in my most endearing voice, said “Excuse me, but may I ask you a question?”

They both turned to me with big smiles and said “Yes.” I do remember smiling very broadly myself as I told them what I had overheard (eavesdropping is a wonderful thing – rude but wonderful). He handed me her card.

Her name was Paula Whyman who had written her first book. She told me it was a series of connected short stories called “You May See a Stranger”. It was to be published in May with a book tour and a possible stop in North Carolina! I mean, really!!!(Remember my family lives in NC) What fun to be able to read a book by a first-time author and to have met her before it was published. A new book that no one in my family has read – a miracle! So thanks to Picasso for finding us Paula!

And, the moral of this little essay about a lovely afternoon is simple: When going to a museum, always stop for a glass of something, always eavesdrop and always, if in doubt, text or call a sib or friend to tell you what to do! –

Love this city!

Kay’s Notes*

Important to know: Sadly, the exhibit closed February 2016 but MOMA is full of his wonderful works in their permanent collection.

Good to know: “You May See A Stranger” by Paula Whyman TriQuarterly Books Northwestern University Press May 2016 http://paulawhyman.com

Want to eat? 4 places in the Museum – The Modern, The Bar Room, Café 2 and Terrace 5.

All operated by Danny Meyer group – you know the Shake Shack guy.

Restaurant prices: From OMG (The Modern) to not bad!

Where is it? MOMA is at West 53^rd between 5^th and 6^th

Open every day with senior discounts and with free Friday nights from 4 to 8 PM.

Restrooms? All over the place

Kid Friendly? Yes

*Disclaimer – I try for correct info on Kay’s Notes– but no guarantees people.

Category: Museums

On my walk: An illustrators’ museum…who knew?