Cold Weather Comfort Food: Milan's

As weather gets colder, and purse strings get tighter, it's time to look for double-duty luxuries. For a weekend lunch or a filling dinner, 5th Avenue in the low-20's has what you need. From Sunset, it's a brisk walk or short bus ride north-ish, but worth it. Check out the two year old visit to Milan's in Eating in Translation.

Under Minerva Recycles - until October 4th

IS THIS RECYCLABLE?
A GROUP EXHIBITION
Curated by Vanessa Juriga

Exhibition Dates: 26 AUGUST - 4 OCTOBER, 2009

Under Minerva is pleased to announce Is this Recyclable?, a group exhibition that examines how artists utilize recycled products, found objects and other non-traditional materials to create their artwork. This thirteen-person show focuses on artists who break away from traditional materials and use what is often overlooked or readily available to them as catalyst for their creations.

For nearly one hundred years, artists have been using non-traditional objects to create art. In 1915, Marcel Duchamp coined the term readymade to describe his found art. In the 1980s and 1990s, many artists began focusing on mass-produced items. At present, several artists are using discarded objects and recycled materials as their medium. Is This Recyclable? contemplates whether this trend is a response to environmental issues, commentary on the increase in consumerism or an attempt to uncover new meaning for the object.

From sculptures made out of recycled objects, portraits created out of keyboard keys and melted down pill bottles that create a flowing installation, Is this Recyclable? is a dialogue between what the object once was and what the object now is. The artists featured are: Angela Basile, Jasmine Begeske, Mark Cannariato, Travis Childers, Gary Duehr, Jesse Holt, Ryan McIntosh, Desi Minchillo, Raquel Muslin, Anne Percoco, Caitlin Rueter, Ian Trask, and Barbara Wisnoski.



Under Minerva Gallery and Event Space
656 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 19th and 20th Streets)
www.underminerva.com

Fall Classes at El Pequeno Artista (discounts mentioned!)

El Pequeno Artista, on 20th Street and 5th Avenue, has some excellent opportunities for the little ones this Fall.

The most exciting thing (in my decidedly biased opinion) is the Spanish Immersion Montessori Pre-School offered from 9-Noon Monday through Friday. Part-time is also available. I happen to know that the teacher is pretty darn amazing. She is from Mexico and is trained and certified in Montessori style and techniques.

There are also lots of other classes available for children ages 2 1/2 to 7 including cooking, ballet, movement, Spanish immersion, percussion, and music. Check it out: El Pequeno Artista.

from the EPA email:

Hello all!

I hope you and the little ones have had a lovely summer!

Below you'll find the Fall Schedule. To register, you MUST contact us first to reserve/keep your spot. We take cash, checks and credit cards and we'll guide you through payment once you have confirmed availability with us.

NEW FAMILIES:
For new families who've never tried our programs, we'll be offering a week of free trial classes between Sept. 14th through 19th, and will send an announcement with that schedule (not necessarily the same as the one below) in a week or so. Please wait until you receive the announcement to reserve a spot (reservations are required).

RETURNING FAMILIES:
If you pay by Sept. 4 you get $15 off the regular price. After that you pay the regular price, unless you really put it off, and then there are late fees (the horror!). Either way, you MUST pay in advance to keep your spot!

NEW!

FREE Pick up from local schools: PS 10, PS 107, PS 295 at 3pm.
AND... if your child attends one of these schools and registers in any El Pequeno Artista workshop,
you'll get a 20% off your fall tuition!!!

SCHEDULE FALL 2009:


MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL IN SPANISH
Monday to Friday 9 to 12 pm


MUSICA PARA MI (associate program - please contact directly)
Monday 2 pm


SPANISH IMMERSION
4 to 6 yrs.
Monday 3:30 pm


SPANISH IMMERSION
5 1/2 to 7 yrs.
Monday 4:30 pm


PERCUSSION
4 yrs. and up
Tuesday 4 pm


COOKING
3 1/2 to 6 yrs.
Wednesday 4 pm


BALLET
3 to 5 yrs.
Thursday 3:30 pm


MOVE IT
2 to 4 yrs.
Saturday 11:20 am


BALLET
4 1/2 to 7 yrs.
Saturday 12:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday have Free Music for the Kids

Two chances for free music over the weekend. Both are lovely, child-focused, and I can personally recommend each set of performances (as if you trust my opinion).

On Saturday, enjoy the sounds of Fati & Charles, the wife and husband team that sings fun children's songs in Spanish. They will be singing at Coco Roco (392 5th Avenue), starting at 3:30 PM. They also use props like shaker eggs and animal-shaped sponges to help the kids participate in the songs. Check out their website and listen to clips of songs.

On Sunday, check out City Stomp at 4 PM in Slope Park (6th Avenue and 19th). Kevin, the creator of City Stomp, used to do Music Together of Greenwood Heights.

from the email:

Come see Kevin and Nick play City Stomp songs and other originals at Slope Park this Sunday at 4:00. The park is hosting a party for kids and we will be playing for about 40 minutes. The party goes from 3:00 to 6:00, so come out and play! Slope Park is located on 6th Avenue between 18th Street and 19th Street.

A Small but Tasty Flea Market

If you've traveled on 4th Avenue on any recent weekend, you've probably seen the signs for a flea market in the median or at the Al Noor School on 20th Street and 4th Avenue. I've never gone, mainly because my experience at flea markets has proved to feature overly expensive items that I want but can't afford or sad-looking items that I can afford but really don't want. However, perhaps this flea market can offer something more.

According to the Fork in the Road feature in The Village Voice, there are a couple of food vendors that are worth a visit. Check out the article for more info, but I have to say that the hot sauce and chick-pea stall sounds promising. Stop by Eagle Provisions for a beer and Laurentino's for a chocolate covered strawberry or pignoli to complete a pretty decent snack-time.

Brunch Recommendation: Ellis

So, I know, brunch is how restaurants make you pay crazy amounts of cash for what would cost you $1.20 to make at home. Yet, it's my favorite meal with which to treat myself (and visitors). It's cheaper than going out for dinner, it's at a reasonable hour for the kiddles, and there is often the option of eggie-cheesie delights if nothing else inspires you.

So on Sunday, with my sister driving out of her way to meet up for a very brief visit with her niece and nephew, we chose Ellis. I figured it's easy to get onto the BQE from there, it's a place I've been wanting to try, but haven't gotten around to, and I'd heard rumors about a changing table in one of the bathrooms (it's true!). Okay, I'll admit, I was also desperate to try one of the fry bread creations that I'd heard about when I gave up my invite for the opening to my favorite (and generous) photographer, Vanessa. (See what she had to say.)

It was empty when we arrived just past 11 AM. It remained empty the entire time we were there. We got two highchairs, a coloring book and crayons, and the entire side room (with NY1 - with no cable, I miss my NY1!) to ourselves. I ordered the Navajo Fry Bread Pizza (seen above), and it was amazing. Garlicky, rich pesto under cheese and sunflower seeds. Really, even if it had just been the pesto on the fry bread, I would have been happy. The fry bread was all I hoped for. If I were there on my own I probably would have ordered the Nutella fry bread as well. :)
My sister ordered the Navajo Fry Bread Breakfast Taco. I didn't get a chance to taste it, but she said it was really good. The beans didn't look refried to me, but actually, they were probably better whole. I may get this the next time.

My sister's traveling buddy ordered the two eggs over medium with sausage. The hash browns looked a little crispy, but he said they were actually amazing: crunchy on the outside and moist (is that the right word?) on the inside. He finished them. The three sausages were definitely not from the freezer section. My husband got the Breakfast Burrito with shrimp, and he enjoyed it very much.

I liked the space - gotta love a place with books and dart boards - and the bathrooms are definitely sized for Brooklyn not Manhattan. The changing table is in the left-hand bathroom. There's a tiny outdoor space, but it looks more like the smoking section at my high school in the 80's. (They don't have it anymore.) Maybe it looks more inviting at night.

Overall, our visit to Ellis made me want to return to try more dishes. According to Yelp, it's had some ups and downs with staffing and atmosphere. And it seems to be more of a bar than a restaurant (hence the website's EllisBar)...but I'm all about the food.

Have you been? What did you think? Wanna do brunch?

El Pequeno Artista Open House for Pre-School in Spanish

This is tonight, and the RSVP was for July 5th, but if you're still looking for a preschool, it couldn't hurt to give El Pequeno Artista a call.

El Pequeno Artista will have an open house for parents interested in our Montessori Preschool in Spanish starting this fall - possibly the first one in all of NYC!

Come and hear an overview of the program, meet the director and head teacher, and ask questions, etc. You will also have a chance to register then, if you haven't yet.

Please RSVP to elpequenoartista@gmail.com by July 5th.


WHEN:
Wednesday, July 8th ~ 6pm

WHERE:
El Pequeno Artista
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Under Minerva presents Goddess

Making Funny closed on July 5th, and that will make room for the next exhibition: Goddess.

If you like free champagne, go to the opening reception on July 10th from 7-9 PM. Otherwise, check it out any day but Monday or Tuesday. Hours are posted below.

Under Minerva Gallery and Event Space
656 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 19th and 20th Streets)

www.underminerva.com
718.788.0170

Gallery Hours:
W-F 12PM-6PM
Sat-Sun 2PM-6PM

FREE ADMISSION

Any sales of artwork will mean a contribution to stroke research in women. See below for more information about that.

G O D D E S S
July 8 - AUG 14, 2009

OPENING RECEPTION JULY 10, 7 - 9PM
Champagne compliments of our neighbors at Korzo

Hunter Clarke, Ilene Godofsky, Michelle Orsi Gordon, Matt Harvill, Erin Lee Jones,
Georgina Keenan, Raghava KK, Nia Mora, Jennifer Murray, Sara Woolley

Curated by Under Minerva's Artistic Director, Tony Orrico


G O D D E S S is a group art show that reflects on the wisdom and guidance of the divine feminine. This show is a dedication to Brenda Navas (1977-2008), a prominent business woman in our community whose successful entrepreneurship led to the development of our gallery space. Brenda, a native of Guatemala, and her husband Chris Achong, a native of Trinidad built a financial services company from the ground up, which currently comprises of nearly 200 active representatives and is still growing. In late January of 2008, Brenda died of complications from a sudden stroke at the young age of 30.

In Brenda's honor, a portion of our proceeds from the sale of this artworkwill be donated to The Hazel K. GoddessFund for Stroke Research in Women toassist their efforts in education, outreach, research and endowment for thefuture. The Goddess Fund, based in New York City, speaks ofone clear and compelling intention: toeliminate the impact of stroke in women's lives, the lives of their familiesand society at large (www.thegoddessfund.org).

Did you know? We commonly associatestroke with men, yet 61 percent of deaths by stroke are actually women. 80 percent of strokes are preventable. To order a free Women in Your Life booklet (sponsored by AstraZeneca), call1-800-STROKES.

Need a Laugh?

Under Minerva's exhibition of comedy inspired art is coming to an end on July 5th. Whether or not you checked out the show (and there's still time!), if you need some laughs, come to Under Minerva tomorrow night at 7 PM for art and comedy. Beer and wine will also accompany you, if you like. The comics are local, the location is convenient, and it's free (I think). What's not to like? Check out the website for more information. If you want delicious treats, visit Laurentino's going or coming.

Under Minerva is at 656 5th Ave (between 19th and 20th).

Making Funny Artist Talk and Comedy Show

Thursday, July 2nd, beginning at 7PM at Under Minerva

This lighthearted event is taking place during the closing week of the current exhibit, Making Funny, a show examining the use of humor in contemporary art. We will begin with an open discussion forum featuring the exhibition artists and guest curator. Humor, of course, will be the primary subject, however all issues and questions will be entertained. Following the artist talk will be several short stand-up and improv acts, performed by local comedians. A variety of original comedy will be on display to elicit a bunch of laughs. Beer and wine.

Comedians: Jon Wunder, Georgie Porgie, Kendra Cunningham, North Coast

Artists: Daniel Genova, Russell Mehlman, Miho Murashima, Tony Murray, Vincent Romano, Daniel van Benthuysen and curator John Olsen

El Pequeno Artista Summer Camp - Discounted

from the El Pequeno Artista email:

El Pequeno Artista is running a SUPER sale!
Save 25% on the first three weeks of our Bilingual Summer Program

Weeks of: July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th

Camp includes visits to the pool twice a week,
professional soccer in the park once a week,
all art projects, cooking, dance and music, excursions and one snack a day!
ALL in a Spanish Immersion environment.

And you pay only $400!!

That is $100 off per week!

Our unique summer immersion program is carefully designed for children aged 4 to 7, and it runs from 9 to 3pm. There is an optional after camp care service from 3 to 6 (for a nominal fee.) We don't hire teenagers - all of our staff is experienced, professional and perfectly bilingual.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY - CONTACT US NOW!

--
EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Lost City Goes Inside McGovern Weir

In a post from a couple of days ago, Lost City details some history about McGovern Weir as well as some current impressions. Check it out.

Fat Free Guacamole at Under Minerva

So I saw the Rolie Polie Guacamole post that Under Minerva put up on Twitter, and I got really excited. I love guacamole. I figured they had decided that champagne is nice with art, but guacamole will really bring 'em in. However, going over to the website description of the event proved to be slightly disappointing. But only for a couple of seconds.

Apparently, Rolie Polie Guacamole is a band that makes music for kids. They are playing at Under Minerva on Saturday at 3 PM. It's $5, but kids 0-2 are free. Check out the details at the website.

Gallery Etiquette and Inner Workings for the Young Ones

Under Minerva, on 5th Avenue and 19th Street, is hosting a pretty cool kiddie activity every Saturday in June. And it's free. And they get a juice box. And you can take them walking in Green-Wood afterwards. Check it out.

CHILDREN'S GALLERY WALK:
Meet Tony, Under Minerva's Art Director. Learn gallery etiquette, see behind the scenes, and discuss the current exhibition, Making Funny. Get a free juice box and a treasure map to find Minerva in Greenwood Cemetery!

2-3PM Saturdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Age: 5-9
Cost: FREE

Making Funny has Begun at Under Minerva

Unfortunately, I was out of town for the opening reception of Making Funny at Under Minerva. There was free champagne from Eurotrip, and you know I like some free champagne. However, the show will be around through the holiday. Independence Day, that is.

MAKING FUNNY
MAY 27 – JULY 5, 2009

Featuring Aaron Bowles, Daniel Genova, Russ LaChanse, Mark McLeod, Russell Mehlman, Miho Murashima, Tony Murray, John O’Donnell, Vincent Romano, Andrew Small, Daniel van Benthuysen and YaChin Bonny You

Under Minerva is pleased to present Making Funny, a group show examining the use of humor in contemporary art. The exhibition brings together various media and methods of utilizing the funny side of life as a vehicle for artistic expression. Historically, humor was often a solecistic tool for the artist; but in our Modern and particularly post-Dada world, humor has become a legitimate means to an artful end. Humor is employed by the show’s artists to take aim at everything from sexual identity, to consumerism, to the art world itself. The show runs the gamut from overt to subtle. Making Funny hopes to bring a little levity to everyone’s life, at a time when we could all use it.

Making Funny is the brainchild of guest curator, John Olsen, whose day job as a corporate art curator has him responsible for the art collection of a major financial firm on Wall Street. This exhibition gives him the unique opportunity to play against that role while offering a wonderful assemblage of work to the community.

4th Annual 23rd Street Mega Stoop Sale is Tomorrow

Go check out other people's stuff to see if it could become yours. You can always stop by some Greenwood Heights locales like Ellis, Eurotrip, Suki Sushi, Laurentino's Bakery, and others to help fortify your shopping experience.

COME ONE, COME ALL TO OUR BLOCK-LONG STOOP SALE: MAY 16,2009

It’s that time of year again.
Spring has sprung. Recession has hit. You need stuff...the folks on 23rd St. have what you need and want (trust me)! (and even stuff from folks from 21St, 22nd and 20th Sts too!)

4th ANNUAL
23rd St. MEGA STOOP SALE
Saturday, May 16 (rain date Sun. May 17)
11:00 a.m.-to-5:00 p.m. / btwn 6th & 7th Aves

Houses will have lots of stuff for sale, at, of course, very reasonable prices! (or you can just haggle with everyone)

ON SALE:
housewares
tchotchkes
books/CDs
clothing
furniture
and a wee bit of “junk” too!

Open House at El Pequeno Artista

If you haven't taken a look at El Pequeno Artista for classes, here's a chance to get a crash course. They are running a summer program, and a new Montessori Preschool in Spanish will be starting up in the fall. The open house for both programs is at 5:30 PM on May 14th. See below for RSVP information.

from the email:

Saludos!

El Pequeno Artista will have an open house for parents interested in our Summer Program, and/or the Montessori Preschool in Spanish starting this fall. Come and hear an overview of the programs, meet the director and head teachers, and ask questions, etc. You will also have a chance to register then, if you haven't yet.

Please RSVP to elpequenoartista@gmail.com by May 8th.


WHEN:
Thursday, May 14 ~ 5:30 to 7pm

WHERE:
El Pequeno Artista
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Mini-Ballerinas and Dancers Wanted for Dance Deal

Got a kid that's between three and a half and six? Want something to do before or after lunch on a Saturday? Here's your chance for a discounted class.



from El Pequeno Artista's email:

ATTENTION!

CALLING ALL BALLERINAS AND DANCERS OUT THERE!

El Pequeno Artista has a super sale this spring - first time for this class! Our ballet workshop started late for our star ballerina was on rehearsals. We have 9 classes left in the workshop and we would like to invite other dancers to come have fun with us. The price for the remaining of the workshop is now $150!

A saving of $70 from the original price!!

Ballet Workshop

Saturdays 12:30 p.m.

Age 3 1/2 to 6 yrs.

A fun introduction to ballet using imaginative techniques! Children learn the primary elements of classical ballet, including floor, bar & center work, and get a true sense of accomplishment with this dance.

TO REGISTER:

First send us an email with your child's name and age and your contact information. After that, you can send a check for $150 to El Pequeno Artista: 372 15th St. #1A Brooklyn NY 11215. Or call 646.207.0626 to have your payment processed by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email when we have received your payment.

REGISTER NOW!

--
EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Gleaned Sunset Links

Here are a few links of Sunset interest lifted from sites much more diligent than this one:

via Brownstoner Savings in Sunset Park [NY Daily News]
- The most interesting thing about this list of places is the information about Tony Garofalo, the owner of Tony's Barber Shop. He's such a nice guy. The weirdest thing is the "savings" at the 5th Avenue C-Town. Sounds pretty standard to me.

from Gothamist: Brooklyn Sex Club Shut Down By Judge!
- Lots of good links to get the background in case you missed the hullabaloo when the NYT got kinky with the club.

And because you can't get enough about sex clubs on a Wednesday:

via Curbed · Sunset Park sex club closed six weeks after NYT profiled it [NY Law Journal]
- I thought this place was considered Greenwood Heights, but maybe I'm getting my swinger/sex clubs mixed up. Or maybe it's just another case of the really good stuff being considered Sunset Park.

Reminder: Opening Reception at Under Minerva

Off the Grid opened on Wednesday, but tonight is the true opening reception. Stop by to take in some art and sip on some of the complimentary champagne.

When: Friday the 17th, from 7 PM to 9 PM
Where: Under Minerva at 656 5th Avenue, between 19th and 20th.
www.underminerva.com

Green-Wood is Blooming

from a Brooklynian post from LostinGreenwoodHeights:

The Green-Wood Historic Fund Presents:

May 3, 2009

SPRING IN BLOOM Trolley Tour
Join Green-Wood's Art Presson, superintendent of grounds operations, and Jeff Richman, Cemetery historian, for a unique springtime trolley tour through Green-Wood’s most spectacular gardens, blooms and landscapes.

The trolley tour is $20 / $10 for Historic Fund members.
Space is limited. Please call 718.768.7300 or e-mail info@greenwoodcemetery.org for reservations. Meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street at 5th Avenue.

SPECIAL OFFER: Join The Green-Wood Historic Fund at the Friend and Family $50 level and get one trolley tour ticket for free (a $20 value).

A National Historic Landmark–Est. 1838–Our main entrance is located at 500 25th Street (on 5th Avenue) in Brooklyn. Via subway, take the R to the 25th Street station. For more info, call 718.768.7300 or visit us on-line at http://www.greenwoodcemetery.org/

**********

Not a Historic Fund member? Your support helps us to preserve the past to serve the future. Enroll today and enjoy membership benefits and discounts on all walking/trolley tours, books and more. Enroll by calling 718.768.7300, visit http://www.greenwoodcemetery.org/ or e-mail info@greenwoodcemetery.org
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