Pratt Documentary

Pratt Institute will be the setting for a documentary film currently shooting called Archiculture. Filmmakers Ian Harris and David Krantz filled me in on the project a few weeks ago before the semester began... If you've ever known an architecture student, you'll have seen him or her practically living in the studio day and night for five years straight. You've probably wondered why on earth someone would subject himself to such an insane academic program. I know I have! The original title of the project was "Architorture" -- a term well-known to architecture students and professionals describing the rigors of the program and the stress of completing the final thesis project before graduation. Worried about the negative connotation of the term to outsiders, Harris and Krantz changed the title to reflect the passion felt by these driven students, as well as the "self-inflicted" nature of choosing the curriculum and sticking with it.

Architecture programs, unlike many other undergraduate majors, place students into small groups in which they remain for the next five years. For kids coming out of high school, these small groups produce intense group dynamics in which roles begin to form -- class superstar, faculty politics, etc.

Harris and Krantz are hoping to do justice to the story of the undergraduate architecture student, and looked high and low for the right setting. The duo narrowed down their options to 20 institutions and chose Pratt based on the diversity of its student population, the support of the program to their project and the ease of bringing a camera crew on campus. The documentary will follow a select group of students as they prepare to present their final thesis projects before graduation.

Harris and Krantz have assured me that Clinton Hill and its surrounding neighborhoods will play a role in the finished product. As Harris explained, "The story is very much one of coming-of-age. The neighborhood is the context -- Where do they live? Where are they walking to school?"

More updates to come as filming continues!

Friday Performances at Dakar

Infrequent Seams: A new twice-monthly series of edgy, creative music(Mostly improvised music by players whose backgrounds range from Classical to Jazz to Experimental)

Friday, February 8, 2008, 9 PM - 11 PM at Le Grand Dakar (285 Grand Ave) 9 PM ~ Saris: Sara Schoenbeck (bassoon) & Harris Eisenstadt (drums) w/ Robert Dick (flute) 10 PM ~ Julianne Carney (violin), Lathan Hardy (saxophones), James Ilgenfritz (bass), & John McLellan (drums)

Brooklyn Was Mine

In case you haven't heard, there's a new book of personal essays about our borough, called Brooklyn Was Mine. Lots of different areas are covered, but of note is an essay by Susan Choi about Clinton Hill's own Underwood Park (at the corner of Lafayette and Waverly), detailing both the park's history as well as Choi's discovery of it.

Choi is one of many renowned artists living in Clinton Hill.

First Friday @ RePop: February 1

Happy New Year! If you haven't been in yet since the ball dropped then you are cordially invited back to RePOP as we kick off our first art exhibition of 2008!

We are pleased to announce February's exhibition featuring the fine art of the shop's curator's, Carl Grauer and Russell Boyle.

Prone to collaborating in the store, on canvas and in life these artists have taken a long overdue sabbatical from conspiring together to present a series of individual works. "Family Matter" is a reflection of those ghosts buried in the closet beckoned out for examination. At times melancholy and other times whimsical, Grauer and Boyle bring the observer into a personal realm of portraiture and surreal interpretation granting permission to laugh at their own trials while taking us on a ride through the depth of them.

Artist reception and party is 7:30 - 11pm every First Friday of the month! So come on down to the Navy Yard, grab a glass of wine, mingle with the artist and get your vintage groove on.

68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Gettin' Crafty on Franklin Ave.

Finally! We don't have to travel to some other Brooklyn neighborhood to learn trendy crafting skills like sewing! Cooly-curated vintage shop Collecther is offering a sewing workshop!

$40 for four sessions including materials is a really great deal.

They're also hosting a clothing swap at the end of the month:

Exhibit at St. Joseph's

BROOKLYN, N.Y.: January 7, 2008 - St. Joseph's College Council for the Arts is pleased to announce that it will feature works by well-known Brooklyn artists Ramona Candy and Felicia Megginson in an exhibit entitled: "Facing Self: There's a Story Here." This exhibit, the first in the Council's special series, "Identities Formed and Transformed: Myself, My Community, My World," will be on display at the Alumni Room Gallery, Tuohy Hall, 245 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y., from January 23rd to February 14th. There will be a gallery talk with both artists on Tuesday, February 5th at 12:40 p.m., and receptions on Monday, January 28th from 5:30 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 9th from 12 – 3 p.m. Regular gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m.

Artist, dancer, teacher, Ramona Candy was born in Brooklyn, New York and began painting and drawing as a child. She went on to earn a degree in Art at CCNY and during her studies, and after, maintained an active dance career. According to Ms. Candy, "Following my dance career, it is only natural that movement be a part of my artwork. Though many of my paintings and collages are inspired by dance, it is also pride in my rich Haitian/Caribbean heritage and growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn that influences my work. My goal is to lift you, the audience, engage you in the “dance” and help bring to mind your own roots, heritage and those things that make you smile."

In her photographs, Ms. Megginson places herself in nature through a technique that constructs evocative double-exposure images. Her face, feet, or hands are photographed sequentially in the surroundings to expose both the place and the person. In this series, she explores the “ancestral pull” of the forest. “These images allow me to make a connection with a time when my ancestors viewed the natural world as a place that was both sacred and profane, a place that was filled with life, death, and regenerative energy,” says Felicia. Megginson earned her B.A. at the University of Virginia and M.A. at New York University. She has been an artist-in-residence at the Constance Saltonstall Foundation in Ithaca, NY, The Center for Photography in Woodstock, NY. Currently, she lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

Founded by Sister Elizabeth A. Hill, CSJ, J.D., president, the St. Joseph’s College Council for the Arts is a coalition of students, faculty members and staff who serve as a focal point for St. Joseph’s College’s educational and community outreach programming in the arts. By expanding and integrating campus arts activities, the Council seeks to enhance the public image of the College as a cultural center in Brooklyn. For more information about this, please call (718) 399-6755.

PEP Opening: Jan 4

PEP Gallery is pleased to announce Kevin Cyr's first solo-exhibition in Brooklyn. "Look Both Ways" refers not just to the obvious looking out for traffic, but also to the idea of looking both East and West for cultural and artist influences. Cyr merges Asian vehicles with popular brand iconography of the West. Indian rickshaws are branded with American junk food logos while an Asian tricycle is equipped with a camper top-ready for a trip across the United States - or to explore Inner Mongolia. Cyr's work is impeccably produced with highly rendered detail in both his paintings and drawings.

Jewelry Trunk Show @ RePop

On Saturday, Dec. 15 there will be an exclusive showing of Ellie's newest jewelry and her limited- edition aquariums, terrariums and keepsake boxes. Back in the midwest they do tupperware parties, well here at RePOP it's all about jewels and gifts! Come lounge in a wonderful vintage atmosphere as Ellie delights everyone with her new merchandise perfect for the season exclusively at RePOP! Festive music and refreshments will be served to all guests! We'll have a grande time. Hope you can make it!

10% off all RePOP furnishings, lighting, and collectibles offered to all guests.

DATE: Dec. 15 TIME: 12:30 - 5pm LOCATION: RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205

First Friday at RePop: Dec. 7

"I am not in love with decay. But I am in love with an object that has experienced some kind of existence." -Rico Lebrun

Sandra Rocha's work reveals some quiet, undeclared beauty in the mundane everyday scenery of life, to entice the viewer to contemplate what is otherwise overlooked. Whether a gritty street corner or a distressed chair, she extracts something extraordinary about the subject, emphasizing all of the imperfections and quirks that give it character.

The more recent work of urban scenery is a reaction to urban grit that is so much a part of the character of the city, however subversive and unaccepted. Given the current speed of gentrification and the erection of high-rise gleaming condos throughout the city, Rocha records these gritty pockets in the underbelly of the city.

Join us for this collection of reflective work, perfect for the holiday season. Artist reception and party is 7:30 - 11pm. Wine, refreshments and merriment served!

RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-260-8032

*RePop is also stocked with creepy Santas, and will be offering year-end sales!

Community Design Workshop: TONIGHT

This sounds cool! MYRTLE AVENUE STREET FURNITURE INITIATIVE TO HOLD FIRST COMMUNITY DESIGN WORKSHOP AT PRATT INSTITUTE

Project is a collaboration between the Pratt Design Incubator and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

BROOKLYN, N.Y., November 13, 2007 – The Pratt Design Incubator for Sustainable Innovation, Pratt industrial design students, and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership will hold a community design workshop tonight, Tuesday, November 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Pratt Institute’s Higgins Hall as part of the Myrtle Avenue Street Furniture Design Initiative. The workshop, during which designers will present preliminary concepts for seating, bike racks, tree guards, and other possible street elements, is open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend.

The Pratt Design Incubator, Pratt industrial design students, and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership are working together to design innovative and artistic street furniture elements for Myrtle Avenue. The workshop will introduce the background, goals, process, and timeline of the project, share preliminary design concepts, and invite participants to join topic tables to discuss and/or sketch concrete ideas as well as general topics. The goal is to create street furniture concepts over the next year that ultimately will lead to prototypes of off-the-shelf designs for artistic, sturdy, multipurpose, and cost-effective streetscape furniture and amenities. Prospective participants are asked to pay close attention to design elements in New York City streets, particularly Myrtle Avenue, in order to provide specific information in describing what works and what does not.

The Pratt Design Incubator is a cooperative of interdisciplinary designers committed to creative products and services that respect the environment and humanity. It is run by Deb Johnson, academic director of sustainability at Pratt, who organized a team of industrial design students to survey and study Myrtle Avenue’s existing conditions. The team is being led by research coordinator Samantha Razook-Murphy. The initiative started in September when the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC hired the Pratt Design Incubator to develop street furniture designs. Funding for this initiative comes from an award from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District. The workshop will be held at Higgins Hall on the southeast corner of Lafayette at 61 St. James Place. Informational signs will direct participants to the workshop room. Please RSVP to Mr. Vaidila Kungys at vkungys@myrtleavenue.org or by phone at 718.230.1689

Drag at Outpost

RePop's own Russel will be performing in drag this Thursday at Outpost! Get it on with 6 Brassy Broads and the 666 Club!!! A night of tawdry song, drag, belly dancing & burlesque!! Starring: Hope Debates, Saasha Foo, Laura Comerford, Ellie Mathias, Russell Boyle aka Simone LaBonte & Sarah Bieda

Chuck Mackinnon: trumpet Adam Klipple: organ Dave Phelps: guitar John Mathias: bass Diego Voglino: drums

YOU NEED THIS GOOD MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL!! Thursday Nov. 8 @8:00pm Outpost Lounge 1014 Fulton St 718-636-1260

Brooklyn Flea Coming to Lafayette!

Our neighbor Brownstoner has just announced that he will run a weekly flea market in the school yard of Bishop Loughlin High School starting next spring!  I'm hoping for a variety of good stuff, like wares from local artists and reasonably priced antiques... Official site is here!

Don't Forget: HALLOWEEN AT REPOP!

Tonight, starting at 7:30, delicious catered food and awesome costumes!

Godspell at St. Joseph's

The St. Joseph's College Chapel Players will present themusical "Godspell" from November 7th to November 10th at the College's Tuohy Hall Auditorium on 245 Clinton Avenue. Originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music & new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, composer of the recent hit "Wicked," "Godspell" is a musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The plot is a loose interpretation of the teachings of Christ as portrayed throughout St. Matthew's New Testament, and the show portrays Jesus as teacher, guiding his individual and diverse followers into a single-faith community. The show celebrates that spirit of community as well as the basic principles that to this day form the bedrock of Christianity. The curtain drops at 7 p.m on the 8th and 9th and at 8 p.m. on the 10th. Prices are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Please call Jaime Vacca-Hoefner for reservations or more information at 718-399-2602.

November Events @ Tillie's

November Events at Tillie’s248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY 11205 718 783-6140 www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com Music

Friday, November 2nd 8 p.m. The Mr. Handband Jesse Neuman, trumpet Anthony Barba, tenor and soprano sax Kris Davis, keyboard Rob Jost, bass Ted Poor, drums Hard-driving experimental jazz: Leader Barba plays frequently at venues in Brooklyn such as Barbes and the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, and at Webster Hall and the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan.

Friday, November 9th 8 p.m. Eyal Maoz’s Slavic Trio Eyal Maoz, guitar Ron Caswell, tuba Briggan Krauss, saxophone Rhymically propulsive music by a first-rate guitarist and composer born in Israel and now living in New York. “Keep your eyes and ears on this guy.” John Zorn “A musical deep thinker.” Washington City Paper “Mesmerizing composer and guitarist.” The New Yorker

Friday, November 16th Dream Fox 8 p.m. High-energy pop electronica from Astoria, Queens, featuring: Marshall McLaughlin Christopher Passig Jessi Almstead Cover for all performances: $5, $3 with student ID Open Mic

Thursday, 11/15/07 Thursday, 11/29/07 Sign-up: 8:30 p.m. Performance: 9:00 p.m. Host: Nick Noir Art

Linda Shere The Victor Series and the Camel Box prints November 12th – December 15th, 2007 Linda Shere has a studio in the Navy Yard and resides in Fort Greene. A native New Yorker, she lived in South Dakota for fifteen years and also in London.

She has exhibited extensively in South Dakota and in New York City and has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the South Dakota Arts Council. Her Brooklyn shows include work at the Corridor Gallery, the Holland Tunnel Gallery, Urban Glass, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She is represented in the collections of the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, and of Citibank in New York, among others.

Her statement about the work on view: “My father died when I was quite young and these drawings grew from the simple wish to stand face to face with him as an adult. I was always very taken by the photograph of my father as a young messenger boy on the streets in Manhattan. Like this one, and in most of the photographs taken of him up until his death, the stance was the same in whatever situation, and always anchored by a graceful hand with a cigarette. This series and the Camel Box prints are not about that which contributed to his death, but rather the lingering romance of his ever- present camel -- the pyramid, sand, and faraway places I associate with my father.”

The four pieces in the Victor Series are composed of graphite and wax drawings on archival matte duralar. The Camel Box prints are chine colle relief prints.

In the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, Tillie’s has been presenting the best in coffee, light food, and deserts for art and music lovers since 1997. For more information on any of the above, call Patricia Mulcahy at 718 783-6140 or contact her at mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

RePop: First Friday and HALLOWEEN BASH, Nov. 2

First of all we'd like to thank all of the new folks who have popped into the shop recently and have submitted requests for merchandise! We are working hard at locating the perfect items for you and appreciate that you have chosen RePOP as one of your sources for fine vintage offerings! Find attached in this e-mail a list of new arrivals coming into the shop this week!

Second, Please be our guest this Nov. 2 for a wonderful group show of photography by Lucia Cousins & Elizabeth Lambert in conjunction with our 2nd Annual Halloweenie Extravanganza!

A HALLOWEENIE EXTRAVAGANZA: PHOTOGRAPHY by LUCIA COUSINS & ELIZABETH LAMBERT

RePOP is proud to present their first photography exhibition featuring the electrifying work of two Brooklyn based photographers, Elizabeth Lambert and Lucia Cousins. Inspired by the ebb and flow of New York as well as the unique and haunting, these artists capture the beautiful fleeting remnants of a metropolis, examining closely the seen but often misunderstood spaces within the whole that pass us by in our hustle and bustle from one place to the next. By-gone grafitti, advertisements, surreal images, doll babies with soul, subway tunnels and sensual silhouettes are all represented in this glorious body of work soaring above the obvious to analyze the bits and parts of what makes an urban jungle tick.

And back due to popular demand in conjunction with November 2 First Friday, RePOP will be hosting their 2nd annual Ghoulish Halloweenie Extravaganza. The festivities begin around 7:30 pm and carry on to the wee hours both within the shop and our private back room. The event will be catered by the scrumptious talents of Urban Palate* and costumes are required with a grand prize awarded to the best! All attendees are encouraged to bring an offering of their favorite poison to contribute on this evening of art, dance and merriment.

New merchandise arrivals this week include: tall 1930's black and white dental cabinet, companion hygenist lowboy (both perfect for bathroom or art and jewel accessories) Danish Modern TV Credenza, Danish Rocking Chair (amaaazing!) Swedish Bookcases, Walnut High Chests & Credenzas, Milo Baughman & Hollywood Regency Berger Style Sectionals, Mid-century duck decoys and lures, African American Sculpture, Gilded Hollywood Regency lighting, 1970's ball room plats, vintage pocket knifes, Columbian pony hair wallets and necklaces, Baughman Flat Bar Chair and other comfy and wonderful seating, complete dish sets by Metlox, new jewels and accessories by the fabulous Miss Ellie and tons more!!! As always all guests enjoy 10% off in house merchandise on First Friday so come on down and get something lovely.

*Urban Palate is a Clinton Hill catering team, and I hear they're great! Halloween menu will include:

Mini Croque Monsieur Saffron Risotto Balls Sicilian Meat Balls Organic Seasonal Vegetable Crudite Served with Bagna Cauda & Yogurt Herb Sauce Mini Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes Chocolate Orange Pumpkin Cupcakes

I have a really great costume planned, so you'd better bring your A game...

James Sanders to Speak at St. Joseph's College

Emmy-Award Winning Writer and Renowned Architect James Sanders to Speak at St. Joseph's College Annual Founders Day Lecture BROOKLYN, N.Y - October 11, 2007 - St. Joseph's College is pleased to announce that Mr. James Sanders will serve as the guest lecturer for the College's annual Founders Day lecture. On Monday, October 22, 2007, he will deliver a talk entitled, "Ever-Changing City: New York Past, Present and Future," at 4:30 p.m. at the Tuohy Hall Auditorium on 245 Clinton Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.

With Ric Burns, Mr. Sanders co-conceived and co-wrote the 172-hour, eight-part PBS series, “New York: A Documentary Film,” and co-authored its companion volume, New York: An Illustrated History. Widely viewed and critically acclaimed across the country, the series received six Emmy nominations, two Emmy Awards, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award. Mr. Sanders and Mr. Burns also co-wrote “Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film,” which received a George Foster Peabody Award in 2007.

Mr. Sanders is a regular contributor to the New York Times, and has written articles for the Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, and Architectural Record. As the principal of the architecture and urban design firm James Sanders & Associates, his projects include public work for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Pershing Square Management Association in Los Angeles, and the Parks Council, where he co-designed and implemented an innovative series of urban amenities and improvements for Bryant Park in Manhattan. In addition, his book, Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies, an exploration of the century-long relationship of the city and film, became the basis for a major multimedia exhibit in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall, sponsored by Turner Classic Movies and Time Warner Cable.

Upcoming at Parlor Jazz

We have booked world class musicians and vocal artists for the past six years, with over 200 shows and a mailing list of over 700 guests.The following upcoming events are performed IN OUR HOME! We are the ONLY venue to do this in the five boroughs (or even the metro area). Our guest have come from all parts of the tri-state area as well. We offer two sets and an open wine bar plus other beverages as well as healthy snacks and apple pie, plus use of our Japanese Zen like backyard with its own waterfall.

Saturday, Oct 20th 2007 Saturday eve, Michelle Walker And her trio. at 119 Vanderbilt Ave, doors open at 8:30 PM. 20 dollars, all inclusive

Saturday NOV. 10TH - MISHA PIATIGORSKY & HIS TRIO Doors open: 8:30pm Set times: 9pm & 10:30pm

Saturday NOV. 11th - PARLORJAZZ AT TAMBORIL (check link for restaurant menu & photos) featuring, TY STEPHENS & ROMANTASY Doors open: 5pm Sets times: 6pm & 7pm Cover charge: $20 includes: both sets & open wine bar. Menu items are not included

Also, on display will be will be the work of local artists are available for sale as well.

Our house was featured in the HBO series of Flight of the Conchords, starring two New Zealand vocalists!

Third Annual Bed-Stuy Alive!

Just received this info about an awesome week-long Bed-Stuy event! THIRD ANNUAL BED STUY ALIVE! TASTE, STRUT, TOUR, KNOW Festive Celebration Honoring Brooklyn’s Culturally Enriched Neighborhood Village Wide Affair Encourages Economic Empowerment & Community Pride

In the spirit of Kwanza principle Ujaama (cooperative economics), Community Board 3 in association with the Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant Inc., Bedford Stuyvesant Artists’ Association (BeSaa), Bridge Street Development Corporation and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation encourages New York to support the 3rd Annual Bed Stuy Alive! Taste, Strut, Tour Know. This festive event, which runs from Saturday, October 13 – Saturday, October 20, celebrates Bedford Stuyvesant’s vibrant business, cultural and artistic communities while promoting pride among its residents.

First Fridays at RePop: October 5

On October 5th from 7:30 - 11pm RePOP invites you to join us at the shop for our First Friday group show entitled Under All The Rocks We Have Ever Found featuring the mixed media works of husband and wife duo Amy Michelle Asher & Arian Gimbutas.

With Amy working primarily in tar and Arian in bleach (combinined with oil and ink), both artists explore the vastness of space and light. The colors they are able to discover within two such contrasting mediums is at once haunting and astounding. This particular collection, all created within the last year, offers a beautiful entrance into the fall season with an adornment of abstract landscapes, illustrative renderings and unique musings.

The shop will be open for business on this special evening offering a first hand glimpse at Asher and Gimbutas' collection. Come down to the Navy Yard and enjoy a wonderful social event with complimentary wine, snacks and 10% off all merchandise.

New arrivals include: American Folk Art from the 1930's - 1950's, Vintage Stamp Collections, Antique Chemistry Beakers and Wares, the stunning new jewelry collection from Miss Ellie, a pluthera of fantastic furnishings and lighting from the mid-century and beyond, vintage house dresses from the 50's and 60's and just in time for Halloween......a new crazed doll baby assortment!

RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-260-8032