Here’s a chance for kids to show off their best artwork – and highlight the power of women!
Monumental Women is giving kids a chance to have their artwork featured at the historic unveiling of the Women’s Right Pioneers Monument that features Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Monumental Women is a nonprofit that is bringing the first statue of real women to Central Park. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization moved its in-person Put Her on a Pedestal workshop online. The workshop teaches young people about the Women’s Suffrage movement and prompts them to design a monument honoring a suffrage leader who inspires them.
Photo from MonumentalWomen.org
Some of the stellar submissions will be displayed at the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument unveiling ceremony on August 26th.
The workshop is particularly timely: August 26, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, when American women won the right to vote.
Monumental Women specifically chose this day to unveil the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument and symbolically “break the bronze ceiling” in Central Park. There are currently only statues honoring historic men and fictional female characters such as Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose, and Juliet (with Romeo).
For more information about the workshop, visit Monumental Women at monumentalwomen.org (and click on the “Education” tab).
Even if it’s not spring, the first step to a great looking garden is getting rid of any debris that has accumulated in the area. If you have trees, falling leaves can be a problem in the fall. Use a leaf blower to clear the space or a rake to gather the leaves in one place before placing them in a compost pile. It is also a good idea to pull out any pesky weeds. Be sure not to place these in your compost, however, as the seeds are likely to regrow if you do so.
Prepare the Soil for Planting
New flowers, shrubs, climber and trees can make a huge difference to the landscape of your garden. To prepare the soil for planting, till it between eight and twelve inches deep. Be sure to remove any large rocks. This is a good point at which you can add some fertilizer into the mix. Be careful not to over-fertilize, however, as this can burn the roots, making your plants more sensitive to drought, heat, and cold. For the best results, it is a good idea to have your soil tested for nutrients and pH levels.
Select the Right Plants
If you want to avoid future problems, opt for disease-resistant plants. Talk to other gardeners or nursery employees to find out what the most resilient plant types are. In addition, take a good look at the plants you are buying to ensure that you don’t introduce any diseases in your garden. Healthy plants should be free of rotted stems, spots and insects. Don’t forget to also examine the roots—these should be white and firm. If you are not sure what a healthy plant should look like, google it before you head off to the store. Some gardening enthusiasts claim that plants put in the ground after the sun goes down have a better growth rate and are more resilient.
Emma O’Donnell, a graduate from the acclaimed KLC School of Design in London, began her career as a jewelry designer. Today, her company, Coolabah Designs, has evolved to include interior and garden design. Emma has completed projects large and small all over New York and London and has offices in both New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Emma O’Donnell: Initially we were known for jewelry design. I started the brand in 2008 making fine (and fashion) jewelry sold in the UK and European market. In 2012 I expanded my focus to interior design and have been mostly focused on that ever since.
Downtown: When and
what drove you to found Coolabah Designs? What is the meaning behind the name?
Emma O’Donnell: After about 15 years working as an HR executive in a global professional services firm, I wanted to tap into my more creative self. I thus started to make jewelry. The name comes from the Australian coolabah tree, the eucalyptus tree in the iconic Aussie song, Waltzing Matilda. My Australian husband and my frequent travels to the country influenced the name a bit.
Downtown: As a
company that has offices in both NYC and the Hudson Valley, how do you balance
your time? How has this been a boon and a challenge for Coolabah Designs?
Emma O’Donnell: Having a foothold in both areas has been great for me—I understand the frenetic NYC environment but I also the need to reconnect with nature and to create a home outside the city. This has helped me with client relationships, both old and new, and lends me credibility in both environments.
Design by Emma O’Donnell.
Downtown: Do you
always work on residential interiors and gardens hand-in-hand, or do you often
get hired separately for each?
Emma O’Donnell: So
far I have been hired independently for interiors and gardens, but my work has
spilled over in the other arena as well. For example, a Tribeca client who
hired me to do their terrace has also used my interior design services for a
couple of her residences.
Downtown: What are the benefits to a homeowner to hiring you for both
interiors and garden design?
Emma O’Donnell: My
ability to read the client’s style lends itself to an integrated approach
inside and out; so if the style of the client is modern, I can keep the look
cohesive and have both spaces be reflections of each other.
Downtown: Tell us about your aesthetic! What design principles are carried
throughout your work, client style aside?
Emma O’Donnell: The
look I aim for is modern, but warm and comfortable. I like to select timeless, natural,
high-quality materials such as real wood, wool, leather, cotton, and linen. Furniture
made with quality materials can last a lifetime and in 10 years can be
refreshed with new upholstery or a new stain. I like to reuse or recycle the
client’s pieces as much as possible to minimize the carbon footprint of the
project.
Downtown: When you
design outdoor terraces and gardens, what are elements you always keep in mind
when planning the design?
Emma O’Donnell: Space
planning is always key. I select furniture that will fit well in the space and
create multiple room-like areas in the garden. I usually pick a simple color
scheme of greys and black, but I often use plants to serve as the jewelry. Last
but not least, I always incorporate lighting that illuminates the garden and
plants at night to create a magical space.
Downtown: When you say you create “low carbon footprint designs,” can you explain to our readers how you implement these elements into each design?
Design by Emma O’Donnell.
Emma O’Donnell: I
am drawn to real materials such as solid wood, natural fabrics, and wool or
silk rugs. They are timeless and will last a long time. If the furniture is of
a high quality, then as the styles change it can be reupholstered for a new
look. I also like to purchase mid-century pieces that have lived a long and
interesting life. Throw-away furniture ends up in landfills and I stay away
from that. From a lighting perspective, I select the latest LED fixtures that
allow of a very low energy use in the home.
Downtown: What has
been one of your favorite projects and why?
Emma O’Donnell: That
is like being asked to pick my favorite child. But one of my favorite projects
has been my design for a Chelsea Loft. This project touched every surface and
it was a gut renovation of a 2,500-square-foot-space. I enjoyed working with everyone
and helping my client select tile, fixtures, new lights, and designing the kitchen and bathrooms. The
final result turned out beautifully and the client has received rave reviews
from all, which is very rewarding.
Downtown: From
what we understand you also create fine jewelry pieces! How does this relate to
your interiors and garden design work?
Emma O’Donnell: I
originally stated making jewelry and then after a while thought about using my
metalworking skills to make light fixtures, etc. I continue to make jewelry at
my studio in the Hudson Valley, but it has taken a bit of a back seat to my
residential interior and garden design.
Downtown: What are
some of your favorite pieces and why?
Emma O’Donnell: My
favorite pieces are my rings. They are organic, timeless, heavy and,
substantial.
Downtown: We love
the organic nature and metallic finishes on your jewelry, what draws you to
these elements?
Emma O’Donnell: I
believe that it all stems from being a fan of simple, useful, and modern
design. It’s pure instinct, it stems from a place deep inside me.
Downtown: Where
can clients purchase your jewelry?
Emma O’Donnell: Of course, clients can buy my jewelry! Currently I have my modern rings available in yellow and rose gold at Hummingbird Jewelers in Rhinebeck, NY. These and other pieces are shown on my website can also be purchased by contacting me directly at emma@coolabahdesigns.com.
Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo Credit Etienne Frossard
Brooklyn Bridge Park is celebrating their 20th anniversary of free public programs with their Movies With a View event and if you’re looking for something relaxing to do this summer, this is perfect. They will be showing several public movies on Pier 1’s Harbor View Lawn throughout July and August.
Bring plenty of blankets for seating to get a view of the movies featured in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which are some of the more popular films over the 20-year history including Selma, Girlfight, Crooklyn, and Pariah. Pariah, directed by Dee Rees, which is also based in Brooklyn, is about a teenage, African American who is struggling to bring out her identity as a lesbian to her friends and family.
The event will begin at 6 pm with food vendors, a DJ, as well as a short film put together by BAM Cinematek. Some of the food vendors that will make their return to the park are Burger Supreme, Home Frite, and Bona Bona Ice Cream along with some new food vendors including Groundlings Pizza, Destination Dumplings, and Vayalo Cocina.
Here is a list of dates and movies that will be shown at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Bring your friends and family for a movie night under the stars.
July 11th: Pariah
July 18th: Girlfight
July 25th: It Happened One Night
August 1st: Crooklyn
August 8th: The Big Lebowski
August 15th: An American Trail
August 22nd: Selma
August 29th: Public Vote (The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Groundhog Day, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
‘Movies with a View’ event in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo Credit Etienne Frossard
International event coordinator, Sandy Safi has had her hands full over the years.
She has lived and worked in over 15 countries and as co-founder of Diner en Blanc International, she has seen countless beautiful and historic locations around the world. Safi is certified in sustainable events, theater, concerts, and cirque and is now Partner & Director of Development at Dîner en Blanc International. Originally from Canada, Safi obtained her education at Concordia University. We were lucky enough to speak with the revolutionary creator in New York City at the August 2014 Dîner en Blanc in Battery Park. Check out our exclusive interview with her here!
Sandy Safi, co-founder of Dîner En Blanc during the New York City stop. Credit: Blair Kwon
What inspired the idea of the Diner en Blanc event?
In the summer of 1988, François Pasquier had just returned to Paris after a few years abroad and held a dinner party to reconnect with friends. So many wished to attend that he asked them to convene at Bois de Boulogne dressed in white, so as to recognize one another. Each attendee was also asked to bring a friend. The evening was such a hit that guests wanted more friends to join in the following year and thus was born the concept of Dîner en Blanc®. Aymeric Pasquier and Sandy Safi then came together in 2011 to create Dîner en Bland International, a Dîner en Blanc® organization that would promote the history and philosophy of this event through hosts worldwide, and create an international network of diners and Dîner en Blanc® enthusiasts.
Why do you find that people want to participate in these events?
There is no other event in the world that inspires friendship, elegance, creativity, and a sense of sharing. The Dîner en Blanc is unique, spontaneous, and magical as it invites guests to experience an intimate diner with so many people they don’t know. For one evening, friends and friends of friends, foodies, and fashion and cultural enthusiasts, all dressed in white, will gather in one location, kept secret until the last minute, to picnic and dance under the stars. Guests have the opportunity to reclaim, for one evening, a part of their heritage by promoting it through their simple presence and elegance.
What are the benefits of events like this? For the individual? And for the city?
Le Dîner en Blanc promotes friendship, sharing, creativity, heritage, and the coming together of a community. Each guest feels they are a part of a community that shares similar values. What is special about this evening is to see the conviviality that guests express not only to their friends but to everyone who is present.
Dîner en Blanc also valorizes the importance of a community. Le Dîner en Blanc reminds us how strong a community can be and how much they can accomplish when it comes together. This has a tremendous impact on the image of a city as le Dîner en Blanc reflects this strength of its community.
On a different level, Le Dîner en Blanc promotes the beauty of a city as the location the local organizers choose to host the guest is either iconic, scenic, or historic. Through our international event network, we are sharing these beautiful spaces representing each city.
Have you noticed people traveling specifically for these events after attending it once at a certain location?
Absolutely. We have guests who experienced the event in Montreal, attend the DEB in New York, and other guests attend the event in Paris.
We are working on establishing a global network that encourages guests from one city to attend an event in another. Promoting tourism and traveling while enjoying an evening with like-minded people from various backgrounds are also elements that le Dîner en Blanc wishes to develop.
What other types of events do you organize?
At the moment, we are focused on Dîner en Blanc.
What criteria go into consideration when choosing the location for these events?
It must be an outdoor location that is scenic, historic, and essentially reflective of the beauty of the city. In addition, it should be centrally located as guests like to interact with to be passersby and intrigue their curiosity.
Have you ever thought about cheating on the Diner en Blanc by doing an event in another color like black?
No never. Although white is as elegant as black, it is the color of peace and happiness. And the values of Dîner en Blanc are reflected through this color.
What can you tell us about the next Diner en Blanc: location, date, any special surprise?
It’s a surprise. My lips are sealed.
-Lauren Price
Battery Park set the stage for New York’s 2014 Dîner en Blanc Credit: Blair Kwon
