Daytrips from NYC - The Gould-Guggenheim Estate

Everyone knows the famous Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue. The building itself is a work of art!  

But did you know that about 30 miles East, on the north shore of Long Island, lies the Gould-Guggenheim Estate?

In an area known as the Gold Coast, immortalized in 1920’s literature like The Great Gatsby, just a 45 minute ride from Penn Station to Port Washington (and a short 10 minute cab ride up to the actual estate) sit 200 acres of tranquil grounds to get lost in for an entire day!

Entry will cost you $4 per person as a walk (or cab) in, or $10 per car. So hop on the Long Island Railroad, arrange a carpool, or take advantage of that Zipcar membership! This is a nearby daytrip that will feel like a bucolic vacation. 

The Estate consists of 3 gorgeous manors. My personal fave is the main building: Hempstead House. 

A manor house. . .but with a splash of "castle" that makes my inner fairy princess light up!

Castle Gould was originally built to be to be the main residence, but the lady of the house decided it would not suit her and it was converted into a stable. Now it houses the Visitors Center so you can grab a drink AND get a peek inside!

You know you're living the high life when THIS is your 'garage'. 

And lastly, the Falaise Mansion. Which is off the beaten path just a bit so visitors are provided with a shuttle. Tours can be arranged (of Hempstead House & Falaise Mansion) by calling the gate house @ 516-571-7901 

The grounds also include vast lawns; perfect for seaside (well, Long Island Sound-side) picnicking, a playground, a turtle pond, and six trails through the wooded areas ranging from 1/4 mile to a mile. Each gives you an opportunity to see some adorable wildlife(we saw chipmunks!!) and one goes down to the beach. 

If you're looking for an escape that is off the beaten path, rich with history, and makes for incredible photos; get your picnic basket ready, check out www.sandspointpreserveconservancy.org and plan your visit!

Post by Coleen Phoenixx

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Not-So-Hidden Sculptures of NYC Part 1: Lincoln Center

Let's take a mini-tour of a few sculptures throughout New York City, shall we? Whether one is a visitor or a resident, this guide will uncover facts about some of NYC'S large-scale public artwork.  A short art history lesson is included, and admission is, of course, free...

Alexander Calder, "Le Guichet" (The Box Office) 1963

What do you see in Alexander Calder's black-painted steel stabile? A spider? A doorway? A window? One can interact with this 14-ft. sculpture by walking around and through its angles. An innovator of movement in sculpture through his mobiles, Calder designed this static sculpture, a stabile, as an abstract box office. Entitled, "Le Guichet", it stands appropriately near the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center Plaza. 

Henry Moore, "Reclining Figure" 1965

Henry Moore's bronze sculpture is so dramatically reflected in the Paul Milstein Pool and Terrace of Lincoln Center Plaza. The curving forms are meant to contrast the geometry of the surrounding buildings. Moore was an English sculptor and artist known for his monumental works conveying abstract human figures, sometimes reduced to its bones, such as the example seen here.

Elie Nadelman, "Two Circus Women" 1931

Located in the David H. Koch Theater, home of the New York City Ballet, these two giant Elie Nadelman sculptures are anything but hidden. Each sculpture was carved in Italy out of a single block of Carrara marble, and stand facing each other on the promenade of the theater.  There is a story told about how these statues came to be a permanent part of the theater.  During construction, Lincoln Kirstein arranged to have the gigantic artwork brought in just before the fourth and final wall was put in place, and before Lincoln Center leadership could have them removed.The final wall was closed up and the statues could no longer be moved, and they still stand in place to this day. 

Elie Nadelman, "Two Female Nudes" 1931

Why are we drawn to particular works of art? Color? Style? Composition? We make a connection, sometimes an instinctive aesthetic judgment to love it or hate it. Suggested ways to experience art:  1. Take time to LOOK at it and describe it. 2. THINK about it: analyze or INTERPRET its meaning, discuss why you are drawn to it (or not!). and 3. JUDGE whether or not it appeals to you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Post by: Nicoletta Siccone / ETSY Shop: ArtologieDesigns / Website: www.art-ologie.com

Nicoletta Siccone is a lifelong artist and art educator, with an M.A. in Art Education and Administration. She travels the world seeking cultural inspiration for her art, and has worked in fibers, acrylics, oils, and sculpture. Her current work is inspired by the reinvention of the mundane zipper, elevated to an art form into unexpected jewelry designs. Nicoletta’s artwork is shown throughout New York/New Jersey and worldwide.

Support Local

Im a huge fan of shopping small & local. In a previous post of mine I mentioned Essex Street Market located in the lower east side of Manhattan. I usually stop in to purchase my coffee from the Porto Rico Importing Co. however the market has so much more to offer than just coffee. They are a public market made up of many smaller merchants who provide a wide variety of products such as gourmet cheeses, premium cuts of meat, fresh fish and general grocery items. Its a great place to connect with and support the local community. This year marks the markets 76th anniversary and to celebrate the local merchants came together to serve up local eats for their annual block party. The wide variety of prepared food was enough to satisfy any appetite. Here are a few photos from the festivities. 

Fresh Donuts Yummmmm !! 

Ice Cream From ICE & VICE 

Fresh Baked Goods 

Vegan & Gluten Free 

If you are ever in the area pop into Essex Market and take a look around you'll be surprised with the diversity in their delicious products & offerings. There is something for everyone. 

Until Next Time :) & For more local shop small adventures head on over to MozieMo.Com 

-XOXO

Rachel  Leigh  

ShopMozieMo.ETSY

 

 

 

Etsy NY Rocks BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

Etsy NY has fantastic news to chase away your hump-day doldrums this week: Wednesday, June 8th marks the opening night concert for the 37th season of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! This music festival is one of New York City’s longest running outdoor performing arts concerts. Launched in 1979 to reinvigorate Brooklyn's performing arts scene and to bring people back into neglected Prospect Park, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! was an early anchor in the park’s revitalization. Across the years, the festival has presented over 2,000 artists and ensembles reflective of the borough’s diversity.

What does this have to do with Etsy NY, you say? We've partnered with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! for the past five years, and we're excited to work with them again this summer, running the sole merchandise booth!

Everyone loves a memento of an amazing concert experience, and Etsy NY is here to deliver. This is not your typical merchandise tent. Of course we'll have BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! goodies for sale, but you can also check out a carefully curated, all-handmade capsule market chock-full of goods made by Etsy NY local artists – your friendly staff during all the shows. Come in and talk shop to find out more about our handmade market collective, the techniques that go into producing our wares, or just to say hi when you need a dance break. Whether you are a local Brooklynite or a visitor to the borough, we're sure you'll find something to love.

Can't wait until tomorrow to see what's on tap this year? Here's a sneak peek of the Etsy NY makers to tide you over!

Rachel is the force behind Ye Old Stamping Grounds - your source for fun and quirky hand-stamped metal keychains, bottle openers, and carabiners. Her designs are inspired by Brooklyn, music, wanderlust, geek pride, and emojis. Put a smile on your face each time you use your keys. The lightweight and modern designs also work great as gifts.

Designed and made in Brooklyn, traceytoole designs creates everything your picnic needs. Denim picnic blankets, Hawaiian-style pillows, cloth napkins, and even something for the kids. Keep the little ones entertained with their own artist roll-up kit complete with color-me fabric and markers.

Suniq makes one-of-a-kind upcycled clothing and accessories. Upcycling makes her happy as she gives each piece a new life. Her one-of-a-kind designs can be worn many different ways.

Suit Up Peanut was created in 2014 - the day owner Maddy's nephew was born. Using Carter brand's amazingly soft cotton onesies and tee shirts, her clever designs are the perfect addition to any child's wardrobe, all at an affordable price.

Slope Girl Knits specializes in handmade personalized gifts and decorations to make the most special moments matter more. From hats, headbands, and scarves to buntings and tote bags, all items are knit, sewn, crocheted and embroidered in Brooklyn, NY by Emily herself.

Rock That Gem is owned by Molly, a gemologist working in the jewelry industry for over fourteen years! Using her gem skills and expertise, she chooses the very best stones to create fabulous necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings.

Rising Phoenixx makes all-natural bath and body products using simple and uncomplicated ingredients. Each item is formulated by Coleen Phoenixx, a mercurial, multi-tasking, do-it-all diva. Her products keep up with her rock n' roll life style, and yours!

Located in Brooklyn, Prairiefunk specializes in modern, easy-to-wear hammered metal and natural gemstone jewelry inspired by the artisans of antiquity. These elegant, eclectic, and stylish pieces can be worn in multiple ways.

Naturally Susan's products are what your sensitive skin is craving, with ingredients that stay as pure to nature as possible. Susan's products are effective, long lasting, and versatile. You'll want to add these eco-friendly, travel-friendly, and cruelty-free options to your daily routine.

konnichiwagrl makes quirky cards and other little accessories that serve as both an easy way to say "hey!" or a strike up a conversation. What's better than sharing a mutual love of pizza or poop than wearing one or gifting it to a friend?

Kaibelle creates block-printed stationery, textiles, and home decor. All designs are inspired by organic forms, hand-carved, and printed by hand in Brooklyn.

Jes Switaj creates unique and eye-catching graphic designs. These images are screen printed onto t-shirts, blankets, and handmade silk neckties.

J. Topolski hand-carves and acid-etches jewelry inspired by the city and animals. Don't miss the limited release special-edition charm jewelry just created for the Bandshell!

Brooklyn Owl creates magical unicorn horns, monster horns, and mermaid hair clips that are the perfect addition to any imaginative play adventure. Brighten a child's day with these Brooklyn made hair accessories.

Be in the Moment jewelry was established in 2010 with an eye for creating functional and original wearable artisan jewelry. Melissa works to create colorful and unique enamel jewelry as well as beautiful sterling silver bracelets and rings, perfect for every occasion.

Aperture Agog is a mischievous blend of photography, stationery, and textile art inspired by dirty NYC. You won't be able to resist these unique pieces of art!

Follow along with our adventures on the Etsy NY BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Facebook page!

See you at the Bandshell!

Wednesday, June 8th is the free opening night concert featuring Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (6:30PM Gates, 8:15PM Show). Motown comeback queen Sharon Jones, and the Dap-Kings, the beating heart of Bushwick-based Daptone Records, are hellbent on topping their legendary 2010 closing night show. Check out the video for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings' 2014 Grammy nominated album "Give the People What They Want."

Post by Rachel Soares // xoxo from NYC // Ye Old Stamping Grounds // Instagram // Facebook

Fabulous 5 Friday and this weekend's Markets

Happy Friday! It's finally here! Do you believe it? Of course you do because it was a short week. Most of us had Monday off.  Today I am doing something special.  I am bringing you a combo of Fabulous 5 Friday and where you can find them this weekend.  June has lots going on. So if you need a Dad's Day gift or something for the grad I am sure you can find it from one of our makers.

Saturday June 4, in Park Slope Brooklyn is PS 321 Metro Flea

SdV designs

SdV Designs creates beautiful jewelry and you can find this African Dancer Remix statement necklace from Saskia.   Or get it right here in her Etsy Shop

On the Upper Eastside is Popup NY and you can find beautifully crocheted creations from Billoware Jewelry.  I love the simplistic yet entangled beauty of these bracelets. 

Stock up on your stationery and get your Father's day and Grad's day cards from Tamara Garvey at Artists and Fleas  in Williamsburg Brooklyn.  

FAD Weekend is a new market happening on Sundays in Boerum Hill Brooklyn at 22 Boerum Place. This will run thru June then move to a new location.  A well curated market, indoors with air conditioning, coffee, and other treats to snack on while you shop.  Different vendors every Sunday so you are sure to find something new.  It's right above the MTA Transit Museum which is a must see.  

ye Old Stamping Grounds at FAD Weekend

Wandering Laur is an amazing artist and a very sweet woman.  I love this alphabet poster as a grad gift for the little one in your life. Or if the older grad and animal lover in your life. You can find Wandering Laur at the Renegade Craft on Saturday at the East River State Park in Williamsburg Brooklyn.

It was hard to choose my Five picks this Friday. So many fabulous finds at markets this weekend all over the city! Get out there and shop local for your dad or grad this weekend!

Happy Friday!

Tracey

www.traceytoole.com  |   www.traceytoole.etsy.com