Photos By Gail
In the practice of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement, selecting a vessel is an important step in design and informs the meaning of the composition. In Ikebana there are also designated vessels for seasonal compositions with corresponding lighter and darker color palettes as well as design elements that help shape the artist’s choice of flowers and plants.
Continue reading Eye On Design: Mid-century Modern Ikebana Vessels
All Photos By Gail
Food and Art go together; so what better venue could there be for throwing a cookie launch party than an actual art museum? We were recently invited to the Whitney Museum of American Art on Gansevoort Street to celebrate leading Japanese French-style confectioner Malebranche’s U.S. launch of its Maru Cha Cha matcha-based biscuits, and the evening was a terrific mix of food, art and Japanese culture.
Whitney Museum with the High Line in the Foreground
The event went beyond the traditional cocktail party to include not only cocktails and delicious passed appetizers, but also tastings of the unique Maru Cha Cha cookies, including an indulgent Trifle dessert recipe by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Anthony. Guests had the chance to meet and mingle with the Japanese brand-influencers behind Malebranche (a high end bakery in Japan) and to learn what Matcha — the key ingredient in the Maru Cha Cha biscuits — is all about.
Continue reading Japanese Confectioner Malebranche Launches Maru Cha Cha Cookie With a Fun Party At The Whitney!
Persian Ceiling Gallery, All Photos By Gail
Sometimes, you can see something so beautiful that it invades your imagination forever. I have been a fan of Glass Artist Dale Chihuly for years, but have never seen a comprehensive exhibit of his large scale works in person until I had the opportunity to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass during my recent stay in Seattle. While it is inarguably a beautiful city with innumerable natural attractions and tourist destinations, if you can visit only one notable spot on a trip to Seattle, go to Chihuly Garden and Glass. This place will completely and totally blow your mind and it is absolutely unlike any attraction you can see anywhere else.
Continue reading Must See Seattle Attraction: Chihuly Garden and Glass
All Dale Chihuly Photos By Vincent J. Han (2008)
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are presenting a major exhibition of the gorgeous blown glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly through September 28, 2008 at both the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor.
Continue reading Must See Art: Dale Chihuly at the de Young, San Francisco