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The Annual Fence Show

When it comes to art, many travel to New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods, such as The Meatpacking District, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea and Williamsburg, to see what’s new in the world of art. However, very few people know about the growing art community, right here,  in Staten Island. The Annual Fence Show is a big part of this hip movement. Although the show is known to be the city’s longest-running outdoor art show, (it began in 1951 and continues to this day) it expands and thrives with new talent every year. The show features local artists, sculptors, painters, craftsmen and photographers that display their art on the long iron fence at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden every year.

If you didn’t make it, next year, definitely give it a try. A visit to this richly diverse exhibition is sure to please. Best of all, the event is free to the public and the one-of-a-kind art works are for sale.

Below are some images I was able to take before my battery died, all the more reason for you to go next year to see the show.

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Super Fun Things To Do This Weekend

Staten Island is going to be buzzing with festivities. Here is a sampling of what’s going on around town this weekend…

D.B. Lampman’s “I Am Within”

 The public is invited to view a sculpture installation and performance by Staten Island multimedia artist DB Lampman at the Freshkills Park site.

When: Saturday, September 17, from 10am-12noon

Location: Freshkills Park

Tickets: Free

For more info: http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2011/09/17/db-lampmans-i-am-within-at-freshkills-park

 

Greek Festival

Experience a little bit of Greece in Staten Island. The event is hosted by Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Sink your teeth into a variety of Greek specialties and wash it down with a glass of wine while enjoying live entertainment. You can read about my experience at the festival here http://statenislandlifestyle.com/?p=497

When: Friday 16 – Sunday 18

Location: 1641 Richmond Ave

Tickets: Adults $1 (yes only $1!) Children under 5 are Free

For more info: Call the church office at 718-494-0658

Mexican Independence Day

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day through dance, food and music.

When: Sunday, September 18th, from 2-5pm

Location: Faber Park

Tickets: Free to the public!

For more info: http://www.statenislandarts.org/folkblog/


Autumn Moon Festival at Snug Harbor

Be entertained by the traditional Chinese dance performances, Martial Arts demonstration and calligraphy. Try authentic Chinese treats such as moon cakes, dumplings and bubble tea. This event takes place at the beautiful Chinese Scholar’s Garden, which will be decorated with lanterns for this special celebration.

When: Saturday, Sep.17, from 4-8pm

Location: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Tickets: Adults $8, Student/Seniors $6 and Free for children under 5

For more info: http://www.snug-harbor.org/

 

61st Annual Fence Show

Browse one-of-a-kind art pieces by the local artists at this family event. The annual Fence Show is the longest-running outdoor art show in New York City history. And if you get hungry during the event, you’ll be able to enjoy excellent selection of Food Vendor Trucks (14 to be exact) on site.

When: Saturday, Sept 17, from 11am-5pm

Location: Front lawn of Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Tickets: Free Admission!

For more info: http://www.snug-harbor.org/

 

Now which one will you be going to?

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My Big Fat Greek Festival

My visit to the annual Greek Food Festival, held in the parking lot of Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, was all about trying authentic foods, drinking good wine and experiencing the rich culture. The atmosphere was most festive with high energy, children laughing and music playing in the background. The parishioners, that prepare the tasty dishes, were very sweet and added to the overall experience. And you don’t have to be Greek to go!

I’ll be honest, when it came to Greek food, my experience was limited to a Greek salad with olives, which I prefer on many occasions for lunch. However, last weekend, I was pleasantly surprised by the flavorful variety of Greek cuisine. It came in many shapes and forms, from smoky shish-kebab to delicious pastries.

Wandering around the festival, one could witness the traditional cooking methods of grilling meat that enhances its flavor. Want to know the secrets? Try chatting up the cook over a glass of wine, you may take away some tips. Take the time to explore what’s on the menu and then start trying. All the food is wonderfully enjoyable.

It’s amazing to see how towards the end of the night the place gets packed with people. At every table friends are having conversations and sharing stories, all the while enjoying a good meal. Take your little ones along, there are lots of fun things for them to do. Complete with rides, musical entertainment and games, the Greek Festival is sure to be a fun affair for the whole family.

 

The fair runs for two weekends in September, 9-11th and 16-18th at 1641 Richmond Ave.

 

The images I took were enhanced for fun, to make them look as if they’ve been processed using old-fashioned darkroom technique. Enjoy!

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Three Days of Fashion in….. Staten Island!

Start counting down the days, because Fashion Island is coming to town. The three day fashion extravaganza  is marking the beginning of a Fashion Week in NY. It promises to be a sophisticated and stylish affair, featuring a launch party at Casa Belvedere, then a display of the designs at the Staten Island Mall, and finally a runway show and a live auction of one-of-a-kind designs that were inspired by the Staten Island’s attractions. Oh and did I mention, you can vote for you favorite design and have a chance to win tickets to NY Fashion Week? Check out an exclusive sneak peak of some of the designs that will be presented at Fashion Island.

Can’t you just picture this yellow number on Kate Hudson, rocking it at a movie premiere?

This gown was inspired by the                       Silk Halter Dress with an original print

Tuscan Gardens at Snug Harbor.                  created by the designer.

 

Time to get ready and spice up Staten Island! There will be models, cocktails and good times, a perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Visit http://www.fashionislandsi.com/ to stay informed on all the festivities and to get your tickets to this stylish event.