Barack Obama (339 E. 94th), Sol LeWitt (117 Hester), Jim Henson (227 E 67th), Paul Newman (126 W. 11th), and Patti Smith (209 E. 10th). These are just a few of the people artist Bernie Kaminski digs up in his frequent deep dives of vintage Manhattan phone books. In an era where celebrities are so controlled, there’s something freeing (if borderline voyeuristic) about the idea that these names, numbers, and addresses were so publicly available. Granted, one has to assume that a lot of these listings pre-date their fame, but not all of them. Maybe we all just had better boundaries? In any case, Kaminski’s work—he’s known for his papier maché sculptures of everyday objects including, yes, phonebooks—is also currently on display as part of Turn Gallery’s group show, Landline.
-VvP
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Wondering what to get that friend who has everything (and every supplement routine)? Well, if you’ve got money to burn and a penchant for sterling silver things, maybe this new shell pillbox from Casa Shop is it. I’ve written about this before, but I’ve long been on the lookout for some kind of pill container that feels right for me. Admittedly this isn’t it (way too much money and I’d lose it within a week), but I appreciate the attempt! Maybe a good Silver Anniversary present for an aging parent?
-DW
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Speaking of anniversaries, I got married last week. Despite being engaged for over five years (thanks, Covid) and having an eternity to plan, we ended up doing a last-minute wedding at City Hall in lower Manhattan. It was a genuinely great experience and I recommend it for anyone on the fence between a small civic ceremony and spending a fortune on something else. I can’t think of anything that is simultaneously so universal and so unique. It’s truly a cross-section of society, and, more specifically, New York. People of all ages, races, creeds, and immigration statuses joining together for eternity in a glorified DMV (I mean that in the most positive way). Should you have any questions about, say, how many people can attend with you (6 total) or if photographers are allowed in the chambers (they are) or where to eat after (so many options), hit me up with a reply to this email and I’ll answer as best I can.
-DW
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Our Italian friends at Weed’d have announced the launch of their Milan Design Week programming. While details are still a little fuzzy, there will be a bar, a store, and a design room, as well as “some very limited drops.” So if you’re planning on attending or live in the area, subscribe to get more info as it comes.
-DW
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Every year, I tell myself I’m going to make it to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for cherry blossom season, and every year, I don’t. This time around, I’m buying a ticket for one of the Hanami Nights (April 22nd through 25th) to ensure my attendance. Entry starts at 5 PM, which means you get to see the blossoms in full daylight, through sunset, and then lit for what the BBG describes as “maximum effect,” which sounds like it will go very well with an edible. (As will the live music and Japanese bites, snacks, sake, and beer.)
-VvP
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