New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979314100757

John Singer Sargent and Amalia Kussner were two American artists who made waves on both sides of the Atlantic at the turn of the 20th century — and as their reputations soared, so did their ambitions. How did their paths converge in Edwardian London, where their portraits became emblematic of a new transatlantic elite? It's time to discover how these celebrated American painters from the Gilded Age carved out prestigious places in Britain’s art world — and left a legacy that crossed borders and class.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the intertwined careers of John Singer Sargent and Amalia Kussner, whose transatlantic trajectories from the American Gilded Age to Edwardian England reveal how two distinct artistic voices came to define portraiture for a new global aristocracy.

Led by Kathleen Langone, a distant relative of Kussner and author of The Miniature Painter Revealed: Amalia Kussner’s Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune, our virtual exploration will include:

• A look at John Singer Sargent’s rise to prominence, from his Parisian training and the Madam X scandal to his celebrated role within London’s Royal Academy of Arts
• An overview of Amalia Kussner’s artistic evolution, from New York society’s favorite miniaturist to exhibiting in London under the praise of Sir John Millais
• A comparison of their portrayals of the “dollar princesses,” including Consuelo Vanderbilt and the Marlborough family, capturing the glamour and politics of transatlantic marriages
• A deep dive into The Book of Beauty, the 1902 publication featuring portraits by Sargent and Kussner — the only two American artists included in this royal coronation volume
• Contemporary press highlights and exhibition histories that documented their popularity and critical acclaim in Edwardian England

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Kathleen — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Kathleen
Kathleen Langone is a freelance writer and historical researcher whose work has been published in regional New England publications such as Boston magazine and various newspapers. She is also the host of People Hidden in History, a podcast that highlights fascinating people in the arts and politics who are unknown to the general public. She has been a speaker at museums, historical societies, libraries, the New York Adventure Club, and History Camp, frequently presenting about Amalia Kussner. She is now the author of Kussner's biography. She was born in Indiana, and some of her family’s history is part of the Indiana Historical Society collection. She currently lives in Middleton, Massachusetts.
https://www.kathleenlangone.com

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Main - Mrs. William Marshall Cazalet and Her Children, Edward and Victor, by John Singer Sargent (1900), Top Right - Madame von André, miniature by Amalia Kussner (1895). Middle Right - Amalia Kussner, photograph, cover of music Moon Moths (1897).
Categories: Virtual, Gilded Age

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979329311252

While Nat King Cole (1919-1965) only lived a brief 45 years, he managed to encapsulate no less than three complete careers — a popular singer of his generation (who, single-for-single, hit-for-hit, outsold even his great friend, Frank Sinatra), one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, and something he never anticipated: a role model for African American achievement who was embraced by three US Presidents and European royalty. This is story of one of the greatest entertainers of all time, who in the arch of his career, had not only changed the music industry, but also the very meaning of what it meant to be black in America.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the incredible music and career of Nat King Cole throughout his brief, but spectacular life.

Led by Will Friedwald, columnist for the Wall Street Journal and author of the biography Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole, our virtual analysis and discussion of the professional and personal life of Nat King Cole — the greatest hitmaker of all time — will include:

• A discussion around his early years in Alabama, and his early musical experiences such as playing keyboard in his father’s baptist church on the South Side of Chicago
• His triumph as the first African-American superstar, and the first black singer to cross over and reach the larger white pop audiences
• Stories surrounding his personal life, from marriages and family life, to his loves and his children — such as Natalie Cole, the daughter who followed in his footsteps to pop music superstardom
• His struggles with racism, including when a would-be-assassin shot a bullet into his home, and when an offshoot group of the Ku-Klux-Klan attacked him on stage in the middle of a concert
• Analyzing his unforgettable songs and big hits, from Straighten Up and Fly Right and Sweet Lorraine, to Mona Lisa and Nature Boy, to Unforgettable and Smile
• The final years of his tragically short life, which ended when he died of lung cancer at the age of 45 — the result of a lifetime’s addiction to cigarettes and tobacco products

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Will — any and all questions about Nat King Cole are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Will
Will Friedwald is a featured arts writer for The Wall Street Journal and Vanity Fair, and the award-winning author of ten books on music and popular culture, including the new Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole, as well as A Biographical Guide To The Great Jazz And Pop Singers, Sinatra: The Song Is You, Stardust Melodies, Tony Bennett: The Good Life, Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies, and Jazz Singing. He has written over 600 liner notes for compact discs, received ten Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and other documentaries. He is also a consultant and curator for Apple Music.

Testimonials
"I liked everything: narration, slides, recordings, video - the whole works. Kudos to Will Friedwald." -Charles
"Mr Friedwald is very knowledgable and is a very good presenter." -Michael
"Presented information about the topic I never knew" -Kenneth
"Enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter." -John
"Learned a lot about his life, lots of history." -Janet
"Interesting facts about his talents and business acumen. Will's affection for the subject was clear." -Barb
"All the good historical info about Nat’s life" -Paula
"Very thorough. The moderator was very vested in the subject matter." -Alan
"I love learning more about a great musician." -Marian
"I like the story of his life." -Arlene
"Will is extraordinarily knowledgeable with great anecdotes and clips." -Peggy
"Excellent overview of the career of Nat King Cole." -Kenneth
"I love hearing him sing! Great detailed information!" -Sarah
"Info about NKC's early life and all the stars who were his friend. I was inspired that his talent and grace overcame discrimination." -Patricia
"This was possibly the best event I have attended with you. It was so well organized, with such interesting clips and great commentary by Will. I thought I knew about Nat King Cole but there was so much I didn't know. What a fascinating fun event. Thanks so much!" -Susan
"Great subject. Well researched." -Larissa
"The knowledge provided by author Will Friedwald." -Dwight
"The unique clips on Nat Cole and the plethora of info told in a witty way." -Marlene
"Learned more about Nat Cole, one of my favorite singers. He always made singing look effortless." -Robin
"Blend of the artist with the story teller." -Dan
"All the clips from the TV shows of my youth. Presenter's love for Nat King Cole and passion for the subject matter." -Leigh
"It brought Nat into a real context as a great musician." -Robert
"Presenter was very knowledgable and had a friendly manner." -Michelle
"I love all the wonderful clips and new info!" -Joan
" Loved all the information that Will gave. The different clips from Nat King Coles career." -Laura
" It just doesn’t get better than Nat King Cole! As always, it was such a delight to see less-common footage. Will’s expertise as well as his obvious reverence for the subject made for a fun and moving program!" -Bee
" The presentation, videos and trivia about the subject." -Dwight
" Learning much more than I new about Nat King Cole" -Natasha
" Enthusiasm of presenter" -Fred
"I enjoyed learning more about Nat Cole, but I really enjoyed learning about the origin of, "Nature Boy," and Eden Ahbez. It's a beautiful son, and quite unusual." -Aleisha
"Excellent music and illuminating commentary!" -Heather
"Anything by Will Friedwald is excellent!" -Paula
"I like everything Will does and I will continue to sign up for his webinars. They are fun and very informative." -Linda
"I liked the personal connection the presenter had/has with the subject. I was impressed by the knowledge of the attendees and I plan to attend additional events by this presenter." -Marlene

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979732548345

Shaped by migration, industry, and civic ambition, the Pacific gateway cities of San Diego, Portland, and Seattle reflect a legacy of constant transformation throughout the American West. How does the architecture of these former coastal outposts embody the American frontier’s final chapter, and where do their built environments reveal deeper stories of place, power, and identity? From Spanish missions to space needles, it’s time to uncover these ever-evolving urban frontiers at the edge of the continent.

Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series exploring the architectural evolution of San Diego, Portland, and Seattle — three West Coast cities that have long served as dynamic gateways between the United States and the Pacific world. In Part One: San Diego, we’ll delve into the complex architectural history of California’s oldest city, where Indigenous heritage, Spanish colonization, Mexican rule, and American expansion all left lasting imprints on the built landscape.

Led by architectural historian David V. Griffin of Landmark Branding, this digital showcase featuring a selection of unique structures will include:

• An overview of the 1769 founding of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, and how it launched California’s mission system
• A look at San Diego’s transformation into a 19th-century harbor and resort city, shaped by railroads, tourism, and military growth
• A deep dive into the creation of Balboa Park, and its role as a civic and cultural landmark born from early 20th-century expositions
• An exploration of Irving Gill’s minimalist modernism, and how his architectural vision influenced the Southern California aesthetic
• A survey of contemporary San Diego, from downtown revitalization efforts to cutting-edge coastal design

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with David — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

Architecture of the Pacific Gateway Cities Series
Part 1: San Diego (Wednesday, February 4 @ 8:00pm ET)
Part 2: Portland (Wednesday, February 11 @ 8:00pm ET)
Part 3: Seattle (Wednesday, February 18 @ 8:00pm ET)

About David Griffin
A seasoned public speaker and tireless professional strategist, Griffin’s nearly 25 years’ experience in publicity, programming, writing and research is matched by his encyclopedic knowledge of real estate, architecture and design. His clients include developers, brokers and marketing companies as well as architects and design firms.
Griffin is Special Consultant to and a regularly appearing featured guest on the soon-to-be relaunched podcast Rediscovering New York, hosted by Jeff Goodman of Brown Stevens Harris; Griffin’s writing has appeared in Real Estate Weekly, Metropolis, Dwell and the National Trust’s Preservation Magazine and he is a featured contributor to Brownstoner. He is currently at work on several fiction and non-fiction projects.
Griffin graduated from Vassar College with a double major in English & Art History and has recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as the President Emeritus of the Vassar College Croquet Club. He has also served on the Events Committees for the Vassar Club of New York, the historic Montauk Club in Park Slope and the Young Patrons of The American Friends of the Louvre.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979329318273

What do a spirited French cancan, the genius of Picasso, and the dreamy streets of Amélie's Paris have in common? They all come alive in Montmartre, the iconic neighborhood that once defined bohemian Paris. It's time to step into a world where art, dance, and vibrant history merge to create a timeless cultural tapestry.

Join New York Adventure Club as we journey through the enchanting history of Montmartre, the historic Parisian neighborhood where the Moulin Rouge reigned, Picasso found his voice, and the spirit of La Bohème came to life.

Led by Edith de Belleville — French licensed tour guide, author, and attorney-at-law — this virtual exploration of Montmartre's magic will include:

• An introduction to Montmartre, the heart of Parisian bohemia, celebrated for its rich artistic and cultural legacy
• The iconic Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the French cancan, symbolizing Parisian nightlife and entertainment in the 19th century
• Toulouse-Lautrec’s captivating art, which immortalized the dancers of the Moulin Rouge and its vibrant spirit
• The stories of La Goulue and Jane Avril, legendary dancers whose energy and resilience became symbols of the era
• The groundbreaking art of Suzanne Valadon, the muse-turned-artist who shattered norms to become one of the most celebrated painters of her time
• Picasso’s Montmartre years, where Cubism was born and modern art was forever transformed

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Edith — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Edith
Edith de Belleville is a native Parisian woman. She is a licensed tour guide, lawyer, author and a qualified French teacher for foreigners. She wrote a book about Beautiful Rebels of Paris in French ("Belles et Rebelles" , Éditions du 81) She is also a professor and teaches the Jewish heritage in Paris at Gustave Eiffel University (Marne-la-Vallée) She just published a new book in English about her memoirs in Paris "Parisian Life, adventures in the City of Light." And she spends so much time at Le Louvre and Orsay Museum that it's her second home.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Top Right - Matt Seymour
Categories: Virtual, Neighborhoods