American master Edward Hopper knew who he was, and he knew at an early age — he wrote "would be artist" on his childhood pencil box. Much later, and more telling for a treasure of a current exhibit —"Edward Hopper, Prelude: The Nyack Years" — Hopper wrote, "In every artist's development, the germ of the later works is always found in the earlier." The exhibit is a revelatory exploration of Hopper paintings, water colors, ink drawings and a rare pastel executed in the years when Hopper, born July 22, 1882, lived in his beloved 1858 family-built home or made it his primary residence. Hopper …
"I was working on light shows at Cincinnati's leading concert hall — for the 'Grateful Dead', the 'Allman Brothers,' B.B. King — I was 15, 16, I had to get my father to drive me there," acclaimed commercial and art photographer Bill Westheimer said in a recent conversation. "I was already captivated by photography and art — looking at images in nature books, going to museums, reading everything, learning from 'Popular Mechanics' and 'Popular Photography.' I was absorbing as much as I could, experimenting with photography and lasers to make holograms then." The light show work was, well, a …
As a Jersey girl from way back, who remembers when Parkway tolls were a quarter and still reads the instructions on the pump when I get my own gas in other places, I've seen a lot of my home state. I hit Route 17 the day I received my driver's license in Lodi, and I've been behind the wheel ever since.The next several weekends will be different, as I've traded car keys (and beloved flip-flops) for serious walking shoes.The Cross-Jersey Walking Challenge is just what is sounds like, a chance to walk about 100 Jersey miles across the East Coast Greenway. A free program, the walks are …
Being able to spend an evening escaping to a Broadway show and dinner in the city is one of the reasons some of us enjoy living in New Jersey. However, such an escape can also set you back upwards of $500 for two orchestra seats, dinner, and parking. Not to mention dealing with New York/New Jersey logistics like traffic, taxis, and the general potential hassle of getting in and out of the city. So if your escape of choice is dinner and a show but you’re just not up for dealing with — or paying for — Broadway, consider Millburn. The Paper Mill Playhouse is currently partnering with two local …
Escape to the city and get lost in a world that disappeared more than 2,000 years ago. "Pompeii: The Exhibit — Life and Death in the Shadow of Vesuvius" has opened at the Discovery Center Times Square, and it’s a great escape of monumental proportions from today’s New Jersey. Almost anything at the Discovery Center is worth seeing as the exhibits are phenomenal and probably the easiest major New York City exhibition venue to get to from here. Located on 44th between Broadway and 8th Avenue, it’s a 10-minute stroll from the Port Authority. "Pompeii: The Exhibit" includes more than 250 …
The kids are with the babysitter and you and your spouse are free for a few hours. Where to go? Trek over to the charming town of Madison and experience Shanghai Jazz for an adults-only night of sumptuous Asian cuisine accompanied by red-hot jazz. Since opening in 1995, this club has earned rave reviews for its food, service, and ambience from the New York Times, Star Ledger, Zagat Survey and Inside New Jersey. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant’s warm, friendly staff who will show you to a table amidst elegant décor reminiscent of jazz clubs you’ve seen in old movies, …
Enter the Hotel Westminster and you’re immediately enveloped by a sense of calm. The décor is contemporary – clean, stylish. The staff is friendly. And the atmosphere begs you to relax. From its luxurious rooms, to the spacious indoor pool and inviting Jacuzzi to its full fitness center and roomy concierge lounge, the Hotel Westminster is the perfect getaway. As Keri, the welcoming receptionist at the front desk, explained, “Everything is right here. You can be as active or inactive as you want.” And here’s the clincher: You never have to leave Livingston! Located right on Route 10, …
Most everyone has heard the positive benefits that meditating can have on your health, both physically and mentally. It can calm your nerves, help reduce stress and anxiety, and increase serotonin, which has a positive effect on your mood. If you are stressed-out, these are sure to sound pretty good to you. However, starting a meditation practice can seem intimidating. Thankfully, there are many teachers around town that can help guide you to a state of relaxation and bliss. Paige Continentino is a certified personal coach who has been meditating for more than 16 years. She is leading a …
Looking for a romantic escape this Valentine's weekend? Here’s an offer from the Hilton Short Hills, where love is in the air! The casual elegance and intimate atmosphere of The Dining Room is offering a gourmet four-course dinner for you and a special someone over Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 11-14. The prix fixe menu consists of such culinary favorites as Duck Cannelloni, Rack of Lamb, Miso Marinated Black Bass and Red Velvet Souffle and includes champagne and a gift box of indulgent chocolates. Hilton Short Hills is also featuring a Romance Package with overnight accommodations, …
