MODS’ Culinary Celebration Draws a Crowd
By Rachel Galvin
The Museum of Discovery & Science was abuzz with activity March 8 as they held their 27th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration. Those who loved all things food and drink relished this night to sip more than 50 different wines, beers and other spirits and sink their teeth into some tasty tidbits provided by more than 30 of the area’s top restaurants. Guests could try unique items like a sweet potato topped with chicken salad and toasted marshmallow or a crepe with nutella, or a dumpling filled with pepperoni, or grab a philly cheesesteak or some sushi or a tuna taquito, to name a few choices. Brewlihan had mead available. There were also whiskey drinks, margaritas, palomas, wine and more. There was more than enough to choose from.
Participating was the American Fine Wine Competition, Arc Culinary, Boatyard, Fresh Kitchen, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Hellenic Republic, JC Beans Café, JDCH, L & E Fine Cooking, La Mexicana Taco Bar, Original Fat Cats, Pubbelly Sushi, Red Chair Catering, S3, Seasons 52, Tarpon River Brewing, Tasteful Thoughts, Lobster Bar Sea Grille, Another Fare to Remember, CrepeMaker, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, John Knox Village, Nikki’s Foods, Ann Marie’s Pizza and Wine, Baoshi Food Hall + Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ten Palms Restaurant at Gulfstream Park, Zona Fresca and more. The craft beer sponsor was Gold Coast Beverage and the excusive beverage sponsor was Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.
Guests could vote on their favorite food and drinks. The top winner for culinary was Another Fare to Remember. Second place was a tie between S3 and Original Fat Cats. For drinks, first place was Fifth Generation. Second place was Copper-Cane Wines and Provisions and third place was Rock N Roll Tequila.
People could also peruse the long line of silent auction items, including entertainment packages, memorabilia and more. The top prize, however, was winning the raffle and getting up to a two-year pre-paid lease on a Lexus NX350. Only 500 tickets were available.
Those who were VIP could come in an hour early and hang out in the VIP lounge. The party was both downstairs and upstairs and people had access to the museum, where they could create photo opps in a boat, submarine, planes, with dinosaurs and more. Outside in the courtyard, the after party continued with people dancing to DJ’d beats.
Major event sponsors were Bank of America (Presenting Sponsor); Doubletime Digital (Exclusive Print Sponsor); Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Exclusive Beverage Sponsor); JM Lexus (Grand Arrival Sponsor); Gold Coast Beverage (Beer Sponsor); John Knox Village (Platinum Lounge Sponsor); Centuric (VIP Wristbands Sponsor); JetBlue (Entertainment Sponsor), BankUnited (Auction Sponsor); M. Austin & Christine Forman and R2 Squared (Valet Sponsors); Berkowitz Pollack Brant; Blue Compass; CTS Engines; FPL; Greenberg Traurig; Gunster; JM Family Enterprises; Joe Cox & Jeremy Collette; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Northern Trust; Stiles; Truist; UKG and WSVN Channel 7 (Platinum Sponsors); 5/3 Bank, Andrew Migliorini; Broward Health; Debra Hixon; Grant Thornton; Gray Robinson; Greenspoon Marder; Kari Sutter; Lochrie & Chakas, P.A.; M & T Bank; Michael Kimmey; PNC Bank and Truly Nolen (Grand Tasting Hosts).
If you missed this year, there is always next year. In the meantime, take your whole family to check out the museum or catch a film at IMAX all year long. The Museum of Discovery & Science is located at 401 SW 2nd St. in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information, visit www.mods.org.
MODS’ 27th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration–March 8
Get ready to eat till your heart’s content at the Museum of Discovery & Science’s 27th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration on March 8 from 6:30 to 10 p.m (starts at 5:30 for VIP). This is Ft. Lauderdale’s premier gourmet fundraiser. It will bring in more than 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and guests can sip more than 50 types of wines and spirits from exclusive beverage sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Beer lovers will find a variety of craft beer to choose from as well, courtesy of Gold Coast Beverage in the Beer Garden.
Participating restaurants include American Fine Wine Competition, Arc Culinary, Boatyard, Fresh Kitchen, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Hellenic Republic, JC Beans Café, JDCH, L & E Fine Cooking, La Mexicana Taco Bar, Original Fat Cats, Pubbelly Sushi, Red Chair Catering, S3, Seasons 52, Tarpon River Brewing, Tasteful Thoughts, Lobster Bar Sea Grille, Another Fare to Remember, CrepeMaker, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, John Knox Village, Nikki’s Foods, Ann Marie’s Pizza and Wine, Baoshi Food Hall + Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ten Palms Restaurant at Gulfstream Park, Zona Fresca and more.
In addition to partaking in fine food and drink, guests can participate in the silent auction, which offers a wide array of luxury items that guests can win, including everything from getaways to entertainment packages to memorabilia.
But the most exciting offer is from JM Lexus, who is offering up 24-month pre-paid lease on a Lexus NX350 (estimated valued at $43,215) to be raffled off. Tickets for the raffle may be purchased at mods.org/lexusraffle. Only 500 tickets are available.
Major event sponsors are Bank of America (Presenting Sponsor); Doubletime Digital (Exclusive Print Sponsor); Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Exclusive Beverage Sponsor); JM Lexus (Grand Arrival Sponsor); Gold Coast Beverage (Beer Sponsor); John Knox Village (Platinum Lounge Sponsor); Centuric (VIP Wristbands Sponsor); JetBlue (Entertainment Sponsor), BankUnited (Auction Sponsor); M. Austin & Christine Forman and R2 Squared (Valet Sponsors); Berkowitz Pollack Brant; Blue Compass; CTS Engines; FPL; Greenberg Traurig; Gunster; JM Family Enterprises; Joe Cox & Jeremy Collette; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Northern Trust; Stiles; Truist; UKG and WSVN Channel 7 (Platinum Sponsors); 5/3 Bank, Andrew Migliorini; Broward Health; Debra Hixon; Grant Thornton; Gray Robinson; Greenspoon Marder; Kari Sutter; Lochrie & Chakas, P.A.; M & T Bank; Michael Kimmey; PNC Bank and Truly Nolen (Grand Tasting Hosts).
Tickets for this exciting annual event are $150 ($300 for VIP). Tickets are available to purchase at modsevents.org.
The Museum of Discovery & Science is located at 401 SW 2nd St. in Ft. Lauderdale.
Film Review: “Isle of Hope”
By Rachel Galvin
Anyone who is in the “Sandwich Generation” will know the stress of caring for ailing parents and children at the same time. This anxiety can lead to conflicts with interpersonal relationships and problems learning to cope. This topic is explored in the new movie “Isle of Hope,” directed by South Florida based director Damian Romay and his father and producer Omar, who encouraged him to make it. The film was adapted from an Argentinian stage play “Dias Contados” by Oscar Martinez and modified to add a third act. It opens Feb. 23 in theaters throughout the state.
The movie follows the story of Victoria Crawford (Mary Stuart Masterson), a teacher who is harsh with her students, feels betrayed by her mother (Diane Ladd), fights with her brother (Sam Robards) and is struggling to hold on to her teenage daughter (Jessica Lynn Wallace), who would rather spend time with her dad (played by Andrew McCarthy), who now lives with another woman.
All of her conflicts come to a head at a time when Victoria’s mother suddenly has a stroke leaving her with amnesia. She can’t remember anything for the past 15 years. This forces her to reunite with her ex-husband and forces her to try to make nice with her brother. But her biggest struggle is coping with her mother herself. At the same time, her daughter wants to get away from her so much that she leaves the country on a trip. During the process of handling all of the above, Victoria learns things she did not know about what was happening in her life and in the lives of others. This crisis overall really knocks her off balance and makes her struggle to regain her footing and find peace with her past, and figure out how to deal with her present in a new way.
Although all of the actors did well in their roles, Diane Ladd’s performance was brilliant. Her work is definitely award-worthy.
The relationship between mothers and daughters in this film really brings the most poignant moments. Watching the film, you feel the angst of the characters, but it is not all stress laden. There are plenty of lighthearted moments and times for shedding a tear or two as well. It really is a well-rounded story that gets better as it goes along.
Romay said, “Working and collaborating with such an incredible cast was truly an amazing experience. My hope is that people will enjoy the film and that mothers and daughters, fathers and sons will see the film together.”
For more information, visit www.isleofhopethemovie.com.
History Fort Lauderdale Honors History Makers
Ft. Lauderdale mayor Dean Trantalis issues a proclamation while Commissioner Steve Glassman and honorees Kelly Shanley and Melissa Milroy and Mark Trouba (representing The Galleria mall) look on.
By Rachel Galvin
On January 31, History Fort Lauderdale held a special event at the Galleria Fort Lauderdale to honor history makers Kelly Shanley and the Galleria Fort Lauderdale, which was represented by Senior Marketing Manager Melissa Milroy and General Manager Mark Trouba.
Shanley is well-known for being the president and CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for the last 25 years, a position he has taken on with gusto, transforming the center into being the world-renowned place it is today. Under his leadership, the center has expanded through his $60 million Encore campaign. This allowed for the addition of new education and hospitality spaces, including the Huizenga Pavillion and the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. It led to an increase in attendance of more than 110,000 and $14 million yearly. He also utilized a $30 million capital campaign to transform the Parker Playhouse. The Rose Miniaci Performing Arts Center and campus of Nova Southeastern University also have blossomed under his leadership.
The Galleria Fort Lauderdale began as the Sunrise Center back in 1954 with 58 stores at a time when Fort Lauderdale became a mecca for youth culture, who took over the beaches during Spring Break. Having a mall not far away certainly made sense. At the time, it was an open air mall, which would become enclosed in 1977 during renovation by Leonard Farber. Over time, it became a beacon of luxury shopping. In 2003, it had another renovation to transform the facade into something that industrialist Henry Flagler might have built, reflecting a traditional architecture that was more welcoming, as well as a lighter and brighter interior. This included modern upgrades to everything from facilities to seating.
Today, the mall boasts more than 100 stores, including Dillards and Macys as anchors, as well as popular restaurants such as Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Seasons 52, P.F. Chang’s, The Capital Grille and Blue Martini.
More than just a place to shop and eat, The Galleria has become a real destination, and it also has become a real staple in the community, not only for what it offers, but for what it gives back. It has contributed more than $1.5 million to organizations such as History Fort Lauderdale, Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Kids in Distress, Leadership Broward Foundation, ArtServe, HANDY, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and Henderson Behavioral Health, among others. In addition to offering donations, it has also donated space to many causes and been home to great events, including Men of Style, which gives back to 12 local charities, History of Fort Lauderdale’s PRIDE month recognition exhibits, World AIDS Day events, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Eat Your Heart Out, which benefits the Heart Gallery of Broward County, and others.
Milroy said that giving back is mutually beneficial for everyone involved. “The tenants recognize the importance of the events as they bring customers into the mall and stores. The nonprofits just show up and we do everything for them. We make it as turnkey as possible.”
Milroy has helped to spearhead many of the endeavors to give back to the community since her start at The Galleria in 1994. She is also involved in many charity organizations herself, including being on the board of the Heart Gallery of Broward County, the Transportation Management Association Board, the CVB Marketing Advisory Committee and the Henderson Behavioral Health Planning Committee, among others. In addition, she is the immediate past chair of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber Board and has worked with the Beach Redevelopment Advisory Board in the past. Milroy is a graduate of Leadership Fort Lauderdale, Class V, and is a past curriculum chair for them as well.
Milroy has been acknowledged through the years for her hard work. Not only was she awarded Hero of the Month for the Chamber, she was also the recipient of the Carolyn M. Michaels Leadership Fort Lauderdale Award, as well as the “Try Hearts” Award by the Heart Gallery of Broward County. Now, she is honored to be a representative of The Galleria mall at the History Fort Lauderdale History Makers event.
Through her more than 30 years at The Galleria, she has seen a lot of history. Not only has the mall transformed during her tenure, but the community around it has blossomed as well.
But some things always stay the same. When asked what brings her back year after year to work at The Galleria, Milroy said, “The people,” adding, “What is really special about working at The Galleria is that so many of our team members have been here so long. From maintenance people to housekeeping, we have many long-standing employees. We really are a family here. It makes it a great place to come to work. You can’t say that with a lot of places.”
Industry veteran Mark Trouba first began working with shopping centers back in 1975. Since then, he has seen all aspects of the business, working his way up to management. He started working for The Galleria back in 1991 as their Operations Director when he received his CSM, eventually being promoted to his current position as General Manager in 2006. He also obtained his SCSM certification in 2002 and Certified Retail Executive designation in 2015.
Trouba works hard to ensure that the mall operates as efficiently and effectively as possible, handling everything from construction to security. He implements his overall vision for how the mall should look by providing strategic direction when it comes to leasing. He offers a helping hand as needed to promote the mall, working with sponsors to help make the mall the best it can be.
Trouba’s goal is to be an inspiration to his employees and tenants. His leadership has paved the way for the success The Galleria has today. He views The Galleria as a small city, but also as the heartbeat of the local community “with great tenants and great customer service.”
“I want to create a safe, clean environment in the mall,” he said.
Trouba knows all about service. Not only is he involved in the ways the mall gives back to the community, but he also is active in the local community himself. He is a member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the International Council of Shopping Centers.
You may have also seen Trouba as the Grand Marshal of the local St. Patrick’s Day parade a few years ago, or at many of the events held at the mall, such as the Eat Your Heart Out event. During this year’s event, he was recognized for his efforts.
This gentle giant has a big heart and loves giving back, for which he has been acknowledged, and now he is honored to be representing The Galleria mall at this History Fort Lauderdale event.
The History Makers event began with some mingling while listening to the music of Angeline Fontaine. People could grab a drink and choose something from the buffet before sitting down to a presentation emceed by Fay Albernas. Teen singer Kai Bui from the Florida Children’s Theater wowed the crowd with his powerful song to kick things off. Many local dignitaries spoke, including former mayor Lamar Fisher. Ft. Lauderdale mayor Dean Trantalis and Ft. Lauderdale commissioner Steven Glassman presented proclamations for the honorees. President of the History of Ft. Lauderdale Board of Trustees Patrick Scott and Executive Director Patricia Zeiler also spoke about the honorees, as did Robert Lochrie, who has been involved with the performing arts center and the historical society. In addition, a video was shown with people singing the praises of Shanley, Milroy and Trouba while talking about the impact the mall has also made through the years.
Kelley Shanley 
Fay Albernas, known as Fay What?!, is the emcee. 
Commissioner Lamar Fisher speaks. 
Kai Bui sings. 
Delicious buffet 
Angeline Fontaine sings. 
Rob Lochrie speaks. 
History of Ft. Lauderdale Executive Director Patricia Zeiler 
Checking people in… 
Kelley Shanley and some of his team at the Performing Arts Center 
President of the History of Ft. Lauderdale Board of Trustees Patrick Scott
JA World Uncorked 2024
By Rachel Galvin
The majesty and magic of the sea beckoned epicureans to the underwater-themed JA World Uncorked on Saturday, January 27 at the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Blvd. in Coconut Creek. This yearly event, hosted by the Circle of Wise Women, changes themes throughout the years, but the concept remains the same; the event is a celebration of food, drinks and plenty of fun. It also benefits a great cause — the Junior Achievement of South Florida. Their mission is to help kids gain financial literacy, entrepreneurship and have workforce readiness.
This evening began with a beautiful mermaid greeting guests. They could strike a pose with her before grabbing a wine glass and heading inside. There, they would find purveyors ready to pour everything from a Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon to a Superbird Spicy Tequila, from fine whiskeys or a tropical Mai Tai from the popular Mai Kai, which they said is opening this summer following renovations.
The wide array of spirits available, presented by Breakthru Beverage, were the perfect pairing to the tasty tidbits showcased from top local restaurants. The tastes were varied from Ahi Tuna Tartare to sliders. Funky Buddha, who is at the event year after year, served up a new appetizer– a whipped ricotta with pumpkin seed pesto, himalayan salt, toasted pumpkin seeds and organic local honey. They also presented their version of a pork belly taco. Burlock Coast offered a smoked duck and ham hock cassoulet. Italian food lovers found Chef Vico’s pasta and meatballs delicious. Velvet Taco presented a tasty Tikka Tostada. These were just a few of the multiple options available.
People sipped and savored, mixed and mingled. They also could bid on the silent auction and pose for multiple photo ops by AME Solutions and Island TV Photo Experiences, while listening to the band, hosted by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
On their way out, people could grab some coffee at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe to Go Coffee Station or The Gussack Family Exotech Espresso Martini Bar.
JA Uncorked really needs to be experienced to be fully understood for the all encompassing event that it is year after year. If you missed this year’s festivities, there is always next year. Find out more at www.jasouthflorida.org.
See more pics on Let’s Talk Magazine’s Facebook page soon.
Art Palm Beach
By Rachel Galvin
Creativity is on full display at this year’s Art Palm Beach. Taking place from Jan. 24-28, this event includes plenty of unique artworks in an intimate space within the Palm Beach Convention Center. More than 80 galleries are included, featuring local and international artists, many of whom have never shown in the area. There also are well-known artists represented, such as Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock, as well as a featured exhibition from Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark presented by the Ethan Cohen Gallery of New York.
The 2024 edition of the event encourages visitors to look at the relationship between memory, humanity and AI. DIVERSEartPB is curated by Marisa Caichiolo, DIVERSEartLA Curator.
“AI’s influence touches every aspect of our lives, whether we realize it or not. Just a few years ago, it seemed like science fiction, yet now it’s deeply embedded in how we process information, interact with the world, and even how we remember the past and envision the future. While AI enhances our ability to store and recall information, it can also lead to a dangerous reliance on digital devices over natural memory. AI algorithms in social media and search engines, for instance, subtly shape our recollections by reinforcing certain viewpoints. Similarly, augmented and virtual reality create immersive experiences that blend and reshape our real-life memories. That is just a glimpse of how AI is not just a tool, but a deeply integrated collaborator in the human experience, impacting in a big way how we think, remember, and exist,” said Kassandra Voyagis, producer / director of the Art Palm Beach and its sister fair, the LA Art Show.
DIVERSEartPB brings these ideas to life through various exhibits. Voyagis explained, “Projects like MUSEUM AI grapple with the intersection of AI and history by using AI to recreate lost artworks. This raises crucial questions: Can an AI-recreated artwork ever truly be considered genuine? And can AI become a powerful tool for remembering and protecting lost cultures. Mythstories examines how storytelling, a foundational aspect of human memory, evolves in the age of AI. And the immersive installation, Be Water showcases the powerful synergy between humanity and AI in tackling global challenges. It emphasizes the shared memory of nature and humanity, and explores how AI can play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the world’s greatest challenges.”
“Ultimately,” she said, “we want DIVERSEartPB to be a forum for deep discussions about where humanity is headed. We believe our understanding of what it means to be human is at a crossroads, and now is the time to talk about how we want this story to go from here.”
Art Palm Beach has also partnered with the American Heart Association, which will receive 15% of the fair’s ticket proceeds.
Opening night brought out influencers, dignitaries, gallery owners, philanthropists and business owners, as well as artists and art lovers.
For more information, visit www.artpalmbeach.com.
3rd Annual Ignite Broward
“Core” by Adrien M. & Claire B.
By Rachel Galvin
Tripping the light fantastic may be an idiom related to dance, but it also is what comes to my mind when thinking of what I just experienced at Mad Arts in Dania Beach last night during their special media event, a sneak peek at some of what will be available next week at IGNITE Broward.
Each room included a different artist’s interpretation of how light can be transformed into art. Each room seems to take you into a different world. It isn’t just the beauty of the light forms that entice, but the ability to interact with them. It is as if the light is alive and changing itself based on you. In the case of “Resonances,” by LP Rondeau, stepping into the art actually changes your form, at least the way it is projected on the wall in front of you. “Luminescent Sylva” by MadLabs takes you into a forest with images projected on all sides, sounds of the forest and even an earthen floor complete with fauna and rocks to make it appear as though you really have stepped outside into a forest. Richard Vergez combines sound, light and imagery in a new way. With all the angst of industrial music with discordant sounds that he can manipulate in real time, surveillance cameras taking video of the room and projecting it, combined with light and a video of a couple kissing, it is a mishmosh of symbols that beg for interpretation. Both harsh in tone and strangely comforting, his art goes old school, using only analog equipment.
These are just three of the 27 immersive experiences by international and local artists that will be on display in Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale during IGNITE Broward, which takes place Jan. 24-28. Presented by Mad Arts and The Broward County Cultural Division, this event has doubled in size, having grown from 10,000 in 2022 to more than 30,000 people last year.
Phillip Dunlap, director of the Broward Cultural Division, who was in attendance at the media event, has said he expects IGNITE’s audience to grow even further this year. “The sensory-rich artworks on display show how groundbreaking technology can be used to create extraordinary social experiences that evoke a sense of wonder in us all,” he said.
Besides art displays, there also will be hands-on workshops, lectures and performances by Tine Bech Studio, Richard Vergez and Holly Danger. There will also be everything from poetry reading via interactive 3D holoboxes by Ana María Caballero to live performance that integrates traditional mural painting with digital projection art by Rosanna Kalis.
At the festival kickoff in Esplanade Park, guests will dance to a live audiovisual show featuring projection art by Holly Danger and electronic music by Tapered Shapes.
After the family-friendly event is through, several of the artists will continue to have their art on display at the new Mad Arts Museum, which is set to open here at 481 S. Federal Hwy. in Dania Beach on Jan. 30.
Schedule of events
Kick-Off Event
Wednesday, January 24, 7-10 PM
Museum of Discovery & Science Atrium (401 SW 2 St., Fort Lauderdale)
Join the countdown and celebrate the beginning of IGNITE Broward.
Daily 10 AM – 8 PM: 22 exhibits will take over the gallery and exterior spaces at Mad Arts in Dania Beach (481 S. Federal Highway), with extended viewing until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Artworks by Shuster + Moseley, LP Rondeau, Adrien M & Claire B, Studio McGuire, OLO Creative Farm, Makoto Tojiki, JS Baillat, Ottomata, Diagraf, Thomas Garnier, Jaime Reyes + ReThread, Holly Danger, Richard Vergez, Akiko Yamashita, Josh Miller & Angela Fraleigh, Rosanna Kalis, MadLabs and Tine Bech Studio will be on display.
Nightly 6 – 10 PM: Downtown Fort Lauderdale will feature five spectacular outdoor, digital, light-based art sculptures and 3D projection mapping installations at the Museum of Discovery & Science (401 SW 2 St.) and Esplanade Park (400 SW 2 St.) with extended viewing until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Artworks by MadLabs, Ottomata, ANAISA FRANCO STUDIO, Tine Bech Studio and Scot DiStefano / Verve Multi will be on display.
For more information, visit IGNITEBroward.com. #IgniteBroward
Luminescent Sylva by MadLabs 
The Light Pours Out of Me by Richard Vergez 
Existence by Makoto Tojiki 
Laser Like Water by JS Baillat, Ottomata, Diagraf 
Forest Perception- If a Tree Talks in a Forest, Does Anyone Listen by Akiko Yamashita 
Ophelia by Studio McGuire 
A Thousand Times Forever by Holly Danger 
4th Dimension by OLO Creative Farm 
The Hunter by Studio McGuire
Cocoon Gallery’s Organic Furnishings & Decor Celebrate Natural Beauty
By Rachel Galvin
For those who want to bring natural beauty into their home, the newly opened Cocoon Gallery in Palm Beach has plenty of options. The pieces found here can add an earthy element in a classic presentation to any home. Each piece uses organic materials sourced from all over the world. They aim for 100% sustainability. When a found piece of wood is gathered for use, a tree is planted in its stead. Once discovered, the pieces are transformed by more than 50 artisans into brand new objects of beauty.
The gallery first was located in Greenwich, CT before moving to Naples in 2020 and now opening its newest location, at 410 South County Road in Palm Beach. Owner Mitchell Siegel was welcomed to the community on January 9 with a special open house grand opening soiree. People looked at the furnishings and decor while enjoying some bubbly and the musical stylings of a guitarist who offered up some latin rhythms, which led to some dancing.
For more information, visit www.cocoongallery.com.
Film Review: “Farewell, Mr. Haffmann”
By Rachel Galvin
Mr. Haffmann (Daniel Auteuil) is a well-respected Jewish jeweler, married with children. Being in Paris under Nazi occupation, he read the writing on the wall and decided to get his family out of town as soon as possible. He asked them to go to safety and he would follow after deciding what to do with his jewelry shop. In the first twist of fate, he asks his employee (Gilles Lellouche) for help, a move that would change the employee’s life as he took over the store “temporarily,” moving above the store with his reluctant wife (Sara Giraudeau).
The problem begins when Mr. Haffmann finds his escape would not be so simple and he has to come back to the store and be sequestered in the basement while awaiting a chance to leave, hiding from the Nazis, who pay special interest in the newly popular store.
As time goes by, the employee’s change of fortune also changes his personality from a meek dedicated employee to aggressive and greedy, asking everyone around him to make difficult choices, leading to betrayals and multiple surprises.
With skilled acting, the story is told with finesse. It is in French with English subtitles. The darkness of the tale and intricacy of everything from the jewelry to the complicated situation they find themselves in is told through lighting and cinematography.
This masterfully crafted award-winning motion picture from Menemsha Films opens December 22 at Movies of Delray, at 7421 W. Atlantic Ave., and Movies of Lake Worth at 7380 Lake Worth Road.
For more information, visit www.menemshafilms.com and look under the film’s title.
Spiritualism & The Power of Magical Thinking
Multimedia art by Tony Oursler
Boca Raton Museum of Art’s Newest Exhibition Delves into The Supernatural
By Rachel Galvin
Abracadabra … was a rabbit really pulled out of a hat? Was that woman really sawed in half? Did that person just disappear? A magician makes the viewer believe the unbelievable and never reveals their secrets. The air of mystery surrounding the practice brings magic lovers always back for more.
The power of magical thinking … The desire to pull back the veil and see what lies beyond continues to tempt and tantalize people. The idea of being able to speak to a loved one who has passed on is also enticing, so enticing that some people have taken advantage of this yearning, making a practice out of their deceptions.
Psychics, mediums and magicians have used their smoke, mirrors and tricks to draw people in and take their money for a long time. This practice really took hold in America in the mid 1800s around the time of the Civil War when this country saw death on a scale never before seen, leaving a grieving nation to search for answers. It also was the time when new technology like photographs could be manipulated to make people see ghosts in the picture. Also, the lack of electric light helped mediums to add to the spooky ambience of a seance and do unseen tricks of the eye to add to the show. As technology progressed, they had a harder time, however. Plus, some skeptics sought to debunk these no good doers.
The history of Spirtualism, magic and magical thinking are presented in a new exhibition at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, which lasts until May 12. Here, guests can read all about some of the original people involved in the movement and those who were interested in it, like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created Sherlock Holmes. They can find all about the Amazing Randi and others who sought to bring light to the deception.
It also showcases art from 30 artists, including Urs Fischer, Alfredo Jaar, Jim Shaw, Sarah Charlesworth, Glenn Kaino, Christian Jankowski, Kristin Lucas, Jane Hammond, Gavin Turk, Michael Ray Charles, Faisal Abdu’Allah, Mark Thomas Gibson, Robin Tewes, Jeanette Andrews, Stephen Berkman, Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.) and Jacob Hicks, among others.
Francesca Panetta and Haley Burgund’s installation “In Event of Moon Disaster,” is a room right out of the 1960s, vintage wallpaper and all, with a TV projecting “the moon landing,” except their version is a little different. In their version, the 1969 moon landing ended in tragedy. Their installation showcases how deep fake technology can be used to manipulate, something that is trending today in a post-truth era in which the issue over AI is on the forefront of the news.
Another part of the exhibit that touches on the same subject is a video showcasing The Yes Men, who go to events impersonating government officials, corporate officers and salesmen in real life events. They also had an inflatable “SurvivaBall,” a ridiculous looking bloated ball-shaped outfit that someone could wear that was a self-contained living unit in case of emergency like surviving disasters caused by Global Warming . Looking at it, it is hard to believe people would think it was a real concept, but they were able to convince some people all in an effort to call attention to the problems in the world.
The exhibition also includes artwork by Jacob Hicks utilizing Chat GPT, and there is another video about deep fakes by the museum team. In addition, they commissioned artist Jeanette Andrews to create a box in which a person could put their hands in in a certain way and manipulate a book, and when flipping the pages in a certain way, they would “magically” alter their appearance. While people waited in line to try this book magic out for themselves, they could look on the wall and see other interesting information, such as how the CIA has used shoelaces to communicate in code.
Nearby, people were taken aback by a display of playing cards stuck into the wall that when looked at in a certain way suddenly unveiled a face, the face of magician Ricky Jay, who was known for throwing playing cards and piercing things, like a watermelon. Artist Glenn Kaino remembers him by creating this interesting exhibit, which was put together in secret by throwing cards against the wall and puncturing the wall in a similar fashion.
The biggest exhibit was that of Tony Oursler, a multimedia artist who worked with David Bowie on some music videos. His far out and otherworldly art certainly fits the theme. His use of projections makes his art and sculpture come alive, seeming to look at and talk to the guests, leaving them perhaps a bit unsettled.
This magical exhibit, which is called “Smoke and Mirrors: Magical Thinking in Contemporary Art,” is the only exhibition in South Florida and in the entire southeast U.S. to win the prestigious Teiger Foundation 2023 Grant Award for Curator Led Projects. The exhibition was curated by Kathleen Goncharov.
To kick off the exhibition, which opened Nov. 15, the museum held a special private event in the courtyard complete with a woman wearing a huge hoop skirt, looking like a mix between a showgirl and Glenda the Good Witch, greeting people, adding to the festivity, and a curtain filled with mirrors and a bell that when you rang it, a mysterious gloved hand came out of the back to hand you a glass of champagne. Before entering the museum to get the first look at the exhibit, guests could mingle in the smoky ambience and enjoy crafted cocktails, light bites and beautiful classical music with harp, flute and cello.
For more information, visit www.bocamuseum.org.
Ring the bell and a drink appears. 
Art by Glenn Kaino. 
Drink, anyone? 
Beautiful music. 
Good eats. 
Belly up to the bar. 
Reading about the Amazing Randi. 
Art by Tony Oursler. 
Stephen Berkman’s Zohar photo. 
Is it the 1960s? 
Pull a rabbit out of a hat? 
The book changes depending on how you flip the pages. 
Bunnies in hats. 
SurvivaBall. 
The secret is revealed! 
A chess game… 
The exhibit included videos. 
Jan Engoren enjoys champagne. 
Video, lasers, glass sculpture. 
Talking head. 
Tony Oursler’s art. 
Reading about Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle. 
Beautiful music by harp.