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It may seem counterintuitive, but the Brooklyn Museum’s newest exhibition got its start in Los Angeles.

A couple of years ago Spike Lee had a small exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles in which items from his extensive collection of memorabilia were on display. During an interview with The Los Angeles Times about the exhibition, Lee was quoted as saying, “This is really a very, very small part of all the stuff I have. I could fill the Brooklyn Museum.” Him saying this opened the door to discussions between the Atlanta-born, Brooklyn-bred director and Brooklyn Museum. Now, just over two years later, Lee is currently the subject of an immersive installation, “Spike Lee: Creative Sources,” on the 5th floor of Brooklyn Museum that has been teased since we first reported it was coming back in July. Before the exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, Oct. 7, Time Out was invited to a preview.

The exhibit’s curator, Kimerbli Gant, says the Brooklyn Museum had been interested in working with Lee for a while. “It was really just figuring out what made sense,” she tells Time Out. “We really wanted to present Spike as a Brooklyn storyteller, but also as a preserver of history and culture.” With Lee being one of the most prominent and influential filmmakers and directors of all-time, this exhibition could very well have been put together as a self-absorbed display of his highlights and achievements, but it’s far from that. Much of the exhibit is paying homage to the many different people who inspired him along his journey. “We obviously have representations of his films, but not extensively,” says Gants, the curator of modern and contemporary art at the Brooklyn Museum. “We didn’t want this to be a show that’s really focusing on his movie career, [instead focusing] on what fuels that.”

The “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” exhibit consists of over 450 works from Lee’s personal collection and every bit of it was put together with a heightened attention to detail. The walls are filled with photos, artwork, portraits, artifacts and magazine covers—many of them highlighting the Black plight which is a recurring theme in much of Lee’s films.

Some other themes heavily reflected throughout the exhibition are also prevalent in many of Lee’s works, including music, sports, family and Brooklyn. There are live instruments that represent his love for jazz music and hip-hop, portraits of his family from over the years, items from his alma mater Morehouse College, a wall with newspaper stories celebrating Lee and a wall dedicated to the influence of Michael Jordan. 

There’s also a small section showcasing a handful of trophies and awards—two Peabodys, the Director’s Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award, an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and more. There are a few rooms where clips from some of his most popular films are playing including BlacKkKlansman and Malcolm X.

And of course it wouldn’t be a Spike Lee exhibit if there wasn’t an entire room dedicated to his beloved New York Knicks. For all that Lee has accomplished in the world of film, in NYC he’s almost as recognizable for being a Knicks superfan. The room is completely full of items commemorating the history of one of professional sports’ most storied organizations. More than 10 retro jerseys from some of the franchise’s greatest players occupy the Knicks-blue walls and hang from the ceiling, with signed photos and artwork of famous Knicks stars filling the spaces in between.

The creative process of the exhibit was spearheaded by Gant, but Lee was involved in approving ideas and making suggestions. It’s been just under two years since they first started working on this project, and it’s a relief to all parties involved that the final product is ready to be consumed by the public. As the curator of the show, Gant says it was important to her to create a strong sense of curiosity for the viewers and make sure people realize “that we are all kind of 360 whole beings. She says, “I want multiple generations to come because I want different generations to connect with different things. For famous figures, we’re only going to see a very narrow sliver of what’s presented. What Spike’s collection offers you is a reminder that people are much more complex and nuanced than anything this society can present.”

The exhibit will be on view at Brooklyn Museum on Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am to 6pm and is slated to run through Feb. 4, 2024. To purchase tickets and for more information on “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” visit here. 

* This article was originally published here

A charming all-day brunch spot that opened during the pandemic has just expanded with a bar nearby. 

Owner Sherry Grimes follows Pig & Butter on the Lower East Side, which she opened in early 2021, with Pig & Butter Bar a few blocks away in the East Village. The bright, airy space seats 32, including room for six on the patio up front. Inside, white brick walls and bottle-lined shelves are lit by modern chandeliers and neon lettering that reads, “Black Owned.” 

“The sign was custom made,” Grimes says. “We have the same sign at the brunch location, and made this one pink to capture the energy of the space. It also captures how proud we are of the space and what we have achieved as women of color. The design of the space is both elegant and inviting. The goal was to create an elevated fusion bar experience without breaking the bank, and I believe we’ve achieved this.”

Grimes’ wife, Dr. Shavonne Hylton, who has a PhD in environmental science, authored Pig & Butter Bar’s signature cocktail list. “Beyond the art, there is a science and chemistry to cocktail making that underlies the perfect drink,” Grimes says. Those specialties include The Pinup, made with makgeolli, pineapple, coconut milk and lime ($14) and The Raleigh Smoke Show, a mix of mezcal, Ancho Reyes, grapefruit and housemade ginger syrup ($15). Wine and beer are also available and, befitting the bar’s predecessor, an assortment of spritzes, bellinis, mimosas and bloodies. A trio of gin and tonics was added for Shavonne’s fondness of the tipple.

There’s food, too, with most of the prep work done at Grimes’ original locale. Pig & Butter Bar has a convection oven and an air fryer. Between the other address and tools here, the fare is a varied collection of items like the bacon egg and cheese on brioche, grilled Spanish tuna pizza, Korean fried chicken tostada, churro French toast, Thai red curry mushrooms and cheesy grits. 

The fun “Shot & a Bite” section of the menu is exactly what it sounds like. Present pairs join peanut butter whiskey with a bit of waffle with concord grape jelly, bacon and banana, or a spicy bloody Mary with a taste of smoky grilled cheese.

Each is reminiscent of what’s on the menu at the original Pig & butter, and “just a taste meant to be a larger amuse-bouche,” Grimes says. “We wanted a section of the menu that combined both of our creative strengths.”

Now about a month into operating, Pig & Butter Bar will begin hosting Soul Sessions, with curated music, cocktails and food, Grimes says. The first is scheduled for Thursday, October 12, from 7pm-midnight. Drink specials like $5 mimosas are available at brunch every weekend, and happy hour is Wednesday-Friday from 2pm-7pm. 

Pig & Butter Bar is located at 42 Avenue B. It is open Wednesday from 2pm-10pm, Thursday from 2pm-11pm, Friday from 2pm-midnight, Saturday from 11am-midnight and Sunday from 11am-10pm. 

* This article was originally published here

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is about to get a whole lot cozier.

That’s right, BIRKENSTOCK, the beloved footwear brand known for its comfort and iconic sandals, is giving back to the Big Apple with an extraordinary gift – the BIRKENFIELDS.

Get ready to embark on a sensory journey through time and nature as BIRKENSTOCK opens its arms to the public on Wednesday, October 11th, and Thursday, October 12th.

Three Distinct Experiences Await

BIRKENFIELDS encompasses three captivating experiences, each offering a unique facet of the brand’s nearly 250-year heritage.

1. BIRKENFIELD Meadow – Where Nature and Walking Unite

Step into this shoeless paradise, where you’ll immerse yourself in the concept of walking in harmony with nature. Leave behind the city’s hustle and bustle and reconnect with the earth beneath your feet.

Following your nature-inspired walk, indulge in a 10-minute foot massage to ensure you’re ready for your next adventure.

Where: Flatiron Plaza, 23rd Street & Broadway

When: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11th, and Thursday, October 12th.

2. BIRKENFIELD Grove – Play, Explore, and Discover

Swing, slide, and seesaw your way through this plush, shearling-lined wonderland. Rediscover your inner child and have a blast. Delve deep into the quality and craftsmanship of BIRKENSTOCK’s materials, from metal buckles to cork. Uncover what makes these shoes a true sensation.

After all the playtime, book a 10-minute foot massage to recharge and rejuvenate your feet!

Where: 410 Lafayette Street

When: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 11th, and Thursday, October 12th.

3. BIRKENFIELD Biergarten – Cheers to Tradition and Fun

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of BIRKENSTOCK, spanning from 1774 to today, with interactive games and activities. Whether you’re a trivia buff or a tabletop enthusiast, this is your playground.

If you’re 21 or older, savor German-inspired beers expertly crafted by the brewers at Other Half Brewing. Prost! Exclusive merchandise is available, and the best part? Proceeds benefit local New York causes.

Where: Other Half Brewing Domino Park, 34 River Street, Brooklyn

When: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST on both days.

All these incredible BIRKENFIELD experiences are not only fun but also FREE and open to the public.

So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a unique adventure right in the heart of New York City. Whether you’re a Birkenstock aficionado or simply seeking a memorable day out, BIRKENFIELDS offers an experience that seamlessly blends nature, playfulness, and heritage.

The post BIRKENSTOCK Is Bringing A Free Nature Filled Oasis To NYC For Two Days appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here