Jane's Carousel: JANE WALENTAS

The downtown Brooklyn waterfront has been graced with the addition of a restored historic carousel, perfectly positioned in DUMBO’s Brooklyn Bridge Park beneath the bridge and the famous NYC skyline. The restoration of the carousel was conceived by architect Ben Thompson, who was tasked to design the Brooklyn Bridge park in the early 1980's, but the project was embraced and led by Jane Walentas. Wife of David Walentas, the real estate mogul recognized for developing and establishing the DUMBO neighborhood, Jane left her own, outstanding mark on DUMBO by lending her artistic vision and management experience to the carousel restoration. The original structure was created in 1922, the "heyday of the American carousel," and was situated in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. Jane and David purchased the carousel at an auction in 1984, preventing the structure from being sold off piecemeal, and set in the new environs of Brooklyn, New York. Now, Jane’s Carousel hosts 48 stunning horses and 2 chariots, with additional scenic panels, boards, and poles refurbished from the original. The carousel is set in a glass structure designed by Jean Nouvel, providing stunning views of the waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge, NYC skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge Park (again and again and again). It has rightfully earned the distinction as the first carousel in the National Register of Historic Places. Although some lament Brooklyn's transformation into "strollerville" (or a new Upper West Side), the carousel is not just for kids and families. It is an iconic symbol of childhood, captivating kids, parents, and everyone in between.

If you’re one of those New Yorkers who calls himself a New Yorker but has never been to Brooklyn – well, here’s your excuse!

Children's Author-Illustrator: MONICA WELLINGTON

Monica Wellington has been writing and illustrating children's book for over 20 years. Her first book, Who Is Tapping at My Window? was published in 1988, and she has since published about 35 books here and abroad. From Crepes By Suzette to Apple Farmer Annie and Mr. Cookiebaker, Monica’s books are filled with brightly colored illustrations and fun, relatable characters for young audiences. Monica has been teaching at the School of Visual Arts in New York City for over 10 years, and classes she took there in 1986-7 helped launch her illustration career. As a child, Monica’s family lived in Europe before settling in the United States, and after studying pottery, painting and printmaking at the University of Michigan School of Art, Monica traveled widely and has now lived in NYC for about 30 years.

Monica’s diverse life experiences have inspired an array of characters and subjects for her books. She passes on insight and skills to her students at SVA and she continues to develop her creativity as she works on each new book.

Cinematographer: DARREN LEW

Darren Lew brings artistic excellence to everything he touches. The award-winning cinematographer has grown an impressive and diverse filmography, applying his talent and creativity to produce an array of acclaimed commercials, short films, and documentaries. He’s recently received attention for the visually stunning, black-and-white Levi’s American “Go Forth” commercial, for which he was the 2010 AICP Show Winner for Cinematography and Visual Style and the 2010 Cannes Lions Festival Bronze Winner in Cinematography. Darren’s first project was working with Steven Meisel on Madonna’s SEX book, and he has since photographed commercials for Lacoste, Nike, Clinique, Versace, VW, HBO, and Calvin Klein, among others, and has worked the camera for notable short films including BUGCRUSH directed by Carter Smith, Bastard and Welcome directed by Kirsten Dunst, and Streak directed by Demi Moore. Darren also contributed his cinematographic talents to the recently released documentary Freakonomics, adapted from the best-selling book and directed by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney.
 

Experience Darren’s cinematography first-hand (above), then catch a glimpse into his thoughts (below).

 

Brooklyn Academy of Music: KAREN BROOKS HOPKINS

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) featured its first performance in 1861, and has been a fixture of Brooklyn and New York City culture ever since. Now, more than ever, BAM is bursting at the seams with international drama, art, music, dance, and film, as home to the Howard Gilman Opera House, Harvey Theater, and Rose Cinemas. The woman at the helm is none other than its president, Karen Brooks Hopkins. And what does the president of such a prestigious cultural center do? The answer, in short, is: everything. From managing finances to pleasing clientele, Karen is the force that has brought BAM into the spotlight over the past couple of years. 

Karen is committed to delivering cutting-edge art while leveraging all of the creativity and character that Brooklyn has to offer. For more information about BAM, please visit www.bam.org.
 

FLAG Art Foundation: STEPHANIE ROACH

The FLAG Art Foundation wears many hats as an exhibition space for contemporary art, and as the foundation's Director, so does Stephanie Roach.  FLAG is a non-profit that operates much like a mini-museum with rotating exhibitions. Stephanie was first exposed to the inner workings of the art world in college, serving as a Student Board Member at the Institute of Contemporary Art. It was there that she met Glenn Fuhrman, the Founder of FLAG, and the two made an inspiring connection. Years later, they reconnected to team up and open FLAG. As Director, Stephanie is integral to developing ideas for the shows, seeking curators, and handling all of the logistics, installations, finances, and press to make each show a success. Next year, Stephanie will be organizing Shaquille O'Neal's own curatorial venture: "Size DOES Matter." 

It is fitting that someone as curious and energetic as Stephanie thrives in an environment that is constantly seeking a fresh "vision" and perspective on art.