QUICK CULTURE ISSUE 9 , Page 1

JUNE 2012

Articles START WITH ART  Quick Culture News … pg 1 UICK ULTURE S EWSLETTER  The Art of Travel ....pg 1 Q C ’ N  Fashion As Art … pg 1  Pasadena Playhouse ... pg 10  Tours & News…...pg 10

THE ART OF TRAVEL FASHION AS ART EXHIBIT

PRAGUE and We both were in San Francisco this spring and had the opportunity to visit the wonderful de ...Castles…Cobblestones and Culture…Oh, my! Young Museum and see a fabulous and beauti- ful exhibit called: The Fashion World of Jean Before I go into my raptures about , I first want to tell you about Paul Gaultier: from the Catwalk to the Sidewalk. the journey from Berlin to Prague via the charming small town of Meis- The exhibit runs through August 19, 2012 and is sen, Germany, famous for producing the first high quality porcelain a must see show if you are in San Francisco. (1710) outside the Orient. Led by our wonderful driver from Mike’s Chauffeur Service (Mike’s very own Uncle Jan), the drive is usually about 3 hours but because our stop at Meissen necessitated going through the town of Dresden, the home of the royal residences of the Kings of Saxony, the 3 hours became a delightful 6 hour expedition. Even though Dresden is a small town with a population of about 500,000 and 127 square miles (think Fresno, CA or New Haven, CT as comparable) it has 44 museums, 56 galleries and 36 theaters. Culture heaven resides in this area of small towns and villages. Meissen’s claim to fame centers on the porcelain factory which is --- no doubt--- the main employer of the town.

At the factory-cum-museum, we took the self-guided tour which chronicles the history and manu- facture of this fine artistry. The craftsmanship is world class and one can find vintage Meissen porcelain commanding a high price in many of the world’s auc- tion houses. For example, a pair of 10-inch plates (circa 1755) is QUICK CULTURE NEWS estimated to bring between $3200-4800 at an auction at Meissen Vase Detail We have been very busy this spring and wanted Christie’s in London. to let you know that we launched a new website. Please visit it and let us know what you think.

Keeping that in mind, what could be Quick Culture more elegant than to have lunch at their Michelin-recommended restaurant, Res- taurant Meissen, where each of the three scrumptious courses was served on different famous Meissen Porcelain spanning three different centuries? Our Medallions of Beef Filet with Roasted main course was Medallions of Beef Vegetables and Potato Cookies served Filet with Roasted Vegetables and Po- on “Full Green Wine Wreath”, 1817. tato Cookies. Also, we are having our first ever LA Art based With our taste buds and painterly sensitivities sated, we traveled onto workshop this fall. Visit page 10 for more details. Prague, arriving in the late afternoon.

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All you have read about Prague is true. I felt like I was walking down Main Street in Dis- neyland, but it was all very real--- an authentic fairytale land complete with cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, architecture and------oh, the castles! Under the skillful guidance of a superlative guide, Milos Curik, we were bound to see all the usual tourist sights, but Milos was also intent on our seeing “his” Prague, the emphasis being on art and music. Prague, a city of culture, beauty, mystery and fantasy--shrouded at times by humor…and at times the macabre.

On the there are 30 sculptures but to me the most historically interesting sculpture is the Crucifix and Cal- vary statue that was originally made in 1629. The golden He- brew text on the crucifix was added in 1696. It was placed Castle Hill on the left - Photo Courtesy of Rene Jakl there as punishment for a Prague Jew, Elias Backoffen, who was accused of blasphemy. As his punishment he was or- dered to raise the funds for purchasing gold-plated Hebrew letters which were placed around the head of the statue, spelling out "Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord of Hosts," the Kedusha from the Hebrew prayer and originating in a vision from the Book of Isaiah. The inscription was a symbolic humiliation and deg- radation of Prague Jews, forcing them to pay for a set of golden letters referring to God and hung around the neck of the statue of Christ. The tablet’s placement in this context was perceived by some as offensive. However, that was changed in 2000. A bronze tablet with explanatory text in Czech, Eng- lish and Hebrew was mounted under the statue by the City of Prague. The tablet's placement came Barbara and Ellen on the Charles after an American Rabbi, Ronald Brown of Temple Beth Am in Merrick, New York, was passing over the Bridge next to the Crucifix and bridge and noted the possibly offensive nature of the placing of the text. Upon a direct request to the Calvary statue. mayor, the tablet was soon placed off to the side of the statue.

In the Royal Garden next to Prague Castle is the Royal Ball Game Hall. This building dates from the 16th century and was used by the king's courtiers for sporting activities. The structure was damaged by fire in May 1945 during the last stages of WW II, but it was fully rebuilt in the 1950's. Along with the many mythological deities that were carefully restored on the facade, a small addition was made that remains as a quirky reminder of the communist period. A figure unfurling a scroll along with a hammer and sickle was included in the Sgraffito design, together with the letters 'ČSR', for Czechoslovak Socialist Repub- lic. To find this detail, you have to look closely. (It's along the top row of the facade near the roof.) Sgraf- fito, the forerunner of Graffito, is a technique produced by applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors to a moistened surface and then scratching off the top layer to reveal an outline drawing.

Also in the palace complex is St Vitus Cathedral. The construction of St Sgraffito Detail from the Royal Ball Game Hall Vitus Cathedral was started in 1344, but it was not completed for almost 600 years —-in 1929! The long construction period is evident by its many design influences. Although largely built in the originally intended Gothic style, there are also many Roman- esque and baroque elements. The cathedral contains the Czech crown jewels, tombs of various royals including the Holy Roman Emperor Karel IV, after whom the Charles Bridge is named, as well as a holy relic in the form of the arm of St Vitus himself! St Vitus was a martyr who died during a period of per- secution in the pagan Roman empire, supposedly from being thrown into a pot of boiling oil. He's now the patron saint of actors, comedians, dancers, and epileptics (the neurological condition called "St Vitus dance" is named after him), and he's also the guy you need to get in touch with if you're con- cerned about lightning, animal attacks and oversleeping! Interior of St Vitus Cathedral

Forgive my fascination with doors---- they hold a mystery all their own… what’s behind them?

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Creepy but fascinating...

Even creepier and more fascinating—- The Czech Senate Garden with lava stone walls. Jewish Cemetery — — the creepiest.

In 1980, when was killed, young activists risked prison by creating this colorful wall titled, The ” or what authorities at the time labeled “a subversive activity against the state”. never visited Prague, but the Czech youth idolized him as a symbol of peace and they continue to add Beatles’ lyrics along with their own special thoughts, poems and images making the wall more than just an homage to an iconic musician.

On the corner of Dušní and Vězeňská streets, between the Spanish Synagogue and the Holy Spirit Church, is this interesting metal statue by sculptor Jaroslav Rona. The place itself is very symbolic because not only did the Kafkas live at 27 Dušní Street but also because the sculpture is situated in the spiritual zone of three relig- ions and their houses of worship— Catholic, Protestant The Lennon Wall - Originally, there was a large painting of John and Jewish. Kafka spent practically all his short life in Lennon on the wall but years of added have obscured it this contemplative and romantic part of old Prague. The sculpture is based on a vivid description that appears in Franz Kafka's early short story "Description of a Struggle." Kafka wrote of a young man riding on another man's shoulders through the streets of Prague. In Rona's work, that figure is Kafka himself sitting astride

a headless man. This reminds me of work by Magritte. No wonder… they were both surrealists! Sculpture by Jaroslav Rona But nothing prepared us for what we were going to see at the entrance of the Kafka Museum. It is an example of shocking surreal- ism with a sense of humor. Here’s a hint: It is entitled, “Streams”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bQ1mYvBt2E . The Franz Kafka museum gives you an insight into his life in a memorable way---not your typical, linear approach. It’s… well… Kafka-esque!

Another museum not to be missed is Mucha Museum (Muchovo muzeum) . It is the only museum in the world that houses the history of the life and the works of Alphonse Mucha, a Czech-French art nouveau painter. He was a pioneer of the Art Nouveau movement and was catapulted to fame by producing a promotional poster for Sarah Bernhardt's production, Gismonda, which opened at the Renaissance Theatre in Paris in 1894. This poster put Mucha into the international art scene limelight almost overnight. The partnership between Bernhardt and Mucha would last for a total of six years, resulting in Mucha rendering Bernhardt on dozens of posters, prints, paintings, and postcards.

I guess it’s evident that Prague is not just a pretty face. Aside from its history going back 1000 years when it consisted only of Vyšehrad Castle, Prague has endured Medieval upheavals, the rise and fall of great (Charles IV) and not so great (Wenceslas IV) kings during the Renaissance, a devastating fire in 1689, Napoleon’s disso- lution of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Nazi occupation followed by the communists. During the communist control, the city was not maintained. Most of the energy at that time utilized coal which made Prague appear very dismal, dirty and foreboding. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Czechoslovakia finally freed itself from communism and Soviet influence. Prague benefited deeply from this new era. Renovations took place to restore the city to its former glory, and the conversion to mostly electric heating ensured that the corrosion and pollution of the past would not return.

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I had no idea what to expect as far as the “Taste of Art” in Prague. I imagined lots of potatoes and dumplings, and got a little nervous when I discovered that in Czech “Dobrou chut!” (which is exclaimed before a meal) can be translated into “I hope it’s good!” However, the restaurants we went to were superb, starting with Z Vatisi, right in the heart of the city. Décor is modern, sleek and the tableware was so inventive, I did the classless unthinkable--- I turned it over to see who made it! In Prague, it isn’t just about the food! Service, presentation and ambience are all equally important.

Oh, and by the way, the tableware is made by RAK Porcelain, a company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. Take a look at the Nabur and Golden patterns: http://www.rakporcelain.com/ products.php#

Interior of Celeste

Z Vatisi Interior Lamb Chops—Delicious

Another not-to-be-missed restaurant with a spectacular view is the French restaurant, Celeste, which is atop one of the most interest- ing buildings in Prague. Nicknamed Fred and Ginger, the “Dancing Building” (Tančící dům) was conceived by none other than our very own Frank Gehry in collaboration with the Croatian- Czech architect Vlado Milunić. The building was built on a vacant riverfront plot (where the previous building had been destroyed during the bombing of Prague in 1945.) It was designed in 1992 and completed in 1996. “Dancing Building”

Asparagus Soup with Foiled Egg at Celeste Restaurant

Last, and as the cliché goes, not least, is Coda --- which is in the fantastic art and music-themed boutique hotel, ARIA. With breath- taking views of the city, it is---without a doubt-- on the list of my favorite restaurants anywhere. I found Coda’s concept of exhibiting paintings and sculptures of the great masters an intriguing enhancement to the dining experience. Coda has mastered an integration of the senses--- “hearing” the music… “seeing” the culinary art and artworks…”inhaling” the aromas… as well as “tasting” and “touching” the textures of the cuisine If the weather is agreeable, one can enjoy nature’s paintbrush of an extraordinary 360 degree view of the city on their rooftop terrace. However, if the weather is not kind, the indoor restaurant on the first floor will not leave you wanting for visual pleasure. Large- scale paintings and statues from Dali, Chagall, Picasso, Kodet, Myslbek, Franz von Stuck, and others adorn the space.

View from Coda’s Terrace Take note of the “Note” imbedded in the dessert All the service plates are caricatures of famous musicians from all eras and around the world. I could kick myself for not buying any! Above is Billie Holiday and to the right is Beethoven.

On my next trip to Prague, I will definitely stay at the ARIA Hotel. The accommodations, garden, and restaurant were inspiring to anyone who is a lover of the arts.

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It would be remiss of me if I didn’t tell you about the music of Prague. We went to 2 unforgettable concerts: One was held in a magnificent church, as a lot of concerts are in Prague. It was hard to concentrate on the music when I was so visually stimulated---I had to multitask! We sat in the balcony of the Mirror Chapel Clementinum (1725) which afforded us phenomenal views of the ceiling while we “religiously” listened to Mozart, Dvorak and Vivaldi.

The other performance was held al fresco at the Ledebour Garden (in the Prague Castle) by the Ensemble Damian and con- sisted of baroque opera in 12 scenes drawn from Czech and Moravian archives. The setting is seductive; a romantic formal garden with ornate balustrades and stair- Mirror Chapel Clementinum interior and detail of the Ceiling cases just below the Castle walls that takes on magical qualities as twilight deepens and the performance is bathed in the soft glow of the footlights. Ledebour Garden

There are many different side trips outside of Prague: one being the Terezin Concentration Camp. I don’t wish to break the light mood of my writing, but this touched my soul and I want to include it. For what is art if not to communicate what is going on inside and around us? It was chilling and beyond any of my previous comprehension of this dark period of history. I bought a book of artwork by children and adults who were interred in the camp. The images say it all. Here are a few~~~

Triumph of War Child’s painting from “I have not seen a Butterfly around Here” Life in Bunk Beds

We also took a one-hour excursion to Kutna Hora, a town known for its history of silver mining, Cathedral of St. Barbara, and the Central Bohemian Art Gallery (GASK), situated in a former Jesuit College. GASK (as it is nicknamed) has become the second biggest gallery in the . However, Kutna Hora’s most popular attraction is the “Bone Church”, the Chapel of All Saints. When a handful of earth from the holy land was sprinkled over the surrounding grave- yard, the chapel shot to stardom as the hippest resting place for the rich and famous. As war and plague came and went, the new burials outgrew the space available, and the older bones were removed and stored in the crypt of the chapel. Urban myth says that a monk went mad and made sculptures from the bones, but the present appear- ance is the work of a woodcarver named František Rint who was commissioned in 1870 to decorate the chapel. His fantastic creations include a coat of arms of the local aristocratic Schwarzenberg family and a chandelier that contains every bone in the human body. There are 200,000 yearly visitors to the Ossuary which is located beneath the church It contains an estimated 40-70,000 skeletons. Other bone churches are scattered around Central and Eastern Europe, Coat of Arms Chandelier but none are nearly as fascinating or photogenic. Continued on page 6

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After visiting Kutna Hora, we were invited to the nearby Chateau Trebesice, the castle residence and B & B of architect, Alberto di Stefano and artist, Eugenio Percossi. This is not your typical countryside B & B. It is not only a painstakingly restored castle (complete with moat) but is an art residency for internationally known artists. Every summer, five artists are invited for a month-long stay. What is the fee to the artist for this enchanted vacation? An installation that remains at the Chateau! At present, they have over 80 contemporary artworks in and around the magnificent citadel and gardens. Eugenio charmingly gave us a comprehen- sive tour of the Chateau and topped it off with a memorable dinner --- with the fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs straight from their organic garden.

Take note of the small building in the moat. It is Slovak artist Tomas Dzadon's scale model of Panelak, the ubiquitous apartment building erected during Com-

Exterior of Chateau Trebesice with small building in moat. munism. Many people criticize paneláks for their low design quality, mind- numbing appearance, second-rate construction materials and shoddy construc- tion practices. Unlike the government-built housing projects we have in the United States, paneláks today remain home to a mix of social classes, with the middle class prevailing; therefore, there is little social stigma associated with living in a panelák. Many apartments are well-appointed inside; there is even a home magazine, Panel Plus, aimed at the millions of panelák-dwellers. Among the important people who live in a panelák is Czech ex-Prime min- ister, Jan Fischer.

This sculpture by multidisciplinary Czech artist, Jiri David, truly attracts sympathy. It depicts an African boy in old rags with the wings of an angel; his arms outstretched, as though he is asking for water. The boy stands on a map of Liberia with one foot on a gun and two more guns around him. David’s sculpture was chosen by The World Development Organization, WDO, to increase awareness of de- veloping countries hit hard by war or natural disasters. In 2004, its Czech branch launched the "living water" campaign to bring public attention to the plight of thousands of Liberians who live under such appalling conditions that basic drinking water is considered a luxury. David, also the head of the Inter- media Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, has this to say about his disturbing sculpture:

"The sculpture is that of a child but I decided to give it larger than life dimensions; the boy is almost two metres tall, to make sure that he looks adult and the viewer can look him directly in the eye. It may not be easy to influence the world through art but that doesn't mean that art should only be aes- thetic decoration. It should, on the contrary, take a form that will reach people and I've been trying to By Jiri David do that in various projects of mine."

This quote is also a commentary on the terrorist actions of Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, who was accused and recently convicted in April of this year at The Hague, Netherlands, of gun- running, war crimes and conscripting or enlisting children under the age of 15 years old into armed forces or groups, and then using them to participate actively in hostilities. Liberia’s citizens have yet to recover from years of civil war, social unrest, and poverty.

One of the accommodations at the Chateau is a study in black and white. It is functional installation art done entirely (you guessed it) in shades of black and white. Created by Percossi to look like a period photograph, the room has 1930's style furnishing in endless shades of white, grey and black. Even the paintings, the books, the plants and the fruit in the bowl are painted in a multi- tude of greys.

Study in black and white by Percossi. The photograph was shot in color! Notice the sun’s reflection on the floor.

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Next stop---- Budapest! Jan, our trusty driver, picked us up and we were on our way! We stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Zichy, a uniquely restored building that was originally designed and constructed in the 19th century and served as the residence of a famous Hungarian no- ble, Count Nandor Zichy. The designers of this hotel have managed to masterfully blend classic with modern seamlessly and the result is stunning.

Exterior to the left and interior above of the Hotel Palazzo Zichy

But, best of all it’s an eight-minute walk to the pedestrian area, a five-minute walk to the Hungarian National Museum, and just a block to the Grand Boulevard. We had 2 different guides while in Budapest, both from Tours by Locals, who had also provided us with our guide in Berlin. What’s special about this tour company is that you get to communicate with your guide via email or phone in advance to explain what your needs and particular interests are. I found this invaluable because there were many places we wanted to see in the short time we were there. Corresponding with our guide beforehand gave me confidence that we would be time -efficient. The next morning Andras, our amiable 20-something guide, picked us up at the hotel and gave us an abbreviated tour of both Buda and Pest during which I made note of which places I wanted to go back to for a more in depth look. While we were stroll- ing through the town we saw a familiar face…and after doing a double-take, we just had to take this photo!

So there we were, doing the tourist thing of holding hands with a larger-than-life statue of President Reagan in Szabadsag (Freedom) Square. unveiled this statue in June, 2011, honoring him for his role in helping to end communism. Ironically, the 7-foot bronze statue, sculpted by Hungarian artist Istvan Mate, sits in the same square as a memorial to Soviet troops liberating Hungary in 1945. That memorial faces the U.S. Embassy. Poor planning or by design?

And, of course we just had to check out at least one of the famous spas…but we didn’t expect to walk into a time machine. Couldn’t this be a photo from the 1950s? The spa operates year round and is a collection of about twenty different medicinal baths, fed by hot springs. They range from cold to hot, and they even had a circular bath with a current that swept you around in a circle. Inside they had more baths, as well as saunas, steam rooms and massage rooms. The longest Barbara, President Reagan and me. massage session available is 40 minutes and runs about $20. This is luxury for the Proletariat. The Szechenyi Spa

Now, did you think you I don’t have a clue what were going to get away they are about--- but with not seeing Hungarian they are authentically graffiti? Hungarian!

The highlight of our day was a visit to our guide’s home in the suburbs of Budapest to meet his parents who prepared a typical Hun- garian lunch for us --- what a treat! Even though they didn’t speak a word of English, Andras translated and we actually carried on a conversation. And, really, it’s not polite to talk with food in your mouth anyway, right?

Our “Taste of Art” continued back in Budapest and there were two standout restaurants--- Onyx, with a phi- losophy of “Hungarian Evolution” cuisine (I just love that description!) and Comme Chez Soi, an Italian res- taurant that inherited its French name from a previous owner. Both of them have won many awards with Onyx capturing a Michelin star and 17 points in the Gault Millau Restaurant Guide. At Onyx, Barbara and I ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings and it was superb. The décor is sophisti- cated and cool. At the end of the meal they give you a box of chocolates as a memento. Perfect!

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At Comme Chez Soi, the atmosphere is bustling, intimate and effusive. Both Roberto and Marianne, the owners, work the room and ensure that you are happy and well fed as if you were family. As a matter of fact, the whole family gets in the act---their son was our waiter….and the food kept on coming…and we ate it all. Also show-stopping was their signature dish of “Three kinds of Pasta with Three kinds of Sauce” ---Ravioli Bolognese, Tortellini with Parma Ham and Fettuccine in Basil Sauce. Grilled Scampi at Comme Chez Soi.

With Roberto after our dinner---- Wish they were here!

Andrea, our guide for a walk and tour of the Jewish Ghetto was an endless source of facts---most of which are now un- derneath other new facts in my brain. However, what has vividly remained is the image of --- no doubt--- one of the most impressive structures in Budapest. The Dohany Street (Not Doheny Drive!) Synagogue. Being the largest in Europe, and the fifth largest in the world, it is also known as

Interior of Dohany Street Synagogue above, Exterior The Great Synagogue. Built between 1854 and 1859, what Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia to the left. was most surprising was its architecture --- designed in the Moorish Revival style, with Islamic decoration most likely from North Africa and medieval Spain (the Alhambra). The synagogue's Viennese architect, Ludwig Forster, believed that no distinctively Jewish architecture could be identified, so he chose "architectural forms that have been used by oriental ethnic groups that are related to the Israelite people, and in particular the Ar- abs." No subtlety there!

Outside the synagogue is a modern, metal weeping willow tree that is a striking memorial to the victims of the holocaust. Names are engraved on the leaves. Two plaques underneath caught my eye: Dedicated by Tony Curtis and Family” to honor his father, Emanuel Schwartz. Beginning in 1990, Tony Curtis and his daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, took a renewed interest in their family's Hungarian Jewish heritage, and helped finance the rebuilding of the synagogue. In 1998, he also founded the Emanuel Foundation for Hungarian Culture, and served as honorary chairperson. The organi- zation works for the preservation of synagogues and 1300 Silver Weeping Willow by Imre Varga. Jewish cemeteries in Hungary. He dedicated the memorial to the 600,000 Jewish victims of the Holocaust in Hungary Curtis plaques. and lands occupied by the Hungarian Army.

Another mind-numbing experience that has and will stay with Barbara and me was meeting Adam Fellegi, a renowned concert pian- ist and native of Budapest. We walked from our hotel to his modest but inviting apartment in the heart of the city. After traversing the four spiral flights of steps to his floor, we were ready to immerse ourselves in Beethoven, Mozart and Debussy. It was magical and he was charming. And, to our delight, George Gershwin is one of his favorites and the two of us were a mesmerized audience as his fingers tickled the ivory with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Here’s a sample:

http://soundcloud.com/ellen-2-2/fellegirhapsodyinblue/s-0V3XT

As we began to leave with our hearts filled with Adam’s passionate interpretation of Gershwin’s captivating genius, Adam hesitated saying goodbye when he looked at my business card. He asked if I was Jewish. When I said yes he broke down and told us his story of how he, as a 2-year old child during the last days of the Nazi occupation, was marched with his parents to the River’s edge to be massacred with many others. Fortunately---and I imagine it is because many of the soldiers knew that the war was coming to an end--- one decided to bestow mercy and kindness on this small toddler and his mother. The soldier told them to run… and they did---but his father was not saved. Barbara and I were stunned and awestruck. We both saw the frightened child in this older man’s tear-filled eyes. And, after we silently carried the weight of his words down those four spiral flights of stairs, we were left even more breathless than we were when we went up those same steps only an hour before.

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The installation by artists Gyula Pauer and Can Togay entitled “Shoes on the Danube Promenade” gives remembrance to the peo- ple shot into the then feared Danube during the time of the Arrow Cross terror. The sculptors created sixty pairs of period-appropriate shoes out of iron. The shoes are attached to the stone embankment, and behind them is a 132 foot long, 2 ¼ foot high stone bench. At three points there are cast iron signs, with the following text in Hun- garian, English, and Hebrew: "To the memory of the victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944–45. Erected April 16, 2005.” Shoes on the Danube Promenade

In startling contrast, the peaceful Danube of today is beautiful and passes through Vienna and Belgrade in the neighboring coun- tries on her way into the Black Sea. In Budapest, though, its stream seems to come to a halt to offer a striking picture of the castle, Parliament, and the verdant . It divides and unites the city at the same time. On land, the streets and alleyways of the city present a great forum for time travel through the many historical architectural styles…massive and imposing buildings are next to small and quaint structures. There is much more to see here and our 3 day visit did not give it justice.

Funny, though, ever since I can remember, I’ve been hearing that both Prague and Budapest are “just like Paris of the 1920s.” When I told people that I was going to Prague and Budapest, more than one person used that phrase to describe the cities that are so recently free of Communist rule. “Prague/Budapest is going through a Renaissance”, they would say, “and is absolutely full of young artists, students, and musicians.” Many of the new “Paris of the 1920s” locations are in Eastern Europe, and although Prague still tops the list of cities that gets that moniker, Budapest is no stranger to that description, either. In fact, some take it a step further and say Budapest is like Prague – only they also say Budapest is much less expensive...which might mean that it is indeed more like the Paris of the 1920s, topping Prague for that distinction. Nevertheless, competition aside, each city has its own uniqueness that should be celebrated and embraced.

Sources:

PRAGUE BUDAPEST

 Mike’s Chauffeur Service: http://mike-chauffeur.cz/  Hotel Palazzo Zichy: http://www.hotel-palazzo- zichy.hu/  Meissen Factory and Restaurant: http://www.meissen.com/en/ experience meissen  Tours by Locals: http://www.toursbylocals.com/  Milos Curik: [email protected]  Onyx: http://www.onyxrestaurant.hu/  Franz Kafka Museum: http://www.kafkamuseum.cz/ ShowPage.aspx?tabId=-1  Comme Chez Soi: http://www.commechezsoi.hu/  Mucha Museum: http://www.mucha.cz/  Adam Fellegi: http://www.fellegiadam.hu/  Z Vatisi: http://www.vzatisi.cz/en/vzatisi/ content.php?lang=EN  Celeste: http://www.celesterestaurant.cz/  Coda: http://www.codarestaurant.cz/  Aria Hotel: http://www.ariahotel.net/  Chateau Trebesice: http://www.trebesice.com/eng/0/index.php  The Invisible Exhibition: I did not review this because it has nothing to do with art, but it is an amazing exhibit that shouldn’t be missed! It’s in Prague until 2013. http://neviditelna.cz/en/

UP NEXT .. Trip to INDIA!

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Pasadena Playhouse - - - A Thespian’s Oasis

It was my first time at the Pasadena Playhouse last January. I was enticed into going to see the stage presentation, “Art”, which was written by the same author of “God of Carnage” and starred the versatile actor, Bradley Whitford. As in politics and religion, art is a topic that can be as combustible as a lit match in a gas station. The play centers around a minimalist painting and 3 male buddies who have conflicting differences of opinion about not only what art is but how much it is worth. Needless to say, it also opens a Pan- dora’s Box as do all arguments when they touch emotional chords. I was anxious to see how all this would enfold---this mishmash of subjective opinions that would be bandied about. It was searingly cruel, acerbically witty and masterfully performed. I almost felt like jumping up on the stage and getting into the fray of outbursts. But I didn’t. I just sat back in the safety of my chair and intently watched the swirl of complex, battling emotions between the men.

The play made me think about the first landmark court decision in 1928 that accepted non-representational art as a legally recog- nized form of art. In 1926 when Edward Steichen, the noted photographer, tried to bring Constantin Brancusi’s bronze abstract “Bird in Space” through United States Customs, the agent put it under the categories of “manufactured metal” and “Kitchen Utensils and Hospital Supplies.” Steichen, incensed, was forced to pay $240 duty. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney subsidized a lawsuit Steichen filed appealing the decision. After a 13-month trial, a forward-thinking judge declared that the piece was an “original production of a professional sculptor” and “a work of art.” Therefore, it became duty-free. By the way, you can view this 1920s controversial work of art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. But you don’t have to revisit 1928 to know that attitudes are constantly trying to keep up with the ever-evolving art world!

I have been back numerous times to the Pasadena Playhouse to see other theater presentations and they didn’t disappoint. This small, charming theater seems to caress some great talent and material. Add to that easy parking and a wealth of close- by great restaurants. A hidden gem in a not-so-sleepy Pasadena. http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/

Q UICK C ULTURE UPDATES

Quick Culture LA Workshop

Coming Soon! Watch your email for details about an art and cultural workshop in Los Angeles happening the weekend of October 13 -14 followed by a weeklong one from the 15th to the 22nd. Watercolor, acrylic, pastels…you choose. Led by an accomplished artist and teacher, you’ll let go of your inhibitions and have something to show for it. Beginners and accomplished artists are welcomed! Other highlights include a ceramics day, a historical and cultural guided walk in Beverly Hills, and a lesson in graffiti art with our very own alley to do our thing!!! And much more! Stay tuned----and watch for it…coming to your Inbox soon!

NEW WEBSITE

Our new website has been launched!

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TOURS

We are continually offering scheduled tours for our 2 most popular tours...the Museum Tour for Kids and our Modern Art Tour both at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

And don’t forget, you can always schedule a private tour of either our Kids or Adult tour. It only costs $125 (total) for a group of up to 10 people. You pick the time and date!

Written and Published by Ellen Greenberg and Charlotte Robinson, co-owners of Quick Culture.

PHONE: 1-310-800-6710 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.quickculture.com