We are the future
Meet these inspiring entrepreneurs with powerful ideas who are willing to fight against all odds to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world around them Image Credit: Giovan Paz, Gulf News
Supporting women in agriculture
Neha Upadhyaya, Founder, Guna Organics
The economic dynamism initiated by New Delhi-based social entrepreneur Neha Upadhyaya has turned the fortunes of Takmachik village in Ladakh.
Her organisation, Guna Organics, trains rural women to develop ecovillages by focusing on organic farming and using solar energy and solar dryers in post-harvest management.
“Working at an inclusive school in the UK, I analysed that many students suffered from lifestyle diseases,” says Upadhyaya. “The reason was the chemical- and preservative-induced food they ate.”
She acquired training in macrobiotics, a Japanese philosophy relating to a diet of organic wholefoods and gradually developed an interest in organic agriculture.
Back in India, Upadhyaya did a course in Earth Democracy, spending time with agriculturists, tribals and farm activists. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, she decided to introduce ethically sourced organic food products grown by rural farmers.
Upadhyaya founded Guna in 2014 and held workshops in Delhi, Haryana and Maharashtra. “But, perhaps I was not targeting the right audience because I found myself getting nowhere,” she says. “A researcher suggested I visit Takmachik, where after the catastrophic floods, people desired a switch to organic farming.
I observed the drudgery of women farmers and found they worked for 3,485 hours on one hectare of farmland during the pre-harvest season compared to men (1,212 hours) and a pair of bullock (864 hours). It meant women toiled more than the combined ratio of men and animals.
- Neha Upadhyaya, Founder, Guna Organics
“There, I observed the drudgery of women farmers and found they worked for 3,485 hours on one hectare of farmland during the pre-harvest season compared to men (1,212 hours) and a pair of bullock (864 hours). It meant women toiled more than the combined ratio of men and animals,” she explains.
Additionally, women were often involved in accidents while carrying loads of food products on their backs, resulting in major food losses. Upadhyaya resolved to change the dynamics and introduced them to organic farming. Unfortunately, finding no buyers, she had to market the produce herself. Two years later, despite investing much of their time, women farmers were not benefiting much.
“As luck would have it, my first United Nations Development Programme grant came through,” she says. “I set up low-tech solutions and distributed solar cookers and dryers to women. While the cookers helped in the conservation of apricots, the dryers were easy to transport and reduced losses related to product preservation.”
With Guna’s help, Takmachik became an ecovillage. Amazed by the success of her actions, villages in the vicinity have inclined to associate with Guna.
Upadhyaya plans to carry out organic farming techniques in other states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
AI for breast cancer detection
Geetha Manjunath, Co-founder, Niramai Health Analytix
In India, breast cancer claims more than 87,000 lives each year. Worse still, breast cancer ranks as the number one cancer among Indian women with a rate as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality of 12.7 per 100,000 women, according to the Ministry of Health.
But when cancers are found early enough they can often be cured. To save vast amounts of time and give much more accurate results, Geetha Manjunath developed a diagnostic tool, which combines thermal imaging with artificial intelligence (AI) to detect early-stage breast cancer in women, after four years of research.
“The trigger to start working on this technology was when I lost two of my young cousins to breast cancer due to late detection,” says Manjunath, who has a PhD from the Indian Institute of Science, a management degree from Kellogg’s Chicago, and has led multiple research projects in AI.
“When I started to research, I found out about thermography, which had the ability to detect abnormalities, but had accuracy issues. So, I created a small team to explore the use of machine learning [ML] algorithm to address that gap, and when I started seeing early promising results, I decided to do this full time,” adds Manjunath, who co-founded health tech start-up Niramai Health Analytix, along with Nidhi Mathur, in 2016.
When I started to research, I found out about thermography, which had the ability to detect abnormalities, but had accuracy issues. So, I created a small team to explore the use of machine learning [ML] algorithm to address that gap, and when I started seeing early promising results, I decided to do this full time.
- Geetha Manjunath, Co-founder, Niramai Health Analytix
“Our screening tool looks for tissue abnormality and identifies only lumps that may be cancerous.”
The radiation-free, painless, contact-free device, which was awarded six US patents for its AI and ML algorithms, addresses most of the problems that conventional mammograms grapple with by reducing over diagnosis and false positives, such as lesions that appear suspicious.
“It is also a portable, non-invasive and privacy-aware solution where no one touches or sees the person during the test,” she says. “It is more acceptable to women who shy away from clinical screening.”
In India, cost is just one of the many factors that discourages women from undergoing breast cancer screening. “A woman can get her breast scan done with our tool for only $22 (Dh81).” By comparison, a digital mammography costs around $54.
“Given that the test is affordable, safe and can be conducted by low-skilled workers, it is suitable for large-scale screening camps where our automated AI-based tool can give real-time results for a health worker to identify women who need to be brought into a hospital for further follow-up.”
— By Suparna Dutt D’Cunha
Time to talk
Richa Singh, Co-founder, YourDOST
Aishwarya B., 25, a Masters in Humanities student at one of India’s premier institutes, had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts for a while. However, she had no clue that she was in need for professional help, not even when she planned her own suicide. "It was only when her college mandated her to connect with a therapist in 2017 that she agreed to seek help," Richa Singh tells GN Focus
Mental health issues are more common than you might think. Responding sensitively to someone who seems to be feeling down or depressed and expressing your willingness to help are critical in their journey towards recovery.
“Connecting with a therapist at YourDOST was one of the best things that happened to me,” says Aishwarya, who now feels energetic, driven and hopeful. “It took more than two years of therapy, constant support and much work for me to go from ‘I don’t deserve to live’ to ‘Life is pretty good’. I’m doing great. I actually look forward to life, Nothing is going to keep me from my goals.”
Richa Singh, an IIT Guwahati alumna, started the online technology platform YourDOST in 2014, along with co-founder Puneet Manuja, to help people, particularly those suffering from stress and anxiety, access counseling support 24/7.
“The idea for this venture came from personal experiences,” says Singh. “When I was at IIT Guwahati, my hostel-mate committed suicide fearing bad placement. I strongly felt that this could have been avoided had she sought some help.
“When I started working, I noticed people around me were stressed due to job pressures and relationship issues. However, most of them were not willing to talk about their problems, fearing social implications.”
The conventional Indian society tends to associate mental illness with madness and insanity. Hence, most people in most situations prefer to keep their problems to themselves because there is a fear of being misjudged and misunderstood.
- Richa Singh, Co-founder, YourDOST
With around 1,000 professionals — psychologists, counsellors, career coaches, relationship advisors and more, the platform offers its users 24x7 access to experts through various channels, including one-on-one sessions with experts on messages and live chats, and voice and video calls. In select cities, they can also have face-to-face interactions with professionals.
But, are people in India ready to come out with their mental health problems, discussing their issues with a stranger on an online platform such as YourDOST?
“The conventional Indian society tends to associate mental illness with madness and insanity. Hence, most people in most situations prefer to keep their problems to themselves because there is a fear of being misjudged and misunderstood,” Singh says.
For her, YourDOST’s USP is users can stay completely anonymous throughout the platform. “Anonymity and easy access to experts make it easier for many users to open up. Also, this platform gives them a chance to open up to people who don’t come with previous prejudices about them.” Having started with a small team of two to three people and about 300 users in 2014, the platform now boasts a team of 35 people and more than 1,000 experts. YourDOST has completed over two million counseling sessions till date.
The journey of an entrepreneur is often fraught with challenges and Singh’s was no different. “Puneet and I did not come from the field of psychology. It was a drawback in our venture and we took some time to understand psychology,” Singh says.
“Another thing we had to contend with was the pressure to make YourDOST an NGO or a not-for-profit venture. We believe doing good and doing business can go hand in hand. It was important for us to set this up as a private limited company to be able to build a sustainable business,” explains Singh, who was part of Forbes Asia 30 under 30 and Forbes India 30 under 30 in 2017.
Commenting on her experience as a women entrepreneur in India, Singh says, “The challenge I faced personally was fighting the societal pressure. The pressure from parents, relatives and friends to get married and settle down is quite heavy and it is a challenge to manage these expectations along with starting out.”
For now, YourDOST looks at consolidating its presence in India. “We have barely scratched the surface here. We want to become a one-stop solution for people’s wellness, be it personal, professional or academic. The next steps will be to scale our efforts and have a pan India presence with a great portfolio of experts on the platform.”
Crunching data for compelling impact
Prerna Mukharya, Founder, Outline India
The quality, usefulness and availability of high-quality data, and churning it into actionable insights have the biggest impact, especially on people working in development.
But local data needs are often overlooked. “If you are making policies, spending money on a massive scale, but your policies are based on flawed data — the plan breaks down,” says Prerna Mukharya, Founder of Outline India, a start-up that solves the first-mile problem in the development sector by providing quality data to think tanks, not-for-profits, corporate social responsibility arms and local governments to implement evidence-based policies and measure effectiveness.
“We are the ears and eyes for basically anyone looking to create social value on the ground,” adds Mukharya, a postgraduate in Economics from Boston University, whose previous research engagement at the Centre for Policy Research in Delhi, Harvard University and MIT provided her the foundation of treating data as a form of capital.
Data is in the driver’s seat, as development community is spending more money on collecting data on results indicators — such as immunisations and maternal mortality rates. “It’s a useful, valuable and intelligent tool that can help combat poverty, child labour, gender gaps and financial literacy in India,” she explains.
We help people to understand the way to create behavioural change, how to spend funds to create maximum social impact, and how to reach the farthest of villages.
- Prerna Mukharya, Founder, Outline India
Founded in 2012, the start-up is also generating employment by hiring locals for data collection and surveys, and claims to have worked extensively in health, water and sanitation in over 8000 villages in India, covering about 4.5 million people. Starting with Mukharya’s $3,000 (Dh11,018) savings, Outline India has mined data on issues ranging from tracking parents and children about learning outcomes across public schools in Bihar and how additional teachers and resources will reduce school dropout rates among adolescent girls to impact, implementation and reach of the Clean India (Swacch Bharat) mission.
Gathering and wringing the value from data requires expertise in creating, extracting, refining and using it.
“We help people to understand the way to create behavioural change, how to spend funds to create maximum social impact, and how to reach the farthest of villages,” says Mukharya. “We conduct research studies, and come back with insights.”
Currently, there’s no database — a line of connect or conversation — of not-for-profit, corporate foundations and funders. Outline India, Mukharya says, is developing a tool, a marketplace called Track Your Metric, to help those with funds connect with those who need to be funded on the basis of proof of work — data sets. “Allowing corporate foundations and government agencies to build impact metrics by collecting data for low cost will change the way we fund, track and measure impact.”
— By Suparna Dutt D’Cunha
Sewing the seeds of emancipation
Chitvan Wazir, Founder, Wazir.C
Find purpose, entrepreneurs are often told, and the means will follow. For Chitvan Wazir, that has sometimes meant creating the means herself. The 28-year-old apparel retailer knew she’d have a harder time than most with her Kashmiri fashion start-up, but didn’t quite anticipate having to personally act as a courier.
Through her label, Wazir.C, she designs and retails Western-style womenswear embroidered using traditional Kashmiri fabrics and techniques. But the current security situation in the area over recent months has brought its own challenges.
Women were reluctant to break away from the shackles of the middlemen they were accustomed to working under for meagre remuneration, while officials thought I was too ‘young and modern’ and would be a bad influence on their girls with my talk of economic independence and rights.
- Chitvan Wazir, Founder, Wazir.C
“Communicating with my team is an uphill task from my base in Delhi,” she tells GN Focus. “It was difficult to reach my colleagues in Kashmir for almost three months because phone lines were down. There are days when we have to personally travel to Kashmir to receive the raw material or the finished product because there’s no other way to get it couriered or transported.
“Despite the issues, the journey is beautiful — and worth it — because at the end of the day we get a step closer to our goal,” she adds.
The idea of Wazir.C arose from her work in women’s development as a student of Lady Sriram College in the Indian capital. It aims to create jobs for the Kashmir valley’s destitute women — including victims of the constant terrorism, widows and half-widows, and those suffering from domestic abuse — enabling them to reconstruct their social status and thus their physical and mental well-being.
Having begun with a team of ten, she now employs close to 100 women, including 80 artisans in her handwork unit, as well as female construction workers and managers. She has insisted on an all-woman team in a field where male artisans constitute 95 per cent of the workforce, but has had to battle stigmas and stereotypes.
“Women were reluctant to break away from the shackles of the middlemen they were accustomed to working under for meagre remuneration, while officials thought I was too ‘young and modern’ and would be a bad influence on their girls with my talk of economic independence and rights,” she says. “We had to train our workers to work with western cuts and styles.”
But the end result is a beautiful and tangible product. With her work, Wazir has also been to repackage a centuries-old art form for new generations of women, thus taking the skill of Kashmiri women to the rest of the world. The label produces close to 1,000 garments annually, retailing through its website, as well as in multi-brand stores in Turkey, the US and in the Indian cities of Jammu and Chandigarh.
She has revived and reinterpreted every form of Kashmiri embroidery, from chain stitch to Aari and Tilla work, and has also begun creating garments from hand-spun pashmina fabric. “With the coming of power looms, hand embroidery faced a major setback, so we’re aiming to uphold and grow the handwork community, and continue taking Kashmir’s story to the rest of the world.”
— By Keith J. Fernandez
Helping each other grow
Sairee Chahal, Founder and CEO, SHEROES
Technology entrepreneur Sairee Chahal started SHEROES, a women-only social network and online ecosystem, in 2014 to bring more women into the workforce.
Women can simply download the SHEROES app or log on to Sheroes.com to access a network of more than 16 million women to further their careers, build connections, and subsequently grow their money.
Available in 17 Indian languages, SHEROES offers users the unique platform to join multiple communities — such as cooking, art and craft, writers, corporate, entrepreneurship, remote work, English learning, poetry, women in tech and women in data — helping them to grow their skills, promote their work, gain mentorship and have peer-to-peer conversations in a non-judgemental space. “We recently launched SHECO — our social commerce feature that helps women build their identity as a business woman,” Chahal tells GN Focus. “It is geography-agnostic and a great opportunity for women to chart their own career path.”
Understanding the benefits of the internet as a tool for social development, Chahal uses digital technology to advance gender equality in India, closing the opportunity gap at work.
“I became obsessed with the internet in the early 90s, and instinctively knew it could be a game-changer for women. This instinct has gone a long way in building SHEROES,” she says, adding, “We aim to put 100 million women on the growth path by 2022, and support more and more women in leveraging the internet to grow and thrive.”
We aim to put 100 million women on the growth path by 2022, and support more and more women in leveraging the internet to grow and thrive.
- Sairee Chahal, Founder and CEO, SHEROES
An Aspen Leadership Fellow and serial entrepreneur, Chahal says lack of internet access in many parts of India is a challenge for women to leverage this tool for growth, self-care and success.
“Access to smartphones is often controlled by male relatives, and women lose out because of this patriarchal dynamic,” she says. “In our experience, if you put data and smartphones in the hands of women, it can literally change the world, as women use the internet constructively — [such as] to invest in health, gather information useful for their families or education.”
The road to success for Chahal and SHEROES has not been easy. However, with determination and hard work, she managed to navigate around the roadblocks. “Since we were building a deep-tech product for women, which does not fall in the category of clothing, content or lifestyle, it took time for various stakeholders to understand our outcomes, business models and approach.”
For young women who want to succeed in the workplace, Chahal has valuable tips: “Be audacious, always dream big and leverage technology to stay ahead. But don’t forget to support each other.”
Spread the joy of reading
Upasana Makati, Founder, White Print
Mumbai-based Upasana Makati runs White Print, India’s first lifestyle magazine for the visually impaired.
While reading the morning newspaper, a random thought crossed her mind. She wondered what the visually impaired read. On exploring, she found nothing and decided to launch a magazine.
“I approached and discussed the idea with the director of the National Association for the Blind,” says the 30-year old entrepreneur. “He asked me if I had any organisation backing me. Since I had none, he advised me I give the plan a shape for him to print the magazine.”
Three months of research led Makati to understand what the visually impaired required. “Talking to many of them, I was convinced that a magazine project would certainly work,” she says. “I quit my public relations job. Within eight months I had procured the legal licenses to run the venture.”
It was a huge challenge because corporate had not advertised in Braille earlier. I wrote more than 200 emails to companies, but received only one response.
- Upasana Makati, Founder, White Print
Makati resolved to run the magazine on advertising revenue; not making it a charity venture. “It was a huge challenge because corporates had not advertised in Braille earlier. I wrote more than 200 emails to companies, but received only one response.”
The first edition of White Print, launched in May 2013, was sent to people for free. It received corporate support and the number of subscribers grew. The 64–page monthly magazine, priced at Rs30 (about Dh1.5) and published in English and Hindi, covers politics, movies, art, music, technology, food, travel and success stories.
In her journey, Makati was shocked to know that the Braille literacy figure was lower than 1 per cent in India. This meant a lot of products were needed for the vacuum to be filled. This had to be dealt with from the foundation.
Tactabet, a Braille Tactile alphabet book in English and Hindi was introduced. It enables integrated and fun learning for visually impaired and children with low vision by feeling the shape of the alphabets.
Another achievement is an illustrated storybook to promote inclusion in the minds of such children.
Makati knew she was serving the community right when a young girl told her how she felt empowered. “The girl began sharing new information with family members, who were surprised how she knew about things, which they hadn’t heard of,” she says.
Makati plans to focus on creating more tactile and storybooks, as she feels the education space for the blind requires more attention.
Give wings to your dreams
Kanika Tekriwal, Co-founder and CEO, JetSetGo
When Kanika Tekriwal was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21, a doctor told her that she had a few months to live. She, however, boldly told him, “Doctor, we’ll have coffee 40 years later. So chill! I still have to change the world.”
And she did. She tackled the disease head-on and launched JetSetGo, a plane and helicopter marketplace, in Delhi in 2014 after her recovery, redefining the industry practices in the private aviation space in India with her vision and leadership.
JetSetGo’s business model has been profitable since its early days, getting Cricketer Yuvraj Singh on board as an investor during the first round of funding in 2015.
“We adopted the shared economy model by which JetSetGo manages aircraft for owners, reducing ownership and operating costs over 30 per cent while reducing customer charter costs by 35 per cent,” Tekriwal tells GN Focus. “We demonstrated profitability from the first year. From doing no flights to averaging one JetSetGo plane in the sky every minute of the day, we have increased the market size systematically over the past five years.
“JetSetGo had captured 20 per cent (by volume) of the market and is currently the single largest player in India with a combined turnover of more than $31 million (Dh113 million).
“We are targeting $45 million in top-line in the current year,” she says. Tekriwal, a graduate of Coventry University in the UK, came up with the idea for JetSetGo when a private jet user asked her why private jet utilisation in India was so opaque and he always felt cheated.
“The first flight we booked on JetSetGo never happened because the owner backed out two hours prior to flight,” she says. “Being disappointed, I almost gave up. But, I soon realised booking was only 10 per cent of the problem and we needed to change service, delivery and commitment.”
Talking about the challenges of business aviation in India, Tekriwal says, “In India, it’s very difficult to operate flights 24 hours to airports that are not in tier-1 cities because of restrictions in their operational hours due to lack of infrastructure. For airports in tier-3 and tier-4 cities, operating challenges become more acute as they require permissions from various local authorities for non-scheduled flights. Hence to overcome such difficulties JetSetGo works as a team in an organised manner to avail all permissions well before time and has been able to overcome such difficulties till date.”
JetSetGo had captured 20 per cent (by volume) of the market and is currently the single largest player in India with a combined turnover of more than $31 million (Dh113 million). We are targeting $45 million in top-line in the current year.
- Kanika Tekriwal, Co-founder and CEO, JetSetGo
And apart from her business acumen, what’s the success mantra of this powerhouse entrepreneur? Kanika lives on five fundamentals that she does not hesitate to share with other entrepreneurs who aim to make it big in life.
“Successful businesses are not built on money, but on great people and great ideas,” she says. “Never hesitate to apologise to an unsatisfied customer. Turn every no into a yes through your journey and use every no as a stepping stone to success. Watch every expense and focus on getting more than what you spend, and always be transparent with your team, customers and suppliers.”
Museum exhibits and other things to do in Greenwich
Published 3:36 pm EST, Friday, January 3, 2020
This is the last weekend to see the Greenwich Historical Society’s exhibition on the immigrant experience called “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County.” It runs through Monday. It tells the stories of grit and resilience of immigrants and refugees, including violinist Icli Zitella, who He came to the U.S. from Venezuela in 2012 on a special visa to study music.
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This is the last weekend to see the Greenwich Historical Society’s exhibition on the immigrant experience called “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County.” It runs through Monday. It tells the
... more Photo: File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media
Photo: File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media
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This is the last weekend to see the Greenwich Historical Society’s exhibition on the immigrant experience called “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County.” It runs through Monday. It tells the stories of grit and resilience of immigrants and refugees, including violinist Icli Zitella, who He came to the U.S. from Venezuela in 2012 on a special visa to study music.
less
This is the last weekend to see the Greenwich Historical Society’s exhibition on the immigrant experience called “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County.” It runs through Monday. It tells the
... more Photo: File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media
Museum exhibits and other things to do in Greenwich
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For the latest events and activities happening in Greenwich, turn to For the record. To have your event included, submit a description, date, time, price and contact information. Photos are welcome. Drop us an email about your latest goings-on at gtcitydesk@scni.com.
Family Fun Saturday
The Cos Cob Library will host a Family Fun Saturday with Legos, Games, and Craft from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Drop in and create something wonderful with the library’s Legos. All children 3 years of age and older are welcome. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Families are welcome to work on a project together, too. Stay to play one of the board games and do a drop-in craft.
Learn about bat diversity
The Fred Elser First Sunday Science Series will feature a program called “A New Dawn? Bat Diversity & Habitat Use Post-White-Nose Syndrome” at the Bruce Museum’s Seaside Center at Tod’s Point from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Over the past decade, white-nose syndrome (WNS) has killed upward of 7 million North American bats. This highly invasive fungal disease is present in 33 states and continues to spread on a yearly basis. Chris Wisniewski, a faculty member in the biology department at Southern Connecticut State University, will discuss his research into WNS, including new ecological data that suggests all may not be lost. For more information, call 203-869-0376 or visit brucemuseum.org.
Party planning
Plan your next party with help from Temple Sholom’s 2020 Party Planning Showcase at 11 a.m. Sunday at 300 E. Putnam Ave. Come meet face-to-face with more than 30 experienced vendors specializing in entertainment and music, photo/video, floral arrangements, décor, custom party favors, venues/hotels, catering, invitations and more. The Showcase will also offer a Mitzvah Project Fair for b’nai mitzvah families who are looking to add meaningful community service to their child’s bar/bat mitzvah celebration. Register for the 2020 Party Planning Showcase & Mitzvah Project Fair at https://2020partyshowcase.eventbrite.com/. Free and open to the public.
Nature Yoga
Join yoga instructor Brittani Kelly (BK) for Nature Yoga sessions on Sundays at the Greenwich Audubon Center at 613 Riversville Road. Discover healthy living for people and wildlife together: These unique sessions will bring attention to what is happening in nature around us and the health of the environment, while developing techniques in yoga and wellness. Bring a yoga mat if you have one; mats will be available to borrow. The class from 10 to 11 a.m. is intended for adults, teens, and kids ages 12 and up, with all levels of experience and abilities welcome. Admission is $10 per session. The class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is for families and is intended for all ages, experiences levels and abilities. Admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults.
Family gallery tours
The Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, host Family Gallery Tours from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Sundays. The tours are geared for kids ages 6-10. Free with regular admission, and no registration is required. Visit brucemuseum.org for more info.
‘Matilda Jr.’ auditions
The Sandbox Theatre is holding auditions for “Matilda Jr.” in Greenwich. Matilda is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Auditions for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade will be held at YWCA Greenwich, 259 E. Putnam Ave. The auditions will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday. Sandbox is a tuition-based program, and a nonrefundable registration fee of $530 is due before the start of rehearsals. Performances will be on April 3 to April 5 in Greenwich. For more information or questions, call 914-630-0804 or visit www.wstshows.com.
Art class sign-up
Registration is open for the winter term for classes at The Greenwich Art Society’s Studio School. Classes start Monday and run through March 27. Classes for children, teens and adults are held at the third floor studio in the Senior/Arts Building at 299 Greenwich Ave. The Greenwich Art Society, as the oldest — and only — visual arts program in Greenwich taught by professional artists, continues to offer traditional, foundational visual arts education in a highly personalized setting. A full list of course offerings can be found on the website at www.greenwichartsociety.org, or call 203-629-1533 for more information.
Duplicate Bridge Games
Weekly open duplicate Bridge games are held at 12:15 p.m. Mondays at the Greenwich YWCA. The games are sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League, with masterpoint awards to top finishers. The card fee to play one session is $12. For more information, contact Steve Becker at 203-637-8927.
Christianity: The Core Beliefs
Start the New Year with a proper focus on your spiritual health. Enroll in a 15-week introductory class on the core beliefs of the Christian faith as found in the Bible. All are welcome — whether curious about Christianity or lifelong believers. Join First Lutheran Church at 38 Field Point Road on Monday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The class begins Jan. 6. There is no cost, and no obligation to join the church. All materials will be provided. Contact Pastor Scamman at 203.962.8700 or by email at escamman@gmail.com to register.
One Day to Resume
The Greenwich Library will host an interactive workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to help high school seniors and college students ages 18 to 23 kick-start their job or internship search. Titled “From College to Career,” the workshop will focus on helping students gain the skills they need to get their foot in the door. Participants will leave with a resume, a LinkedIn page, a professional head shot, tips on what to wear when interviewing, and networking skills. A registration packet with info on what to wear for the head shot and what to bring to prepare a resume will be sent to everyone. Participants will be entered in a drawing to win gift certificates to Amazon and Garden Catering. This program will take place in The Flinn Gallery and is co-sponsored by the Greenwich Alliance for Education and Greenwich Library. Registration is required at GreenwichLibrary.org.
Art show
The Byram Shubert Library will host an art show called “Margaux & Michelle Meander Mother Earth” starting on Monday. An art opening will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 11 with thanks to the Friends of the Byram Shubert Library for serving and providing refreshments. The show will run through Jan. 30.
‘An American Story’
The Greenwich Historical Society at 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, is presenting an exhibition on the immigrant experience called “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County” through Monday. The exhibit includes stories of the grit and resilience of immigrants and refugees, including 12 who found home in Greenwich. The stories illuminated in this exhibition reach across the world from five continents, shining a light on the ways that refugees and asylum seekers find hope and persevere in the face of challenges for creating new lives in Fairfield County. It is presented in partnership with the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. For more information, visit greenwichhistory.org.
Tech Assistance
Do you have a question on how to use your phone, eReader, tablet, or laptop? Tech Assistance will be offered on a drop-in basis from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Byram Shubert Library in the Conference Room. Get some personal training from Greenwich Library staff member William Gray. This program will be held on the First Tuesday of each month. As this is a drop-in, no reservations are required.
‘The Survivors’ book discussion
The UJA-JCC Greenwich and YWCA Greenwich will co-host former Obama speechwriter Adam Frankel in a conversation about “The Survivors: A Story of War, Inheritance and Healing.” In his memoir, Frankel describes grappling with who he is after unearthing the shocking truth of his Connecticut family's origins. Indra Nooyi, business leader and Greenwich resident, will lead the discussion. “The Survivors” takes the reader on a journey from the horrors of the Holocaust and the amazing strength and resilience of the survivors, through the effects on the next generations of children and grandchildren. Frankel explores the impact of his grandparents’ experiences on his mother while he confronts a revelation about his parents that changes his understanding of his own identity. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at the YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich. Registration is recommended at www.ujajcc.org. The event is free and open to the public.
Bruce Beginnings
Bruce Beginnings is a program for children ages 2.5 to 5 with an adult at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Bruce Museum. Explore the museum collections and exhibitions through picture books and hands-on activities. This program takes place on the museum’s free admission day and space is limited. See the visitor service desk upon arrival to secure a spot. Topics change weekly. Visit brucemuseum.org for more info.
Radiation treatment advances
Dr. Bruce McGibbon, a radiation oncologist with Greenwich Hospital, will present “Advances in Radiation Therapy for Cancer” from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at Long Ridge Medical Center, 260 Long Ridge Road, Stamford. New technologies and clinical trials are reshaping how radiation therapy is used to treat all types of cancer. Plus learn about services now offered at Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in Greenwich. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.
Speakers at Retired Men’s Association
The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 W. Putnam Ave., that is open to the public; no reservations required. Social break starts at 10:40 a.m., followed by speaker at 11 a.m. For info, visit www.greenwichrma.org or contact info@greenwichrma.org. Speakers return on Jan. 8 with Patricia Sesto, director of environmental affairs for the Town of Greenwich, on “How Can Greenwich Handle Rising Sea Levels.”
Perfectly Polite bridge
The Perfectly Polite Bridge Group has Duplicate Bridge games at the Greenwich YMCA on Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to noon for Relaxed Duplicate Bridge and from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. for Relaxed Duplicate Bridge / Conventions. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. You do not need a partner to play. Only prepaid players are guaranteed a seat. There is also a Beginner Game/Class with relaxed play and discussion from 3 to 5 p.m. Seating is limited. If you are not on the email list, call Frank Crocker at 203-524-8032 to register.
Nonsurgical solutions to hip pain
More than 300,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States. However, many patients achieve a satisfactory quality of life without going under the knife. Joint Replacement specialist Dr. Kevin Choo of Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists will outline the nonsurgical options for chronic hip pain and osteoarthritis, including medications, physical therapy and injections at a free seminar at Greenwich Hospital from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in the Noble Conference Center. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. Choo will also discuss when surgery is appropriate and provide an overview of recent advances in the field. Free and open to the public; registration is requested. Call 888-305-9253 to register, or register online at greenwichhospital.org.
Stroke support
“Getting Prepared, Dealing with Winter” will be the topic at the next Stroke Education and Support Group in Greenwich Hospital’s Pemberwick Conference Room from 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.
Classical music author
AuthorsLive at the Greenwich Library kicks off the New Year with a varied and interesting lineup with John Rosenberg, author of “Dangerous Melodies: Classical Music in America from the Great War Through the Cold War,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in the library’s Flinn Gallery. Rosenberg, a Juilliard-trained musician and professor of history, explores the entanglement of classical music with American foreign relations. History buffs and classical music lovers alike won’t want to miss hearing his insights on the politics behind classical music during these pivotal years in American and world history. For more information, contact David Waring at 203-622-7917 or dwaring@greenwichlibrary.org or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/authorslive.
Try Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a relaxing exercise that can loosen joints, improve balance and teach graceful movements to music. Fun and no pressure classes are held at 8 a.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. Thursdays in the auditorium at the First Congregational Church Auditorium on Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich, opposite Binney Park. The cost is $10 per one-hour session. Newcomers welcome. For info, call Joe at 203-504-4678.
Bruce Beginnings Jr.
This program at the Bruce Museum provides a welcoming and engaging museum experience for toddlers, ages 10 to 24 months, and their caregivers through hands-on play and exploration. Bruce Beginnings Jr. sessions are inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibits. It is held from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month, next time on Jan. 9. This program is free with general admission but space is limited. See the visitor service desk upon arrival to secure a spot.
Healthy heart
Greenwich Hospital’s Denise Addorisio, a registered dietitian, will discuss “Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart” in a lecgture from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 9 at Long Ridge Medical Center, 260 Long Ridge Road, Stamford. Get practical tips for a heart-healthy diet and reduce risks for high blood pressure and heart disease. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.
World Music
The Greenwich Library is welcoming local singer Anitra Brooks for a children’s concert from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Brooks sings in five different languages and teaches the audience the refrains so they can sing parts of the songs along with her. Most songs are played on her ukulele and volunteers play percussion with her. This concert is geared toward preschoolers and early elementary school students but older children and adults are welcome. Visit greenwichlibrary.org for more info.
Sensory-sensitive day at Audubon
Join Greenwich Audubon Center on the second Saturday of the month as it supports people who are sensory-sensitive and would like to enjoy learning about nature in a quiet and soothing space. This program is part of the Audubon For All initiative, which offers accessible and inclusive programs to support people with intellectual and physical challenges. During the Sensory-Sensitive Saturday sessions, Audubon provides relaxing nature films, natural artifacts with interesting textures, books, and pictures. Staff naturalists are present to support learning about nature in this soothing environment. Event will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 11 at Audubon at 613 Riversville Road. All are welcome for the free event. RSVP is required with Accessibility Coordinator Caroline Bailey at Caroline.Bailey@audubon.org or 203-900-3349.
Hot tea celebration
The Friends and Staff of the Cos Cob Library will celebrate National Hot Tea Month with bestselling author Diane Clehane on Jan. 11 in the community room. The Friends will welcome the author of “Imagining Diana” as the neighbors at The Drawing Room serve hot tea and a variety of scones. Clehane will offer her commentary on popular culture and Britain’s royal family. Hourlong sessions will be held at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Space is limited’ register for this free event online at greenwichlibrary.org. Don’t forget to bring your favorite teacup.
‘Family-to-Family’ program
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Connecticut will present a 12-week course “Family-to-Family” beginning Jan. 11 in Greenwich Hospital’s Hyde Conference room from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. This program is designed to help people who have an adult loved one struggling with serious mental illness. Learn about your loved one’s illness and its symptoms treatments and medications. Get information on how to handle crisis, communication problems and the stress you feel as a family member. Registration is required. To register or for more information, email janet2527@gmail or call 914-527-2994. Free.
Greenwich Symphony Orchestra
The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra will be in concert on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 withe a program featuring Verdi, Overture to La Battaglia di Legnano; Schumann, Piano Concerto with Benjamin Hochman on piano; and Korngold, Symphony, Op. 40, with Benjamin Hochman on piano. Concerts are at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center, 10 Hillside Road, at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $40 per person, $10 for students. For more information, call 203-869-2664 or visit www.greenwichsymphony.org.
Ceramic Study Circle
The Connecticut Ceramic Study Circle invites the public to join them for a program at 1:15 pm. Jan. 13 at the Bruce Museum called: “From Sevres to Fifth Avenue: Ceramics at the Frick” with Ian Wardropper, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, director of the Frick Collection in New York City. As Henry Clay Frick’s Fifth Avenue mansion neared completion in 1913, he realized that he needed furnishings to match the extraordinary quality of his Old Master paintings. In short order, Italian Renaissance cassoni and bronze statuettes, French Limoges enamels and rococo furniture, among other objects, arrived at his New York address. Included with these were Sèvres and Chinese porcelain of the highest level of quality. Over the last decade the Museum has been fortunate to receive gifts or pledges from superlative private collections of Meissen and Du Paquier porcelain and French faience as well as to purchase several ceramic masterworks. Guests welcome: $25 check or cash payable at the door. For more information, visit www.ctcsc.org.
Music and stories
Students from Michele Monahan Horner’s Suzuki Guitar Studio will bring music to life with stories and drawings sure to entertain and engage children of all ages. The show will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Cos Cob Library. For more info, visit greenwichlibrary.org.
Orthopedics lecture
Dr. Sean Peden, an orthopedic surgeon at Greenwich Hospital, will discuss “Advancements in Synthetic Cartilage Replacement” from noon - 1 pm Jan. 14 at Long Ridge Medical Center, 260 Long Ridge Road, Stamford. Learn about a new FDA-approved synthetic cartilage technology for joint replacements of the foot and its potential use for other areas of the body. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.
Time to Talk
A drop-in conversation series for English Language Learners called “Time to Talk: A Conversation Series for English Language Learners” will be held from 6:30 to 8: p.m. Jan. 14 and Jan. 28 in the Byram Shubert Library Community Room. Come to improve your communications skills, learn more about American culture and feel more comfortable in the community. Peer-to-peer conversations offer an opportunity to practice casual language in a less formal environment than a classroom. Volunteers facilitate conversations on everyday topics such as doctors visits, grocery shopping, and finding housing or work. This series is open to all adults. Beginners welcome. As the library will be closed, entrance will be downstairs at the program room.
Soprano concert
Byram Shubert Library will present soprano Claire Stadtmueller in a concert of opera arias at 7 p.m. Jan. 16. She will be accompanied by pianist Areti Giovanou in this, her fourth appearance at the Byram Schubert Library. A former resident of Greenwich, Stadtmueller has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and with New York Grand Opera, singing the role of Tosca in Central Park. For more info, visit www.bravasoprano.com. The Byram Shubert Library is at 21 Mead Ave. Call 203-531-0426 for more information. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served before the concert.
‘Ticket to Work’ info session
The Ticket to Work employment program is a free program that can help all individuals who receive Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income find employment that may lead to a career and become self-sufficient. Abilis, an approved service provider of Social Security’s Ticket to Work program, will offer an information session on the program at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at its offices at 50 Glenville St. If you’re 18 to 64 and receive Social Security disability benefits, you can take advantage of these services. Abilis works with individuals to create customized career plans. Registration is requested at abilis.us/calendar. For any questions, contact Matthew Miceli, director of competitive services, at Miceli@abilis.us.
Talk on tendons
Dr. Andrea Halim, an orthopedic surgeon at Greenwich Hospital, will discuss “Tendon Injuries and Rehabilitation” from noon - 1 p.m. Jan. 22 at Long Ridge Medical Center, 260 Long Ridge Road, Stamford. Discover how flexor and extensor tendon injuries occur and hear about surgical and nonsurgical treatment options as well as rehabilitation. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.
AuthorsLive talk on ‘Antisocial’
Greenwich native Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker, will discuss his new book with Greenwich Time editor Tom Mellana from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Flinn Gallery. Praised by The New York Times as trenchant and intelligent, “Antisocial” reveals how the boundaries between technology, media, and politics have been erased, resulting in a deeply broken informational landscape. Marantz shows how alienated young people are led down the rabbit hole of online radicalization, and how fringe ideas spread. For more information, contact Michele Martin at 203-625-6533 or mmartin@greenwichlibrary.org or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/authorslive.
47th Annual Art Show: Bedford
The 47th Annual Art Show: Bedford kicks off with a Preview Party on Jan. 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and the exhibition and sale continues on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, and Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The site of this year’s show is Fellowship Hall at St. Matthew’s Church, 382 Cantitoe St., Bedford, N.Y. Show proceeds benefit local charities throughout Westchester. Preview party tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door. Admission is free on all show days. For more information, visit www.artshowbedford.org.
Weight loss lecture
Mary Motwani, a psychologist with Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Behavioral and Nutritional Health, will present “A Multidisciplinary Approach to Weight Loss” in the hospital’s Noble Conference Center from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 29. Discover how nutritional ad psychological counseling create a one-two punch for making lifestyle changes to maximize weight-loss efforts. Hear about scientifically supported weight-loss strategies. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.
Flinn Gallery exhibit
The Flinn Gallery at the Greenwich Library has reopened after being closed for several months while construction was going on outside its walls. The new exhibit, “In Plain Sight, Library Art Collection,” is made up of works that belong to the library’s permanent collection and will be on display through Jan. 30. Many pieces on display have been hanging in various locations, often behind closed doors. Barbara Richards is the curator and sleuth who has gathered and arranged this collection. The gallery’s hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Mondays. Visit flinngallery.com or call 203.622.7947 for more information.
AuthorsLive on ‘Downsize’
Bestselling author Sheri Koones will talk about her newest book, which shows how small houses can be comfortable, practical, energy-efficient, and beautiful, in a presentation from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 in the library’s Flinn Gallery. The small houses — all 2,000 square feet or less — presented in “Downsize” are owned by people who have made a conscious decision to downsize from a larger home to a smaller home — or who just decided to build small in the first place. The featured homes showcase a variety of styles and locations. Discover how scaling back and simplifying where you live can open up a world where the demands of maintenance are lower, accessibility and convenience are enhanced, energy efficiency is elevated, and monthly bills are greatly reduced — all without sacrificing a well-built, beautiful home. For more information, contact Michele Martin at 203-625-6533 or mmartin@greenwichlibrary.org or visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/authorslive.
Exhibit of masterworks from Denmark
After a five-month construction project, the Bruce Museum will reopen its newly expanded main art gallery with a major exhibition called “On the Edge of the World: Masterworks by Laurits Andersen Ring” from SMK — the National Gallery of Denmark. Initiated by the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst, the national gallery of Denmark, the exhibition opens Feb. 1 and will be on view through May 24. L.A. Ring, a Realist and Symbolist painter, ranks among the most significant figures in Danish art. This exhibit will showcase 25 of his most important paintings. “On the Edge of the World” will be accompanied by lectures and special programs, beginning with a Conservator’s Talk on “Aspects of L.A. Ring’s Working Methods,” on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Jørgen Wadum, former director of conservation at SMK and current director of the Centre for Art Technological Studies and Conservation in Denmark. Talk is free to museum members and visitors with paid admission. Reservations required. The museum is also hosting art workshops related to the exhibition that are geared to adults over the age of 55. Teaching artist Eddie Nino will lead the workshops, focused on the topics of “Value,” on Feb. 24; “Color,” on March 24; and “Composition,” on April 20. The workshops will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; all materials will be provided. Also, world-renowned pianist Nikolaj Hess will compose and perform music in the gallery written in response to the works in the show. In a unique concert reflecting on the themes in L.A. Ring’s artistic universe, Hess will paint a modern impression of one of Denmark’s most celebrated artists. For more information on the exhibit and the programs, and to register, visit brucemuseum.org or call 203-869-0376.
Abstract composition exhibit
The Greenwich Art Society will present “The Figure as Abstract Composition,” a solo exhibit of recent paintings by Nancy W. McFarland. It will run from Feb. 2 to Feb. 28 at the Greenwich Art Society’s gallery at 299 Greenwich Ave. An artist’s reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 6. Having received her bachelor of fine arts from Pratt Institute, Nancy W. McFarland continued to spend many years studying the human form throughout her long international career as an illustrator, art director and photographer. Her artistic vision was shaped by her close proximity to the Abstract Expressionists in New York, her lengthy work with still-life composition and lighting, and the close collaboration with her husband and his parallel career in sculpture. She works from her studio in Westport. The paintings will be on view 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. All works can be purchased by contacting the Greenwich Art Society at 203-629-1533 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. weekdays or by emailing greenwichartsociety@verizon.net visit www.greenwichartsociety.org.
Pulitzer winners headline Family Centers breakfast
Family Centers will welcome New York Times columnists and Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as the latest speakers in its popular Titans Series. The breakfast event to benefit the Greenwich-based nonprofit will be at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Stamford Sheraton at 700 E. Main St. This husband-and-wife duo were the first married couple to win a Pulitzer in journalism and have written a series of best-selling books together. Their latest book, “Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope,” will be released in early 2020 and all attendees will get a copy. Tickets start at $125, and proceeds will support Family Centers’ network of health, education and human service programs. For more information, visit www.familycenters.org.
Greenwich Symphony Orchestra
The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra will be in concert on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 with a program featuring Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 (Eroica); and Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor), with John O’Conor on piano. Concerts are at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center, 10 Hillside Road, at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $40 per person, $10 for students. For more information, call 203-869-2664 or visit www.greenwichsymphony.org.
Curiosity Cabinets on display
The Bruce Museum’s newest exhibition features depictions of sea serpents crushing ships, 7-foot-tall giants, a mummified Porsche, and a menagerie of other oddities sure to pique the interest of any visitor interested in the intersection of art and science. The display, called “Collecting Reimagined: A 2D Curiosity Cabinet” is on view in the museum’s Bantle Lecture Gallery through March 24. The exhibit was curated by H.S. Miller, the Museum’s Zvi Grunberg Resident Fellow for 2019-20. Miller will also discuss the stories behind some of the exhibition’s more curious objects in a talk, “Tales from the Cabinet,” from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12. Admission to the Bruce Museum is free through Jan. 31. For more information, visit brucemuseum.org.
League of Women Voters to honor leaders
For its 100th Anniversary Gala, the League of Women Voters of Connecticut will honor Indra K. Nooyi, a Greenwich resident and former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, and Juanita T. James, president and CEO of the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Nooyi will receive the Outstanding Woman in Business award and James will be recognized with the Outstanding Woman in Philanthropy award. The gala will take place Feb. 22 at the Italian Center in Stamford. For more information, visit www.lwvct.org.
Greenwich Symphony Orchestra
The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra will be in concert on April 18 and April 19 with a program featuring Hindemith, Concert Music for Strings and Brass; Herbert, Concerto No. 2 for Cello, with Daniel Miller on cello; and Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique. Concerts are at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center, 10 Hillside Road, at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $40 per person, $10 for students. For more information, call 203-869-2664 or visit www.greenwichsymphony.org.
SLS golf tourney
The St. Lawrence Society will hold its 29th annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 11. Enjoy a perfect day of golf, food and fun. Get your foursomes together and join the fun. Cost is $175 for everything: the luncheon, cart, golf, cocktail hour and dinner. For cocktails and dinner only, it’s $100. Starts at 11:30 a.m. at E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course, with a 12:45 p.m. shotgun start, scramble format. Golf is followed by cocktail hour, antipasti and a prime rib dinner back at the Club. To RSVP, visit www.stlawrencesociety.com/events or call 203-618-9036.
10 Art Books That Will Nourish Your Creative Soul This Month (January 2020)
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How has your 2020 been so far? Are you well on your way to crushing your goals, or are you starting to lose steam? If you’re finding that you need a little pick-me-up to make “new year, new you” happen, try grabbing a book. Creative publications can do so much; they can teach you new skills, help you cultivate a positive mindset, and offer endless inspiration.
With new books being released every week, it can be a challenge to know where to start. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve scoured the recent releases to find 10 creative books that each offer something different. Some, like The Modern Artist’s Way, give practical business advice for anyone looking to grow in their career. Others, like Jordan Sondler’s Feel It Out, want to empower you to love yourself so that you can overcome setbacks (career, romantic, or otherwise) and move forward in your life. And, of course, there are books that showcase great work from amazing artists and photographers that are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Scroll down for more of our suggestions. And if you have a Kindle device, you’re in luck—many of these publications are available through the e-reader, too. Through Kindle Unlimited, you have unlimited access to reading over a million ebooks that can be read on any device.
Keep crushing your 2020 goals with our picks for creative books for January 2020.
PhotoWork: Forty Photographers on Process and Practice by Sasha Wolf
PhotoWork author Sasha Wolf was inspired to write this book after hearing from young photographers that they often felt “adrift” in their practice. She interviewed 40 photographers about their approach to the field and creating a “sustained body of work.” What emerges from their responses is that there is no one path to having a photography career.
It’s Your Weirdness that Makes You Wonderful: A Self-Acceptance Prompt Journal by Kate Allan
Mental health affects everything in your life, from your relationships to your creative practice. Kate Allan, known for her adorable illustrations that tackle the difficult subject matter, has created a journal with prompts that encourage self-love and self-care.
From Thread to Needle: Contemporary Embroidery Art by Charlotte Vannier
Embroidery has long been seen as “women’s work” that’s nothing more than decoration on pillows, curtains, and clothing. In the 1960s and 1970s, however, feminists reclaimed needlework as art. From Needle to Thread showcases 84 contemporary artists who use embroidery to convey their message.
Feel It Out: The Guide to Getting in Touch with Your Goals, Your Relationships, and Yourself by Jordan Sondler
Are you still figuring your way through adulthood? Jordan Sondler is too, so she created an illustrative book that’s a “self-love pep talk” that will help you get through heartbreak, career setbacks, and beyond—all while cultivating a generous relationship with yourself.
The Modern Artist’s Way: How to Build a Successful Career as a Creative in the 21st Century by Bridgette Mayer
Building a creative career is not the same as it used to be. Author Bridgette Mayer has spent the past two decades helping run multimillion-dollar businesses and leading artists in crafting their careers. Through her book, she guides you in defining what makes you happy, how to value your work, and creating a vision—and ultimately a plan—to build a career you’re proud of.
Peter Lindbergh. A Different Vision on Fashion Photography by Thierry-Maxime Loriot
German photographer Peter Lindbergh helped usher in a new era of fashion with his iconic British Vogue cover in January 1990. In this collection of his work, you’ll see more than 400 images he produced over a span of 40 years. The photographs are accompanied by words from the likes of Cindy Crawford, Anna Wintour, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and more.
Where Architects Sleep: The Most Stylish Hotels in the World by Sarah Miller
No one appreciates a building like an architect does. In this book, more than 250 of them reveal where they like to stay when they travel. The unique guide features 1,200 listings in more than 100 countries, and it runs the gamut from renowned locales to hidden gems that will delight architectural enthusiasts.
15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces: Create Frame-Worthy Art in Just a Few Simple Steps by Anna Koliadych
Creating a fantastic watercolor painting doesn’t have to take you all day. Artist Anna Koliadych shares 50 projects that can be completed in just 15 minutes. This makes her book a great resource for those that want to infuse a little creativity in their day or are looking to make watercolor a regular part of their artistic practice.
Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed Media, and Travel Pages by Renee Day
Looking to make your own art journal? Author Renee Day will spark your creativity with her helpful book. It features 52 projects that include quick tips and tricks as well as guides to larger endeavors like creating a custom planner. When you’ve completed her book, you’ll have all the tools necessary to transform an ordinary notebook into a unique companion.
Botanical Inspiration: Nature in Art and Illustration by Victionary
Plants are a vital part of our survival on Earth, and they’ve proven to be a timeless source of creative expression. Botanical Inspiration highlights scientific explorers who were in search of new species as well as artists who used flora as a way to “convey the essence of our very existence.”
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