Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwich 3pm- 6pm

Capital One opens its new branch on Columbus Avenue & 97th Street today and to celebrate, they are giving away free Coolhaus Ice Cream. Just stop by outside the store from 3 - 6pm and cool down with Coolhaus.

Events this Week: May 19 - May 23: The Homepolistudio at BoConcept, The Allies Opening Party, and The Market NYC 2yr Anniversary

Events May 20 - May 23

May 20, 6:00pm:  RSVP The Homepolish Studio at BoConcept Chelsea here.

My Japanese Discoveries: The Extraordinary Kogei Art and Contemporary Design from Toyama, Japan

I recently attended the Opening Ceremony of My Japanese Discoveries, at

Onishi Gallery, their latest project

intended to share highlights of Japanese heritage and culture. The project's inaugural show is in collaboration with Toyama Prefecture and runs from May 16th to 22nd.

Shakunaga Yukio (b.1954): Triangle Plate (The Hungry Ghost(No.2)2013 Stoneware

Highlights of this reception include catering provided by Danny Meyer's Union Square Events and sake tasting courtesy of Toyama Prefecture. Also featured will be plates and sake cups courtesy of Toyama's metalware manufacturer Nousaku.

Meet the Japanese Masters at Atelier Courbet on May 17th, 12-5pm

Eykyn Maclean Presents First U.S. Exhibition of Renowned Artist Kan Yasuda, May 6 – June 27 2014

Eykyn Maclean will present the first ever exhibition in the United States of internationally renowned sculptor Kan Yasuda. The exhibition, open to the public 6 May – 27 June at 23 East 67th Street, will feature over twenty of the artist’s new sculptures. Gallery partner Christopher Eykyn says, “Having followed Kan’s career in Europe and Japan, we are delighted to have the opportunity of introducing his work to an American audience. Working together with Kan, we have selected a group of works that best represent this important artist at the height of his career. I know that Kan’s sculpture will resonate as powerfully here as it does in the rest of the world.”

Born in Japan in 1945, Yasuda has divided his time between Hokkaido, Japan and Pietrasanta, Italy for over forty years, and his work deftly merges the cultural traditions of East and West. 

Interview with Designer Bounkhoung Signavong of Lao Design

I first met designer Bounkhong Signavong of Laodesignonline.com on the subway at the Times Square station.  I was immediately drawn to his unique style and asked him if he worked in fashion. As I talked to Bounkhong more, I found that he is a not only an amazing designer who creates luxury menswear and womenswear, scarves, and custom jewelry, he is also one of the warmest and friendliest people that I know. Read more below to learn about Bounkhong and his designs.

Asia Week New York 2014 - March 14 - March 22 2014

Today marks the 1st day of Asia Week New York 2014, which runs through March 22nd.  The event is open and free to the public.  The exhibits reveals the rarest and finest Asian examples of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculpture, bronzes, prints, photographs and jades, representing artistry, ingenuity and imagination from every corner and time period of Asia. 

The exhibitors include a top-tier roster of 47 international Asian art specialists-the largest number to date- and five major auction houses as well as 19 world-renowned museums and Asian cultural institutions.  Visit www.asiaweeknewyork.com for more information.

I had a chance to join the press preview for Asia Week this past Wednesday. It was a full day affair, where we flew through 30 galleries in less 10 hours.  I had an unforgettable time viewing some spectacular pieces with fascinating stories.  The galleries did an excellent job of explaining their finest pieces.  It was certainly a feast for the eyes, mind, and soul.  Here are some highlights.  

 This year, Scholten Japanese Art Gallery's exhibit is titled "Erotic Art of Japan: Everybody's Doing It".