RSVP Report

Crohn’s & Colitis at P.F. Changs Montreal

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:30:13 +0000

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada held their 11^th annual fundraiser on April 14 at the new P.F. Changs Bistro Chinois, in the now-razed Hippodrome location, in Montreal. The evening honoured Dr. Albert Cohen, attending with his wife Karen, his son Laurent, and daughter Véronique.

Laurent, Karen, Albert, Véronique Cohen

A leader in his field, Cohen is an associate professor, Faculty of Medicine at McGill University and director of the Division of Gastroenterology at the Jewish General Hospital. Gala co-chairs were Adelia Bensoussan and Steve Merling. Even the valet parking (Adagio) was elegant, as guys in matching black jackets and red scarves whipped the cars away. During the cocktail, guests were entertained by a Dragon Dance. The sinuous, golden-costumed mascot was brought to convey luck to the huge new restaurant as well as a charming group of Chinese dancers. Unlike many receptions, food was more than bountiful, and – most importantly – waiters bearing platters of Asian bites went to each corner of the massive space, so everyone had a chance to munch.

Nick and Dale Tedeschi

The open bar was packed, although lovely lasses also offered trays of martinis. Noted at the standing-room only reception were Heather and Joseph Paperman, Nadia and Tommy Alberga, Debbie and Bill Brownstein, Sherri Stubina, Dale and Nick Tedeschi, Suzanne and Peter Varadi,

Peter and Suzanne Varadi

Amanda and Mike Battat, Tronny and Sydney Sweibel. Also seen were Erin and Joe Battat, Patricia and David Ades, Michael White, Lianne and Michael Routtenberg, Jodi and Cookie Lazarus, Elaine and Phil Levi, and Joanne and Jon Gurman.

Linda Smith, Tommy and Nadia Alberga

Event supporters included Elie and Harrison Cutler (Delmar International Inc.); Melanie and Marc Andre Bastien (Roy Larochelle Avocats); and Nadia Canini and Pat De Marco (Alimentaires Viau Inc.).

Bill and Debbie Brownstein

Platinum Sponsor was PearTree Financial Services Ltd. Silver Sponsors were Abbvie, Aldo Groupe, Automobiles Etcetera, The Protech Group, and the Paperman Family. Bronze were Andrew & Marian Sniatowsky and Family, Leonard and Carol Berall & Family, Jack and Nancy Ditkofsky, Aéroports de Montréal, Janssen, Pharmacie Michael Assaraf, Produits Alimentaires Viau Inc., and KPMG. Event partner was P.F. Changs. The All That Glitters Gala raised a record $210,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

J.J.Levine. Installation until May 1.

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:08:13 +0000

Sadly, a great new À LOUER installation by UMA is to be short lived. So hurry over to St.Laurent this week-end to view the multiple identities of artist J.J.LEVINE In her photographs, she stages the same models dressed differently. In one photo, the girl is dressed like a man, and the man like a girl. In another, right beside it, their identities are not switched – hence the title: SWITCH. At first glance, the straight forward, studio-style portraits look like ”heterosexual couples.” After closer examination, however, each diptych is revealed to be made up of two models, not four. They have simply switched genders. A parody of prom-styled pictures, Levine’s project challenges gender roles espoused by such photographs, subverting images of ”so-called normative existence.” Switch ”reveals the instability of gender, while reconstructing relationship dynamics with a queer and camp sensibility, offering a nuanced understanding of portraiture.” Sadly this series,which has attracted many passers by, will be taken down by May 1. The point of À LOUER is to not only highlight young talented Montreal artists, but also to ‘beautify’ dusty old windows with For Rent signs. The shop where the J.J. Levine images are placed in the windows has been rented. So if you want to see this interesting ‘take’ on identity, do try and go this week-end. 3467 St. Laurent

Vicky Sabourin. Another UMA installation.

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:09:50 +0000

Artist Vicky Sabourin’s work is up at 4255 rue St. Laurent. Another À LOUER/ UMA installation, the brainchild of André Cornellier, her photographs enhance an empty For Rent window space. (Get it? À Louer?)
Vicky Sabourin combines installation and performance to create tableaux vivants. She delves into the multiple layers of her identity, pulling stories from fables, mythology and her own family history. She often uses seduction and desire to stimulate a strong emotional response in the viewer. Wander along St. Laurent and admire her images. 4255 St.Laurent

New UMA installation: À LOUER: Alain Lefort

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:52:10 +0000

RUN. Don’t walk, to see the latest À LOUER, the brainchild of photographer, artist, visionary André Cornellier. What is it you ask? In For Rent (ie: À Louer) windows throughout the City of Montréal, André installs fabulous photographs. This serves two purposes: one – it beautifies an often sad, and dusty locale, and two – the most important – it showcases young, upcoming, and very talented Montreal artists. One of Cornellier’s installations, is now up. ALAIN LEFORTs night butterflies – so much more poetic than moths – is stunning.
These humble creatures of the night – with their irridescence, their subtle and not-so-subtle hues, their powdery wings – are stopping traffic. Passersby, cyclists and drivers gaze in wonder at their colourful elegance. The moths almost seem to pulsate against the midnight black of the backgrounds. The installation series is called SERAPHIM,which means, in Hebrew, “the burning ones” or “angels burning”. They are emerging from the underworld to burn out on Earth. Moths are virtually invisible, looking for shadows and food shunned by other species. Alain explains: ”My approach is to show the singular, the spectacular, the monstrous and the majestic. Each image focuses on a particular characteristic: Be it color, reflection or texture from these fur-powdered animals. Each photograph looks like an unlikely sketch, yet designed to perfection by one witness: light. What we see are legs and antennaes adopting poses of broken or torn twigs. Intense eyes like jewels, lost bodies woven from the night itself, a tousled night, dazzled.” Indeed. Seraphim will be up to admire for at least two months. GO!Seraphim signifie, en hébreu, « les brûlants », ou « les anges qui brûlent », comme sortis des Enfers pour venir s’éteindre sur Terre. Les papillons de nuit sont pour ainsi dire invisibles, chercheurs d’ombres et de nourriture délaissée par d’autres espèces. ” Ma démarche consiste ici à faire voir cette singularité à la fois spectaculaire, monstrueuse et majestueuse. Chaque portrait s’attarde à une particularité de ces animaux à fourrure poudrée : couleur, reflet, texture. Chacune des photographies se présente comme un portrait-composite improbable, pourtant dessiné à la perfection par un seul témoin : la lumière. Ce que l’on voit, ce sont des pattes et des antennes qui adoptent des poses de brindilles brisées ou arrachées… des yeux intenses comme des joyaux perdus… des corps tissés à même la nuit; une nuit ébouriffée, éblouie.”

3489, rue St. Laurent / angle rue Sherbrooke

Alain Lefort is with Galerie Lacerte.

Israel Film Festival. Montreal April 20 – 25, 2013

admin — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:13:50 +0000

The annual ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL,is celebrating its 9th successful year. Eran Bester, director and founder of the Montreal Israel Film Festival (IFF) recently announced a special guest appearance: star actor Yoni Tumarkin .

Actor Yon Tumarkin

The Festival offers a Canadian premiere, ROCK THE CASBAH (2013), and three Montreal premieres: OUT IN THE DARK (2012), EPILOGUE (2012) and THE WORLD IS FUNNY (2012).

The IFF features recent Israeli film, praised by peers in such renowned international circles as the Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, TIFF and Sundance.

Rock the Casbah

The Festival opens on April 20 with the Canadian premiere of ROCK THE CASBAH, awarded the prestigious International Confederation of Art Cinemas at the Berlin International Film Festival 2013. ROCK THE CASBAH depicts a harsh reality of individuals caught in the cross fire of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 1989.

The touching DOLPHIN BOY (2011) documentary is the true story about the healing power of nature, as a teenage boy recovering from being attacked, is treated with dolphins. As a result he starts speaking again, but erases his past.

Dolphin Boy

The World is Funny

THE WORLD IS FUNNY (2012) masterfully weaves diverse narratives from some 20 or more characters, into a cohesive story of one family, one city and one world. Audiences laugh and cry: sometimes at the same time.

MELTING AWAY (2011) has been brought back to the Festival by popular demand. Loved by all who saw it at last year’s Festival, it is the first feature film in the history of Israeli cinema dealing with parents and their relationships with their transgendered children.

OUT IN THE DARK (2012) follows the story of a Palestinian Graduate student, Nimr, and an Israeli lawyer. Torn between a homeland that would renounce him for his sexual identity, and an Israel that repudiates him for his nationality, Nimr finds a safe haven in Roy, and hopes to continue his studies in America. However, when his student visa is revoked, life becomes more complicated, adding to the friction of Nimr’s conservative family. A story of personal and political struggles for identity.

LIPSTIKKA (2011) tells the story of a life-altering experience two Palestinian teens experience when, breaking curfew, they are encounter Israeli soldiers.They remember this experience over the years, but memory fools. A subtle and powerful drama with a delicate subject matter.

Life in Stills

LIFE IN STILLS (2011) is a charming story, as Miriam Weissenstein, an elderly lady and her grandson try to save thousands of photographs, the life work of Miriam’s husband. It is a heart-warming and humorous film.

THE BALLAD OF THE WEEPING SPRING (2012). This acclaimed film revolves around a symphony called ‘the Weeping Springtime Symphony’. The film’s classical Mizrahi music refers to a style combing elements of Mediterranean musical tradition with that of Middle Eastern / North African countries – making the movie fascinating from a musical perspective.

The Ballad of the Weeping Spring

EPILOGUE (2012) is a touching tale of an octogenarian couple struggling through their disconnect with modern life, as they live in a cluttered flat packed with useless relics of their youth.

THE FIFTH HEAVEN (2011) is by director Dina Zvi Riklis, well known to Israeli film connoisseurs. This, her recent film, is a touching and graceful portrayal of World War -ll era Israel, seen from the vantage point of the staff and residents of a girls’ orphanage.

PROGRAM: tickets and times . Please go to ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL

Ticket hotline: 514. 937. 2332

FILMS screened at the Guzzo Mega-Plex Spheretch. 3500 Côte Vertu

PAPIER 13. Go!

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:56 +0000

PAPIER, the successful ‘outdoor’ fair of art on paper, is back. Held under a tent. For those art afficionados who go not only to admire but to buy, we suggest you attend opening night of PAPIER 13. Lots of bling and buzz and beautiful art that flies off the walls. This Contemporary Art Fair of Works on Paper is held under the artfull watch of co-chairs Diane Vachon and Alexandre Taillefer.

Dr. Diane Vachon, Alexandre Taillefer

The launch soirée and Benefit VIP Opening is Thursday April 25. 6:00 p.m. Tickets are at PAPIER MONTREAL. Easy! Like last year, the opening night lures art lovers clad in jeans, in couture, in mini skirts, thigh-high boots, Converse, capes and coats. Opening Night is packed. But the stylistas are there for the art.

Arnaud Maggs

Gallerists’ booths ressemble PULSE, POOL etc, at ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH. Except for the tiny chill still in Montreal April air..but we digress.

Jim Holyoak

Perfectly purchasable art is snapped up by veteran collectors (who rush in early) and those tentatively buying their first piece for their loft / apartment wall.

Mitch Mitchell

Gallerists are easy to chat with. Their explanation of a work often ‘cinches’ the deal. With understanding the ‘why’ behind a work, you have a much better appreciation of the art, as well as opening your mind to amazing creativity.

Last year's early crowd at the VIP Cocktail. PS love the turquoise socks!

There is an Opening Night for the Public. Friday April 26, at 6:00 p.m.

Julie Lacroix, uber-talented directrice of AGAC, who works hard on PAPIER

Purchase your TICKETS here : http://papier13.eventbrite.ca/

Last year's PAPIER tent.

The tent is on Ste-Catherine near Bleury. Where the old Spectrum was. Lots of parking all around. Métro at Place des Arts. No excuse not to go…learn..and above all…enjoy!

Photos Papier 2013. Denis Beaumont

Photos Papier 2012. Veronica Redgrave

PAPIER MONTREAL, April 25-28, 2013. Ste. Catherine / Bleury.

Art inspired by architecture

admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:45:35 +0000

Montreal artist PAUL ÉMILE RIOUX was recently invited to create a work for an exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. The show, Haydarpasa Railway Station: Past. Present and Uncertain Future, was a cultural event seeking to raise international awareness about the Haydarpasa Station. The beautiful building, opened in 1906, is on the 2012 Watch List of the World Monument Foundation. Canadian and Turkish artists participated in the show which collected funds for the preservation of the station. Rioux created a wonder-world; shapes inspired by Haydarpasa but emanating entirely from his imagination.

Rioux-Landcuts_TheCity-4

The amazing grace of his monoliths form ‘streets’with a precision not alike that of Haussmann’s Parisian avenues. He ‘straightened out’ the Byzantine meanderings of this ancient Turkish metropolis with his sophisticated geometry.

Rioux-Landcuts_TheCity-1

The eye is drawn to a massive block which then leads one further to the horizon where the hint of a dome suggests Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s famed mosque-now-museum. The allure of his matrix-mode art is that the ‘streets’ could also be waterways in Venice, Italy; or, indeed, wherever your mind’s eye takes you. In that, Rioux’s images are a global statement, which, like the event itself, suggest the past, present and an uncertain future.

In homage to the architect’s recent passing (age 104) Rioux created a new series.

‘‘Much of my work is inspired by buildings: by architecture of a city. I discovered Niemeyer’s work when I was about 12 years old, and then realized that buildings could be lines, and not just ‘wedding cake layers’,’’ explained Rioux. Based on the renowned architect’s landmark buildings such as Brasilia, the artist used his software-brush to design a logical fantasy city. In his Homage, the artist does not ignore nature. He seamlessly juxtaposes textures of water and grass beside the eloquent equations of his manufactured universe; one in which monoliths rise gracefully in mock utopian panoramas with their linear quietude.

With his latest work, Homage to Oscar Niemeyer, Paul-Émile Rioux nvites the public to his atelier. The artist has opened his studio on week-ends.

Homage à Niemeyer. Paul-Émile Rioux.

April 13 – 30, 2013. Saturdays and Sundays: Noon – 5 p.m.

1850 Notre-Dame West (corner des Seigneurs)

Florence! Home of the Renaissance.

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:42:48 +0000

Flying Business Class Air Canada was..a dream. Seats that..lie down. Great service. Then, arrive in Frankfurt. Huge lines at customs. We are ushered to the Business Class line for customs. It is slower than the others. Finally..through, Walk miles and miles..and miles for Gate for Florence connection. Fly over snow (German fields) and more snow (mountains) to land in ..green! Grass, trees, some fleurs. And sun! Apply sunscreen and wander over to Palazzo Pitti and the Giardini Boboli. Buy all sorts of salamis, cheeses. Enjoy.

Le Canal. A New Vision in Griffintown

admin — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:07:17 +0000

LE CANAL celebrated the Phase 2 launch with a standing-room-only VIP cocktail in the showroom on the banks of the Lachine Canal, after which the condominium project is named. Inspired by the heritage of Griffintown, the architects (Atelier Chaloub et Beaulieu) designed with materials such as bricks and masonry, which blend with the natural surroundings.

The finished project will have water pools that echo the famed Lachine Canal. The environment is pivotal to LE CANAL. The development has a small footprint, with 47% of the site’s surface area devoted to landscaped grounds.

VIEWS GUARANTEED The project is flanked by federally-protected parkland. Thus, the hallmark views will never change.

Phase 1 is now under construction. Digging on the site has uncovered relics of Montreal’s heritage, when the Lachine Canal drove – and delivered- business. A fabulous old propeller – 6′ wide – was carefully dug up, as were other historical bits and pieces. They are being donated to the Ville de Montréal.

Le Canal Griffintown is being developed by Les Développements du Canal Inc. (LDCI). Two of the firm’s visionaries, Patrick Varin and Jean Bouchard, were present at the VIP reception.

Patrick Varin, Jean Bouchard LDCI

Guests at the evening had a surprise. Frédéric Lefebvre arrived with his wife Alice. Lefebvre is the ‘bra droit’ of Nicolas Sarkozy, in Montreal for a moment.

Frédéric Lefebvre graciously commented on le Canal. ''Exceptionel''

Le Canal is a four-phase project being built near the des Seigneurs bridge on the Lachine Canal. In fact, the communications firm that created the beautiful marketing tools, St. Louis Communications, used the old iron bolts on the bridge as graphics on the cover of their ‘coffee table style’ booklet on Le Canal.

SRO at Le Canal VIP launch

The SRO (Standing Room Only) cocktail, organized by Fab Boss, featured fashionista black-clad statuesque models welcoming arrivals on the frigid night.

The launch party started at 5, for a traditional 5 à 7, but guests were still sipping Prosecco after 9 p.m. enjoying the DJ, the vibe, the thought of ’a new home in a few months. A true Montreal moment -Past, present and a fabulous future.

SCENE +HERD: Karl Mêche, Tyo‘, the fab Fab Boss team – Daisy Giagkos, Billy Alfonso and Fabio Broccoli; Roger Vassallo, Josh Silver, Bunnie Berke and Larry Lusko, Gary Brodkin, Evana Varin – Patrick’s glamorous wife; designer Steve Antoniou, Marcel Smith, Christine Fortin, Patrick Meausette (Titanic resto), artists Paul-Émile Rioux and Daniel Barbeau, Antoine Chaloub (Atelier Chaloub et Beaulieu), Eric Aouizerats, and John St.Louis, of St. Louis Communications.

Baby Boomers. Face it!

admin — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 20:19:57 +0000

All those days lying on a beach in the sun. All those times we used a reflector (!) to get a better tan on our faces. Today, no one could believe that once having a ‘great tan’ was a compliment. That was then. This is now. Now we are paying the price. And now- how we wish we, well, hadn’t tried to tan!We have…hmmm.. Wrinkles. Skin that looks leathery. Oh, and brown spots. We watch the TV starlettes on the red carpet and wonder over their utterly even skin. Okay, the are younger, and they probably never lay out in noon day sun after swimming (for the ‘best’ tan!). But. Well, one secret of Hollywoodians, fashionistas and models is called FRAXEL. Strange name for a great treatment. We discovered it at PEAU, where Dr. Manish Khanna, surgical dermatologist, resides as director. He is also Director, Dermatology-Oncology, Sir Mortimer B.Davis – Jewish General Hospital, and Director of Dermatologic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Khanna specializes in laser treatments and aesthetic procedures for skin rejuvenation and cosmetic enhancement.Okay!

Dr. Manish Khanna

That being said, what is Fraxel you ask? FRAXEL is an effective treatment for sun damage and age spots. It helps restore a youthful look by improving skin tone and texture. The Fraxel Dual Laser has two treatment modes: one penetrates deep into skin layers, specifically targeting wrinkles or acne scarring. The other effectively targets tone, texture and other superficial signs of aging. Sounds good to us!

Check it out for yourself. Face it. Who wants those little brown spots!

PEAU – esthétique médicale. SEAFORTH MEDICAL BUILDING 3550 Côte-des-Neiges, # 540 514-989-7328