In the News: DDB Presents an Exhibition of Digital Prints by Pratt Alumni (Part 1 of 2)

The DDB is now home to 60 digital prints by 15 alumni artists from Pratt Institute's renowned digital arts, photography and illustration programs. Last Tuesday, Charles S. Cohen, President and Owner of the Decoration & Design Building, unveiled a two-year exhibition of the prints at an elegant reception for designers and Pratt alumni in the Astra Café.

The exhibition was a collaboration headed by Cohen and Pratt Institute President Dr. Thomas Schutte. We talked to Mr. Cohen and Mr. Schutte about the exciting collaboration and what it means for the building.

"This is an exciting and young exhibit and it's a not only 'a first' for the D&D Building, it's a first for Manhattan and the world.” said Cohen. “This is the first vertical art exhibit in the world where art is on display and while you're viewing it, you're also exercising!"

"It's fabulous to see this fantastic exhibit in all of its presentation and beauty," Schutte said. "The people that this exhibit will bring in and the younger crowd whose work is shown in this prestigious establishment is an exciting step in a very positive direction!"

Cohen and Schutte agreed that the increase of young people the building was seeing at the opening reception was just a glimpse of what was to come in terms of a more youthful audience visiting the D&D Building.

"This is where it all starts," said Cohen. "The young Design Center-goers have shown up; their work is being showcased and they have more reason than ever to come by and bring others with them."

Bobby Contini, VP Marketing of Cohen Design Centers, added: “It's really fitting for this exhibit to be here at the D&D Building, as so many of our industry’s most highly-regarded professionals are Pratt Alumni.”

The prints will be on display in the common space between the DDB's 120 showrooms. Editioned, signed and archival copies of the displayed works will be made available for purchase by Pratt Institute's Department of Exhibitions. The work will be on display Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through June 2013.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on the DDB's opening presentation of Pratt Institute's digital prints exhibit.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Gracie Teaches Chinese Painting Techniques

Veteran Gracie artist, Yen Ming Tsai was the center of attention at Gracie's Spring Market event, where he taught designers the technique of hand painting 18th-century-style Chinese flowers and birds. Designers had the opportunity to try their hand at painting such beautiful images and even took home their watercolor paintings to show off.

"This was just so much fun and so different from any event I've gone to!" said a Spring Market-goer. "Yen Ming Tsai is so talented and seeing him paint in the showroom just brought a whole new level to the way I look at Gracie's showroom. It makes me love and respect it even more!"

"Typically exposed to so much product at Market, one could become a little jaded, or less impressed because everything is beautiful," said Bobby Contini, VP Marketing of Cohen Design Centers. "Experiencing an artisan sharing his craft is a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity that surrounds us."

“Yen Ming is a senior Gracie artist who has been with us for many years," said Mike Gracie, President of Gracie. "He’s been enjoying some celebrity status recently after being mentioned in the New York Times for his work on the Gracie wallpaper in Jeff Lincoln’s Kips Bay Showhouse room. He also is very cheery and fun to be with so I know our visitors are having a great time while showing some excellent painting talent of their own!”

Be sure to check back with GoDesignGo for more Spring Market Buzz at the DDB, and please send us your work if you painted with Yen Ming Tsai.

Holiday Tips, Tricks and Tales: Bobby Contini

We asked the  Vice President Marketing at Cohen Design Centers Bobby Contini to tell us about his holiday memories, favorite gifts and do's and don'ts during this festive season. Read what he shared with us.

GDG: What was the best gift you ever received over the holidays?

BC: There were two! The first was a two-wheel bicycle that I got when I was about four years old…and YES it was red and I only used one of the training wheels! And here's the best part about it, there is super-8 film (which was advanced technology in the 60's, everyone!) of my older brother riding around the house with my bike.

The other best present I received was sometime around 1990. It was a suede fringe coat from my significant other, Mark. I was really surprised because it was quite expensive and not in our budget, but he made it happen! A big fat XO to him, he still makes it happen for me and I still have the coat, so watch for me in it!

GDG: What should people never give as gifts?

BC: I'll say fruit cakes. Everyone hates fruit cake.

GDG: Are you the hostess or hostee for the holidays this year?

BC: My parents host every year and we all pitch in. It's a lot of work and a lot of fun!

GDG: What things are crucial to keep in mind when you’re decorating for the holidays?

BC: The holidays are supposed to be FUN, so make it so. Invite friends, make festive drinks, blah blah blah, 'tis the season, you know what to do.

GDG: What should people never do when hosting for the holidays?

BC: Too much is never enough—so just keep that in mind when styling!

GDG: What are you most looking forward to during this holiday season?

BC: A little rest and relaxation with family and friends. It makes me feel warm inside just thinking about it.

Post a comment and tell us your what you can't wait for this holiday season.

Thanksgiving Do's & Don'ts

Whether you’re the host, hostess or hostee, Thanksgiving is an affair rife with do’s and don’ts—from dinner attire to wine selections and seating arrangement; who’s stuck sitting next to Great Aunt Mildred? We asked our pals at the DDB's Marketing office for their advice on how to make this holiday simple and sweet.

Bobby Contini, National Marketing Director:

"Don't forget the last minute fabulous dessert. Use in-season fruit, slice and arrange it beautifully on a bed of ivy or something from the outdoors. If you can't find anything practical or clean enough like ivy, throw it on a fabulous plate. Strawberries work best if you press them and sprinkle some powdered sugar on them or drizzle some dark, milk or white chocolate on them. Then, enjoy!" Bobby continued, "It's a hassle free, easy and beautiful thing to put on your table or bring to someone's house, and everyone can enjoy it."

Jason Lowe, Director, Design Professionals:

"Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, I feel like we are constantly bombarded with article after article about what wine choices we should be making.  After many great Thanksgivings with friends, all with really different likes and dislikes, we have learned to ignore the wine tips and just go with what we like.  Don’t worry about it — get inexpensive wines and LOTS of them. And enjoy."

Millie Massa-Ahmed, Marketing Associate:

"Do get dressed up. It's a holiday, people! The worst thing you can do is look like a mess in front of friends and family. Do bring your host or hostess a gift if you're not hosting yourself, you can't forget that. Don't forget to thank the people who invited you, it's tough work to host! And enjoy the holiday with friends and family. Don't be alone for Thanksgiving; the holiday is all about good people, delicious food, and lots of laughs!"

Kate Bergeron, Design Professionals:

"Please don't forget to say what you're thankful for. I've always felt that being together is more important than having 3 turkeys and ridiculous plastic leaves on my plate. Then again, I've yet to host my own Thanksgiving dinner. Oh! And don't forget the wine!"

Leave a comment and tell us what your do's and don'ts are. GoDesignGo and Cohen Design Center staff wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!