Juneteenth becomes a National Holiday

click photo below to see the history behind it.

Courtesy Bettmann Archive/Getty Images — Courtesy *Bettmann Archive/Getty Images*

three things we love

Indonesian fashion designer Dian Pelangi

Iraqi Photographer Wesaam Al-Badry’s photos explore the disconnect he feels between his background growing up in the Middle East and then his relocation as a refugee to Middle America.

I am weighing how I feel about being back in New York City—little house on the ocean in Maine on one hand, apartment in the heart of the beast on the other, and the verdict is still out. But one thing that tips the scales for me in the direction of the big city is the opportunity for all kinds of diversity and culture--there is just no place like it.

I stepped back into the world of culture a few days ago and now I feel I am totally back. At least for now. It was wonderful! Food for the soul! I am inspired after a long spell in the desert…
The Cooper Hewitt, aka The Smithsonian Design Museum, has begun with a bang--a fascinating and mind opening show on “modest” design. Who knew that hijabs could be hip and that there are some real cutting edge designers in that field (how narrow minded of me). I especially admired the fashion designs of Dian Pelangi and Saiqa Mageed and the outspoken and honest voice of body positive activist and author of the book "Unashamed: Musings of a Fat Black Muslim" Leah V, whose voice and video greet you as you enter.

Classic Suzie Zuzek print for Lilly Pulitzer

Jackie Kennedy in a Lilly Pulitzer iconic shift dress.

The second floor featured a brand I remember well from my childhood: Lilly Pulitzer and her cute, flowery, print patterns so beloved at country clubs and suburban beach parties around the United States in the sixties. To my surprise, the designer behind all those patterns was not Lilly Pulitzer herself but a woman who only now is getting her due: the graphic designer Suzie Zuzek, who worked for the silkscreening outfit Key West Hand Print Fabrics. She created all those cheery, uplifting patterns. Read more about this talented textile designer here.

Willi Smith, Fashion Designer (1948-1987) photo courtesy Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

Collaboration with Willi Smith, Keith Haring, Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane

And then on the ground floor was an exhibit on Willi Wear, and the mind behind that: Willi Smith, who sadly died of AIDS in 1987. He was a forerunner in the field of streetwear, fighting to democratize fashion by making it affordable and accessible, even designing patterns for Butterick so you could sew your own. In his time, he collaborated with many of the best artists in New York City producing chic, stylish clothing for both men and women. “I don’t design clothes for the queen,” he once said, “but for the people who wave at her as she goes by.”

Passing it down, generation to generation

My mom was an excellent baker and here is her winning Linzer Torte recipe

This recipe is my mom’s crown jewel. She made it for every special occasion and it was anticipated and beloved by every member of our extended family and friends alike. It is my great pleasure to share it with you right now. She would be happy to spread the word…

Edith Smilow's Linzer Torte

1 stick and 1 tbsp. butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/3 cups ground almonds
2 squares semi-sweet or unsweetened chocolate, grated
Dash of Kirsch (optional)
Dash of cinammon

Three types of jam mixed together (for later)

Mix/Beat sugar, butter, egg yolks together--can be done in a food processor. Then add the rest of the ingredients except for the jam until everything is mixed together. Place dough in refrigerator for 1 hour or more wrapped in plastic wrap.
Divide dough in two parts, one slightly bigger than the other. Roll out each part between two pieces of lightly floured wax paper. Place the bigger half of the dough in a greased spring formed pan about an inch up the sides as well. Spread a layer of the (mixed together) three jams on top (my mom used raspberry, strawberry and blackberry but the type of jam is your choice). Now use the other smaller half of the rolled dough for the lattice work by cutting into 1 inch wide strips and arrange in a lattice design over jam layer. Don't worry if it breaks--you can just press it together. You can also fill the spaces between the lattice strips with a little more jam if you would like.  Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and crust is browned. Cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. 

Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison are the musicians that comprised the “accidental” group The Traveling Wilburys.

Have you ever heard the album The Traveling Wilburys? Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the 100 Best Albums of All Time. It is the collaboration of five extremely talented stars: George Harrison, his co-writer Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison. Friendship and lack of ego make this one of my favorites and a staple in Gert’s and my studio over the years...Here is the album The Traveling Wilburys for your listening pleasure.

paintings of the week

These paintings went off this week to a show on diversity entitled US All at the Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield, CT

This week's featured charity:
National Dance Institute

Another Self Portrait going grey in the time of Covid…

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow created the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her, check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.