Damp, exhausted, and hungry are the words I use to sum up my first ten minutes in New York City. This is nothing more than a typical Saturday evening around here, at least from what I've seen. I found myself getting acquainted with a flimsy $5 umbrella from a street vendor. It didn't hold up too well against Times Square’s elements. But we managed to adjust through the crowds and the relentless rain. End result: New York City is hell in heels and a $5 umbrella.

I had done my research, and followed up with the press package.  Still not entirely sure what to expect, I finally flagged down a taxi and made my way to the Jonathan LeVine Gallery on the north side of 20th Street on a dark and dusky block between 10th and 11th Avenues. This brought me to the realization that I wasn't surrounded by the hot lights and anxiety of downtown Manhattan. Things around me finally began to slow down as I walked down the short end of the street, thinking to myself “Is this where they hide the real art around here?”

Just trying to get my bearings in a city I am less than familiar with, I walk through the lobby doors of the building, which contains more than a dozen different studios and galleries on each of its twelve floors. At first I was still unsure if I was in the correct place, even though the sign read "Jonathan LeVine Gallery 9-E." Must have just been the "bus-lag." I proceeded to 9-E on the slightly inefficient elevator and was relieved to be dumped off into an area containing hipsters, strange men with long ponytails, and quite a few people resembling Beatles fans.

I stood off to the side waiting the two minutes till the gallery doors were to be opened to the area of heavily anticipating public scenesters. I was suddenly, again, lost; it was as if I was recalling the feeling of getting off the bus, and stepping feet first into an exaggerated puddle on 34th and 8th. (If you couldn't tell, it’s my first time in NYC).

That said, I was fevering the emotions of stimulation at all extremes - swirls of neon colors engulfed the floor, creating a sinkhole of distraction. My senses were expanded again; the smell of popcorn filled the gallery. A table contained old-fashioned popcorn containers with D*Face’s unmistakable art covering the packaging, filled with fresh popcorn for the guests; kitschy if anything, but an intriguing way to set it apart from your typical art exhibition.

Which is what I have come to learn is what D*Face is all about…

Article Author: Cindal Lee Heart

Cindal Lee Heart is a passionate music journalist, experienced in areas of reviews, interviews, and event coverage. She most often covers genres in the likes of Folk, Rock, Indie, and Pop, but certainly not limited to good music as it comes to her.
…

Visit Cindal Lee Heart's author page — Cindal Lee Heart's Blog