2023-2024 Monthly Programs 

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October 5, 2023

Handbag Expo

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We proudly present the opening of the 2023 WCD season with our third expo of prized possessions from our members. This curated collection of handbags has been put together by the Expo Team Helene Schutz, Mary Taylor and Maria DiChiara. They worked tirelessly all summer long to bring this event to fruition. Almost 100 examples display an array of bag types from exquisite, zany, sophisticated, unique, antique, and whimsical. The Expo will conclude with remarks from member owners who will share personal stories surrounding these most utilitarian yet decorative accessories. 

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November 2, 2023

Painted Lady: Muse or Mistress

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Artists through the centuries have succeeded in adding to our imaginative vocabulary of female beauty. The richly colored paintings of the muse have their own glamour - a direct experience for the senses - but at times, hints of scandal and eroticism are an obvious aspect of the experience. Art historian Louise Cella Caruso will visit once again to present a lecture and slideshow with a non-stop sequence of lovers and models in art. These women were poignant, eventually tragic, and often immortal. Works by Picasso, Modigliani, Rossetti, Von Dongen, Man Ray, Klimt, Warhol, Matisse, Sargent, Katz, Freud, and more will be included in this program which will encourage us to think twice about what we see when we look at art and the women represented in it.

 

December 7, 2023

Holiday Music with Bobby D 

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Musician Bobby D will delight us with season favorites for the winter holidays. Come ready to immerse yourselves in festive music while enjoying the warmth of each-others’ company as we close out 2023 and make plans for all the fun to be had together in the new year.

 

February 8, 2024

“The Journey” Film Screening and Q&A

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Maria Santalesa, WCD member and film producer, has prepared a special screening of her documentary “The Journey,” which was commissioned by the Histria Association for Women. The film chronicles experiences of women who emigrated from Histria to New York City in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. It highlights the experiences of 22 women to tell the story of this important national migration, emphasizing the difficult and sometimes cruel immigration procedures and how, once they arrived, Histrian women made a new, unique home for themselves in NYC and enriched the city culturally. Time will be set aside for a Q&A after the movie.

 

March 7, 2024

Center for the Women of New York (CWNY)

Join us in welcoming our newest charity, Center for the Women of New York! Racquel Chariah, Executive Director, and Cecilia Venosta-Wiygul, President, will enlighten us about CWNY’s broad range of services and events benefiting women from all walks of life who need help overcoming financial, violence, social, wellness, legal, and gender equality issues. Career skills classes, crisis support groups, exercise and social activities designed to build self-esteem and connection, tax, legal and other 1-on-1 support are all part of CWNY’s offerings, many of which take place locally at Fort Totten Park in Bayside.

 

April 4, 2024

Doyle Auctioneers and Appraisers

Prestigious Manhattan auction house Doyle is making a return appearance! Doyle will enthrall us with insider tips about auctions and appraisals. Learn more about buying fine jewelry, art and collectibles. Martha Garcia, head of Doyle’s jewelry department, and Kevin Zavian, star of “Antiques Roadshow” will be our guides.

 

May 1, 2024

Annual Meeting and Luncheon

Venue TBD – Program: A Tango Show Presentation.  Stay tuned for more details of our highly anticipated gathering!