Upcoming Events

Join us for a last look at our spring exhibitions, part of the interdisciplinary initiative Olas Caribeñas/Caribbean Waves. This event will go from 2–4 PM, is free and open to the public, and will feature an informal discussion with exhibiting artists, a musical performance by Kike Banquez y Sus Tambores, a book signing for The ABCs of Paradise Found, and refreshments. Plus, join us for a special thank-you glass of bubbly at 3 PM recognizing the 70 artists who donated to this year’s Gala Art Auction!

Schedule:

• 2 PM: Musical Performance by the Oscar Kike Banquez Ensemble, Refreshments
• 2:30 PM: Book reading/talk and opportunity to meet the authors and purchase the book
• 3 PM: Musical Performance by the Oscar Kike Banquez Ensemble, Refreshments

The ABCs of Paradise Found
KAREN AMANDA TOULON, AUTHOR
Karen Amanda Toulon is an award-winning journalist, having worked with global news organizations including Bloomberg, Reuters, CNBC and CBS Radio Network. She serves on the board of directors for organizations in support of global and local news. The ABCs of Paradise Found is a homage to Karen’s Caribbean ancestry and the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor. Her husband, artist Eric Rhinehart, illustrated the story. Born in London and raised in New York, Karen received her BA from Dartmouth College and her MS from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Karen and Eric have two daughters, and two Balinese cats who preside over their home in Chatham, New Jersey.

ERIC RHINEHART, ILLUSTRATOR
Eric Rhinehart is a painter, photographer, and graphic designer who has worked as an illustrator and art director for corporate clients for more than 30 years. His watercolors have been exhibited in solo and group shows in New York, New Jersey, Miami, Washington, D.C., and his hometown, Detroit.
Eric earned his BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York.

The ABCs of Paradise Found is his first book collaboration with his wife, Karen Toulon. They are working on a second book about cats and complex relationships.

KIKE BANQUEZ y SUS TAMBORES
NJ-based Oscar “Kike” Banquez is one of the leading exponents of traditional music from Colombia’s Caribbean coast living in the U.S. A gifted clarinetist and band leader, Kike cut his chops in his native Colombia, playing with Toto la Momposina among other storied tradition bearers. Now residing in Arlington, his ensemble Kike Banquez y sus Tambores, represents an important dimension of one of the nation’s fastest growing Colombian communities, located in Hudson and Essex counties respectively.