By Louise Irvine Many of us will be celebrating Carnival and Mardi Gras virtually this year. The traditional parades are canceled in New Orleans on February 16. Undeterred, locals will be enjoying the festival in a new way. We can’t fly to Venice for Carnevale, but we can still revel

By Louise Irvine Kissing and hugging are discouraged in these days of social distancing, but touch deprivation has become a serious consequence of the pandemic and is causing mental health issues, particularly among those living alone. As we approach Valentine’s Day, let’s all think of different ways that we can

By Louise Irvine Hundreds of porcelain fairies seem to dance in time to Dave Rosenthal’s synchronized music entitled The Falls of Fairy Glen, which can now be heard in our Fantastique exhibition while viewing the spectacular Lladró chandelier. The original composition was written by Dave to light up the Niagara

By Louise Irvine How did the heart come to be symbolized in the shape we are so familiar with in Valentine cards and emojis? The symbol does not bear much relation to the actual form of a human heart, but it has become part of the universal language of love.

By Louise Irvine The gift of music adds a new dimension to WMODA as demonstrated by our two spectacular pianos. Not only are they both exceptional musical instruments, but they also look stunning in their settings. In December, Bonnie Schur donated her mahogany Steinway Grand Piano from 1943, which she

By Louise Irvine At our Mermaid Tale event on Halloween, Rhanu Mershark wore a glass bikini top designed by Chelsea Rousso. The collaboration was such a success that Chelsea offered to make a customized mermaid top, especially for Rhanu to wear at our Fantasy, Fashion & Fun event on January