Collaboratively Curated by Artists of NYC
At the heart of our mission is the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives. The Trops Foundation is an inclusive platform that amplifies diverse voices, nurtures emerging talent, and cultivates a rich tapestry of cultural expression.
Gala Patrons of the Arts are invited to an Integrated Arts & Music exhibition at this iconic setting in Gramercy, exploring the various rooms of the INN AT IRVING PLACE "Holiday House" with live performances and a dinner program at Lady Mendl's Tea Salon to support the Arts.
We are proud to present this very special evening for artists, by artists, to support Culture & Community in NYC.
Special Thank You you to our fabulous host committee:
Amelia Alberti, Michael Avedon, Stefan Bondell, Malcolm Harris, Curtis Kulig, Irena Lasenby, Nemo Librizzi, Paul Pissarro, Mehrnam Rastegari, Joaquin Soto, Nora Tofigh
Holiday Gala, December 19
01
Holiday House, Cocktail Hour
World-class musicians perform at an experiential Art & Music Exhibition across main floor of the historic Inn at Irving Place.
Gallery Art Exhibition
curated by:
Nemo Librizzi
Music Circle
curated by:
Mehrnam Rastegari
02
Dinner & Tea, Gala Program
For this Persian-themed Solstice Festival of Yalda, Lady Mendl's Tea Salon hosts a Persian take on traditional Dinner & High Tea and live performances.
The Gala Program presents a special sensory experience highlighting modern interpretations of traditional Persian Arts through the eyes of NYC-based Persian cultural icons: Mehrnam Rastegari, Haleh Liza Gafori, Hamid Rahmanian, and Sharghzadeh
03
Book Signing & Artist Talk
Hamid Rahmanian masterfully reimagines the Shahnameh*, a thousand-year old epic poem by the Persian poet Ferdowsi into beautiful publications, prints, and Theatrical Puppet shows.
*The book Shahnameh ("Book of Kings") is an epic poem that famously transcribed the folklore and history of Persian culture in ~1000 CE phonetically in Arabic script, showcasing the power of poetry to preserve an entire language and cultural identity.
04
Holiday House, Yalda! Circles
Poetry Circle
curated by:
Lonesome Press, Persian Poetics
Cinema Circle
curated by:
Paul Pissarro
Music Circle
curated by:
Mehrnam Rastegari
Experience contemporary visual and performing arts at the historic building in the heart of Gramercy, with a Holiday House of Arts & Culture spanning the vibrant spaces the Inn at Irving Place and Lady Mendl's Tea Salon, followed by an afterparty at the downstairs CiBar Lounge and Jazz Club.
HOSTED BY
Inn at Irving Place
We are proud to celebrate our mission at the Inaugural Holiday Fundraising Gala hosted by the Inn at Irving Place. We invite lovers and patrons of the Arts to support this live program and share Art with the community as we celebrate culture and community to benefit the Trops Nonprofit Organization.
Patron Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience across this charming space. The Holiday Gala begins with a Cocktail Hour presenting master musicians, gallery art, poetry, and more followed by a seated Dinner and Persian High Tea Program of very special performances, followed by an Artist's Talk and Book Signing at Lady Mendl's Tea Salon and a Holiday House's experiential rooms presenting contemporary Film, Dance, Music, Poetry, and Art.
HOLIDAY GALA
Lady Mendl's
Lady Mendl's is an unconventionally chic tea salon housed within the Inn at Irving Place, in the heart of New York's historical Gramercy Park. Built in 1834, two landmark structures were meticulously transformed to recreate a bygone era of gracious living.
HOLIDAY HOUSE
Holiday House
Explore the Magical rooms of the Inn at Irving Place, with a vibrant tapestry of world-class performing artists, film, poetry, and more alongside a gallery exhibition throughout this historic building in the heart of Gramercy.
YALDA SOLSTICE AFTERPARTY
CiBar
Get Groovy downstairs at the Jazz Lounge for the Solstice, with DJs spicing up the dance floor and live musicians to celebrate the sun's return from the longest night of the year. This is the time to stay up late and hosted by Mehrnam Rastegari leading Middle Eastern Rock band CHOGAN alongside Persian Dance Music and fusion favorites.
WINTER SOLSTICE HOLIDAY GALA
YALDA
Yalda, also referred to as Chelleh, celebrates the sunrise after the longest night of the year. Ancient Persians believed that evil forces were strongest on the longest and darkest night of the year, and celebrate Yalda to welcome back the Sun by gathering together for eating, drinking and reading poetry through the night.
Learn more
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