Contemporary Gallery has been born with the exhibition, “Whimsy: Celebrating the Power of "Why Not?"” The temporary contemporary art gallery opens June 11 at 230 Harrison Street in Downtown Syracuse, thanks to the support of J.F. Real Estate. The opening reception is on Friday the 13th in conjunction with the opening of the Everson Biennial down the street. Designed as an afterparty for the Biennial, the reception will run on June 13th from 7 - 10 PM. The exhibition will continue through Friday, July 18 with plenty of special events to be announced on the gallery's website.

The art featured in “Whimsy: Celebrating the Power of "Why Not?"” includes art books, drawings, fabric art, film, illustration, installation art, intaglio prints, works in mixed media, paintings, photo etchings, photography, sculpture, and video art. The majority of artists represented come from the New York State area. The theme “whimsy” is inspired by its definition: 1. The quality of being quaint, odd, or playfully humorous, especially in an endearing way; 2. An idea that has no immediately obvious reason to exist. Since the gallery itself was created on a whim as a labor of love, it seemed appropriate for the theme of the exhibition to exemplify these characteristics. A series of film screenings will share the same theme with films curated by John Craddock, Assistant Director of the Syracuse International Film Festival.

Contemporary Gallery Co-Founders Roslyn Esperon and Courtney Rile met in February of 2006. Esperon was interning at Delavan Art Gallery when Rile was invited back to Syracuse from traveling by Bill Delavan to be the Gallery Coordinator. Over two years later, the two have continued to work together at the Gallery in various capacities and have also become friends. They both thank Bill Delavan for his guidance and support.

When it comes to the timing, Rile says, “It worked out well because Delavan Art Gallery is closed for the summer and Roslyn will be moving away in the fall. We had a perfect window.” Roslyn Esperon just graduated this May with a BA in Art History from Syracuse University, where she received wide recognition as a Coronat, Remembrance, and Syracuse University Scholar. Esperon will be attending New York University in the fall to earn a Masters degree in Arts Administration.

Courtney Rile is currently Marketing and PR Coordinator at Delavan Art Gallery as well as Director of Communications at the Cultural Resources Council. She is also a freelance writer, curator, photographer, video editor and video professor at ITT Technical Institute in Liverpool. Rile earned a BFA in Video Art from SU in 2004 and went on to coordinate the “Greenberg In Syracuse: Then & Now” 2005 exhibition at ThINC's Company Gallery and curate video art at Ohm Lounge in Downtown Syracuse before traveling.

Contemporary Gallery will be open for regular business hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 AM - 7 PM with film screenings every Wednesday at 7 PM. There is an ambitious schedule of special events, including film screenings, a book launch, official Th3 afterparties in June and July as well as a healthy variety of surprises along the way. For a list of artists, more information about the gallery and to see an up-to-date list of events, visit the gallery online at http://contemporarygallery.wordpress.com.

Slippery yet beautiful trails, high rivers and washed-out bridges offer a spectacular ambience of lush countryside. Captivating sounds of gamelan, the traditional Balinese musical instrument, provide a terrific "bonus" at the end of your day in the colorful mountainsides of Bali. So take your next holiday beyond the ordinary, beyond the beaches and sprawling night clubs, beyond shopping and themed resorts, beyond the trappings of modern life… and step into the mythical landscapes, rich with enthralling beauty and charming rituals.

Delightful Ubud Art Scene

High on the slopes, just around one hour drive from Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Ubud is not only a delightful mountain getaway but also the center of art and culture in Bali. Dozens of art galleries, workshops, boutiques and cute novelty shops, big or small, locally-owned or internationally-owned, adorn every bit of the main streets in Ubud. Just easily stroll down this trendy neighborhood and you're going to want to stop at every shop and every stall you pass!

What's more, artists from all over the world regularly exhibit their work here in Ubud. One of the most popular galleries that regularly show masterpieces from well-known artists is Puri Lempad. This is actually the family residence of Mr. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a celebrated painter and sculptor best known for his famous ink drawings of Balinese Hindu scenes. In this house, Mr. Lempad dedicates the spacious front foyer of his house as a gallery initially to display his family collections and also as a creative space for him to paint or sculpt. Lately, the gallery is often rented to conduct various public exhibitions and art events. What's more remarkable, Puri Lempad is always open because the family still lives there. So as long as you visit at reasonable times, you are always welcome here at the Lempad's house. With so many fancy galleries that cater to modern tastes, the Lempad's house continues to carry on a simple yet captivating art tradition as if nothing has changed!

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali

Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 975618

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Open daily from 8 AM to 5.30 PM, the Monkey Forest or Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana is a vast 8-hectare forest in the heart of Ubud, occupied by lots of adorable monkeys. An undemanding trail festooned with towering trees presents an easy 30-minute walk around this forest while listening to the calming sounds of nature and watching the monkeys playing blissfully among the green and flourishing branches along the trail. Bananas or rambutan can be bought at the entrance to feed the monkeys. A small reminder however, even though these monkeys are quite friendly, you should be careful when you are carrying a bag of bananas or other treats for them as they can be very insistent to get them from you. Also make sure that you don't wear any accessories, such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The monkeys love to get their hands on these!

Monkey Forest

Jl. Monkey Forest

Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali

Phone: + 62 (0) 361 - 971304

Email: info@balimonkey.com

www.balimonkey.com

Exotic Bird Park

Take the opportunity to use your arm or shoulder as a place for birds to land and rest their tired wings. At Bali Bird Park, this is the perfect place to do so. Enjoy around 1,000 vibrant multi-colored birds singing wildly and flying freely from branch to branch, and sometimes briefly land on your arm or shoulder. Located not very far from Ubud, an early morning visit to Bali Bird Park offers a chance to have breakfast in its open-air restaurant while being enlightened by songs of paradise performed personally by the birds. For families with young children, this is definitely the place you don't want to leave out of your itinerary. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Bali Bird Park

Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir

Singapadu, Batubulan, Gianyar
Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 299352

The Spiritual Bedugul

Cold winds blow gently over the fertile land around still dark green waters of Lake Bratan. A Balinese temple, Pura Ulun Danu, soars arrogantly at its side, an architecture representing constant struggles to eternal enlightenment. Its "sister" lakes, the twin Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, sit quietly in a nearby grassy landscape. In a striking combination of beautiful scenery and rich heritage, whether you choose an effortless walk around Lake Tamblingan or a 25-minute canoe trip across Lake Tamblingan to Lake Buyan or a more rigorous hike in the vicinity of Lake Bratan or a visit to the temple to silently chant a solemn prayer, an afternoon trip to the lavish countryside of Bedugul can turn into centuries-old spiritual voyage into the deepest soul you didn't know you had.

Harmonious Village Life of Penglipuran

Set in the midst of Bangli District, 45 Km from Denpasar, Penglipuran Village has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Bali. The ancient village provides a time-capsule vision into the harmonious Bali before it became Bali as we know now. Bali Aga, as they call themselves, literally means Original Bali. This village consists of communities that still practice their old traditions and rituals, as practiced by their ancestors since long before teachings of Hinduism came to the island. Therefore, Penglipuran Village is the only village in Bali that does not recognize the caste system, the pattern of social classes in Hinduism.

All of the houses in the village are neatly structured on a leafy hillside and very clean, each with bright red brick fences around it. Every house also features a traditional kitchen surrounded by bamboo walls, which is separated from the main house, while most of the main houses now have adopted semi-modern styles. Your visit to the village will be warmly welcomed and you can even drop in to each of their houses. Explore the narrow ancient pathways and the down-to-earth characteristics of the people will charm you to death and you can't help falling in love with them. This is the true Bali!

Recommended Museums & Art Galleries

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Pengosekan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-976659

Email: info@armamuseum.com

www.armamuseum.com

Gaya Fusion Of Sense

Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-979253, 979252

Email: gaya@gayafusion.com

www.gayafusion.com

Museum Puri Lukisan

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975136, 9711159

Email: museumpl@indo.net.id

www.museumpurilukisan.com

Neka Art Museum

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975074

Email: info@museumneka.com

www.museumneka.com

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975618

The Blanco Renaissance Museum

Campuan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975502

Email: a-blanco@indo.net.id

www.blancobali.com

FRIDAY

5pm

Roam around Lambton Quay to catch the exodus of business people escaping to bars surrounding the business sector. Have a meal and drink at one of the many bars than line either Lambton Quay or Featherston Street. The Leuven, a local haunt, offers flavoursome mussels and wide variety of Belgium beers all within a relaxed atmosphere.

8pm

Follow the harbour around to Courtney Place, Wellington’s entertainment quarter. It is a tough decision between the range of theatres including Downstage, Bats, Circa and Te Whaea. Orchestra and Ballet performances are also often found in the Opera House, Michael Fowler Centre and the Westpac St James theatre. Check out ticketek or ticketmaster online for the latest theatre and live music offerings.

SATURDAY

9am

Rise early to take the short cable car ride from Lambton Quay up to the Botanical Gardens. Spend the morning strolling through the local gardens, boasting 20 hectares of gardens, including a forest of native bush and fauna and an award winning rose garden.

Midday

Wander out through Thorndon, admiring the cities oldest suburb. After a 15 minute through the historical Colonial housing you will find yourself by the New Zealand Parliament, The Beehive. Named due to its peculiar shape, free tours are run every hour on the hour and take approximately one hour. The tours offer a glimpse into the Parliament & Legislation chambers, Grand Hall, the Maori Affairs Room, as well as interesting insiders knowledge of New Zealand's parliament.

7pm

After a day of walking, make your way to Civic Square and Frank Kitts Park, the heart of Wellington. Following the path down the ocean you will come across the Macs Brewery, loved for its locally brewed beers. It has ample outdoor setting and a range of food on service. If you can't pick between the various of beers on tap, chose their tasters tray: 8 samples of their best loved beer. Next door is St Johns, an historical ambulance building dating back to the 1920's, now converted to a trendy bar and restaurant on the waterfront. Also good for a relaxed drink and meal.

SUNDAY

10am

Explore the Bohemian side of town by a walk through the Cuba Quarter. Shop the length of Cuba street where you’ll find anything from cheap shoes to a wealth of local Wellington designers, such as Carly Harris and Kate Sylvester. Make certain to stop along the street to sample one of the many local cafes or restaurants.

Midday

Have brunch at Epic, famous amongst locals for generous servings of fried eggs and bacon. It can busy with the weekend breakfast crown, but many Wellingtonian's agree its worth the wait.

3pm

Devote the afternoon to Wellington's art, history and culture. Te Papa, built in 1995, is one of the world's largest national museums. Its five floors host exhibitions of Maori culture, colonial sellers, as well an interesting exhibition of fashion and art over the last 100 years. The museum has a reputation for its innovative and interactive exhibitions and could easily occupy an entire morning.

If Te Papa doesn’t quench your thirst for art, take a five minute walk to the National Art Gallery, situated in Civic Square. This gallery is known for its innovative and modern art displays. However, if you taste enough art for one day take the 10 minute walk around the harbour to Oriental Parade, Wellington very own artificial beach.

Imported sand from the South Island form this small, crescent beach. Locals swarm here on a hot day as it offers the perfect inner-city place for a sunbathe and spectacular views across the harbour. For a delicious snack stop at the ice-cream bar for the best Gelato ice-creams outside of Italy.

Other options

If the inner-city becomes too claustrophobic, take the local bus to Wellington Zoo (Bus #10 or #23) or Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (Bus #3). Both give you the opportunity to learn more about New Zealand local wildlife as well as plenty of fresh air.

Take the walk up Mount Victoria. Your rewarded after the steep track with incredible views across the city and harbour (Beware of the high winds of Wellington!). Some of the walk may look familiar as it was featured in the Lo.