🍬 Sugary Scoop: The Empathy Artists Revealed

Welcome to the Sugary Newsletter by yours truly.  🎉 😊

🍬The Scoop 🍬

• WHAT’S NEW?

• THE SUGARY EFFECT

  • PAST EVENTS

• UPCOMING EVENTS

• AND DON’T SAY I DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT…

• ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

WHAT’S NEW?

Introducing Our Empathy Project Artists

Now that the original print t-shirts have been released, it’s my pleasure to reveal our phenomenal lineup of 7 incredible world-class artists that have decided to lend their incredible talents in support of this amazing movement.

• Alana Tsui (109K IG)

• Bradley Theodore (80K IG)

• Karen Bystedt (55K IG)

• Loan Chabanol (105K IG)

• Peter Tunney (545K IG)

• Tango Gao (234K IG)

• Tim Okamura (101K IG)

I’m so grateful to each and every one of these amazing artists for their friendship over the years, as well as their belief in the power of empathy through the lens of their incredible artistry.

When I first conceptualized this T-shirt campaign, I was apprehensive about how it would be received. However, the response from these artists was nothing short of miraculous. Within 2 weeks, I had them all on board. It's clear that the project resonated deeply with them, reinforcing my faith in this endeavor.

As the designs start rolling in, I find myself in awe of the diverse interpretations of empathy captured by these artists. Each piece offers a unique glimpse into their artistic styles and inspirations, making this diverse collection truly exceptional.

Stay tuned, because I can't wait to share these incredible designs with you in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, you can order the original empathy shirts HERE to ensure you don't miss out.

Also, for the artist spotlight, at the end of this newsletter, I will be temporarily holding space to profile each of these incredible visual artists, so that each of you can get to know them a bit better.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to collaborate with such talent and feel the weight of what has been produced manifest within this project.

THE SUGARY EFFECT

Empathy (Part 4): Origins (How I got here)

I started this journey towards the empathy project really when I began my life‘s work here in the city, representing artists within music.

As fate would have it, I found myself representing the extraordinary Jon Batiste.

Spending countless hours together every day for years, Jon and I shared deep conversations about uniting people and communities.

Our late-night brainstorming sessions, fueled by rice and beans in Morningside Heights, gave birth to secret shows, love riots in the streets, and unforgettable performances that define Jon's legacy today.

In those moments, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of arts and culture. I saw how it inspired individuals to open up to themselves and each other, leaving an indelible mark on my soul.

When the pandemic hit and the first empathy T-shirts unexpectedly gained traction, I didn't just want to print more shirts for the sake of printing more; I sought a way to channel this lightning in a bottle.

Naturally, I turned to the world of arts and culture, recognizing its unparalleled ability to convey and amplify messages.

Since a T-shirt design ignited this movement, visual art has become the linchpin of our endeavor.

Visual art, in particular, possesses a unique potency, often becoming iconic in its expression. What better medium to reflect our collective empathy than through visual expression?

It became a means to spotlight art and culture, making artists the vital custodians of our societal dialogue.

I reminisce about my days with Jon, cherishing the lessons learned and the boundless impact art can have. This journey has ingrained in me a profound sense of gratitude, leading me to this moment where we guide the fervent spirit of our times toward more thoughtful waters.

Together, let's champion the transformative power of empathy through art and culture.

Game On…✨

PAST EVENTS

Empathy Project Fundraiser - We had a full house as nearly 50 of you came out to support the empathy project in force. In front of friends and family, we discussed the origins of the project as well as had some of the artists present to share their own perspective of why they chose to participate in this project. There was hardly a dry eye in the room by the time all is said and done and along with special performances by both diva Nia Drummond and Mike Squillante of Movie Night. I can honestly say it was an unforgettable evening, and I thank everyone who made it out, thank you!

Zombie Tag: 3rd Apocalypse - Another successful round in the books as about 60 of you gathered for our third running of this amazing classic. Afterwards, there was an epic hang where folks traded stories of their experience and exchanged tips and tricks on how best to avoid the zombie pandemic!

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 6th @7pm - StoryTell x Empathy Project (Soho) - We’re combining forces with StoryTell to create a special evening, in which we gather to discuss stories of empathy in our lives, and what everything means to us. Please join us for a relaxed evening of storytelling in good company. _{(Social Battery Level: MEDIUM Introvert/Extrovert Mix - Crowd Size 40)}

November 13th @6pm - Sugary X Sunday's Studio (Hudson Yards) - Manley Mondays. In this special collaboration, we are inviting the men of our community to come out in support of men’s health for an evening of pampering, a whiskey/bourbon tasting and some hearty snacks. _{(Social Battery Level: Medium - Crowd Size 40-50)}

November 15th @7pm - Sugary X Sunday's Studio (Chinatown) - Empathy Project Launch Party -As the Empathy Project is poised to launch on Giving Tuesday, we are taking a moment to celebrate the launch of this movement and we want you to be there. Come join as we announce to the world. The arrival of this important social movement is show us your support for greater empathy in the world _{(Social Battery Level: High Extrovert - Crowd Size 175+)}

_{(Space is very limited for each of these events so if you’d like to attend to any of these events, please hit the RSVP button below sooner than later!)}

AND DON’T SAY I DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT…

StoryTell NYC

Safe spaces…hard to find even harder to curate. Yet this is what StoryTell NYC seems to do very well.

Founded by the dynamic duo that is Samanee Mahbub & Rachel Sas, this monthly gathering, which occurs typically in private residences around the city, creates an informal collegial forum by which attendees gather and volunteer to share personal stories that span a range of feelings comprising the human experience.

Having gone to one of these events myself, I was able to witness and quite frankly marvel at not only the variety of stories but how comfortable people seem to be in sharing such personal stories of triumphs, heartbreak, embarrassment, and outright silliness. To me, this is a testament to the effort placed on making everyone feel comfortable enough to share their stories.

I left, feeling like I had attended an informal gathering of friends, all in the room to gain insight and perhaps a little group therapy. It was cathartic, and if you truly open yourself up to the experience, StoryTell has the potential to provide you with a magical evening of discovery.

When attending this gathering, I was reminded of a similar series called The Tell which I also enjoy very much although StoryTell seemed much less performative by design and focused more on creating a comfortable environment in which to share and feel supported and validated by people who genuinely want to hear what you have to say because they want to care about where you are coming from versus how much your story entertains them.

I believe there’s tremendous value in having a series like this, and so if you are open and genuinely prepared to be vulnerable, then I think StoryTell can be a great avenue to enjoy the power of the narrative in helping us gain perspective and empathy.

If you are interested, please follow their Instagram @StoryTellNYC to find out about their next event, which coincidentally, I will be co-hosting with them around my favorite topic (See Above)

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Tango Gao

Clever. Humorous. Unforgettable.

These are the words that very aptly describe world acclaimed artist Tango Gao.

This Shanghai based illustrator’s work has an affinity for the type of cartoons the New Yorker puts out daily, minus any dialogue. The kind of illustration that you get an instant laugh out of, Tango’s works speak through the universal language of wit where a single image or series of images convey deeply layered and complex ideas in succinct, thought-provoking form.

Known throughout all of Asia and parts of Europe, Tango is just beginning to receive renown in the Americas.

I first met Tango through a dear friend who was working with him to help bring his work to greater awareness and prominence in the US. His demeanor at our first meeting was affable, humble and unassuming and it’s easy to forget that you’re in the presence of such immense talent. Over the years we have remained in touch and it has been an absolute joy to see his prolific work flourish to the delight of audiences of all ages.

I suspect it’s only a matter of time before Tango’s work is circulating in heavy rotation within the US.

I am extremely proud that Tango was one of Empathy Project’s first artists to contribute their brilliance to the movement and can’t wait to share his design with you soon.

Icons Reframed (iconic piece)

GOOOOOAL!! (lesser known piece)

The Croissant Curl (newest piece)

Thank you for taking the time to read to the end!

I hope you found something inspiring and meaningful in my content and until next time, explore the possibilities of NYC.

-Sugary

🍰🍭🍩🍦🍫🍪🍨🧁

PS. Don’t be shy and hit reply and tell me how you’re doing!