Shakespeare and Astrology June 14 , at the Astrological Society of Princeton, NJ. See below for registration details.

 The Art Of Astrology meets the Art of William Shakespeare's dramatic plays to be observed within  the classical astrological lens during the great author's time. Look for the political, and philosophical timeline in which these a Midsummer's Night Dream  was performed illuminated by astrological interpretation This presentation is off the beaten path offering fun. 

Astrological Society of Princeton, N.J. News June 3, 2026 REMINDER: On June 14th - Shakespeare and Astrology For our June meeting, we're honored to welcome distinguished astrologer Priscilla Costello and renowned actor/astrologer Colin McPhillamy for a special program. Titled "Shakespeare and Astrology: How the Classical Worldview Unlocks his Plays," this talk describes how Shakespeare's plays reflect a comprehensive philosophical model in which astrology played an integral and natural role in making sense of human behavior and the world. To add a special dimension to this talk, Colin will be reciting speeches from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which illustrate the points being discussed. This will be the first dramatic performance ever presented at A.S.P.! Complete details and registration information are below, as are the very interesting bios of our speakers. We look forward to seeing you online June 14th. Note: This will be the last meeting of our 2025-2026 season. We will resume regular monthly meetings in October. Membership Reminder The usual reminder: If you haven't yet joined A.S.P., or need to renew your membership, here is a link to our membership form: https://aspnj.org/cgi-bin/members Thanks for your support! Online Meeting: Sunday, June 14th (2:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern Time) Priscilla Costello and Colin McPhillamy, "Shakespeare and Astrology: How the Classical Worldview Unlocks his Plays" Did the Bard really draw on astrological symbolism to create his magnificent literary works? (spoiler alert: he did) And was he really inspired by the cosmological model of an interconnected, meaningful universe with synchronicities between humanity, nature and the cosmos? (spoiler alert: he certainly did!) Starting with speculations about how astrology “works”, we will be focusing on the spiritual philosophy that originated with Pythagoras and Plato and was added to for over 2,000 years by multiple streams of Western thought: not only Platonism but also Neo-Platonism, Kabbalism, Hermeticism, and Christianity. By Shakespeare’s time, it is a fully developed cosmology positing connections between all the levels of creation through sympathetic resonance.  The stars and planets, named after the deities of Greek and Roman mythology, are integral parts of this model and function as carriers of psychological, philosophical, and spiritual meaning. Embedded within this framework is a formulation of a psychological model based on the four elements, which Shakespeare draws on consistently. Referring specifically to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Priscilla and Colin will deconstruct its principal symbolism, and Colin will lend his sonorous tones in reciting speeches from the play.  We hope that from this deconstruction of the play you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Bard’s works. If you have had difficulty “cracking the code” of Shakespeare’s opus, prepare to hear it in an entirely new way…we will “lend you ears” to experience it as the Elizabethans did! About the speakers: PRISCILLA COSTELLO, M.A., Dipl. CAAE (Canadian Association for Astrological Education) is a counselling astrologer, educator, speaker, and writer with a professional practice spanning over 40 years. With a B. A. from Wellesley College and a double prize-winning M. A. (on religious philosophy and Jungian psychology), she has spoken widely throughout the U.S, Canada, and England, and at numerous conferences sponsored by NCGR, AFA, SOTA, and UAC. Founder and Director of The New Alexandria, a centre for religious, spiritual, and esoteric studies, she has written numerous articles for various publications. Author of The Weiser Concise Guide to Practical Astrology, an introduction to horoscope analysis, her most recent book is Shakespeare and the Stars: The Secret Astrological Keys to Understanding the World’s Greatest Playwright. Also available are smaller “Playbill” editions on six of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays, drawn on material from the longer book. COLIN McPHILLAMY was born in London, England to Australian parents where he trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His most recent stage role was the bombastic Shakespearean actor “Sir” in “The Dresser”. In the U.K. he has worked in the West End, at the Royal National Theatre for five seasons, and extensively in British regional theatre. In the U.S. he has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at regional centres across the country. Internationally, he has acted in Australia, China, New Zealand, and across Europe. His book An Actor Walks into China tells the story of teaching Shakespeare to Chinese students at Peking University. Two other books, The Treehouse and Other Stories and Actor Blog Plus, are available on Amazon. Following a lifelong interest and a prediction made to him in his 20’s, he began an astrological practise in 2016. With a Gemini Moon in the 9th, Colin’s interests are many and varied. His website is https://galacticfragment.com. Sunday, June 14th (2:00 - 4:00 PM Eastern Time) Location: ONLINE only - Zoom login information will be emailed to you the day before the lecture. Suggested contribution: $5.00 members and students, $20.00 non-members Registration: Please click the button below or call (732) 705-1351‬ as soon as possible. Registration deadline is Friday, June 12th.  You can register for this meeting via PayPal using your credit card or PayPal account by clicking on the button below: 2025-2026 Membership Please consider becoming a member if you have not already joined. You can register via our online application form and pay securely via PayPal using your credit card or PayPal account. Just click on the button below. If you have any problems or questions, you may contact membership@aspnj.org. If you want to register by regular mail and send a check, a copy of the latest membership application can be found on the website (https://aspnj.org/asp_membership_form.pdf). A.S.P. members receive discounts on meetings and classes, as well as exclusive access to online recordings of lectures through our website. Important A.S.P. Links Our Website  Membership Application  2025-2026 Meeting Schedule  2025-2026 Workshop/Class Schedule  Member Portal (Online Lectures)  Contact Information phone: ‪(732) 705-1351‬

Astrological Society of Princeton, NJ | 142 Bull Run Road | Ewing, NJ 08638 US #astrologogicalsocietyofprinceton,william shakespeare#fineartmagazineblog.blogspot.com#sunstormfineartmagazine.com#artfunforever#astrologyartfun#fineartfun#artfuncreate

25 Scandinavia House exhibition of Inside Voices, Outside Light Perspectives on West Nordic Art is shown till June 20!

This is a fun culturally  diverse exhibit. If you stil want to see it online or it person catch it till June 20th. 

The Nordic Center in America 58 Park Ave, NYC     View in browser View full schedule Scandinaviahouse.org Facebook Visit About Membership Food Shop Support

INSIDE VOICES, OUTSIDE LIGHT  PERSPECTIVES ON WEST NORDIC ART A group exhibition featuring 21 contemporary artists from the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Norway continues through June 20 at Scandinavia House. New York, NY—The exhibition Inside Voices, Outside Light: Perspectives on West Nordic Art is now on view through June 20, 2026 at Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America. A group exhibition organized by American-Scandinavian Foundation featuring 21 contemporary artists from the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Norway, Inside Voices, Outside Light highlights the unique perspective of these North Atlantic territories, who share cultural and historical ties while each possessing distinct identities and communities. With works ranging across photography, paintings, textiles, film, and sculpture, including three site-specific installations, the exhibition also showcases the diversity and complexity of the region. The exhibition has been critically acclaimed since its opening. In a review for Impulse Magazine, Mána Taylor noted, "Each voice in the exhibition refracts its own distinct light, and while it might not be a single harmony, collectively it makes space for a selfhood beyond the boundaries of national perception... the works exhibited move beyond the surface to hone in on what it means to call a country home."   Ongoing related programming will include Gallery Tours on select Wednesdays at 5:30 PM, with upcoming tours on June 10 & June 17. Participating artists include Morten Andenæs (NO), The Arctic Creatures (IC), Per  Barclay (NO), Ask Bjørlo (NO), Jóhan Martin Christiansen (FO), Helgi Þorgils Friðjónsson (IC), Inuk Silis Høegh (GL), Hansina Iversen (FO), Rannva Kunoy (FO), Nils Erichsen Martin (NO), Trine Lise Nedreaas (NO), Camille Norment (NO), Lisbeth Karline Poulsen (GL), Ragna Róbertsdóttir (IC), Agnieszka Sosnowska (IC), Inuuteq Storch (GL), Silja Strøm (FO), Steina and Woody Vasulka (IC), and Jens Dam Ziska (FO).  Download Press Release Download Image-Sheet Download Hi-Res Images Connected through geography and culture including Norse history, reliance on marine resources, and shared Arctic/maritime focus, the West Nordic countries form a distinct sub-region within the larger Nordic area. While Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands all share colonial ties with Denmark, each country has its own culture and identity, with locations closer to neighbors in the west: Canada, the U.S., the UK and Ireland. Each region also presents a unique perspective. Borrowing from the title of a collection of poetry by Icelandic poet, translator and film director Sigurður Pálsson, Inside Voices, Outside Light brings together a diverse spectrum of work ranging from the haunting, almost surreal, and authentic images in Inuk Silis Høegh’s four-part film The Green Land, to the high energy and humor of the artist collective The Arctic Creatures, to the intricate and delicate textile tapestries of Ask Bjørlo. With current geopolitical conditions renewing interest in the area, some works also confront misconceptions. Lisbeth Karline Poulsen depicts resistance and strength in reaction to the current annexation threats, while Trine Lise Nedreaas explores our shared experience of a temporal existence in a relentless eternity.  The exhibition also features site-specific work by Camille Norment, Hansina Iversen and Jóhan Martin Christiensen.  Our Opening Celebrations in April 2026 included a Curator Panel with Karin Hellandsjø, Kinna Poulsen, Pari Stave and Emily Stoddart on April 16, available to stream here, and a Book Launch and Artist Panel with Kinna Poulsen, Hansina Iversen, Jóhan Martin Christiansen, and Emily Stoddart, available to stream here.  Organized by ASF, Inside Voices, Outside Light is the second in a series of exhibitions celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Scandinavia House — which has welcomed over 3 million visitors since opening its doors in October 2000 — and continues a year-long series of anniversary events. The exhibition has been curated by Emily Stoddart, Manager of Exhibitions at Scandinavia House, with the support of three curator consultants: Karin Hellandsjø (Norway), Kinna Poulsen (Faroe Islands), and Pari Stave (Iceland). Major support has been provided by the Monika and Charles Heimbold Fund for Exhibitions and Programs. Additional support has been provided by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Nordic Culture Fund, the Office for Contemporary Art Norway, and The Royal Norwegian Consulate in New York. Support has also been provided by the following ASF Funds: The Bonnier Family Fund for Contemporary Art, The F. Donald Kenney Fund for Visual Arts, and The Kronquist Mesaros Memorial Endowment Fund. For press information, please contact Lori Fredrickson, Director of Communications, Marketing & Digital, at 212-847-9727 or lori@amscan.org.    IMAGES—INSIDE VOICES, OUTSIDE LIGHT INSTALLATION PHOTOS BY KC MADDUX/CHROMATIC STUDIOS

Scandinavia House 58 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016 212–779–3587 scandinaviahouse.org @ScanHouse #scandinaviahouse#fineartmagazineblog.blogspot.com#sunstormfineartmagazine.com#artfunfall#artfunfoever#artfuneasy#artfunjoy

Fremin Gallery Opening June 4th 05-9 PM restets True Beauty though a contemporary lens.

The Fremin Gallery curatorial  efforts to showcase a diverse perspective of ~True Beauty~ in my opinion has yielded a few terrific selections. IN recent emails I have seen the  topic of Beauty a couple of times. THis selection of artist are  the most diverse artistically accomplished to date. Jamie Forbes, Publisher Fineartmagazineblog.blogspot.com, and Sunstormfineartmagazine.com

Fremin Gallery is pleased to present True Beauty, a group exhibition exploring how beauty is perceived, experienced, and redefined through contemporary female perspectives. On view from June 4 through July 12, 2026, the exhibition brings together works by five contemporary artists: Lauren Camara, Mercedes Jelinek, Leila Massenet Varasteh, Reka Nyari and Daisy Seilern. We will be offering 20 signed posters from Lauren Camara to our first visitors this Thursday.

Lauren Camara

Lauren Camara is a Bronx-based, self-taught artist and graphic designer who creates layered portraits made entirely from carefully cut paper. Her work grows out of everyday encounters and quiet, often overlooked moments, turning them into colorful visual stories that feel both personal and familiar. She is drawn to the small, meaningful details that shape people’s lives, and her portraits reflect the idea that even simple moments can hold deep emotion and significance. Camara works from photographs of her subjects, building each portrait from her large and ever-growing collection of papers. Color and material are at the heart of her process where every piece of paper is chosen to reflect the personality, energy, and story of the person she is depicting. She spends hours cutting, arranging, and layering, allowing the slow, hands-on process to guide the final image. During this time, she focuses closely on the individual, thinking about their presence and character, so that the finished portrait feels thoughtful and connected rather than just visual.

Mercedes Jelinek

Mercedes Jelinek (b. 1985) is an American artist and photographer based in Brooklyn, NY. Specializing in black and white photography, she transforms her images through painting and collage, constructing visual narratives that explore the diversity of humanity and the intimate stories of her subjects. Her practice is deeply rooted in travel and cross-cultural engagement, often involving immersive experiences with people around the world—learning their values, traditions, and daily lives. A recurring element in her work is water—not only as a symbolic and physical motif but also as a space of transformation. When Jelinek enters the water, she sees it as an act of immersion into the culture surrounding her, a way to dissolve boundaries and connect more deeply with place and people.  Her ongoing series, De Translation, originated from her personal experience of acculturation in foreign environments. It captures the emotional arc of adapting to a new culture—from the disorientation and isolation of language barriers to the eventual serenity and belonging that emerge through time and connection. Each portrait in the series is composed of individual inkjet prints layered on recycled pages from Italian books and vintage music sheets—printed in either black and white or blue and white. These materials add layers of meaning, referencing both the cultural context of her subjects and the texture of her own journey through adaptation and understanding.

Leila Massenet Varasteth

Leila Massenet Varasteth is a French-born, New York–based artist whose work is driven by emotion, intuition, and lived experience. Entirely self-taught, she has been painting since childhood, shaped by a deeply creative upbringing within a family of artists. Her practice is rooted in a profound sensitivity to life—drawing inspiration from personal experience, beauty, and the energy of the world around her. For Leila, painting is an essential and therapeutic act. Her work serves as a conduit through which she processes and releases deeply felt emotions, translating intensity into a raw yet controlled visual language. Each canvas becomes a space where vulnerability and strength coexist, reflecting both the weight and vitality of her inner world.  In her recent "The Night series", Massenet Varasteth works in oil on canvas, building compositions through layered, crisscrossing brushstrokes that create a palpable sense of movement and tension. The works are defined by a restrained, often monochromatic palette, where light emerges from darkness in rhythmic, almost sculptural forms. The present work exemplifies this approach: a fragmented, almost dissolving figure emerges from a dense black ground, its form constructed through expressive, intersecting strokes. The surface is alive with energy—each mark both deliberate and instinctive—creating a sense of vibration across the canvas. The figure feels at once present and elusive, as if caught between appearance and disappearance. This interplay of light and shadow, solidity and fragmentation, reflects the emotional undercurrent of the work—an exploration of inner states that are powerful, complex, and constantly in motion.

Reka Nyari

Born in 1979 in Helsinki and raised in Finland, Nyari came to New York City at the age of seventeen. While there, she studied at the School of Visual Arts, where she not only began to model but found her passion for photography. Using inspiration from masters such as Helmut Newton and Cindy Sherman, Nyari’s work employs and explores the traditional ideal of beauty and gender to portray sexuality from a predominately female perspective. She utilizes technical elements such as gestures, nudity, the subject’s gaze, objects, and more to link this connection of the empowered feminine identity. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries throughout the United States and Europe. Through such exposure, she has received multiple prestigious awards, including the first-place winner of the International Photography Awards in 2010, Beauty Pro Category. Her 225-page Monograph titled “Femme Fatale: Female Erotic Photography” is published in 6 languages and sold worldwide.  Nyari’s choice to puncture nature-based patterns into each portrait also has its own significance. She stated that when “talking about scarification and getting over trauma, to me, nature is one of the most healing and beautiful elements.”As Nyari emphasizes through her photographs, when you add a personal story onto the skin, it is a whole new layer that often becomes biographical. It translates a story to the audience of one’s past, future, and wishes. While this concept existed in her previous photographic series, now, through puncturing the surface of each, Nyari is adding another layer of permanence to her works’ meaning, therefore becoming, as she calls it, “ink cubed”.

Daisy Seilern

Daisy Seilern is an award-winning Austrian artist whose practice spans fine art photography, sculpture, and contemporary mixed media. Known for her emotionally resonant visual language and deep commitment to material experimentation, Seilern’s work interrogates the boundaries between traditional beauty and the raw, often overlooked elements of the everyday. With a foundation in classical portraiture and formal training in fine art, she has developed a distinct aesthetic that merges precision with spontaneity — allowing movement, texture, and imperfection to become central to her visual storytelling. Her latest body of work, Discarded Queen, represents a pivotal moment in her career — a bold thematic and material shift that reflects her growing interest in sustainability, circularity, and the politics of consumption. In this mixed-media series, Seilern combines photography with salvaged materials such as plastics, newspapers, textiles, and industrial remnants, which she meticulously reconfigures into sculptural garments. These wearable assemblages, created entirely from what society casts aside, are then worn by her models and photographed in stylized, regal poses. The final resulting images — printed on Alu-Dibond and encased in deep plexiglass box frames — possess a striking three-dimensionality, blurring the line between image and object, surface and sculpture. Each figure in the series emerges from a carefully constructed environment of cast-off materials, standing proud and poised amid mounds of human excess. In transforming the remnants of overconsumption into symbols of strength, dignity, and grace, Seilern questions the hierarchies of value and beauty that dominate contemporary culture.

Fremin Gallery 520 West 23rd street, New York City Info@fremingallery.com 212 279 8555