Tour of the Shepard Fairey Exhibit at the ICA, Sat. Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.

Shepard Fairey is a contemporary artist, graphic designer and illustrator who emerged from the skateboarding scene and became known initially for his "André the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston calls him one of today's best known and most influential street artists. His now iconic portrait of Obama was featured on the cover of the 2008 Person of the Year issue of Time Magazine.

The ICA will open the first museum survey of Shepard Fairey, featuring over 80 works that trace the artist's career over 20 years. This exhibition will include stenciled stickers from early guerilla art campaigns, screenprints, works on wood and metal, and some of his most recent work. Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand opens during the first week of February.

Join your fellow UCSC alums and friends for a one hour focus tour of the exhibit. After the tour, we can have lunch together in the Water Cafe by Wolfgang Puck at the Museum.

WHEN: Sat., February 7, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Institute of Contemporary Art (100 Northern Avenue on Boston's waterfront, adjacent to Anthony's Pier 4 restaurant)
COST: $10
(The tour group is limited to 15 people.)

RSVP now to beata_panagopoulos@harvard.edu and send your check for $10 (made payable to Erika Tarlin, Treasurer) to: Erika Tarlin, 7 Bradford Ave., Somerville, MA 02145

2008 BSLUG Holiday Bash A Wonderful Success!

It wasn’t easy to make it to the Suzman’s house last Saturday evening for the annual BSLUG holiday bash: the very steep icy street leading to Leonard Avenue was blockaded with barriers proclaiming “Street Closed.” Slowly, but surely 20 UCSC grads with their friends in tow made it to the hilltop home with a big banana slug gracing the front door. Inside the roaring fire, fragrance of hot spiced wine punch, plates of hot hors d’oeuvres, and the Suzman’s dog, Bramble, welcomed the guests. Most of us were “old-timers” – once you’ve come to one of Mary Jane and Peter Suzman’s BSLUG dinner parties, you’re likely to return! But there were also a good number of new faces who fit right in, as slugs are apt to do given such a warm, fun and interesting environment. Mary Jane and Peter had organized the 3-course dinner with perfection. The tables were set, the kitchen spotless – there was nothing for the guests to do but relax and enjoy the delicious food and great company.

Click here for fun photos of the party taken by Zoe Rath.

The Annual BSLUG Holiday Party is a fund-raiser for the Smith Society Scholarship Fund which provides UCSC mentors, scholarships, and collegiate resources to foster children, homeless and runaway youth, orphans, and wards of the court. We surpassed our fundraising goal of $1000, raising $1030 at the party! Thanks to everyone who generously made a donation. This gift will be matched by Smith Society founder and BSLUG Board Member, Bill Dickinson. If you didn’t get a chance to contribute and would like to help put us over the top, please send me your tax-deductible contribution (suggested donation: $15-25 per person). Checks made payable to: "UC Santa Cruz Foundation" and write in the memo line: Smith Society Scholarship Fund Fl011F. Mail to: Beata Panagopoulos, 28 Maple Ave., Apt. 3, Cambridge, MA 02139-1130. You will receive a receipt directly from UCSC.

The BSLUG Board (Beata, Robin, Paula, Erika, Maria, Jill, Bill, Ian, Zoe, and Carter) wish you happy holidays and hope to see you in the New Year!

Holiday Party Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. in West Newton, Mass.

You're invited to the annual BSLUG holiday party Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.! Please rsvp no later than Wed. Dec. 3 to give the Suzmans a good idea of how many people are coming to dinner.

The party is a fundraiser for the Smith Scholastic Society / Renaissance Scholars Program http://www.smithsociety.ucsc.edu , founded by local alumnus Bill Dickinson. The Smith Society provides UCSC mentors, scholarships, and collegiate resources to foster children, homeless and runaway youth, orphans, and wards of the court. (See form below to send in your donation.)

Thanks to the marvelous generosity of Mary Jane and Peter Suzman, the festivities will be held for a fourth time at their home in West Newton. For all of you have come in years past, you know this is great news. You'll not only enjoy the wonderful company of fellow UCSC alums, but also partake of an extraordinary feast.

Just check out the menu Mary Jane has been working on which includes old favorites and some new treats:

Appetizers: Crostini with black olives, pine nuts and melted cheese; Gougeres (popover-like cheese puffs); Mini-pitas with caramelized onions, goat cheese and walnuts; Hot spiced wine punch

Main Course: Andouille sausage and chicken stew; Rice; Cheesy chili-egg squares; Green salad; Assorted breads
Desserts: Chocolate triangles - fudgy chocolate on the top, shortbread crust Almond-orange crunch; A third one, yet to be decided

All this in their lovely home, made festive with a roaring fireplace. Your friends and family are also welcome! It's the perfect way to greet the winter season.

WHEN: Sat., Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Home of Mary Jane and Peter Suzman, 14 Leonard Street, West Newton, Mass.

RSVP no later than Wed., Dec. 3

Email or phone Beata for directions, car-pool arrangements, or any questions.
email: beata_panagopoulos@harvard.edu
Tel. (h) 617-491-3871; tel. (w) 617-496-1775

All tax-deductible donations received go directly to the Smith Society / Renaissance Scholars Program. Contributions, large and small, are needed to reach our goal of $1000. Please print out and mail in the following with your check.

***********************snip snip************************

Yes, I will attend the BSLUG Holiday party and here is my contribution of $_______

I am sorry that I cannot attend, but I would like to participate with the BSLUGs in contributing to the Smith Society Scholarship Fund. My contribution of $_________ is enclosed.

Suggested donation: $15-25 per person (Larger donatios will also be much appreciated by PESSS.)

Checks made payable to: "UC Santa Cruz Foundation" and write in the memo line: Smith Society Scholarship Fund Fl011F

Mail to: Beata Panagopoulos, 28 Maple Ave., Apt. 3, Cambridge, MA 02139-1130. You will receive a receipt directly from UCSC.