Crafting quilts dates back to the seventeenth century and the art of quilting, which was championed by enslaved females, became a way to preserve Black History, culture, and oral storytelling. Yvonne Wells, an African-American folk artist and quilter hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama is known for her beautifully crafted narrative quilts which tell stories of US history, cultural icons, and religious subject matter. A self-taught artist, Ms. Wells weaves heritage techniques in her work, yet “she embraces an intuitive approach, sewing together fragments of fabric by hand into the compositions she envisions in her mind.” As the artist has remarked, “the materials I use have their own stories and histories… the quilts talk to me, and I listen.” Ms. Wells’ fascinatingly crafted works speak to us all and you can catch the exhibit “Play The Hand That’s Dealt You” at The Fort Gansevoort Gallery until August 12th.
"Play The Hand That's Dealt You" by Yvonne Wells
Premium Processing Extended to Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
As part of its campaign to expand premium processing service, United Sates Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it will begin to offer premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status. USCIS will offer premium processing to those seeking to change their status to F, M, or J in phases according to the following schedule:
As of June 13, 2023, USCIS is accepting premium processing requests for currently pending I-539 applications for those seeking to change status to F-1, F-2, M-1, J-1, or J-2 status.
Beginning June 26, 2023, the agency will accept I-907 requests for premium processing requests from applicants filing new I-539 applications to change status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status.
A Grim Reality
“The Apple” by Stephan Weiss
At the heart of Hudson River Park’s Apple Garden, sits “The Apple”, a nine feet tall, three ton ode to the city where visitors can sit upon the circular bench at its base and enjoy the pleasant views of the Hudson River. “The Apple” was designed by artist Stephan Weiss, a New York native and the late husband of renowned fashion designer Donna Karan. While Mr. Weiss played a large role in launching and running his wife’s famous fashion label, he never stepped away from his art. He spent much of his time working on his sculptures and abstract paintings in his art studio on Greenwich Street in the West Village. As part of Mr. Weiss’ Larger than Life series, “The Apple” honors our beloved New York City and symbolizes both the city’s heart and the core of life. Mr. Weiss’ structure truly brings to life what it means to live in “The Big Apple.”
The Humane Perspective
The Ford Foundation Atrium
Photos by Andrew Markey
In Midtown, Manhattan, the Ford Foundation Building provides a lush green space where the public can escape the frenzy of NYC life. The atrium houses a garden with nearly 40 species of plants, a reflecting pool, and a reverberating fountain that permits guests to hear the garden around them. Designed in 1963 by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo, the indoor public garden is a calming treat for our senses, and a welcoming nirvana for all visitors.
DOS Adopts New Technology and Enhanced Coordination to Streamline Administrative Processing Security Screenings
As part of the visa application process at Embassies, applicants are subject to a background screening process. In accordance with Department of State (“DOS”) procedures the consular officer may determine that “additional information from sources other than the applicant may help establish an applicant’s eligibility for a visa” requiring “administrative processing.”
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Memorial Day Weekend
As we unofficially kick off summer and head into the long Memorial Day weekend, wanderlust has set in. We look forward to whiling away our weekend at the Venetian Pool in Miami. Built in a former rock quarry in 1924, this freshwater marvel beckons amidst tropical trees, coral rocks, grottos, and waterfalls, transporting us to a Mediterranean get away. Wherever your travels or staycations lead you, we hope everyone has the opportunity to unplug and relax. Have a good Memorial Day!