Art, Community, and Connection: A Mid-Year Update
Moniza sells!
This sale marks a special milestone because this portrait began with a moment of unexpected inspiration. After hearing Moniza’s story on the radio during a morning drive, her courage as a human rights lawyer in Pakistan stayed with me, and I felt a deep need to capture her essence on canvas. Reaching out led to a wonderful collaboration; through our video calls, I learned about her fight against societal norms and her request to feature her blue dupatta as a symbol of identity and defiance. Knowing that a significant portion of these proceeds will now go directly to Moniza to aid the refugees she champions makes this a truly full-circle moment.
You can learn more about Moniza’s vital work and support her mission here:
Moniza Hina Kakar’s Law Practice Website
A Seat at the Table: My Painting "Sonia" on Dinner’s On Me
I recently had one of those "pinch-me" moments as an artist. My painting, Sonia, didn't just hang on the wall—she was practically a third guest on the latest episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast/web series, Dinner’s On Me.
The episode features the incredible Broadway powerhouse Shoshana Bean. As she and Jesse sat down for breakfast at Miriam on the Upper West Side, Sonia was right there between them, quite literally "part of the conversation" for the entire half-hour.
The episode was filmed at the Upper West Side location of Miriam, a beloved NYC staple for over 20 years. If you’ve visited any of the Miriam locations throughout the city, you might have noticed a recurring theme.
Sonia, along with many of my other paintings, are part of all Miriam restaurant locations in NYC as I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post. The chef and owner has created such a warm, soulful environment, and it’s an honor that my portraits are woven into the fabric of a place that celebrates community, storytelling, and incredible Mediterranean food.
Next time you’re grabbing a Jerusalem breakfast or those famous borreks at Miriam, be sure to say hi to Sonia for me!
You can watch the full episode with Jesse and Shoshana here:
Cover Story: ABClatino & Sofia
I am honored to share that my painting, Sofia, is featured on the cover of the latest ABClatino Magazine, accompanying my selection as Artist of the Month.
ABClatino is a vital multimedia pillar in the Hudson Valley, providing a bilingual platform that empowers the Hispanic community through cultural exchange and advocacy. Being recognized by an organization that so deeply values storytelling and heritage is a profound milestone.
I am especially grateful to Elisa Pritzker for her continued support. Her tireless dedication to the Latino community and her championship of the arts have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant, inclusive creative landscape in our region.
The cover piece, Sofia, explores themes of resilience and identity through the female figure. While the magazine brings this work into homes across the region, the painting itself is currently held at UES Miriam.
This dual presence creates a meaningful bridge between public media and the gallery space—both of which serve as essential hubs for community connection.
Resources:
Digital Issue: View the feature here.
In Person: Visit Sofia at Miriam in the Upper East Side.
The Heart of the Space: A Special Commission
To cap off these milestones, I recently completed a deeply personal commission for the owner of Miriam. I was entrusted to paint a portrait of his mother, Miriam, the restaurant’s namesake.
Meeting and capturing the woman behind the name was a significant honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of this amazing space. I can’t wait for the portrait to find its permanent home on the restaurant’s walls, anchoring the history of the space she inspired.
Once I know the final place for this piece, I will share more visuals and details with you. Stay Tuned!
Much love,
Mari
