April in Paris

New York is budding with cherry blossoms, clear skies, and Parisian artistic delights - the city's homage to Paris's most influential artists of the 20th century come together showcasing the importance of the most revered patron of that time, Gertrude Stein and the rest of the Stein family.  Screenings of An American in Paris, art exhibitions of Picasso and Cézanne, and smokey-café inspired cabarets are all taking place this month to celebrate the joie de vivre mindset of the world's most artful city. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's The Steins Collect exhibition is a stunning collection of Paris's avant-garde works that Ms. Stein and her family catapulted into artistic celebrity in the most bohemian fashion.  Imagine the open apartment salons where now-legend artists would gather to share ideas, exchange visions, and display works.  These pieces were revolutionary and downright disturbing for most at the time, but the Steins saw otherwise and helped cultivate a movement that was building right before them.  If only to be able to sit in on a Sunday afternoon with these art giants (Midnight in Paris, anyone?).

After making your way to the Met, head over to New York's Symphony Space which kicked off this past weekend with Gertrude's Paris Festival, continuing for the entire month of April.  Film screenings including The Mystery of Picasso and musical salons with acclaimed French singers and composers will all help celebrate the coming of spring with the Steins.  Frank Sinatra sang it true:  April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom.  Holiday tables under the trees.  April in Paris, this is a feeling, no one can ever reprise.

THE BARE FEET™ FIVE: 1.  The Steins Collect:  The Met's exhibition of The Steins Collect continues through Sunday, June 3rd, 2012.  Be sure to check out special events being offered at The Met in conjunction with the exhibition, including private tours and lecture panels. 2.  Gertrude's Paris Festival:  The Gertrude Paris Festival continues through Saturday, May 5th, 2012 and offers a variety of performances including music, dance, theater and film - a lot of these events are also kid friendly and/or FREE! 3.  Woody Allen's Dream (and ours!):  The film Midnight in Paris is a must-see for any franchophile-loving-avant-garde-time-traveling daydreamer; a perfect complement in celebrating Gertrude Stein (wonderfully played by actress Kathy Bates) 4.  The French Salon:  The music that transports you to a French café sipping on some wine include Café Paris and all recordings by Edith Piaf. 5.  Ooh la la...macarons!  You can't enjoy all things Paris without treating yourself to the city's most sought-after delicacy - the macaron!  Located not too far from The Met, Maison Ladurée is known for the best macarons in New York City (864 Madison Ave. between 71st & 72nd St.)  Deliciously sweet though a little pricey, these desserts melt in your mouth and are well worth the extra bucks.