DONNA KARAN HOSTS: “STEPHAN WEISS: CONNECTING THE DOTS” BOOK SIGNING ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH FROM 2-4pm AT URBAN ZEN!

Stephan Weiss: Connecting the Dots, Portrait of a Man is a highly personal and beautiful tribute to Stephan Weiss, the man, the artist, and his legacy. Published by Assouline, the full-color, book is being released in October. Join haute Hamptonite Donna Karan for a conversation about the book which is her tribute to her late husband, Stephan. A multi-city book tour, the plans of which are currently being finalized, is set to follow.

Donna shares, “Stephan, my pony-tailed husband, was my world. He ‘connected the dots’ in his art and in his life – always seeking to make harmony out of creative chaos. Stephan’s spirit is at the core of all we do at Urban Zen. He was a teacher, loved the artisan hand, and it was his illness led to our urgent call to change the healthcare system. This book is my way of introducing you to Stephan – to share his amazing art, his times, his passions. Behind every great woman is a greater man, and Stephan was mine.”

With a moving introduction by Karan, the book tells the story of a compelling, multi-faceted man who brought creative passion to all he did, from his tactile art, successful business negotiations, motorcycle riding and of course, his family life. The title, Stephan Weiss: Connecting the Dots is born of Weiss’ art, which he called Energy Field Art. Based on the string theory of modern physics, Weiss put random dots on a page and then quickly connected them with artful strokes. A shape and energy would emerge, which he then turned into a painting or a sculpture. “Connecting the Dots” is also the perfect metaphor for Weiss’s unique ability to bridge people, worlds and causes.

Artfully designed by Laird and Partners, Donna Karan International’s creative agency, the book is divided by Weiss’s defining passions:

• ARTIST, a photo journey of Stephan’s multi-medium art
• ENTREPRENUER, the businessman who founded, nurtured and ultimately negotiated the sale of the fashion empire Donna Karan International
• ADVENTURER, Weiss’s love of travel, speed and sports
• FAMILY MAN, life with Karan, their kids and grandkids
• LEGACY, Weiss and Karan’s philanthropic imprint, the Urban Zen Foundation.

In addition to Karan’s words, featured essays include those from: Yves Carcelle, former president of LVMH Fashion Group, Ingrid Sischy, the author, editor and close friend, as well as Weiss’s children and grandkids.

Urban Zen honors Weiss annually with its Stephan Weiss Apple Awards. The premiere was held last year on June 7th, honoring President Clinton, Dr. Mehmet Oz and Courtney Sales Ross. The “Apple” refers to Weiss’ 8-ft tall sculpture from his Larger than Life
series, which now resides on Hudson River Park, near the Urban Zen Center. Weiss didn’t live to see the completion of his Larger than Life series.

Two additional works from the series, “Horse” and “Shoe” are permanently displayed at Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. So while many people are familiar with Weiss’s art, this book is an opportunity to get to know the artist behind the work. My suggestion? This is a perfect hostess gift for the holidays!

LOCATION:

Urban Zen: 4 Bay Street, Sag Harbor; 631.725.6167

www.urbanzen.com