Tuesday, January 29, 2013

‘Welcoming my Beauty’ at La Casa Azul Bookstore


Why is it that we tend to not keep our New Year’s resolutions?
How is it that the obstacles we face often come from within ourselves?
Can you imagine waking up in the morning and doing things for yourself with the energy and joy with which you help others?

Last Thursday at La Casa Azul Bookstore, life coach Beatriz Mieses posed these questions, sharing her own success story through the method she developed: “Welcoming My Beauty”.  At the workshop she invited us to write/share our resolutions and consider whether they were born from a place of love or fear.

The take-home lesson was: it's not your accomplishments that will help you love yourself, it's loving yourself that will help you reach your goals.

Beatriz spoke about cultural tendencies that point us towards shame, that keep us from developing self-love. Her coaching specializes in digging deeper into socialized behavior and developing the individual’s potential for self-appreciation.

If you’re interested in meeting Beatriz, check out the event she and other self-loving, successful women are organizing, our very own bookstore owner Aurora Anaya-Cerda is one of the featured panelists! 



Event details:

Love Yourself into Prosperity:
How Loving Yourself Leads to Unlimited Abundance

Wednesday March 6, 2013
6:00-9:00 PM
The Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz Center
3940 Broadway, New York, NY 10032


Register:

Contact Beatriz Mieses


- Maria


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Open call for art submissions


ABOUT LA CASA AZUL BOOKSTORE EXHIBITION 
2013  SEASON

La Casa Azul Bookstore is pleased to announce an open call for submissions for our 2013 exhibition series that will take place in our bookstore gallery space.

There will be 3  shows to begin the 2013 season, each show running for 8 weeks, with 6-12 artists being chosen from entries to be included in the group exhibition based on a particular theme. Work submitted may be of any traditional or non-traditional mediums or genre (painting, drawing, collage, photography, printmaking, sculpture, new media, site specific installation, performance etc.).

We are seeking submissions or artwork that focuses on the following THREE themes:

El Barrio (April - May 2013 Exhibit)
East Harlem is is home to La Casa Azul Bookstore and part of our commitment to celebrating and cultivating Latino literature and art. Please submit work that is furthers this commitment, and focuses on the East Harlem community and neighborhood.

Frida (June - July 2013 Exhibit)
La Casa Azul is named after the home of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Frida has not only inspired the name of the bookstore, but touched thousands through her work since her death. In celebration of her work, please submit original work inspired by the art and life of Frida.

Children’s Book Illustrations (August - September 2013 Exhibit)
Childrens books are an important part of La Casa Azul Bookstore, particularly the art that tells the story to children, just as much as the words printed on the page. We are looking for art that has been used in childrens books, or is in the spirit of this style.

SPACE
Exhibition space is roughly: 400 Square feet
Maximum size of work: 20”x 20”
Artists will be notified by early March 2013 if their proposal is accepted, no phone calls  please.


ELIGIBILITY & TERMS
DEADLINE to submit for the 3 shows: February 28, 2013 at 11:00 pm
• Call for entries is open to established and emerging artists, illustrators, graphic designers, photographers, writers and art and design students. Students and professionals are equally encouraged to enter.
• All artwork submitted must be ready to hang / install.
• Artists are responsible for the delivery and pick-up of final work selected.
• Artists submitting work in new media, interactive, film, or video: you will be required to use your own equipment for the duration of the exhibition.
• Artist is responsible for assigning a retail price, from which La Casa Azul Bookstore claims 30% commission. Works do NOT need to be for sale to be considered

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit all of the following documents by attachment to: gallery.lacasaazul@gmail.com
Subject Line: 2013 ARTIST SUBMISSION / (THEME YOU ARE SUBMITTING FOR)
• Resume, artist statement (1-2 paragraphs) and bio (1-2 paragraphs) in a single PDF document
• Cover letter describing work/exhibit proposal in a single PDF document
• 2-5 Images/sketches of projected work (see image specifications below)
• Contact information, including link to website


Image Specifications:
• Image format: JPEG, 72dpi – 800K Maximum size.
Note: This equals 600 pixels on the longest side for horizontal images and 450 pixels on the shortest side for vertical images
• Rename each image with your first and last name (example: 01firstname_lastname.jpg)

Artist will be informed if their work has been chosen for an exhibit by March 8, 2013.

About La Casa Azul Bookstore:
Grounded in Latino culture, La Casa Azul Bookstore is dedicated to providing cultural, and educational programs via literature and art in East Harlem. It is our vision to foster public awareness and appreciation of the arts by being a focal point where people come to find unique gifts and participate in culturally-based workshops that celebrate Latino traditions.

La Casa Azul Bookstore
Visit: www.lacasaazulbookstore.com
Follow: @LaCasaAzulBooks


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I began the year by re-reading Borges

I realize now it was a good choice, reinforcing my love for books early on in 2013.

Borges is, I find, a true animator of human thought. He takes a hypothetical- what would you do if you met a later version of yourself? - and makes a scene of it: younger Borges enters his own room and finds, lying down on his bed, another, older Borges. They exchange quips, ask important questions, argue over who is dreaming whom. We read along, entertained by the revelations, wondering how exactly this is going to end. In the work of Borges, philosophy has the quality of the detectivesque, of the historias poliacas he knew so well. 

Borges, who lived from 1899 to 1986, is known for having been an avid reader. He was and continues to be an excellent advocate of reading. For one thing, his stories lead to further book hunts. One can read Borges without understanding the allusions (Spinoza’s philosophy, the battle of Masoller) but there is always delight in doing a bit of extra research and realizing: ha! the battle of 1904 in Masoller did take place! It was the last battle of the Uruguayan Civil War. Or in finally checking out Ben Johnson’s work or beginning to think about the Kabbalah...

Borges is a strong advocate of texts simply because he understood reading as a legitimate way of spending time, as a way of informing our human experience. He was also, of course, an amazing craftsman, composing stories of clever structure and deliciously precise word choice.  His stories and essays are ever present in my own interpretation of memory, in my relationship to human history and the history of human thought. Borges is essential to the way I think of stories and imagination.

If you haven’t approached Borges yet, or if it’s been a while since you entered his labyrinths, I recommend finding your way to a collection of his short stories.   



At La Casa Azul Bookstore we have Ficciones in English and El Aleph in Spanish, and can always help you find more of his works, stop by any time!

Happy, powerful reading to all.
Maria

Monday, December 24, 2012

Felices Fiestas!


Dear bookstore friends and fans,

THANK YOU for your support of La Casa Azul Bookstore during our first year.
A year ago the bookstore had just received a shipment of bookshelves, the color scheme for the walls was finalized, the floor plan was being revised and trips to the hardware store were frequent. 


Since our opening in June, you have been great supporters of East Harlem's independent bookstore. Nothing has made us happier than being able to provide you with the hundreds of books that we love and want to share with the world!
 

We know you have many choices when it come to where to buy books, thank you for choosing La Casa Azul Bookstore. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore!


La Casa Azul Bookstore is currently looking for a few good interns who wish to learn the ins and outs of running a business while enriching lives through reading, writing, and the power of books!

Are you the type of person who delights at your guests looking through your books, but spends hours re-organizing them after they leave? Do you save money on your heating bill because the books covering your wall act as insulation? When you see someone using a e-reader on the train, do you wish it had a dust jacket on it so you could see what they are reading and strike up a conversation about it?

If so, you may be perfect for a position at La Casa Azul Bookstore!

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 8 - 12 hours/week. Spring internship is February – May. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business and publishing.  College credit may be arranged.

Deadline to submit internship applications for Spring 2013 is Sunday January 13, 2013 at 6pm.

2 intern positions available (please read full descriptions below)
1. Marketing & Communications intern
2. Operations intern


All internships are unpaid, but there are a number of great perks, including free books, flexible hours, fun-loving co-workers, and more. Most importantly, you will learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business. Plus, it will earn you a number of professional contacts, and looks great on a resume!

Qualifications include strong communication skills, an outgoing personality, superior organizational skills, and an infectious passion for the written word.

ALL applicants must submit:
1.      Creative cover letter
2.      Resume (with 2 references)
3.      Answer to question: Why are you interested in an internship at La Casa Azul Bookstore (1 page max, separate from cover letter)
4.      Schedule information (days/hours available from Wednesday – Sunday between the hours of 12pm – 8pm)

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday January 13, at 6pm - via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
The Marketing and Communications intern gets to be involved in a wide variety of Marketing & Promotions tasks, which include assisting with the promotion of various events, and a variety of in-house communications, processing and archiving media coverage; developing relationships with local and national journalists; and offering creative input in developing pitches. Additional support with marketing initiatives as needed.

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, Photo Shop, Power Point and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

Apply by: Sunday January 13, 2013 at 6pm
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN (Spring2013)


OPERATIONS INTERN
The Operations intern will have the unique opportunity to have direct contact with the general public, learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business.
Tasks include: Providing excellent customer service including greeting shoppers, locating sections or titles, recommending books, and helping with transactions. Assisting with daily store processes and procedures including sorting books and merchandise, stocking shelves, and creating displays. Helping to plan and execute events such as storytime, book clubs, author sessions in the store, sales, and other projects as assigned.
Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work 

 
APPLY BY:
ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday January 13, at 6pm - via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: OPERATIONS INTERN (Spring2013)


Though we are never at a loss for something to read, we can't wait to read your application!

No incomplete applications will be considered.
Please do not contact the store with further questions or to inquire about selection.

Thank you!
La Casa Azul Bookstore

Friday, December 14, 2012

Meet Your Local Author Day!


 
We had a DELIGHTFUL time at ‘meet your local author’ day last Sunday December 9th!

The range of works by local authors is extraordinary!  
You can pick up a book of Spanish verse, find a comic book about Latinos in Manhattan, learn how to make a cocktail, enjoy a bilingual children’s book, compare experiences growing up on the border, follow characters through stories that span decades and continents. 

Authors and fans mingled, enjoying the guacamole (thank you Arlen Gargagliano!) and hot chocolate provided by Chocolate HERNAN.  
 

 
There are  many opportunities to find a new voice to follow, stop by our shelves to see what local author you want to get to know!

A list of the authors we hosted on Sunday:
Abraham Garcia Alvarado
Arlene Davila
Arlen Gargagliano
Charlie Vazquez
Charles Rice Gonzalez
Chris Bell
Dalhma Llanos Figueroa
Elizabeth Balaguqer
Erasmo Guerra
Ernesto Quinonez
Felipe Galindo
Gema Santamaria
Jake Perez
Junot Diaz
Manuel Melendez
Maria Arrillaga
Miguel Angel Ruiz
Marshalla Ramos
Maria Aponte
Manuel Fihman
Myrna Nieves
Mirta Ojito
Nina Jaffe
Nicholasa Mohr
Odette Casamayor
Raquel Penzo
Sergio Troncoso
Torrey Maldonado
Virginia Gift

We’ll soon be posting pictures of each author and what they had to say about La Casa Azul Bookstore!
(http://pinterest.com/lacasaazulbooks/)