In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Rockefeller Center has launched a month-long schedule of events in the theme of love, including an Art Sundae art workshop and collaborative installation, virtual baking class for kids with the executive chef of The Rainbow Room, twice-weekly giveaways and edible treats from Rockefeller Center retailers and a blood drive with New York Blood Center. Management company Tishman Speyer has designed a wide range of opportunities to celebrate love for anyone visiting the center this month.
Art Sundae with Hiba Schahbaz, which began on February 3, is part of an ongoing public art program launched by non-profit Art Production Fund and New York gallery Fort Gansevoort that is designed to build confidence in children through art-making. The program offers children the opportunity to work with a contemporary artist to create a public art project and is designed to be accessible to all and highlight art’s positive impact across all communities.
The festival began on February 3 with at-home painters guided by Schahbaz to create a watercolor portrait of someone they love, inspired by Schahbaz’s public exhibition “In My Heart,’ now on view at Rockefeller Center as part of the year-round Art in Focus public art program. Following the digital workshop, children were invited to submit their portraits to be included in an upcoming public art showcase at 10 Rockefeller Plaza that will be on display starting February 11. On February 11, Schahbaz will create a mural installation in a street facing window at 10 Rockefeller Plaza utilizing the painted submissions from “Art Sundae.”
On February 13 at The Rainbow Room, Executive Chef Mat Woolfwill lead a virtual cupcake baking workshop providing kids with the opportunity to bake for family and friends, or to show support and give back to anyone else who could benefit from a sweet gesture during the pandemic. 100 ingredient bags for making a chocolate-filled red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting and candied rose petals will be provided in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.
On February 15, East Harlem jewelry designer Marla Aaron’s “Take a Seat for Restaurants” sterling silver Chair charm will be available on February 15 when her vending machine begins its latest residency at South Plaza (10 Rockefeller Plaza between 48th and 49th Streets, in alcove of 1 Rockefeller Plaza). Aaron was inspired by the current state of the restaurant industry to create the Sterling Silver two-inch tall chair that retails for $250; 100% of proceeds benefit Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen.
Floral designer Lewis Miller Design will return to Rockefeller Center with a fantastical flower flash, surprising visitors.
Manager Tishman Speyer has arranged love-themed “Surprise & Delight” giveaways featuring several retailers throughout February. There will be two offerings per week featuring Frenchette, Sugarfina, Jill Lindsey, La Maison du Chocolat, Black Seed Bagel, Hombre Taco, Van Leeuwen, Ben & Jerry’s and more. Throughout the month, the New York Blood Center will host sign-ups for the New York Blood Drive, which will be held on March 22 and 23.
