Art as a Living System (Featuring Kendra Vaculin)

Presented by Nightlight Society and Reizck Project Imagine a simple object, such as a candle on your kitchen table. It’s just a candle. Or is it? Place it on a pedestal, or in a temple, or encircle it while chanting with a group of people, and it begins to feel different. Not because the object itself has changed, but because the context around it has. Duchamp signed a urinal and called it art. A banana got taped to a wall at Art Basel. In each case, meaning was granted and people accepted it (albeit with reservations). And, long before any of this, entire cultures built their understanding of the world on the belief that objects hold meaning largely because a group of people decides that they do. And so, the evening poses a simple question: what makes art, art? Inspired by the exquisite corpse, we’ll kick off the evening with a collective art activity and salon-style discussion guided by Reizck Project. Then, conversation will continue over dinner prepared by the brilliant Kendra Vaculin, Brooklyn-based recipe developer and writer, formerly of the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen, now at work on her debut cookbook DINNER PLANS (Simon & Schuster). Evening's MenuWine & NA DrinksYuzu Butter ScallopsKoginut Squash SaladCrunchy Salad with Persimmon VinaigretteSoy Braised Short Ribs with Braised GreensPumpkin Cake with Miso Creme Fraîche & Pecan Praline(Vegetarian & Vegan Options Available) Early bird $125 · Standard $150 (seats are limited) T&CDietary restrictions & allergiesLet us know about allergies or dietary restrictions when you RSVP and we'll do what we can. We're working with small venues and small kitchens — we'll accommodate what we can, but we can't promise a space entirely free of any given ingredient. If your allergy is serious, plan accordingly. Alcohol The event is 21+ as the evening includes wine. Please bring an ID and please drink responsibly. Tickets, refunds & transfersTickets are non-refundable but transferable — can't make it? Email us if you would like to send someone in your place. PhotographyOur brilliant photographer Kailee Welp will be capturing the event. By attending, you're agreeing that we may photograph or record the evening and use it across channels. Would rather not appear? Tell us at check-in, and we'll keep you out of frame. Assumption of riskYou're attending at your own discretion. Nightlight Society and our venue and vendor partners aren't liable for injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the event. VibesWe're building a room focused respectful discourse, creative expression, and good vibes. We reserve the right to remove anyone being disruptive or unsafe, without refund.