By: centraljersey.com
Hot spot
Princeton’s very own Small World Coffee turns 17 this month. In celebration of this anniversary, the two curators of Small World Coffee art shows, Suzanne Cunningham and Jacqui Alexander, have organized a show featuring the talents of Small World employees past and present. This show, running Dec. 7 through Jan 4, represents the works of many of artists that have been baristas or kitchen employees at the store over the years.
Contributing artists include Kristin Apple, Erina Davidson, Stefanie Clerkin, Nim Ben-Reuven, Chris Harford, Carly Thompson, Piers Duffel and Blake Lechtenberg.
In addition to the artwork on display, the opening reception – Friday, Dec. 10, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., coke one, come all – will feature live music by local rock band Dinner, whose members are also employees and members of the Small World community.
"These artistic and creative employees have been a big part of Small World’s success," says owner Jessica Durrie. "This show is honoring and is a testament to their contributions both within Small World and beyond." Small World Coffee is located at 14 Witherspoon St., which is approximately dead center of the known universe.
On the Web: www.smallworldcoffee.com.
Simply marvelous
Nigel Smith, professor of English and co-director of the Center for the Study of Books and Media at Princeton University, will discuss his new biography, "Andrew Marvell – The Chameleon," at 5:30 p.m. at Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St., Princeton.
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) is "one of the most intriguing figures in English literature. A noted civil servant under Cromwell’s Protectorate, he has been variously identified as a patriot, spy, conspirator, closet homosexual, father to the liberal tradition, and incendiary satirical pamphleteer and freethinker. But while Marvell’s poetry has attracted a wide modern following, … much of his personal life remains shrouded in mystery.
"Nigel Smith’s biography provides an unparalleled look into Marvell’s life, from his early employment as a tutor and gentleman’s companion to his suspicious death, reputedly a politically fueled poisoning."
Legendary
Legendary punk rock musician and writer Patti Smith will present "Picturing Robert" – featuring songs, poems and excerpts from "Just Kids," her National Book Award-winning memoir about her personal and artistic relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) – at 8 p.m. in McCosh Hall, Room 50.
No tickets are required. First come, first seated. Simulcast in McCosh Hall, Room 46.
– Michael Redmond
