CULTURAL EVENTS MELT ICE-COLD DAYS (c) By Polly Guerin

When she came to town Lenora of Peoria knew the score and checked her ‘to do’ list. Let’s see she mused, “There’s Kalman’s variations, Bling/Bling and old Rembrandt--all such heady stuff, so I’ll take in a fitness session to round out the day.” Only in New York my friends, only in New York. Here’s the Scoop!!!
MAIRA KALMAN: Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World) In an entirely different venue of original whimsicality The Jewish Museum introduces the first major museum survey of the work of illustrator, author and designer Maira Kalman. Known for her probing imagery, the exhibit features a selection spanning 30 years of 100 original paintings, drawings and sketches shown along with the many ways Kalman’s work has entered contemporary culture—in books, magazines, and on commercial products, from clothing to watches. 1109 Fifth Ave., at 92nd St. 212. 423.3200. www.thejewishmusuem.org.
SET IN STYLE:

The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels “Glitter and Be Gay” sings the opera singer and she may well have been thinking of the bling/bling exhibit of 350 jewels from the famed jeweler on display in clear see through bubbles featuring exquisite jewels through the decades, one stunning piece as early as 1908, plus a section of jewels on loan from famous celebrities and movie stars. Through June at Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum 2 E. 91st St., 212.849.8400. www.cooperhewitt.org.

REMBRANDT and HIS SCHOOL

Two royals, the railroad tycoon Henry Clay Frick and Fritz Lugt, meld their collections of Old Masters and put them on display at the tony Frick Collection. Therein relive the glory days and bask in the Frick’s exquisite period rooms, which give a warm respite from the last chill of winter. Check out the oriental rugs, furnishings and masterpieces and don’t miss the oval room showcasing the newly restored 1658 self-portrait of Rembrandt peering out with a captivating gaze having been cleared of seven layers of varnish. 1 E. 70th St. (between Madison & Fifth) 212.288.0700. www.thefrick.org.
NORMA KAMALI’S WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS

Is the perfect ending to a cultural day of museum hopping. Previous events included a Spiritual Entertainer but on March 2nd Magen Banwart and her Fitness Team will start the activities right off Fifth Avenue at Norma Kamali’s boutique with great samplings, healthy refreshments, plus amazing goodies to take home with you! 6-8 p.m., at 11 W. 56 St., tickets @ $28. Oh by the way you can also go shopping. To reserve: lindsayw@normakamali.com.
Ta Ta Darlings!!! I can’t wait to see Maira Kalman’s amazing illuminations!!! I’d love to hear from you. Fan mail is always welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. My Blogs can be easily accessed at www.pollytalk.com, in the left hand column click on the links that take you directly the Blog of your choice or log into http://www.thefashionhistorianpollyguerin.blogspot.com.