PASSIONATE ABOUT CULTURE IN NEW YORK (c) By Polly Guerin

Aileeen Osborn Webb Courtesy of MAD Museum 

What Would Mrs. Webb Do? A Founder's Vision examines Aileen Osborn Webb's pioneering support of contemporary crafts as a driver of innovation and her pivotal role advancing the field. The exhibition featuring a range of objects created over the past 60 years, celebrates Aileen Osborn Webb, who established the Museum of Arts and Design, then the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, in 1956. This exhibition explores how Webb, through her advocacy work at MAD and other leading institutions across the country and internationally championed the skilled maker as integral to America's future. With over 100 works encompassing glass, clay, wood, metal, and fiber the exhibition  illustrates the ongoing impact of her visionary efforts to represent makers including Sam Maloff and Joris Laarman (furniture); Jack Lenor Larson and Lia Cook (textiles); Peter Voulkos and Jun Kaneko (ceramics); Harvey Littleton and Judith Schaechter (glass) to name a few whose works are featured. "We are sharing some of the best pieces made during her tenure along with examples of artists today who continue to benefit from her progressive ideas," said exhibition curator Jeannine Falino. Through February 8, 2015 at MAD, 2 Columbus Circle. 212.299.7701. www.madmsuem.org.
ALBERTINE Reflecting France's belief in the power of books as a common good  for a better world, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy Beaux Arts mansion on Fifth Avenue has opened a reading room and bookstore devoted to French works in French and English in a comfy elegant setting that begs for your visiting there soon. Fashioned like an old-world library, with green velvet sofa, bronze-trimmed bookcases, and a Renaissance-style ceiling mural of constellations, the shop temps one to want to while away the hours on a languid lunch break. Antonin Baudry hand picked more than 14,000 books including rare first editions by les grands philosophers--Voltaire, de Beauvoir--and works by contemporary best sellers. Location 972 fifth Avenue. (212) 650 0070 Monday-Thursday, Saturday 11AM-7PM, Friday 11 AM -10 PM and Sunday 11 AM-6PM. www.albertine.com.
SNAG A MODERN MR DARCY Just read  The Jane Austen's Rules: A classic Guide to Modern Love, a new book by Sinead Murphy who takes a 19th-century approach with her new advice book in which she shares her favorite tips for anyone looking for her own Mr. Darcy. Some titles include share Your opinions, like Anne Elliot from "Persuasion;" Flirt like Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice;" and Be Willing to Apologize, Like Emma. Out October 14 at most bookstores.
FIT TO BE TIED The Fashion Committee at the National Arts Club invites you to an evening of four-in-hands, bow ties and ascots with celebrated authorities David Hart, Sean Crowley and CFDA-winner Gene Meyer. Just for the fun of it learn to tie the perfect double Windsor while enjoying the stylish sound of Big Band era of Jazz-inspired Dandy Wellington and his band. 7 PM at the NAC, 15 Gramercy Park South. Info: fashion@thenationalartsclub.org.
Ta Ta darlings!!! Polly off to Albertine to sink into a comfy velvet couch and read some sizzling French novel. Fan mail welcome at pollytalknyc@gmail.com. Visit www.pollytalk.com to click into Polly's Blogs on poetry, fashion, amazing women and visionary men.