Center For Cuban Studies — Attraction in New York

The Center for Cuban Studies and its Cuban Art Space in NYC is tremendous in more ways than I can begin to describe in this review. The dedicated people who work there and its amazing collection of books, magazines, photographs, posters, and art--all pertaining to Cuba past and present--are an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to know just about anything about Cuba. It is a genuine wealth of information.

The Center brings in impressive artists and intriguing artwork from the island and hosts stunning art and photography shows: internationally-recognized artists as well as talented emerging artists are featured. Fascinating, informative films about Cuba are often shown at the Center. What's more, it organizes and hosts trips to Cuba which are a cut above trips offered by certain other organizations promoting travel to Cuba; perhaps this is because the Center and its trip leaders are extremely knowledgable about the island, and have an extensive array of contacts with Cuban individuals and organizations pleased to interact in depth with travelers visiting under the auspices of the Center, to answer questions, and to give more than a superficial glimpse of what Cuba and its generous, outgoing people are all about.

The Center has a shop chockfull of handmade items from Cuba: jewelry, quality note cards, clothing, masks, and other unusual eye-catching gifts. Every year the Center produces a stunning calendar featuring Cuban art (these calendars are works of art in themselves and make superb gifts).

Possibly the most essential, promising thing about the Center is that for decades it has worked diligently to promote improved relations between the USA and Cuba. Politics and a variety of challenges notwithstanding, the Center has been steadfast all along, never swaying from its heartfelt endeavor to help ease relations between the two countries. And for that, the Center for Cuban Studies (in particular, its long-time director, Sandra Levinson, who not only is thoroughly steeped in first-hand knowledge of Cuba, its people and history, not to mention its present, but is also a most amiable, approachable person) deserves the most sincere applause.

To conclude, the Center is a unique cornucopia of in-depth information and art and books and wisdom and travel and gifts and more. It ought not to be overlooked by anyone: including those who may be simply curious about Cuba, people who enjoy art exhibitions and film showings, and those who may already know a great deal about Cuba, yet want to learn more...much more. I cannot recommend the Center for Cuban Studies and its Cuban Art Space...

The Center has long taken the lead in breaking down barriers between the US and its Cuban neighbors. Although the crazy politics of blockade have mitigated only slightly in recent years, the Center and it's activist effective leader, Sandra Levinson, have established and maintained many links especially in the world of art and music. Among the Center's strengths are the colorful displays of Cuban art at their 29th St. Gallery/Office, an impressive film series, and incredibly well-planned and useful tours usually led by Sandra who knows virtually every artist on the island. During my visit to Cuba with Sandra et. al. last year, we not only visited many artist homes and studios, but heard some great local music. toured the entire length of the island, sampled tasty food, and even were exposed to some fine poetry and...

Over the past (almost) fifteen years, I've had many wonderful experiences with CCS. The first was an eye-opening trip to Cuba in 1998. Not only did I get to take in the island in its wonderful diversity, but I also had a chance to get acquainted with Sandra Levinson, the Center's director, and the other fascinating people in my group. It was during that visit that I fell in love with Cuba's artists and art, and that led to the first show of Cuban art in my gallery in Portland, OR, called "Touching Cuba". Since then, I showed other work by Cuban artists and, after closing the gallery, I organized another tour group with the Center which went to the island in 2011. It was again an amazing time for me and the others in the group, several of whom have told me it was the best travel experience...