Thanks to the Society of the Arts (SOTA) for providing us with the inspiration for a great kitchen story. Now here’s a little background on SOTA.

SOTA is a women’s service organization associated with the Allentown Art Museum. The Museum Directors Richard and Betty Hirsch, with Mrs. Channing O. Davis, the Founding Mother of the organization, founded it in 1964. The SOTA bylaws describe the group as one: “Whose purpose shall be to cooperate with and further the policies and service programs of the Allentown Art Museum and to contribute to the social and cultural life of the Lehigh Valley.” The group has grown from its humble beginnings, when members packed and unpacked crated exhibits, painted walls and backdrops for displays, and catered openings and other social events with food and service pieces brought from their homes.

The Process Principle
Multimedia artist, Jim Toia ignites the polite relationship between art and onlooker.

 

Photos by Gridley & Graves
See the rest of the best of our amazing Home of the Year!

 

By Danielle Tepper

It seems technology advances much quicker than we may even be able to apply it these days. Here’s a look at what’s available for your home today—if you’re willing to pay.

Bathing Beauty
Ready to relax in your tub and watch some TV? This 19-inch hi-def LCD television by SÉURA offers stunning features, big performance, and is ultra slender. Designed and engineered to be installed virtually anywhere, and integrated into any space, The ONE is only 1” thin, and features a built-in amp (2 channels, 25 watts per channel) with a variety of options; select internal speakers or access the powered amp speaker output and add external speakers. It even comes with a waterproof remote!

Listed at $3,500, only true tub potatoes, need apply.
For retail information, visit seura.com.

By Danielle Tepper

As leaves begin to shift to bright golden hues and drift lazily to the ground, our thoughts turn to the chillier weather and the autumnal months ahead. C’mon, you know the best part of the season is indulging in the new fashions for fall!

This autumn, stock your wardrobe with Our Top 10 Must-Have Classics

1. The basic white shirt is an essential asset to own. The possibilities are endless–these crisp and clean building blocks work under everything from jackets to sweaters, or on their own with wide-leg pants or fitted jeans. Choose from different cuff, collar, and fabric variations or details. NEW TWIST: Ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles! You must have one of these in your closet for fall.

2. There’s no doubt that the turtleneck sweater has earned its place as a classic. Why? The turtleneck brings your face into focus. Try a mock turtleneck if you don’t like the bulk of a real turtleneck (they have the same height, but the fabric doesn’t fold back over). Look for cozy, touchable materials. Wool tends to be itchy on your sensitive neck area. The black turtleneck is the ultimate classic because it creates a blank palette to show off wonderful necklaces, cuff bracelets, or just a pretty face. NEW TWIST: Try this classic in fuschia, soft gray, or earthy orange.

By Danielle Tepper

Growing an herb garden right in your own home can be a gratifying experience; not only are you still able to add a personal touch to every recipe you try to master, but you are ultimately in control of how these little plants thrive. There’s nothing quite like the quiet satisfaction you feel as you pluck some fresh basil and add it as a finishing touch to your favorite or classic Italian dish—even while snowflakes swirl outside your kitchen window! With a homegrown herb garden, these mouthwatering seasonings will flourish no matter the time of year.