Renowned event planner David Stark reveals whimsical, artistic, unexpected designs often created from sustainable, industrial, or low-cost materials to inspire readers—whether planning a wedding, dinner party, or holiday gathering—looking for ideas for their own events. Twenty-five of David Stark's events are featured—both private celebrations and charitable galas— and showcase how he developed the inspiration for the overarching theme, color palette, and the thoughtful, coordinated details he's known for, and which truly make an event memorable. From the New York Metropolitan Opera opening gala to Target’s large-scale charitable events and pop-up shops, David Stark’s inimitable influence is sweeping the design world—and thanks to his books, becoming more accessible for his legions of fans. No matter the event, The Art of the Party is sure to inspire creativity and become an essential resource for years to come.

David Stark is one of New York’s most creative and sought-after event designers. This book explores forty of Stark’s elaborate yet eco-friendly events—corporate, non-profit, and private—with 200 exquisite photographs and descriptive text. Organized according to the designer’s quirky phraseology—“Animate the Inanimate” “Don't Take It So Seriously . . . At the End of the Day, It's a Party” “From Many Little Things Make One Big Thing” "It's Not What You Use, But How You Use It" and "Make Packaging the Prize"—this book is unique in both its presentation and its content. Stark considers his events “art installations” and when guests enter his spaces, that is exactly how they feel—surrounded by the kind of creative input and passion that can only be described as art. Clients include Condé Nast Publications, Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, Hearst Corporation, Michael Graves, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, Museum of Arts and Design, Rachael Ray, Tory Burch, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Sundance Institute, and Target.

As sweet as a love note, as welcome as a holiday, as easy as pie. Take simple squares of cloth, succinctly written directions, and clearly photographed steps and create fantastic napkin folds that transform your table into a showpiece. Mixing whimsy and elegance, celebrity event designer David Stark fashions stylish setups for every occasion. In Napkins with a Twist, Stark turns his unerring eye to the art of the perfect table setting, focusing on the quick, inexpensive, and creative. From everyday to evening, children's parties to black-tie affairs, a clever napkin fold turns any gathering into a memorable event. Classic folds such as the Tuexedo Fold, together with Stark's own innovative designs—including the wildly fun Fortune Cookie and Sushi Roll folds—make setting the table a no-brainer. Folds from Buckingham Palace and the Kennedy White House, New York's Pierre and Napa Valley's French Laundry, reveal how royalty, the rich and famous, the world's legendary restaurants, all put just the right touches on their signature starched linens. Along with its array of napkin folds, Napkins with a Twist spills over with useful tips, how-to lists, etiquette reminders, table settings, and surprising suggestions for how a napkin fold can become the starting point for designing an entire occasion.

The numbers of farms and farmers on the Great Plains are dwindling. Disappearing even faster are the farm places—the houses, barns, and outbuildings that made the rural landscape a place of habitation. Nancy Warner's photographs tell the stories of buildings that were once loved yet have now been abandoned. Her evocative images are juxtaposed with the voices of Nebraska farm people, lovingly recorded by sociologist David Stark. These plainspoken recollections tell of a way of life that continues to evolve in the face of wrenching change. Warner's spare, formal photographs invite readers to listen to the cadences and tough-minded humor of everyday speech in the Great Plains. Stark's afterword grounds the project in the historical relationship between people and their land. In the tradition of Wright Morris, this combination of words and images is both art and document, evoking memories, emotions, and questions for anyone with rural American roots.

"In The Art of Event Planning, Gianna Gaudini demystifies the process, challenges and joys of event planning at the highest level. She comes to the table as a highly seasoned professional, but she delivers incredible information that can be applied to a large event or the most intimate dinner at home, interchangeably. She is so generous with her experience and has so clearly outlined an effective work flow and process that her words will truly inspire even the novice. This book is also an empowering guide to leadership, communication, partnership and visionary thinking. Whether interested in an events career or simply a leadership role in any kind of organization, Gianna provides inspiration and clarity for the most basic and effective interpersonal skills that are central to any great working relationship. That's a truly unexpected bonus, and I recommend this book whole heartedly. BRAVO!" -- David Stark, renowned Author, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of David Stark Design and Production Do you want to create live or virtual events that are memorable, engaging and impactful? Do you want to take your career in event planning to the next level? Then, read on... Amazon best-seller, Art of Event Planning, will forever alter the way you look at your next corporate event, gala, conference, dinner party, and virtual event-and create better engagement and success. This book is both an enjoying journey and tactical guide with exciting ideas and real-world applications. It's time to learn how to make a lasting impact for your company, your attendees, and most importantly -- your professional identity. The Art of Event Planning: Pro Tips from an Industry Insider, currently included in the California State School hospitality and tourism management course curriculum is a valuable and insightful guide for event planners. Gianna Gaudini, former Event leader for Google, Vision Fund, and currently Head of Events, Training and Certification for Amazon Web Services, reveals her secrets for event planning and career success. Whether you're a well-seasoned veteran, just starting out, or anywhere in between, you'll benefit from her case studies, advice and lessons learned through years of experience. Gianna is passionate about helping event planners create events that are memorable, meaningful, impactful and most of all successful. She is a sought-after writer and speaker and holds certifications in interior design and as a court master sommelier. You can learn more by visiting www.giannagaudini.com/press for press, podcasts, and webinars by Gianna. The Art of Event Planning will help you: Guarantee event planning success using her pro-tips and secret sauce formula Build a career in event planning and establish your unique niche Create unforgettable experiences at live or virtual events Surprise And Delight Your Audience Build your rockstar event team Develop successful and win RFP's Define your target audience Find the perfect venue Measure and create ROI Learn best practices for working with clients and stakeholders Market your event Navigate contracts and negotiation like a pro Incorporate diversity and inclusion practices at your event Personalize your event experience at scale Identify and acquire your target audience Create a winning event strategy Execute flawless events

WINNER OF THE EISNER AWARD • A bold and fascinating graphic novel history of the revolutionary Black Panther Party. Founded in Oakland, California, in 1966, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense was a radical political organization that stood in defiant contrast to the mainstream civil rights movement. This gripping illustrated history explores the impact and significance of the Panthers, from their social, educational, and healthcare programs that were designed to uplift the Black community to their battle against police brutality through citizen patrols and frequent clashes with the FBI, which targeted the Party from its outset. Using dramatic comic book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures, The Black Panther Party captures the major events, people, and actions of the party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring legacy.