CGG met NY Governor David A. Patterson on the red carpet at Art for Life. One of the two only black governors in the US, Patterson, who is legally blind, was passionate about the topic of the night: Art in education.

CGG: How do you feel about art in education?

GP: Art is education and that’s what is misunderstood in this country, they know it everywhere else on the planet, in Canada, in the European countries, in the African countries, and even in India and Pakistan and South Asia. They all spend more pennies on the dollar then we do here in the United States because they understand the inherent nature of creativity of art and culture in the human soul.

You watch infants and you see they’re own little creativity, they’re own little way of doing things which is a symbol as to how that ability can be developed as time goes on. This type of an organization raising money demonstrates to all of us what we can do in other areas, if we first recognize that art is as essential to education as reading and writing, and mathematical computation.

Art is that important and I don’t think people get that. All of the major studies around the world have shown that, when children are in art programs, they perform higher on standardized tests and evidence less boredom.

CGG: How has art affected your life the most?

GP: Well, I would just say that even as a person who’s legally blind when I get close enough to a magnificent form of art something just touches you and I think it’s the truth, it just that special connection, that some artists whether they draw, whether sculpt, or whether they sing, can bring to others and its inspiring it makes you think you can do better and it makes you want to be like the people who do it.

Nicely said, governor!

Phoenix Suns baller Grant Hill and his soulful singer wife, Tamia were honorary chairs at The Art for Life Easthampton gala at Russell Simmons’ estate on Saturday. Proud daddy, Grant filled CGG in on art in his life and how his daughters are taking up the drums instead of a basketball--- and he’s okay with it!

CGG: How do you feel that art has benefited your life?

GH: For me growing up in a household where my parents were avid art collectors, having to take piano lessons, and being exposed to music privately and in school, art has always been a part of my life, so in so many ways it inspires me. It’s very important, it’s important to me, I’m more well-rounded as a result, especially now that we have daughters.

CGG: How do you incorporate that in your home with your children?

GH: They’ve taken more of the artistic gene than the sports gene, so I think they are naturals. My six-year old is already playing the keyboard, the drums, I don’t know what that will all become, but I think with her, we just try to push her in the right direction.

A lot of families aren’t as fortunate and so charities and organizations like Russell’s here are important because we can help kids and move them in the right direction so they can benefit like we benefit.

CGG: And how do you think art benefits teens the most?

GH: It’s the exposure, I think it inspires, in some cases it can give self-confidence; it just gives the youth so many benefits as a result. Being exposed to different art and to different mediums of art, I just encourage young people to play ball, draw, sing, dance, learn, or whatever you love to do, and just to do it with passion.

He's got nice moves on and off the court. Way to go Grant!

via Starpulse

Oh boy, another Disney Duo! Or is it? Curly-haired cutie, Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, and Selena Gomez, rising starlet of Wizards of Waverly Place, are said to be dating.

The pair has been linked for sometime now and though reps are denying it, they’re really not trying to hide it. With Selena being Nick’s arm candy in Jonas Brothers’ video Burnin’ Up and rumors of her new song, Head First, said to be written about her beau, its pretty clear there’s something goin' on.

The only truth to the rumors thus far?

The two share in common, amongst many things, that they both wear promise rings in symbol of their chastity. Yes! Innocence still remains in 16 year old celebrities!

"That was something we bonded over," Gomez told People magazine.

Truth or not, CGG will keep you posted on the cute couple!

Russell Simmons and girlfriend Porscha Coleman

via Hamptons.com

CGG hung out with man of the evening, Russell Simmons at his Easthampton estate during the Art for Life gala on Saturday. The music mogul and co-founder of RUSH Philanthropic opened up to us about family values and thinking outside the box.

CGG: How do you feel about art in education?

RS: I think art is one of the most critical things you can do. When its included it in the program in the curriculum it works well. It’s the first thing to go when the government cuts back on spending, and when they take it out of the curriculum it’s a little bit of a problem.

CGG: And what do you think art has affected in most in your life?

RS: Well, my young brothers an artist my older brothers an artist, I’m the producer and I think we all how important creativity is. I can point to it as the most important part of my development, so for me it matters a lot, and when they take it out of the school system they’re doing a disservice to our children.

CGG: How do you make art a part in your home?

RS: We play lots of music, we have lots of paintings, and you know we celebrate art in our home.

CGG: Do you have any inspiring words for teens?

RS: Look inside yourself, that’s where the inspiration comes from, and that’s where the art is present. The youth of today should practice and appreciate art as much as they can and it will make a difference in their life overall.

Sometimes, you have to figure your way out of a tough situation that you perceive yourself to be in. When you see the world in a good way, you know it’s a good world. When you see it in a struggle, that it is, that takes creativity.

Words of wisdom by Russell Simmons: producer, philanthropist, father, and friend. We'll take it!

Russell's daughters, Ming Lee & Aoki Lee Simmons.

via Hamptons.com

via Jezebel

Concert tickets sell out; books sell out, but magazines? Not so much. Well looks like the tables have turned in the past few weeks. Fashionistas everywhere have been on a mission; they’ve searched Barnes and Noble, Borders, newsstands, even EBay. Where’s the fire? It’s The August issue of Vogue Italia: A Black Issue. The history making-mag features all and only black models in its current issue which is causing hype across the country and in the fashion world.

Inspired by Senator Barack Obama and the lack of diversity on the runways, Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief, thought it was time to take a stand. Along with famed photographer, Steven Meisel, Sozzani featured famed faces Alex Wek, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Tyra Banks, as well as piece featuring 11 fresh faces to know. The Issue also spotlights the work of Spike Lee and Nelson Mandela, and Michelle Obama.

The issue has increased newsstand distribution by 40%, with most stands being sold out, thousands were re-ordered to please crazed fans. EBay is even selling a package featuring all four different covered-issues for $400 dollars!

“I thought, it’s ridiculous, this discrimination,” Meisel told the New York Times. “It’s so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place with age, weight, sexuality, race — every kind of prejudice.”

Well it’s time for a change, and this is a perfect start, in true Italian style.

Italia Vogue: A Black Issue is on stands now. Hurry, before you miss it!

Iman graces the pages of Vogue Italia: A Black Issue.

via Jezebel

Katie Couric says she and Sen. Hillary Clinton are victims of sexism.

"I find myself in the last bastion of male dominance, and realizing what Hilary Clinton might have realized not long ago: Sexism in the American society is more common than racism, and certainly more forgivable," Couric said in an interview on the Web site of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

CGG fave Nigel Barker, the stunning photographer behind America's Next Top Model has come together with the Humane Society to document his recent trip to Canada in a beautiful series of seal images and an accompanying documentary which details his trip. We clued you in on his harrowing journey before, but today we went behind the scenes with Nigel to celebrate the beauty of these wondrous creatures.

Check out our interview with Nigel below where he dishes on why he loves animals, the difference between shooting models and seals, and what you can do to help these gorgeous creatures:

The exhibit is open to the public, but if you can't make it out stay tuned for an exclusive tour with Nigel!

Our friends over at Jet Lag Gemini and made some PSAs for Do Something on some very important topics.

We love the DIY aspects of the PSAs. Thanks mucho!!!

This band knows what's up when it comes to car crashes.

Become a friend of Jet Lag Gemini!

Jim Ward says Go Vege!

Hamptons update! CGG caught up with Art for Life’s host, CNN’s Soledad O’ Brien just before she hit the stage to host Saturday’s soiree. The smiley, “Special Investigations Unit” star, shared with us her thoughts on coloring, giving back, and being an “angel of the moment”:

CGG: How do you feel about art in the lives of youth and in education?

SO: “It’s huge, it’s so important. I have four kids, my oldest is seven, I have a six year old, and four year old twins. It is important they come out of the womb with art being important to them. All they want is a clean piece of paper and a crayon, they do something, and they hand it to you and say, “look what I created!”

“Art is all about what you’re able to bring to the table. You, yourself can pour out on to a piece of paper. Whether you are two years old, my age, or anybody older than me, I mean it’s about how you express yourself. Sometimes, I think in daily life we don’t focus on exposing kids to art because we feel like it’s not important, but it is important and it’s really important.”

CGG: Do you have some inspiring words for teens?

SO: “It’s so easy to do something, it’s so easy to do something good for somebody else, it really is as simple as just thinking about what someone in your neighborhood, in your world, in or outside your community needs, sometimes its money, sometimes its service, sometimes it’s the most basic thing.

“I think its Tyra Banks who use to call it ‘angels of the moment,’ just sometimes to be there for someone just for that little tiny chunk of time just an ‘angel of the moment’ anybody can do that, anybody.”