You didn’t ask for it, but I delivered! Here are five cool things to think about, from hip hop and Haas to Pride and partying, along with a few words of wisdom.

The Launch Party
This week, Katonah Connect celebrated its launch party at the always amazing Katonah Museum of Art! In the coming days, we will have more behind the scenes info and pictures from this awesome event. But I would be remiss to not mention that it was a fun, beautiful event.

Logic
Out right now is the latest album by hip hop extraordinaire, Logic. For those who appreciate the old school rap sound with some exciting new energy and an incredible flow, Logic is the artist for you. “Vinyl Days” is off and running, available to stream and enjoy at the music location of your choosing.

Haas Brothers and the KMA
“Constant Carnival” is a truly incredible exhibition at the Katonah Museum of Art. It’s been on display for several months, so we’re not breaking any news here. BUT, if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out this fun and lively exhibition, be sure to make some time to do so. The show will only be on display until June 26th, so don’t delay!

Pride Flag
As a designer, I love the original Pride flag. Designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, this flag is powerful, symbolic and beautiful. It does what a good “brand” should do – be memorable and reflective of a storied history while also retaining simplicity. As a result, June is refreshingly colorful and fun (with a powerful message!). There are, of course, many updates and variations to this design today, but I will always treasure the original!

The Arena
It’s graduation season, and I am often reminded during this time of Theodore Roosevelt’s Citizenship in a Republic speech. It has long been my favorite speech / quote, and it is well-suited for new grads heading out into the world:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Justin is an award-winning designer and photographer. He was the owner and creative director at Future Boy Design, producing work for clients such as National Parks Service, Vintage Cinemas, The Tarrytown Music Hall, and others. His work has appeared in Bloomberg TV, South by Southwest (SXSW), Edible Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Refinery 29, the Art Directors Club, AIGA and more.
Justin is a two-time winner of the International Design Awards, American Photography and Latin America Fotografia. Vice News has called Justin Negard as “one of the best artists working today.”
He is the author of two books, On Design, which discusses principles and the business of design, and Bogotà which is a photographic journey through the Colombian capital.
Additionally, Justin has served as Creative Director at CityMouse Inc., an NYC-based design firm which provides accessible design for people with disabilities, and has been awarded by the City of New York, MIT Media Lab and South By Southwest.
He lives in Katonah with his wonderfully patient wife, son and daughter.