I knew this was going to be a cool show before we checked it out in person, but we were truly unprepared for the total awesomeness of the entire exhibit which has a WOW factor that’s off the charts.  The basic premise of the show is about taking recycled “dead” plant and animal matter and making it newly “alive” as art.  Take, for instance, Billie Grace Lynn’s freakin’ fantastic working “Mad Cow Motorcycle” made up of the bones of an entire cow. Then there’s Fabian Pena’s anatomical art that’s pretty swell in and of itself but will knock your socks off when closer inspection reveals it’s entirely fabricated from cockroach wings. And talking about the eeeewwww factor, you’ve got Alastair Mackie’s fabric woven from mouse fur recovered from owl poop.  That’s just the tip of the iceberg! Read on to get the goods on this exciting exhibition.
 

Lots of good tidbits for you this week. We're co-hosting a Hebrew National Picnic this weekend and you're invited. Learn more about that, how to get a free Juno Baby DVD, and lots of interesting news about NYC public schools. Plus, i put together a little slideshow from this past weekend's Taste of Tribeca school fundraiser. It was a great event this year with delicious food, fun activities and great weather. If you'd like to see what it's like, watch the video and then don't miss it next year!

Photo of the week: Brendan Fraser came to the hospital to premier his new movie, Furry Vengeance with the kids at the Cornell pediatrics unit. He actually sat through the whole thing with them, which was really quite an act of charity considering how sick he must be of seeing his butt getting kicked by animals over and over...and over...again. Good man!

Here's what you might have missed on the blog this week:

It is time to start planning your weekend and you have come to the right place,  we have the scoop on a ton of free and inexpensive events and activities going on in every corner of the city. Families can hit the annual Ninth Avenue Food Festival or one of the many other street festivals taking place this weekend. Or get crafty with enriching art projects at The Armory, The Jewish Museum, Flushing Town Hall or The Center for Architecture.  

You can also get outside this weekend, May is Bike Month here in New York City and there are lots of rides, events and even "how to ride" classes planned for kids and adults. The parks rangers are also offering some organized fishing, hiking and birding events in the parks.  Or take your kids to a fun field day on Randall's Island at the NY Road Runners Youth Jamboree.

If you are looking for a deal, Saturday is Super Science Day at New York Hall of Science with extra special programming like games and prizes, but, best of all – kids get in free with an adult admission. 

Read on and get planning. Have a great weekend no matter what you decide to do.

It's no secret that pirates are fond of dapper duds—frilly shirts, satin sashes, gold hoop earrings. And when it comes to playing dress up, the Striking Viking Story Pirates have the best stash in town. Rastafarian headdress, smoking jackets, leopard loin cloths and more are tucked away backstage, making each show feel like a great big game of pretend all hopped up on apple juice and pixie sticks.

Tuesday, May 18th is International Museum Day where many museums fling open their doors and invite the public free of charge or at discounted admission. 13 NYC museums are participating, although some of them are taking part on different dates. Take advantage of free admission at some of NYCs best museums this weekend and next week.

Here's a list of participating museums and what they're offering:

[UPDATED: December 1, 2012]

When you think of Williamsburg you may think more about hipsters and hangouts than babies and binkies, but it may be time to rename this hood babyburg, cause it has sprouted some of Brooklyn's best baby and toddler stores all within a few blocks of each other, giving Park Slope a run for its money.

Read on for the scoop on these baby boutiques and some exclusive discounts just for Mommy Poppins readers.

Ex-Governor Corzine isn’t the only New Jerseyan who feels a need for speed! At these racing venues, check out everything from punch buggies and monster trucks to jet cars and hot rods.  Ready to let the kids rev up on their own?  Hit the go kart tracks for some family racing rivalry–but remember, buckle up for safety!