Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces “SPAC in Conversation: Julie Scelfo” on October 18

 Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces 

“SPAC in Conversation: Julie Scelfo” on October 18 

Featuring conversation with author of The Women Who Made New York and former New York Times journalist, Julie Scelfo, followed by lunch and boutique shopping 

Saratoga Springs, NY (September 7, 2023) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that its popular Action Council fundraising event, “SPAC in Conversation,” will return with Julie Scelfo, author of The Women Who Made New York and a former New York Times journalist. Moderated by SPAC President & CEO Elizabeth Sobol, the discussion will explore the inclusive, intersectional collection of biographies in her book, which reveal how it was women—and not just men—who built one of the world’s greatest cities. Slated for Wednesday, October 18 at the Spa Little Theater and the Hall of Springs, the event is also highlighted by a plated lunch and boutique shopping.

“‘SPAC in Conversation’ is anticipated all year long as a great opportunity for our community to gather around a shared love of reading, intriguing conversation, and a delicious fall meal. This year the members of the Action Council have outdone themselves by bringing Julie Scelfo to Saratoga to discuss the fierce, trailblazing females throughout history who made New York City a global mecca for arts and culture,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Scelfo’s book, The Women Who Made New York, reveals the untold stories of the phenomenal women who made New York City the cultural epicenter of the world. Many were revolutionaries and activists, like Zora Neale Hurston and Audre Lorde. Others were icons and iconoclasts, like Fran Lebowitz and Grace Jones. There were also women who led quieter private lives but were just as influential, such as Emily Warren Roebling, who completed the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge when her engineer husband became too ill to work. Paired with striking, contemporary illustrations by artist Hallie Heald, The Women Who Made New York offers a visual sensation—one that reinvigorates not just New York City’s history but its very identity.

“This year’s ‘SPAC in Conversation’ event is one you don’t want to miss! The planning committee has designed an extraordinary day of conversation, shopping, food and friends that celebrate all things New York City and the extraordinary women – past and present – who made it one of the world’s greatest cities,” says Keeley DeSalvo, president of the Action Council.

Julie Scelfo is an award-winning journalist, a former New York Times staff writer, a media ecologist, and a parent. As a result of her book The Women Who Made New York and feminist advocacy, Scelfo received NYU’s Dorothy Height Distinguished Alumni Award, named for the pioneering civil rights and women’s rights activist. Scelfo’s work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, Time, Salon, Glamour, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, YahooNews, Epicurious, and Literary Hub, among other places. Scelfo is also the Founder/Executive Director of Get Media Savvy, a nonprofit using pop culture to establish a healthy media environment for kids and families.

“SPAC in Conversation: Julie Scelfo” is presented by the SPAC Action Council, which supports SPAC’s mission through membership, volunteering efforts, and fundraising events. Past speakers for the event have included acclaimed food and travel writer Sylvie Bigar; New York Times columnist Pamela Paul; celebrated author of The End of Your Life Book Club, Will Schwalbe; New York Times bestselling author Andrew Gross; award-winning NPR host and correspondent Jacki Lyden, and acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Brundage, among others.

The schedule of events is as follows:

10:00 A.M. | Conversation with Julie Scelfo, Spa Little Theater

11:30 A.M. | Boutique shopping, Hall of Springs

12:30 P.M. | Luncheon, Hall of Springs

1:30 P.M. | Book signing and raffle drawing, Hall of Springs

Cost to attend the fundraiser is $100 and includes admission to the discussion, Hall of Springs luncheon and boutique shopping.

Tickets may be purchased at spac.org or by calling at 518.584.9330, ext. 142.

###