It's Spring, and art is blossoming at the New York Botanical Garden, which has painstakingly recreated the lush gardens of Monet's Giverny. Also this week: the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program engages in "Creative Destruction," Maria José Arjona instructs on how to kiss, and surrealist Daniel Merriam presents watercolors of "The Greatest Show on Earth." There's even an Open Studios on Governors Island. So catch the next ferry, and check out this week's art scene. More»

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Movie stars, culturists, politicians, and business leaders braved April thunderstorms last night to support the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Downtown Dinner 2009. With more than 500 attendees, LMCC honored Real Estate Partners, who donated downtown office space to writers, artists, and performers involved with LMCC's Residency Programs. Guests included, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michael Imperioli, Lou Reed, Brook Geahan, Lyman Carter, Sarah Crichton, Lawrence C. Burstein, Andrea Katz, Jerry Nadler, and Laurie Anderson. More photos below More»