N i n a s t r i t z l e r - l e v i n e
n i n a
A little background about yourself and your work:
Being married to Stuart Levine and the mother of Alyssa Avery Stritzler-Levine has anchored my
life for almost 28 years or at least until my husband Stuart died on May 1, 2020 of a massive
heart attack in the middle of what was then the worst days of the pandemic. That moment
coupled with major changes in my professional identity created seismic shifts in how I can
respond to this question. Nothing is the same as it was before May 1 st . My professional life
weaves together several practices: curator, architecture and design historian, art historian, arts
administrator and now professor. Fundamentally I am an educator who believes that education
and culture can ameliorate society even one as broken as the one we are living today in the
United States of America.
How do you start your morning? Do you have a routine?
Yes I definitely I have a routine. My day begins early. Depending on the previous night
between 6:30 and 7:00am. Everyday begins with stretching my body and my mind in
tandem. I use the word stretching rather than exercise. I awaken my mind and body in
a routine that starts with a sun salutation and continues with at least an hour-long routine
followed by reading. I always read something in French just to keep the language fresh
in my mind. Since my husband died I dedicate time for silent reflection about him and us.
How do you typically end your day?
I take a hot shower with as much steam as possible in the bathroom.
Is there something you look forward to every day?
Shared moments with my family, even if it has to be on the phone.
What does your workspace look like?
I just changed my workspace to have a view of the mountains and more natural light.
How do you like to stay organized?
Lists, lists and more lists, and crossing things off those lists every day.
What does being present mean/ look like to you?
Motherhood is for me the most important dimension of being present. I want to be my
most present for my daughter.
Go-to websites? What for?
I am not on any social media sites. Recent developments about Facebook speak to
why. I cherish privacy and do not feel at all inclined to live through the internet. I do visit
websites but I try to resist the temptation.
What places do you frequent in NYC?
Even before the pandemic I had begun to desire separation from NYC. My paternal
grandmother was born in Brooklyn, both my parents in Manhattan. You realize how
many people actually came to NYC from somewhere else at Christmas time when the
city empties out because so many people who come from elsewhere have gone home. I
love NYC when it’s quiet. That is perhaps antithetical to why many people come there.
Before the pandemic I frequented Central Park, most of the museums, many galleries,
Book Culture uptown near Columbia, Penn Station, JFK, the A train, the Q (what a
revelation), the East and West Villages, lower Manhattan, a yummy Italian restaurant in
Astoria where I ritualistically met my parents for dinner biweekly, and the farmers market
across from Lincoln Center.
And the Hudson Valley?
Annandale, the magnificent Panorama Farm, Tivoli Mercantile (such a lovely store),
Hudson and Woodstock but only on Wednesdays, Mother Earths and the Roundout in
Kingston, Williams Lumber in Rhinebeck, Summer Moon, Zephyr and yes the Rhinebeck
Department Store. Sunflower in Rhinebeck and Woodstock.
If you could give one book to all of your friends, what would it be?
I have to respond with two: We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates and
They Call Me Coach by John Wooden. (yes I have a very high basketball IQ)
What was the last really great film you watched?
All and everything Spike but especially Black Klansman. What comedy can scare the
blazes out of you? It’s a riveting movie that portends the crushing reality of confederate
flags running ramped through the Capital and people wearing shirts asking for killing
more Jews.
What are you watching/ listening to/ reading right now?
Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Chet Baker, Richard Strauss Vier Letzte Lieder with Lisa
Della Casa and Jesse Norman (no greater voices I alternate) and yes Jerry Garcia and
Bruce Springsteen. Well I am child of the seventies.
You’re headed out for a walk. What do you bring/ have on you?
These days I only have the key to the front door of my house in my pocket. No telephone unless
I am expecting a call from my attorney.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
I ask myself this question every day. Paris, Paris, always Paris and a place where I can
horseback ride, rest, and find peace. Now I dream of skiing.
What are you especially grateful for today?
The love of my family and friends, home and health and Panorama Farm in Tivoli.
An object in your home you especially love?
Untitled by Benjamin Jones. I treasure this piece by this incredible artist.
Is there anything you wear every day? (perfume, jewelry, etc…)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter I always wear IDUNN, that is not to flatter you. I wear
Apanx arm tights and fleece leggings under the dresses.
What meals have you been especially into lately?
Warm soothing soups.
Where are you/ do you remember being happiest?
Grief is unpredictable. Darkness makes happiness far from my existence. I find light on
a snow covered trail ride at Panorama Farm with Lisa on Sailor or Zito.
What do you do to clear your mind?
Riding, reading, stretching, walking.