The Creative Cursader

"I'm inspired by how together, rather than alone, amazing things can be created."

–Mara Hennessey, New York City

The Creative Cursader ✦

Mara Hennessey is an artist and producer born in Boston and now based in New York City. Her mission-driven approach blends artistic expression with community empowerment. By creating large-scale public art installations through a collaborative network, she turns urban spaces into vibrant canvases, enriching neighborhoods and inspiring social change along the way.

I. What are your two favourite shops in New York City for browsing?

Difficult to choose! I love the fabric shops in the garment district, and the flower shops in Chinatown & the 20’s. I also love McNally’s bookstore, and I Bergdorf’s can be inspiring!

II. What are your two favourite restaurants in New York City?

I love Petrarca. It’s just across the street from the Roxy Hotel, Tribeca where I’ve spent a lot of time. Leo’s Venetian fish stew is sublime, and the minestrone has gotten us through some rough winters. The owner forces the forsythia & cherry blossoms that he and his wife grow on their farm upstate. Their bar is always in bloom.

III. What are the two best things in life that are free?

Air, and water, which, when they are scarce, you realise are luxury items.

IV. What are your favourite two places to go in New York when you need to relax?

I like to ride the train! I know it seems counterintuitive to get on the subway to relax, but I experience a kind of acceptance and familiarity when I just ride the train. Also, the Metropolitan Museum. As soon as I walk up those steps I know I’m where I’m supposed to be at that moment

V. What are the two items you always carry?

Well obviously my phone. And usually a little notebook. I rarely go out without a little pale lipstick.

VI. What are your two favourite apps for navigating your life?

I’m not really into apps. I use What’s App to keep in touch with certain far-flung people. I recently downloaded a stargazing app on the recommendation of a friend.

VII. What are the top two reasons why you chose to live in your neighbourhood?

There’s everything you need and you can get anywhere from here, and It’s between two major parks, Central Park & Riverside Park. I had been living downtown but once my daughter was born I decided to move back uptown with her. I love the wide avenues, high ceilings, trees, and bookstores. Also, my neighbors are diverse which I love. I see now that it’s a pretty easy place for when one becomes “of a certain age.”

VIII. What two things are you the most grateful for?

Actually grateful for life itself. To exist! It’s a wondrous thing that I try not to take for granted. I’m also grateful for my family, which includes the family I grew up with, the family I have created with my husband and daughter, as well as our extended family of friends, whom I deeply appreciate.

IX. Who or what are your two favourite icons of New York City?

I love Carnegie Hall! It’s kind of a boujee and obvious choice, but I’ve had some of the most transporting musical adventures there. My husband has performed a few times at Carnegie Hall, tears of joy in my eyes, and we recently got to hear the Vienna Philharmonic perform. I’d have to say the Metropolitan museum is my other favorite icon of NYC. It’s a world.

X. What two things inspire you the most?

I’m inspired by what’s funny. Anything that reminds me of the ridiculousness of being human is inspiring. Also inspired by how together, rather than alone, amazing things can be created.

XI. What are two things that you aspire to accomplish in your lifetime?

I’ve been working on a book, which I’d like to publish, and which my daughter assures me is not “too late” to accomplish. I've also been taking care of my body in a desultory fashion, and it’s been all right so far, but I’d like to commit to taking better care of my physical well-being.

XII. What are two qualities that you look for in a soulmate?

Funny you should ask, as somehow, I’ve got one, a soulmate, who passed the boyfriend test a long time ago. I guess you need to ask yourself “When (not “if”) it’s the end of the world, whom do you want to be with?” I’d have to say: Stories and Desire make a good team.

XIII. What are two pieces of advice you would give yourself at a younger age?

The more gracefully you can have compassion with others, the more easily you can accept yourself.

Or, as my mother famously asked when I was six years old: "When are you going to realize that everyone is doing the best they possibly can?"

XIV. What are your two most treasured possessions?

The unbearable lightness of being, and the sorrow that has lead me to treasure it.

XV. Name two inspiring people with whom you would like to share a meal (and what you would eat).

I’d like to have breakfast with my mother and father once again. We’d have pancakes and blueberries.

XVI. What are the two best habits that you have learned?

Prayer & meditation. Also, I make my bed every day, even when I’m staying in a hotel, even when we get up late. I learned this as an adult!

XVII. What are the two best-kept secrets of New York City?

The cathedral of St.John the divine, though the peacocks are no longer roaming the garden, so I guess The Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, steals its place now.

XVIII. Name two pieces of music that lift your spirits.

David Johansen singing “Temptation to Exist” and Terry Reid’s “Without Expression.”

XIX. Name two scents that transport you.

The perfume I’ve worn my entire adult life is Paris, by YSL, whose composition has changed over the years, as has mine.

XX. What are two places that you want to visit?

I’m at the stage in my life where I’ve visited a lot of places I’d like to revisit. When we were on the road I spent a few days here and there, in so many beautiful places. I’d like to go back and really spend some time in those places. I’d also love to be in little place in Tuscany for an entire summer.

XXI. What are two things that you appreciate about yourself?

I’ve gone from being a bit of a know-it-all to becoming teachable. And secondly, to quote the old Jordache jeans ad: I know where I’m going, I know what to wear.

XXII. What are two things that you’d like to change?

Being a city person! It took me a long time to realize how much I need and appreciate the countryside. I used to have a hard time relaxing outside a city. Now that I’ve learned how to relax, I’d like to spend more time in the country...any country! And second, I’d love to change the world, but I don’t know what to do, so I’ll leave it up to you!