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Downtown Digest

Tribeca Open Artist Studio Tour

The annual TriBeCa Open Artist Studio Tour (TOAST) allows residents and interested parties to take a behind-the-scenes look at the work of some of Tribeca’s most talented artists. Visitors will be take self-guided tours through the artists’ studios, where they will have the opportunity to speak directly to and purchase pieces from the artists.

The four-day event will take place from Fri., April 29 to Mon., May 2, in 36 different locations across Tribeca.

“We’re excited to offer a true glimpse behind the curtain that exposes where neighborhood artists create, what inspires them and how they do what they do,” said Ruth McLaughlin, treasurer of TOAST and a participating artist. “This is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in an open artistic atmosphere of discussion and enlightenment.”

Now in its 15th year, the tour is at its largest since its creation, with close to 100 artists participating this season.

For information on the event, and to view previews of the participating artists and download a tour map, visit toastartwalk.com

Confronting Islamist propaganda

A reformed ex-member of the Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir will speak in Tribeca at an

event called “The Front Lines of Counter Terrorism: Confronting Islamist Extremist Propaganda.”

Maajid Nawaz is a former high-ranking member of the global political organization, which seeks to unite all Muslim countries as one Islamic state. After spending four years in prison as an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience, he reversed his ideology and now promotes counter-extremist views. He also seeks to challenge the popular opinion that the West is out to destroy Islam.

During his appearance on Thurs., April 28 at the 9/11 Memorial preview site (located at 20 Vesey St.), ut-Tahrir will discuss his experience with the radicalization process and the necessity for free societies to challenge erroneous narratives and promote pluralism.

RSVP at national911memorial.org to reserve a seat. Otherwise, seats are available at the door on a first-come first-serve basis.

Rotary Club campaigns to end Polio

The Rotary Club of Wall Street New York invites the public to listen to Paul Katz, founder and CEO of entertainment and social awareness company Commit Media, who will speak about the End Polio Now campaign. The Rotary Club is one of more than 30,000 clubs established globally to impact social change on a local and international level. The event is part of a larger campaign by Rotary International to eradicate polio across the world.

“Rotary and its partners have reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide,” according to the organization’s website. “Thanks to Rotary, Polio remains endemic in just four countries: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.”

Katz will speak at the Down Town Association, located at 60 Pine St.