New York Insight’s Artist Salon Presents
In-Person and Online: An Afternoon Fundraiser of Deep Listening and Mindful Presence
with Karen Poleshuck and Leslie Booker
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm ET
In-Person Location: New York Insight at 115 West 29th Street, 12th Floor
Join cellist Karen Poleshuck and NYI Guiding Teacher Leslie Booker for a special inter-generational and kid friendly afternoon exploring the refuge of music and community. The program includes unaccompanied cello works, brief guided meditations, and moments for connection and reflection—an invitation to consider how artistic and contemplative practices can support one another.
Karen brings a lifelong dedication to music and education, with degrees in Cello Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and SUNY Purchase, and a Master’s in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
This afternoon will be introduced by NYI’s Guiding Teacher, Leslie Booker, who will offer some perspective on combining art and meditative practices.
Whether you’re attending on your own or with children, in person or online, you’re warmly invited to join us for this shared experience. Seating is limited, and advance registration is recommended.
All proceeds go to support NYI’s Community Programs.
In-Person Registration:
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Online Registration:
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Volunteering
All of our programs rely on volunteers to support our teachers and staff with various tasks and responsibilities. Volunteering allows you to participate in our programs at no cost. To inquire about volunteering opportunities, please fill out our inquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Teacher(s)
Karen Poleshuck
Karen Poleshuck is a New York City teacher, soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. As a performer she loves to seek out new ways to break down the barriers between audiences and musicians by playing in unconventional venues and creating an interactive experience for all involved. Karen has performed in and collaborated on many educational outreach performances throughout the US, including The New York Philharmonic’s Very Young People’s Concert Series, and regularly subs on Broadway. Music festival appearances include The Aspen Music Festival and School, The National Repertory Orchestra, The International Festival-Institute at Round Top, and Encore School for Strings.
Karen holds a Masters Degree in Music Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, a Bachelor’s in Cello Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music, and a Master’s in Cello Performance from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. As a registered Suzuki teacher Karen is passionately committed to the transformative power of learning an instrument. She has been teaching cello for the past 20 years both privately and in schools throughout the tri-state area, and currently has an in-home studio in Washington Heights, and is on faculty at Mannes Prep, Silver Music, and The Allen-Stevenson School.
When Karen is not with her cello, she can be found meditating in community at NYI or swimming in the ocean.
Leslie Booker
Booker is a heart – centered, spirit – driven activist and meditation teacher committed to creating a culture of belonging through her teaching and writing. She completed Spirit Rock’s 4 year Retreat Teacher Training in 2020, and shared the practices of yoga and mindfulness with New York City’s most vulnerable populations for over a decade. Booker has co – authored and contributed to several publications including the trauma – informed anthology Practicing Liberation and its accompanying workbook, for folks working towards social justice. She is a co-founder of the Yoga Service Council at Omega Institute and the Meditation Working Group of Occupy Wall Street. In 2020 she was invited to be a Sojourner Truth Leadership Fellow through Auburn Seminary and was voted by her peers as one of the 12 Powerful Women in the Mindfulness Movement.
Booker moved to Philadelphia in August of 2020 to vote in a swing state, and currently serves as the Guiding Teacher of New York Insight.
W | LeslieBooker.com
IG | TheRealBookerProject
FB | LeslieBooker