Mike Mills will be promoting his book Mike Mills: Graphic Films at Strand Bookstore on March 27 from 7 to 8:30pm.

Last night we had the pleasure of seeing the witty and charming Maira Kalman speak about her various projects, including her current obsession with Abraham Lincoln and politics. If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend, check out her talk at the TED Conference from a couple of years ago as well as her short film version of The Elements of Style.

Maira Kalman’s work has a way of waking you up to the world around you. She is a keen observer of life, each illustration revealing the perfect-imperfections in people and places that are usually unnoticed. Recently she unveiled a mini-installation at Partners & Spade, next she’s slated to speak at an AIGA Small Talk on February 26th: “Not Thinking (and the Pursuit of Happiness).” It’s sure to be truthful and endearing.

Maurice Sendak celebrated his 80th birthday on September 15th. A tribute was held at the 92nd Street Y with guests reading from his works including James Gandolfini and Meryl Streep. Spike Jonze was also on hand to present a short he directed with Katherine Keener. NY Times covered the celebration on UrbanEye. A year long exhibition title There’s a Mystery There: Sendak on Sendak is currently on view at the Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia.

New York magazine has been celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with 40 nights worth of events. Next Tuesday Wendy Goodman, design editor of New York magazine and a panel featuring MoMA curator Paola Antonelli, hotelier Andre Balazs, Richard Meier, and Murray Moss will be discussing the city’s influence on their work. The talk is open to the public and admission is free but will be on a first-come, first-served basis.