Tag Archives: classes

Learn Floral Design At Ovando!

Ovando

Floral design is not just an art, it’s an experience.

Under the instruction of Ovando’s designers, participants will get to take an inside peek into the incredible world of floral design. Each of our single-session classes will discuss varying themes and design principles, as well as some of the modern design philosophies which define Ovando’s signature style.

Ovando is not just classes, it has a beautiful array of flowers and floral arrangements and fragrances for any occasion, for home to corporate events.

Sandra de Ovando has become an influential force in New York’s design milieu. Sandra discovered exotic flowers, plants and fruits that she began incorporating into her designs – there the signature style was born that today defines Ovando’s dynamic compositions and custom installations.

In 2003, Sandra opened Ovando’s West Village luxury boutique. The space was accredited for its distinctive décor and brilliantly crafted window installations, and Sandra’s dramatic compositions, recognized for their love of color and natural sophistication, became the favorite of New York’s elite, including celebrities, high-end restaurants, fashion houses and luxury hotels.

Today, after sizable expansion, including the opening of a 2,500 square foot production studio, a second boutique on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and the launch of a dedicated event production wing, Ovando has blossomed into one of New York’s most sought after design & event production firms. Under Sandra’s direction and impeccable eye, the company has won international acclaim for its work with prestigious clients to the likes of Hermes, The US Open Tennis Association, Donna Karan, Four Seasons, Saks Fifth Avenue, and The MOMA, to name only a few. From stunning floral installations, custom props & moody lighting, and the full-scale construction of breathtaking displays and environments, Ovando is a dazzling celebration of form, function, and flowers. Vist ovandony.com for more information. Visit the Madison Ave Location at 19 East 65th Street New York, NY 10065
or the West Village Location at 337 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10014

Kayak Chicago

Kayak Chicago is Chicago’s premier full service outfitter, offering the highest quality instruction and trips, with our fully certified instuctors and guides. We pride ourselves in giving you the best customer service, instruction and on-water experience. We love kayaking and want to share the fun and knowledge with you. Let us teach you the skills and techniques so you can get out on the water and explore life.

Salsa Atlanta

Salsa Atlanta

www.salsaatl.com

Salsa your worries away at Salsa Atlanta. $15 drop-in classes every Sunday will keep you on your toes. The 3rd Saturday of every month is Salsa bootcamp! Created in 1999 by Julian Mejia, SALSAtlanta has been promoting Cuban music and dances and teaching Rueda de Casino and Casino dance, also known as “Cuban Salsa” or “Salsa Casino” in Atlanta and Athens GA.

As part of their efforts to promote Cuban culture and its dances, SALSAtlanta has produced and sponsor many events during the years and hosted classes and dance workshops that embrace Cuban and Latin culture in the South.

Salsa-Festival

Brazil in Chicago: é ótimo!

DSCN0339With Brazil in the spotlight for its booming economy and upcoming major events: World Cup 2014 and Summer Olympics 2016, there’s never been a better time to tap into your inner Brazilian. Plus it makes you super sexy of course.

Nestled in a cozy home in the German ‘hood of Lincoln Square is the oh-so Brazilian abode of Brazil in Chicago. Here Windy City residents can tap into their inner Brazilian by taking Portuguese lessons which are even offered for native French and Spanish speakers and kid’s classes. In addition, cooking classes and dancing lessons (samba anyone) are available. Muito obrigada to Marcelo Jarmendia, the brains behind this recently booming school.

Chocolate: Seed to Sweet

Chocolate: Seed to Sweet 9/4 – 12/31

Americans consume more than 3.3 billion pounds of chocolate a year. Explore the process that satisfies our insatiable love for chocolate; from pods on a tree to candy factory.

http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/events/chocolate-seed-sweet

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Chicago Botanic Garden: A Theraputic Oasis in the Windy City

boygardenerWhen Chi-towners are in need of some fresh air, green pastures and loads of flowers, they head to the Chicago Botanic Garden. A hidden oasis just 30 minutes from downtown in Highland Park (an easy Metra ride), the garden boasts paths that allow you to peruse the place as if it were your own.

From Japanese and English gardens, isles reached by arched bridges and a tropical garden with orchids dangling from palm trees, perhaps the best feature of the Chicago Botanic Garden is its full calendar of events from educational programs to social mixers. Classes they offer range from cooking classes, gardening, kids programs, horticultural therapy and wellness programs. In a nutshell – this place is Chicago’s therapy.

Broadway Bodies with Thomas Farely.

Broadway Cardio” at Broadway Bodies was a better workout, and “Dance Workout” at Downtown Dance Factory was definitely more hip. Both had enthusiastic instructors who eased my first-timers’ nervousness. The fun factor of each was about even for me—I recommend trying whichever type of music is more your style. Both studios also offer additional classes, from Michael Jackson Mondays to Rock n’ Roll Ballet.

The Norton Simon Museum: Picture Perfect in Pasadena

norton simon pic

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is truly noteworthy when it comes to its artwork and exhibits.

Featuring Asian Art, European Art, and anything that is remotely Modern or contemporary, is featured in this hideaway. Current exhibitions at the Norton Simon include Hiroshige: Visions of Japan, while future exhibitions will be Raphael’s “The Small Cowper”.

The vast amount of exhibitions and collections keeps tours and memberships alive. The Norton Simon, known for relatively inexpensive admission rates, has multiple levels of membership for active visitors as well as same-day admission for $8.00.

Tours are also encouraged from those at Norton Simon who administer guided tours as well as spotlight talks featuring twenty minute discussions free to visitors.

Along with guided tours and visits to the Museum, Norton Simon frequently features adult drawing and art history classes as well as lectures and dance performances.

With multiple ways to enjoy the exhibits and collections, Norton Simon makes it easy for anyone to become fascinated by the works around them.

Bin 36 is Oenophilian Heaven

Bin 36, it’s as simple as that, hell their very own Brian Duncan was voted “Wine Director of the Year” by Gourmet Magazine. Here’s a place where flights of wine take up table tops, their wide array of flirty flights making it near impossible not to opt for one (because one equals four). Cheese specialties fatten up the acidic wine selections making this happy hour heaven, the perfect place for a date and a top joint for scouting for peeps who still have class.

Yes, Bin 36 does have food and yes it is delicious – it’s just an after thought when the wine menu is taking the spotlight. But it’s worth the spotlight as well, Chef Caputo’s wonderful selections are attributed to his rich culinary past working in Michelin rated restaurants in France and studying wine in Sonoma.

Breakfast, lunch (perfect business lunch in 40 minutes!) and dinner, Bin 36 is now somewhat of a Chi-town icon with is wine shop and wine classes. Each month they offer classes on food and wine pairings (whilst promoting tasting as the best means to learn!), themed movie, culture and game nights. They’ve also spread to Wicker Park with Bin Wine Cafe.

3. Summer Art Studio at ICA July 1-31

Picture 9Sure, most children get the summer off and go to various art and crafts camps, so the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia made its own adult version. Summer Studio with Anthony Campuzano transforms the museum’s second floor gallery into a freeform art school and studio, which is also free and open to the public! Not only will this studio provide nouveau students with instruction in many art disciplines, there will be various professors, mentors and peers as special guests to the classes.  Make sure to check the website for all times and class details, including what classes have special guests.

Second City is First for Improv

Picture 4Chicago’s Second City alumni list reads like a who’s who of today’s Hollywood comedic hard-hitters: Bill Murray, Jim Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Jeff Garlin, Mike Meyers, Bonnie Hunt, Chris Farley, Tina Fey and oh-so-many more are among those to have once graced the stage (and still do on special occasions). That said, who knows who tomorrow’s stars are, but you’re sure to find at least one of them on the stage at Second City at any given time. This is after all, the best improv-based comedy school and theater in the world.

Always pushing the envelope with witty humor that plays on everything from American politics to the flu, the Second City packs in audiences every day of the week, so buying tickets in advance is always recommended. On top of the stand up gigs, shows with a modern twist, a la Taming of the Flu, are performed on the main stage. Aside from the main stage, shows take place at the Skybox Theater and Chicago E.T.C.

For those who don’t want to stop the experience as a spectator only, classes are available. Who knows, maybe the next star is you?

Hyde Park Art Center: Obama’s Neighborhood Gem

Never before did Hyde Park gain such a name than in recent times, thanks to none other than the President of the United States. Reigning from Hyde Park, President Obama has heavy ties to his old neighborhood, just south of the downtown “Loop.” An eclectic mix of mansions and apartments, rib-joints and bistros, the South Side is certainly up-and-coming. But you can’t really make it until you’ve got some cool art on the scene and alas, there’s the Hyde Park Art Center, which has actually been around for 70 years.

Its mission siKiekebeninstall1-webnce it opened in the 1930s (it’s actually the oldest contemporary art venue in Chicago) is to “stimulate”  and provoke the unexpected.  Today it continues to do just that with a wide range of classes, lectures, workshops, camps, exhibits, and not to mention, fun, flirty, cocktail-enriched galas.

The HPAC always stays true to its roots, however, and aims to unite artists and the community. Their Not Just Another Pretty Face bridges the gap between patrons and artists by involving them together directly. If you think you’ve got a cool idea and want to see it materialize through the eyes of a verifiable artist, then this is the program for you.

Duross and Langel Savonniers

PHIdurossDuross and Langel’s shop (soaps, lotions, balms, candles) is the kind of place you walk into and involuntarily exclaim “Mmmmmm!” The smells are sensuous and alluring without the overpowering, headache inducing nature of most specialty soap shops. The product is 100% natural, the prices are great, and the shop often gives out free samples with purchases.All-star soaps are: “Mighty Aphrodite” made with scents like patchouli and lavender, and “Ocean,” which quickly whisks you away to an outdoor shower after a day on the beach.

The shop has its own version of Sunday school with hands-on soap making classes. Special events, like gelato tasting paired with inspired soap creations, are scheduled often and listed on the website. Happy smelling!

It’s “Fromage” at Pastoral

Ooh la la!  At the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, you’re sure to hear plenty of French speaking voices coming from the France tourism office. Perhaps it’s no coincidence then that the best cheese in the city is found in a petite shop across the intersection at Pastoral. Orvieteo002

What may be the norm in France certainly isn’t here in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean we can’t have our cheese and eat it too. Pastoral focuses on small amounts of high quality cheeses from across the globe and if you want a taste, by all means ask! The fromagers are always happy to dig up bites of heaven for visitors to try. Those who become obsessed with their selection can go on to join the Cheese of the Month Club.

Aside from the cheese, Pastoral has freshly baked breads, plenty of charcuterie, and an antipasti bar. At this point the only thing one needs for a party is the vino- and they’ve got plenty of it.

There’s a reason Pastoral keeps swiping all the awards in Chi-town so stop by and taste why.