TOS Then & Now

Hi Everyone. 
 
As a part of our (successful beyond our expectations) Edible Landscape Tour last weekend, we decided to put together a before and after slideshow to run in a loop the day of the walk.  The following is a fun trip down the visual history of The Open Studio's grounds and buildings.   We all certainly had a laugh as we watched all the things we had forgotten.  Hope you enjoy a look at the transition.
 
If you were not a participant in the Landscape Walk you missed some amazing properties and an informative midday talk by Andy Firk. We want to thank those friends who opened their yards for this event and everyone who helped make our first garden walk a huge success. If you didn't attend, you'll have another chance as we intend to do it again next year.  In the meantime, the TOS grounds are always open for a visit.  Grab a lunch any day at The Real Juice Bar and enjoy it under our beautiful oak tree.
 
Thanks to all of you for this and all the other events you help make happen or attend.    Evelyn   


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What's new at the Artists' Gallery!


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Fish Sculpture Class at TOS Pottery

The Open Studio Pottery is hosting a Fish Sculpture Totem class on  April 5th. Studio member, Peggy Conway will  be instructing the class to create the fish sculptures. The class begins  Wednesday April 5th at 9am . Students would return the following  Wednesday  to glaze their sculpture pieces. Cost is $55. 

Contact  tospottery@gmail.com for more information.


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Lemon Bay Yoga Studio

"Healthy plants and trees yield abundant flowers and fruits. Similarly, from a healthy person, smiles and happiness shine forth like the rays of the sun." ~ B.K. S Iyengar

Please join us at Lemon Bay Yoga Studio in April! 

Chair Yoga is the gentlest form available yet still effective for participants in building strength, flexibility and stability. We focus on breathwork to strengthen the diaphragm, oxygenate the body, balance moods and hemispheres of the brain. (Option to become an ongoing class)

This expressive arts modality guides you into the heart of your voice and authentic self.  Also considered the "Yoga of the Voice", this course stretches boundaries we harbor around letting the voice be heard, exploring the connection to the authentic self through vocalizing, engages community in a unique way and opens brave new doors. 
Join us for a combination of propped restorative poses, a very gentle movement flow, self myofascial release, and a guided meditation all specifically sequenced for migraine relief, and decreasing the frequency and severity of migraines. Appropriate for all levels.

for an evening of Sound Journey. 


In this workshop, Nancy will lead the class through different deeply restorative poses that will be held up to 15 minutes, as Jeremy provides an improvised music and vibrational experience with the use of instruments such as the Handpan, Didgeridoo, and more. Following the restorative portion students will rest in an extended Savasana and be bathed in ethereal sounds.

Weave elements of yoga nidra and music for a deep, relaxing inward journey. In this workshop, Nancy will lead you through a deeply rejuvenating guided relaxation as Jeremy provides an improvised music and vibrational experience with the use of instruments such as the Handpan (aka Hang Drum), Didgeridoo, and more. Near the closing of the nidra students will rest in an extended Savasana

Make it an evening!
$55 for both workshops

Register for a  CLASS or  WORKSHOP, visit our  WEBSITE or call us for more information  207-450-7040  
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What Does Spirit Look Like?

A reflection on the Energy Painting class with Rita Schwab this past season held at The Open Studio.
 
I have this amazing core group of art students; some of them have been with me for 3 years studying various forms and techniques of Abstract Painting.
 
This past winter season I challenged them with the task of painting the energy that brings us the inspiration for creative expression.  We focused within and explored all seven chakra centers to find a connection between art and spirituality.   We needed to sharpen our sensitivities, so we began the class with a Tai Chi and Qi Gong session to relax and release any tension followed by a meditation focused on the chakra being studied that day.  Then we began painting an abstract with the color of the corresponding chakra: Red for the Root Chakra, Orange for the Sacral Chakra, Yellow for the Solar Plexus Chakra, Green for the Heart Chakra, Light Blue for the Throat Chakra, Indigo for the Third Eye Chakra and Purple / White for the Crown Chakra.  The  final class was a painting of the Higher Self, a study of our personal energies and color choices.  The outcome was astounding and often emotional, some chakra paintings approached with resistance, others with ease of flow. 
 
These paintings can be viewed in a show called ON THE FENCE on April 2nd.  You are invited to join us.  Below is the flyer with the show information, click here to download the flyer.
 
For any more information or interest in Abstract Painting classes please contact Rita Schwab at earthelements01@gmail.com or go to her website RitaSchwabFineArts.com to view her schedule and paintings.


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Got Sprouts?

Have you ever wondered how all the wheatgrass and sprouts are grown? In this video, Katherine, of The Real Juice Bar, takes you behind the scenes. Find out why she calls herself a "tray farmer"!
 

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Upcoming

Drum Circle Workshop
Tuesday March 28th from 4:30 to 6pm 
Come John Felice at The Open Studio for a drum playshop where the focus is on how to create inspirational drum circles. I'll share with you a way we can use the patterns we know to create real music, depth, and a true shared community experience. We will learn how to make space for listening, for dialogue, and our own creativity to make unique, spontaneous, joyful music every time we gather to drum. I call it "IMPROVE-ising," and it's a lot of fun.  We will have a drum circle after the workshop. You are encouraged to bring your own drum(s); a wonderful collection of instruments is available if you don't have your  own. Suggested donation: $10.

Organic Sculpture Class - Make a Mobile with seed pods
Tuesday April 4th from 2 to 4:30pm
This class will use seed pods from the Queen palm and bring them into a hanging balance that can decor your gardens and sway in the breeze. We will paint the pods and hang them Alexander Calder style exploring balancing techniques. Bring your seed pods! All other materials included.  Cost $45.  To register, contact Rita at earthelements01@gmail.com or 845-667-0166

Kumihimo Bracelet-Making Class
Wednesday, April 5th at 6:00PM
Join Lori Martin as she teaches this Japanese weaving technique. Several bead color schemes will be available. Cost is $35.00 plus materials. Contact Lori Martin via email at  jklm015@yahoo.com, or text or phone at  732-586-0791 to register.

Pysanki - Batik Egg Decorating Class
Saturday April 8 from 2 to 6pm
Join Charle-Pan Dawson using traditional Ukranian Pysanki tools and techniques to dye eggs. Pysanki tools will be used to wax and dye the eggs, with a candle flame to remove the wax, creating intricate designs and color overlays.  Not suitable for kids under 10; all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Cost is $15.00 for the class. Contact Charle-Pan Dawson via email at charlepan@cherryvalleylilacs.com, or text or phone at 518-366-3400 to register.

Organic Sculpture - Make a Garden Sculpture with Seed Pods
Tuesday April 11th, 2-4:30pm
This class will make a standing garden sculpture using seed pods and bamboo poles to decor your garden. We will paint the pods and embed them in PVC piping. Please bring your pods and any old PVC piping you might have; I favor 2" - 3 " width. Bring gloves and wear old clothing. This is hands-on using tools.  All other materials included. Cost $45.  To register, contact Rita at earthelements01@gmail.com or 845-667-0166

Yoga of the Voice- Authentic Voicework 
Thursday April 20th 6-7:30pm,  $30
This expressive arts modality guides you into the heart of your voice and authentic self. Also considered the "Yoga of the Voice", this course stretches boundaries we harbor around letting the voice be heard, exploring the connection to the authentic self through vocalizing, engages community in a unique way and opens brave new doors.  For more information, please click here.

Restorative Yoga for Migraines
Sunday, April 23rd, from 11am to 1pm, $30
Do you suffer from migraines? Are you looking for an alternative to medication to lessen the frequency and intensity of your migraines? Join us for a combination of propped restorative poses, a very gentle movement flow, self myofascial release, and a guided meditation all specifically sequenced for migraine relief, and decreasing the frequency and severity of migraines. Appropriate for all levels. Taught by Linda Tambone, RYT 500. To register, please click here.

House Concert - LM Acoustics
Sunday April 23rd from 3 to 6pm
L M Acoustics - Srecko ("Lucky") Pavlovic and Mark Connelly - have been singing and playing together for several years. In that time they have assembled a varied, eclectic, and highly entertaining playlist. Their vocal abilities and blistering acoustic guitar solos and duets have propelled them rapidly in popularity in the Southwestern Florida area. The Open Studio backyard open-air venue provides a synergy to their performance. You will leave smiling, and checking their Facebook schedule for their next local appearance!
Suggested donation: $10.00 for adults; kids free

Restorative Sound Journey
Saturday, April 29th 6-7:30 pm, $30
Join Jeremy and Nancy as they weave elements of yoga and music to take you on a deep, relaxing inward journey. Restorative Yoga involves the use of props and postures to support the body in relaxation and recuperation. In this workshop, Nancy will lead the class through different deeply restorative poses that will be held up to 15 minutes, as Jeremy provides an improvised music and vibrational experience with the use of instruments such as the Handpan, Didgeridoo, and more. Following the restorative portion students will rest in an extended Savasana and be bathed in ethereal sound. For more info, click here.
 
Yoga Nidra Sound Journey
Saturday, April 29th 7:45-8:45 pm, $30
Weave elements of yoga nidra and music for a deep, relaxing inward journey. In this workshop, Nancy will lead you through a deeply rejuvenating guided relaxation as Jeremy provides an improvised music and vibrational experience with the use of instruments such as the Handpan (aka Hang Drum), Didgeridoo, and more. Near the closing of the nidra students will rest in an extended Savasana and be bathed in ethereal sounds. In order to keep this more personal, class sizes will be limited.  For more info, click here.
 
Make it an evening!
Take Restorative Sound Healing and Yoga Nidra Sound Journey
$55 for both workshops
Read more about Nancy and Jeremy here.

To see our calendar of events, click here
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Ongoing
  
Yoga Classes from Lemon Bay Yoga Studio  - with Nadine in the Healing Arts Center - click here  to see the class schedule

Emerging Artisans Program -  Sundays from 10am to 2pm
Come to the Open Studio on Sundays! The new Emerging Artisan's Program provides a venue and support for emerging artisans, musicians, and craftspeople.

Plein Air in Abstraction - Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm
This painting class meets outdoors to study nature with charcoal on paper. We will look  at perspective, design, negative space and contour while enjoying the gardens. During  the second half of class we will bring our observations to the canvas to create a colorful  abstract landscape with acrylics.  $35/class or $125/month.  To register, contact Rita at earthelements01@gmail.com or 845-667-0166.

Watercolor 102 - Tuesdays in April from 9:30am to 12:30pm
This four week, step by step class is a great follow-up for those who have taken the Watercolor 101 class, for beginners with some experience, or a refresher for those at the intermediate level.
We will briefly review some of the basic beginner washes and techniques, and move right on to more advanced washes and techniques. Next, we will delve a little deeper into composition and color theory. Then, we will take what we have learned and get at least on or two paintings completed together.
If you have started working with watercolor, but aren't sure how to progress, if you've tried it and been frustrated, or you have hit a wall and aren't seeing improvement, this class may be what you need!
The cost is $120.00 for the whole series, or $35.00 for the classes individually. Class size is limited, so pre-registration is needed. Please register by contacting Angie at angieb68@gmail.com or 704-754-0145.
Once registered, a supply list will be given.

Chair Yoga 4 Week Series
Thursdays in April from 10 to 11:15am
Chair Yoga is the gentlest form available yet still effective for participants in building strength, flexibility and stability. We focus on breathwork to strengthen the diaphragm, oxygenate the body, balance moods and hemispheres of the brain. We practice yoga therapy to lubricate the joints, strengthen the body, elongate torso and create a flexible spine. We finish with meditation to release tension to help deal better with discomfort and nourish the mind. $60 for 4 Weeks - Limited to 7 - Registration Required.  Click here for more information.

Watercolor 101: A 4 week, step by step class for beginners
Thursdays in April from 6 to 8pm
A four week basic, step by step class geared toward the very beginner, anyone who has tried watercolor and been frustrated by it, or those with some experience desiring a refresher.  Come join us and find out what tools and supplies are needed, and how to use them. We will go over some basic elements of art. (composition, color theory, color mixing, values, etc.) Then we will learn some simple but essential painting techniques and washes, and how to incorporate them into different aspects of paintings. (sky, clouds, water, grass, etc.)
And finally, we'll go over how to get started on a painting project. How to choose a subject, transferring that subject to watercolor paper, and knowing what to paint first.Located at the TOS Expressive Arts Bldg Classroom. Cost: $100 for the whole series, or, $30 for each class individually. Please contact Angie to register at 704-754-0145 or angieb68@gmail.com

Abstract Painting for Beginners - Thursdays from 10am to 1pm
This month: Exploring Montage and Collage
A collaboration of painting on arches or watercolor paper and canvas board creating contemporary designs and imagery. Please bring a canvas board and watercolor paper, scissors, a ruler and your paints.
In this Abstract Painting class we paint freely, rich with colors and textures, without inhibitions, using our intuition and our own sense of balance and harmony to create unique abstract works.  We will discuss color relationships, composition, movement and more. I will teach easy and fun abstract painting techniques for the beginning painter.  Click here for more information or email Rita Schwab at  earthelements01@gmail.com

Go With The FLOW - Expressive Arts Class
Mondays, 10:00am - 12:30pm OR Fridays, 2:00 - 4:30pm
This is an Expressive Arts class that encourages creativity by FLOWing from one art form to another in a playful way. This movement takes participants out of their left-sided critic brain and puts them into their right-sided creative mind.  $20.00 per class, or $75.00 for 4 classes; includes materials. A small fee will be charged if extra materials are used.  Please register by contacting Dee at d.calzavara@bell.net

Open Studio Process - Art Classes
Mondays, 2:00pm - 4:30pm OR Fridays, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Students with artistic experience ranging from none to expert will benefit from learning the Open Studio Process. Together we play, explore, and experiment with the materials for drawing, painting, basic sculpture, collage, etc. in a pleasure driven way that is self-empowering, leading to personal growth and greater consciousness. 
$20.00 per class, or $75.00 for 4 classes; includes materials. A small fee will be charged if extra materials are used.  Please register by contacting Dee at d.calzavara@bell.net
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Where

THE OPEN STUDIO

380 Old Englewood Road
Englewood, FL 34223

click here for a map

 


The Open Studio
Obelisk
380 Old Englewood Road, Englewood, Florida 34223
941-474-4060

The Open Studio is a member-based, not-for-profit organization founded to support entrepreneurs with new small business ideas, and encourage creativity and healthy living. Our co-op partners provide a variety of products and services including organic food and juices, edible landscaping, pottery and visual arts classes, therapeutic massage, yoga, tai chi, an art gallery, backyard house concerts and performing arts.

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