Category Archives: Fun For Kids – Kinderecke

May Events in California’s German Communities

Posted on May 4, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Bayerische Tradition und Kultur beim Maibaumfest in Putzbrunn bei Muenchen.

The month of May in Germany starts out with the “Tag der Arbeit” ( Labor Day), an official holiday throughout Germany. On that day the Unions have ‘the say’ and demonstrations are a common picture. But May is also a time for many festivities around the “Maypole” and it’s also the time for a special beer: The “Maibock” .

While it may be hard to find a “Maibock” in California, here are some German “Maifest” celebrations for you to enjoy. From San Francisco to Los Angeles. Here are a few.

MAIFEST 2013 – Oakland :

Hosted by Nature Friends Tourist Club you can enjoy some great German food, beer, music and dancing at Nature Friends Tourist Club, a beautiful, spacious, park-like, outdoor setting in the Oakland hills. The Gruber Family Band will play many favorite Bavarian and other songs and Nature Friends Schuhplattler Dance Group will perform a variety of German and Austrian folk dances.

ADMISSION is $10 per adult (free for kids under 14). Food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Please RSVP here and specify the number of guests in your party. Info regarding the program, tickets and parking instructions will be sent in the week prior to the event to those who have RSVP’d.

WHEN: Sunday, May 5, 2013 • 12:00pm

WHERE: Tourist Club (Oakland branch) 3115 Butters Drive Oakland, CA 94602

CONTACT: 510-531-2930

To receive the Nature Friends Tourist Club festival announcements, please make sure that you are on our NEW group email list: Click on the link below and then click on “Join This Group”: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tourist_Club-Oakland_branch/

Alternatively, you can send an email to Tourist_Club-Oakland_branch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be automatically added to the announcements list.

MAIFEST AND KINDERFEST in Orange County

The Phoenix Club in Anaheim celebrates its annual Maifest And Kinderfest. Come and join in at their Biergarten with the Express Band, Deutsch-Amerikanische Schulverein Südkaliforniens, Die Gemütlichen Schuhplattler, The Phoenix Club Youth Dance Group, and The Donauschwaben Dance Group. Enjoy great Bier and German cuisine.

There will be Arts and Crafts, Pony Rides and a Bounce House for the Children and a special performance of:  Der Löwe Lacht by and with Christof and Vadislava Altmann “Ringmaster Christofferus Wackelzahn and Ladulina”

WHEN: May 5th 11:30am-5:00 pm

WHERE: Phoenix Club, Anaheim

ADMISSION:  $5.00

SPARGEL FEST – “White Asparagus Gala Dinner in San Francisco”

The German-American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco (AHK) has 100 kg of fresh harvested Spargel imported directly from  the “Spargelhof Schulze” in Rheinland -Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate) straight to the plates and palates of the German American community in San Francisco.

Come and join the second annual White Asparagus Gala Dinner! It will take place in San Francisco on May 10th, 2013 at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins on San Francisco’s Nob Hill. Tickets will include a Champagne Reception, 3-course Gala Dinner and beer/wine/soft drinks.

WHEN: May 10th, 2013

WHERE: InterContinetal Mark Hopkins , San Francisco

Buy Tickets here.

More fun for Kids in Los Angeles at Tivoli Kindergarten

Tivoli Kindergarten L.A. is having their annual May Fair Celebration on May 11th from 11-3pm!

Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family with Arts & Crafts for Kids and a Music Performance by Karma Auger & Band. Famous Karma Auger will be teaming up with his legendary father Brian Auger for some Organ Grinder Trio, a blend of funky grooves, smooth driving bass lines and some funky jazz melodies.

Kids will love the Tivoli house band and Kasperle theater show. Furthermore there will be a Fire Truck, a Bazaar and a Raffle.

Refreshments and delicious food will include German style sausages, potato salad, pretzels, coffee & cake.

Suggested donation $10 per family • Everyone is welcome! •

All proceeds will go towards the improvement of Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool

Mark the date!

WHEN: May 11th 2013 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

WHERE: Tivoli Rainbow Preschool, 4051 Tivoli Ave, L.A. 90066

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German Language Immersion in the Summer – German Summer Camps In CA

Posted on March 20, 2013 by | 1 Comment
Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool
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Spring is just starting today and we are already  talking summer! In fact now is the perfect time to think about a camp that your child will not only enjoy but that will help him/her strengthen his German language skills during summer!

Growing up in a multilingual family offers many advantages, but often it can also be challenging, especially in regards to the second language, the language that is not spoken as frequently. To help your child with this process experts recommend to find different ways to get him/her immersed into the non-dominant language as often as possible. This gives the child the opportunity to connect to that language and become more familiar with its usage as well as its particular culture.

In the case of many CaliforniaGermans this ‘second’ language is German. Once children are in school they speak English for most of the day. Back home again they might hear some German, and if lucky also speak some German with their mother or father.

Spend Summer in California Attending a German Immersion Camp

Many expat families plan on going back  home to Germany, Austria or Switzerland during the summer months to visit family. This of course proofs to be the perfect solution for giving your children a firsthand experience and immersion into the German language and culture. But that’s of course a perfect scenario.  What if work or other factors don’t allow for a European vacation?

Wouldn’t a German language camp in somewhat close vicinity to your home in CA be a great alternative for your child to still benefit from speaking, hearing and learning German all day long for the duration of a fun summer camp?

That’s exactly what we thought and put together this compilation of German Language Immersion Summer Camps throughout California. We hope you find the perfect one for your child and would love to get your feedback on your experience.

German Immersion Summer Camps for Children in California.

Southern California offers camps in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Big Bear. Northern California has camps in Oakland, San Francisco, Menlo Park, Mountain View and Berkeley.

Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool

Southern California:

Big Bear – (offered through the German-American School Association of SoCal) 7 Days German Immersion Overnight Camp

  • Dates: 23 June – 29 June, 2013
  • Minimum age: 7 years
  • Fun Activities include: archery, swimming, rock climbing, nature hikes, baking & much more.
  • All activities are in German
  • Cost: $575.00
  • Location: Presbyterian Conference Center, Big Bear
  • Contact: Email for enrollment forms, gasa54@aol.com

Los Angeles – (offered by Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool – Regenbogen Kindergarten )    - “Spiel, Spass und Sommer-Aktivitäten”  -

San Diego – (offered by Enrichment4Kids – 3 Sessions available )

  • Dates:  Session 1: July 29th-2nd;  Session 2: Aug 5th-9th;  Session 3: Aug 19th-23rd
  • Age Groups: Pre-K to Elementary Age
  • Activities: “Enrichment for the Head, Heart and Body”. Math & reading, both in German will be taught for the first 3 hours each day before activities like swimming, piano, field sports, tumbling, skateboarding, etc.
  • Cost: Call for info
  • Contact: Kimberley@ReCenter.org
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/Enrichment4Kids?ref=ts&fref=ts

Northern California:

Oakland – (Organized by BAKS plus – 2 Sessions available )

  • Dates:  Session 1: June 17th-28th; Session 2: July 1st -12th
  • Age Groups: 4-14 years
  • Activities: Session 1 - ”Wer waren die alten Germanen? – Who were the Germanic tribes?   Session 2  – “Klaus Stoertebeker & CO. – A Pirate’s Life for Me! “
  • The whole program is in German Immersion. Prior knowledge of German is advisable.
  • Hours: Sessions run from 9-1pm daily. Extended Care is available until 5pm
  • Cost: Session 1 – $400; Session 2 – $360 (Discounts available for siblings, Combination of session 1 & 2, and early bird sign ups )
  • Location: Archway Lower School, 250 41st Street, Oakland, CA 94611
  • Contact: sommerschule@kinderstube.org
  • Website:http://www.kinderstube.org/plus/plusprogram.html#summercamp

Menlo Park - (organized by GASPA-German American School of Palo Alto)     One 4-week full immersion summer camp session .                                    “Gedanken in den Wolken…Füsse im Matsch!”

  • Dates:  One session from June 24th – July 19th, 2013 (9am- 2pm Mo-Fri; extended time 2-6pm available)
  • Age Groups: 3-12 years ( no prior language knowledge required!)
  • Activities: music, art, cooking, crafts, sports games, dancing & much more
  • Cost: Early bird – $995 and Regular – $1095
  • Location: GAIS School Campus, 275 Elliot Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94303
  • Contact: office@gaspa-ca.org;
  • Website: http://www.gaspa-ca.org/summer-school-program/overview
  • Note: Earl Bird Tuition valid through March 31st & non-refundable $150 registration fee for all registrations per child!

GISSV – German International School of Silicon Valley offers German Summer Camps in 3 different locations in NoCal: San Francisco, Berkeley & Mountain View. ( www.gissv.org/summerprogram )

San Francisco - (Organized by GISSV – 4 one-week sessions available)

  • Dates: June 17th – July 12th 2013 (Four sessions)
  • Ages: 4.9 -7 years
  • Activities: Indoor & Outdoor Adventures. Per session children will discover one of the four elements, air, earth, fire & water.
  • Hours: 9am-4pm
  • Cost: $395/Full Day Session
  • Location: San Francisco Campus, 4 Funston Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
  • Contact: office@gissv.org, phone: 650-254 0748
  • website: www.gissv.org/summerprogram

Berkeley – (Organized by GISSV – 5 one-week sessions available)

  • Dates: June 17th – July 19th 2013
  • Ages: 3-6 and 7-12
  • Activities: Explore the world with topics like Ocean, Circus, Space, and Fairy Tales from Around the World!
  • Hours: 9am-2pm
  • Cost: $247/Half Day Session
  • Location: Berkeley Campus, 1581 Le Roy Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94708
  • Contact:  office@gissv.org, phone: 650-254 0748,
  • website: www.gissv.org/summerprogram

Mountain View – (Organized by GISSV – 4 sessions available)

  • Dates: June 24, 2013 to July 19, 2013
  • Ages: Ages 3-4, ages 5-14, and adult classes
  • Activities: Students will be exposed to German throughout the day. Music, Art, Art History, Soccer, Basketball and much more. For further information on our program
  • Hours: 9am – 12pm/ Half day, Afternoon activities available from 12pm – 4pm
  • Cost: $375 – $750
  • Location:  Mountain View Campus, 310 Easy Street, Mountain View, CA 94043
  • Contact:  office@gissv.org, phone: 650-254 0748,
  • website: www.gissv.org/summerprogram
  • SPECIAL Website: http://www.gissv.org/podium/default.aspx?t=151553&rc=0

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Related Articles:

Hilfe, mein Kind spricht Kauderwelsch! - http://www.bibernetz.de/wws/interview-rosemarie-tracy.php

Wie lernen Kleinkinder sprechen? Prof. Rosemarie Tracy, Sprachwissenschaftlerin an der Universität Mannheim, im Interview mit Leslie Rowe über Spracherwerb und Mehrsprachigkeit - http://www.br.de/radio/bayern2/sendungen/radiowissen/gespraech-rosemarie-tracy-100.html

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‘Kiepenkasper’ – Uwe Spillmann’s Puppetshow Visits San Diego

Posted on January 16, 2013 by | Leave a comment

 Kiepenkasper - Uwe Spillmann‘Puppentheater auf zwei Beinen kommt nach San Diego’

Famous German hand puppet player Uwe Spillmann will be on US tour and has planned to make a stop in San Diego to enchant the California-German audience.

‘Kiepenkasper‘ keeps fascinating his audience of young and old since 15 years. He is present at all kinds of events and ‘Kasper’ has traveled the world! Mexico, Australia, Russia, and even Namibia as well as many other countries around the world are familiar with him and enjoy his shows.

January 2013 is the month to get a chance to meet Kiepenkasper in person right here in Southern California. Mr. Spillmann has agreed to an Open Air Performance at the Balboa Park near the House of Germany (part of the International Cottages).

Uwe Spillmann is writing his own scripts for his ‘Kiepenkasper’. Based on traditional puppet shows (‘Kasperltheater’) his performances bring a breeze of fresh air into this old tradition of puppet play. He usually performs two plays, each lasting about 20 minutes. During the break he entertains children and adults alike with tricks and exotic musical instruments.

Enjoy a performance on January 23 at 3pm at Balboa Park near the House of Germany in San Diego !

KIEPENKASPER with Uwe Spillmann

WHEN: January 23, 2013 at 3pm

Kiepenkasper: der Kaspar!

Kiepenkasper: der Kaspar! (Photo credit: Sørn)

WHERE: Weather permitting this will be an Open Air event, in front of the House of Germany at Balboa Park  : International Cottages, 2191 Pan American Rd, San Diego, CA

In case of rain the show will take place at Balboa Park, Hall of Nations, 2191 Pan American Rd. W , San Diego, CA 92101

COST: Please plan on giving your generous donations at the time of the event!

QUESTIONS:  Please email sdsaturdayschoolprincipal@yahoo.com

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Orange County Parents get a break with OCI Academy’s Parents’ Night Out

Posted on January 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

OCI-Classroom-pic-3-300x199

Orange County  International Academy has a special treat to offer German (speaking) parents in the area. Starting with this Thursday, January 17th, OCI Academy will offer special Parents’ Night Out Evenings on every following Thursday until February 14th!

While you enjoy an evening with your partner, your children have fun at the OCI Academy’s German Night for children. They will work on crafts, speak German while having dinner together with other German speaking children, all topped by watching a movie – of course in German.

Reserve Your Spot Early

Mark these four Thursday dates in your calendar and make your reservation early by calling the school. The program is offered each Thursday (Jan 17-14) from 5pm-11pm with a fee of $12 an hour per child. Children can be 2-9 years old. Craft, Movie & Dinner is included in the fee.

And don’t forget February 14th is Valentine’s Day!

Orange County International Academy
10 Abyssinian Way
Ladera Ranch
ph: (949)545-7487
 

OCI Academy offers also a Parent Night Out Date for Spanish (Friday Feb 1st), Mandarin (Saturday Feb 2nd), Italian (Friday March 1st) and French (Saturday March 2nd)

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Traditional St. Martin’s Day Celebrations in SoCal – Sankt Martins Fest in SoCal

Posted on November 9, 2012 by | Leave a comment

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OC INTERNATIONAL Academy invites to a traditional  German St. Martin’s Fest in Ladera Ranch

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Orange County International Academy (OCI academy) in Ladera Ranch will celebrate St. Martin’s Day on Monday, November 12th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. 

Frau Kati will be reading a story about St. Martin and the children ages 2-9 will decorate a lantern craft with flameless candles with the teachers. In addition to the story of St. Martin, there will be German children’s songs, Games, Pizza and a Parade to the end of the street and back.

Donations of $8 each are helpful to cover the cost of the lanterns. Please email Shelby@OCIacademy.com if you plan to attend, so we can plan for enough pizza.

WHEN:  Monday, November 12, 2012
WHERE:  OCI Academy ,  10 Abyssinian Way,  Ladera Ranch
CONTACT:  949-545-7487;  Shelby@OCIacademy.com 

Children at OCI Academy in Ladera Ranch are celebrating the Sankt Martinsfest with a lantern parade and traditional “Weckmänner” !

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St. Martin’s Day At The German United Methodist Church in Glendale 

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The German United Methodist Church in Glendale invites you to celebrate St. Martin’s Day Day with fun activities for the whole family. The program begins at 4:30 p.m. with games, a clown show, songs and the story of St. Martin. At 6:00 p.m. pizza will be served, followed at 6:30 p.m. with a lantern walk around the park. Please bring a lantern to join in the fun, or for a small fee, the church will provide one for you.

When: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Where: German United Methodist Church, 556 West Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202
Admission: $ 10 donation per family
RSVP: Please RSVP so that enough food and activities can be provided for everyone to the Church office at 818-500-0786 or by e-mail office@christuskirche.us  or to Martina Tassius: mtassius@yahoo.com

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Remember the words to the “Laterne, Laterne…” Song? Here is the sheet music:

To hear the song beautifully sung, click here:

“Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne” – Sankt Martins Lied

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‘Exploratorium’ in San Francisco – A Modern Version of the ‘Deutsches Museum’

Posted on August 27, 2012 by | 1 Comment
Exploratorium

Exploratorium (Photo credit: rvr)

Having spent a lot of time during my childhood at the “world’s largest museum of technology and science”, the Deutsches Museum in Munich,  I had memories revisit me when I saw my son exploring and investigating at the San Francisco Exploratorium, named “ Best Science Center in the World” by the 4th science center  world congress in Rio de Janeiro.

Located within San Francisco’s historic Palace of Fine Arts, close to the Golden Gate Park this “…museum of science, art, and human perception was founded in 1969” by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, brother of J. Robert Oppenheimer (known to some as the “father” of the atomic bomb)

The Exploratorium is an absolute treasure for young and old, and just makes you want to go ahead and explore by touching and interacting with the “…475 interactive exhibits, displays and artworks that are currently on view”. The various hands-on exhibits study the fields of biology, physics, listening, cognition, and visual perception in a very unique way and in captivating presentations.

Even if one is not born with the ‘science gene’, a visit to the Exploratorium might just awaken your natural sense of curiosity and make you not want to leave this interactive museum. We spent almost a full day here and still felt there was so much more we needed to see.

And there will be even more to explore, learn and see in the near future. The Exploratorium is moving and will have a new home by spring 2013. The new space on Pier 15 will house a nine-acre campus right on San Francisco’s historic Embarcadero.

Information for your next visit:

  • Tickets are $25 for adults, $19 for youth and children under 5 years of age are free.
  • First Wednesdays of the month are free.
  • Location: 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco,  CA 94123

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School is out – Summer is here!

Posted on June 27, 2012 by | Leave a comment
English: german school-boy (Heinrich Bruno Wit...

English: german school-boy (Heinrich Bruno Wittig), aged 7, with schultüte & schulranzen, on his first day of school, Zeulenroda, 1936.wittig-archiv.jpg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Another school year is over for so many students in CA!

As much as we all are looking forward to relaxing and just enjoying a life that is not controlled by the daily school calendar of our children, for many families the summer is also the time of final decisions in regards to which school to send the kids to next year.

Stay tuned.  Throughout the summer CaliforniaGermans will have some special reports on “German” schools in California.

Also, for all parents of Firstgraders starting out this fall, have you thought of making this special day of your “Erstklässler” an unforgettable event with the traditional “Schultüte” (Schoolcone). If you are not in the mood of making one by yourself (see instructions to make your own here on CaliforniaGermans ), there is also the option to order one. And you don’t have to have one sent all the way from  Germany. KinderCone ships your German “Schultüte” right from Chicago.

Last, German teachers looking for a new challenge might want to check out Bay Area Kinderstube (BAKS) in the San Francisco area (Bay Area Kinderstube 842 Key Route Blvd Albany, CA 94706) .  BAKS is looking for a Preschool director and a Preschool teacher. Full job descriptions can be downloaded at  http://kinderstube.org/jobs.html . For questions please email board@kinderstube.org

Happy Summer and come by often to check out what’s new on CaliforniaGermans!

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200 Years of Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales – 200 Jahre Märchen der Brüder Grimm

Posted on June 2, 2012 by | 1 Comment
Grimm Brothers

Grimm Brothers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

200 years ago on December 12, 1812 the Brothers Grimm had their first volume of children stories “Children’s and Household Tales” published. Stories which should conquer the world, and put children and adults alike under a spell.

900 books were initially published in 1812. Eventually translated into 160 languages to this day, the collection of fairy tales is next to the Bible translated into German by Martin Luther the most famous book of German culture heritage. In 2005 the original books, the “Kasseler Handexemplare” became part of the UNESCO world heritage. (monumente Online, Magazin der deutschen Denkmalpflege)

Almost every child knows about Aschenputtel (Cinderella) , Schneewittchen und die sieben Zwerge (Snow White and the seven Dwarfs) , Dornroeschen (Sleeping Beauty) and Co. . Their stories became an inseparable  part of many growing up.

Most of us grew up thinking that these were folk stories which were collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm by seeking out storytellers in homes and markets around Germany. Even though this is partly true, the Brothers Grimm were educated linguists and active researchers who didn’t stop with their inquiries at the German border (which actually didn’t exist yet at that time). Their research included also the entire Italian and French world of fairy tales from the 16th & 17th century, which strongly influenced their own collection of fairy tales.

The Grimm brothers revised their collections of stories many times, added more details, gave the stories a more enticing flavor and colloquial touches, and lastly made them also suitable for children. An interesting fact is, that after the first volume of 900 books was published, the success didn’t come as quickly as anticipated. It was not until their younger brother Emil Ludwig Grimm, an illustrator, enhanced the stories with lively pictures that the Grimm fairy tales rose in popularity. People now felt they could relate to the characters, and picture the places where the stories took place .

To commemorate the 200 years of Grimm fairy tales the Goethe Institut in Los Angeles presents an interactive exhibit “Fairy Tale Worlds” until June 15th.

This traveling show has been put together by the Goethe Institut headquarters in Munich and is touring all the Goethe Institutes around the world.

At the exhibition kids can discover in a very engaging way many of the famous Grimm fairy tales, but also learn a considerably lot about story writing in general. The show is highly interactive and kids are introduced to the building blocks of a compelling story. Seven different stations make the kids aware of what a captivating story entails. From having a hero and an antagonist, namely the bad guy; to animals, some magic and of course various challenges for the hero to overcome, and lastly the element of scare and fright, which cannot be missing in any case. By the end of the exhibit walk-through children and adults are invited to write and produce their own story with the help of a guideline.

This Sunday, June 3rd, the Goethe Institut Los Angeles invites to a special Fairy Tale Sunday with the free screening of 3 different movies. Find more information on it here. (Goethe-Institut Los Angeles,5750 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100,Los Angeles, CA 90036, In German ,Free Admission, Info: +1 323 525 3388)

Should you be in Germany this year keep an eye open and look out for festivities that celebrate the Grimm year like the ones that are planned in Hessen from December 2012 on until September 2013 or check out the website http://www.grimm2013.de

MÄRCHENWALD AT THE GOETHE INSTITUT

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Read up more on the Brothers Grimm and their anniversary:

http://www.uni-kassel.de/projekte/brueder-grimm-kongress-2012/startseite.html 

http://www.monumente-online.de/12/01/leitartikel/03_interview.php

http://www.monumente-online.de/12/01/leitartikel/Brueder_Grimm_Maerchen.php

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/02/26/tales-dark-side-brothers-grimm-spotlight-weber-state-university-storytelling-fest

Audio Books:

http://musicbrainz.org/artist/a0be83cd-c958-4734-a3c2-db35607ac178

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Los Angeles Art Show 2012

Posted on January 22, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Today, Sunday, is the last day of the 2012 LA Art Show. A visit pays off for the whole family! There is so much to see that not only kids are busy watching but also participating.
It’s an experience to watch so much different art of all kinds of styles at one place. There are also special events offered throughout the day. From printmaking to fine art lectures. Some showcasing galleries have some of their artists present and one can engage with the artists, talk about their art and find out more about them and their work first hand. Corzine Fine Art (Booth B140) had a special event: Artist Yuri Yuroz decorates white T-shirts (don’t forget to bring one with you!) with a painting.

On another side of the exhibition hall, James Peterson’s spectacular installation ‘Hypoxia’ is attracting  admirers of all ages. Children are in heaven here since the artist actually encourages them to touch and experience his artwork. In fact interaction with his installation is necessary to bring the installation ‘to life’: Touch causes certain lights to turn on in parts of the installation while sudden blows of air create unexpected movement.

The LA Art Show is open today, Sunday, January 22, 2012, from 11am – 5pm

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LACMA – An Adventure In Front of Your Door

Posted on January 15, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Metropolis II by Chris Burden has opened to the public Saturday, January 14, 2012. It’s an experience! Should you be in L.A. for the weekend, do pay LACMA a visit and check out this outstanding exhibition.  An “elaborate system of 18 roadways including one 6-lane freeway and HO scale train tracks…” and 1200 custom manufactured die-cast cars make you feel like being in the midst of a mini New York or Los Angeles . An impressive structure of steel, aluminum, shielded copper wire, glass, plastics, wood and even legos take the viewer with amazement. One can spend quite some time discovering all kinds of different buildings and world landmarks like the Eiffel tower and Saint Basil’s Cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow. 

This upcoming Monday is part of Target Free Holiday Mondays, which offers free entrance to all LACMA shows and a variety of children activities throughout the day. Not only will you get a look at this amazing architectural design gem, but your kids will have a moment of awe and can continue the day at LACMA with all kinds of other fun activities.

NEXGEN the LACMA Youth membership lets accompanying adults visit for free

By the way, should you have children at the ages of 3-18, get them a NEXGEN membership. It’s a free membership for children and allows one accompanying adult per child to visit LACMA for free.

My son and I just spent a great day at LACMA and actually could take a sneak preview on Metropolis II on Friday, when LACMA offered a special member preview day before the official opening of Metropolis II yesterday.

We continued our LACMA adventure with viewing the art collection at the Broad Contemporary Art Museum. Already the building with its contrasting red elements and the steep escalator, that my son named the ‘escalator to the sky’ is a delight for the eye. Inside, one can experience  the fascinating paintings and sculptures of so many famous artists like Jeff Koons, Baldessari and more.

Should you love Expressionism, then walk over to the Ahmanson building. The Rifkind Gallery for German Expressionism offers quite a selection of Kirchner, Pechstein and Co. An entire small exhibit is dedicated to Ludwig Meidner: Ecstatic Expressionism, which will be on view until April 15th. Quite an impressive selection of other representatives of modern art can be found here on level 2 as well. From Picasso, Klee, Otto Dix to Motherwell, Rothko, Pollock, Sam Francis and Liechtenstein.

“Telling the story of the birth of the LA art scene” – PACIFIC STANDARD TIME at LACMA

German design bei Kem Weber - Desk & Chair

California Design, 1930–1965: “Living in a Modern Way” is another exhibition that should be on your agenda. As part of Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 it gives a chronological overview through the many historical highlights that shaped California Design.

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