This Week in North Brooklyn Wanderings...

And the week isn't even over yet!

So last night, after I finished working late tutoring, my friend called me and asked if I was going to Drink n' Draw at 3rd Ward. I'd forgotten he was planning on going, but as I didn't have any plans, there I was 20 minutes later, along with another mutual friend.

(some of my sketches from this Wednesday)

As always, it was a fun, pleasant time, with plenty of drawing and drinking PBR. Even the model partook in the beer-drinking.

After 3rd Ward, my two friends and I stopped for a drink at Tandem Bar, another Bushwick restaurant and bar I have just discovered.

(Tandem Bar, above. Photo credit: Melissa Hom)

I'll have to return here for both the food and the reputed dance parties...

Then this afternoon, I discovered that a little chic grocery in Greenpoint is also a wi-fi cafe. And serves breakfast all day. And doesn't get exceptionally crowded. I'm in love. Urban Rustic, I will be coming back to you!

After a delicious brunch, class prep and tutoring, I made it tonight to the City Reliquary's "Thurd THursday" Show n' Tell night of collectors' items. The evening featured such showcased items as border patrol dog trading cards, paperclip sculptures made by a dog, an old top hat box in remarkably good condition that originally belonged to James G. Gould, and a device specifically made to slice English muffins. I'd brought my NYC 70's Flashmaps book with me, but chickened out when I decided I didn't have enough of a story on it. Oh well, maybe next time: the evening will be curated once a month, so stay tuned!

And finally, tomorrow holds many more Brooklyn promises to come. Hello, Goods' Beer, Wine & Heat Party and a crazy, semi-private on-the-down-low Thanksgiving-themed E. Williamsburg/Bushwick party!

Week/end Re-Cap: Art & Music Galore

First things first. There is a reason why I don't generally like going to swanky, pretentious clubs like Marquee: with $15 drinks, an odd mixed crowd, and a lackluster vibe, I didn't stick around for long. Oh well, you can't blame a girl for occasionally falling prey to the initial appeal .... that all-too-quickly faded.

So I decided to call it an early night yesterday. But before that, I had the fantastic opportunity to see a truly strong music set at Bruar Falls in Williamsburg. As part of CMJ, there was a free, all-day show at Bruar Falls, all bands promoted by KXSC Radio, Los Angeles. The band I went to see at 6:00 pm, Free Moral Agents, had a really perfectly appealing blend of angst, funk, and psychedelic. Quite a sound. With keyboardist Isaiah "Ikey" Owens from The Mars Volta, the band very adeptly mingles hip-hop, r&b and experiemntal stylings to create an addictive, well, psychedelic sound.

After that, I went with my friend to Taco Chulo, a really hip little Tex-Mex restaurant on Grand St. in Williamsburg, where I enjoyed tortilla soup, along with a large helping of chips and guacamole. Yum. If only I hadn't left the neighborhood for Manhattan last night, the evening probably would have gained rather than lost momentum.

And, speaking of staying around Williamsburg, here are some snapshots of my figure drawing sketches from this past Wednesday at 3rd Ward's Drink n' Draw.

Music, Meetings, Parties

Just a regular week in NYC.

This last Wednesday, I finally made it to Drink n' Draw at 3rd Ward. Seriously, an amazing deal: $10 when you come with a friend (otherwise $15), for two and a half hours of figure model drawing, with a lovely figure model and unlimited beer. I'll have to take pictures of some of my sketches and post them here. This may just have to become a weekly activity for me, too! What's great about the event is that it attracts artists of all levels, so there's no need to feel intimidated or inadequate: it's just a space to unwind and indulge in some creativity.

Thursday, last night, I went out... only pictures I managed on getting:

(me, above, not sure of the why of either of these pictures... made sense at the time!)

And tonight, I am going to check out some CMJ goodness at Bruar Falls in Williamsburg and then head to Manhattan to the classy, chic Marquee (not usually my scene, but it is a beautifully swank place to enjoy) for a Meet Up group, a MEGA Multi-group Fall party.

Hello, weekend!!

Time to Draw: Drink 'n Draw at 3rd Ward Tonight!

After my whirlwind Columbus Day weekend of seeing lots of art and dancing the night away at Bowie Ball, I am eager for a more mellow, relaxing sort of activity. Which is why 3rd Ward's weekly Wednesday Drink 'n Draw is so appealing. At only $10 a head (with a friend) for two and a half hours of drawing space, with a figure model and beer provided, it seems like a steal to me. And the perfect opportunity for a little inebriated drawing marathon.

Cheers to that!

Classes at 3rd Ward

This is the kind of stuff I need to be doing more of. Productive creative fun.

Below, blurbs and info from 3rd Ward:

Well, Jesus's Last Supper had a weird ending but yours will have a happy one! (NO! Not that kind). This Saturday over 50 artists of all kinds convene for annual multi-media art feast, The Last Supper! Don't miss the chance to indulge all your senses with art, music, films and food.

Tonight, come out for everybody's favorite weekly staple Drink n' Draw and tomorrow join us & Brooklyn Royalty for the Indie Business Fair.

But don't let your body have all the fun. You brain wants to sign up for our class of the week!


1. The Last Supper: Music, Art, Film, Food Festival, September 26, THIS SATURDAY

2. Drink n' Draw, TONIGHT!

3. Indie Business Fair, September 24, THIS THURSDAY

4. Sweatshop Social, September 28

5. Class of the week: Intro to Final Cut Pro


####1. The 5th Annual Last Supper Festival, September 26, 6 p to 2 a, $15 or $10 w/ 3 cans of food, FREE for Members

An artistic feast for the senses that brings together over 50 short films, works of art, writings, culinary creations, edible installations, and up-and-coming bands & DJ's to celebrate the autumn harvest and discuss consumption. Created & curated by artist and architect Coralina Meyer, The Last Supper kindles the creative miasma infused by community interaction, and harvests the cornucopia of media in our own backyard.

Benefiting the Food Bank of New York City.

RSVP events@3rdward.com

For more information visit www.lambastic.com.



####2. Drink n' Draw, 8 to 10:30 p, $15/person or $10 w/ a friend, FREE for Members

Every Wednesday 3rd Ward indulges artists with a night of drawing the nude figure while drinking beer, eating snacks and chillin' to the good tunes of DJ Jedi Mind Orgasm (aka Adam Collison).

Please be prepared for a nice relaxing time and come with drawing supplies in hand. No previous drawing experience required to attend.

For more information visit http://www.3rdward.com/drink-n-draw/.



####3. Indie Business Fair, Thursday, September 24, 7 to 10 p, FREE admission, complimentary Colt 45 while it lasts

Ever had a really creative, fun idea for a new business that you were just dying to make a reality? Well, you're in luck, because there are already NYC-ers like you who are doing just that! Get inspired at the 2nd Indie Business Fair, which gathers 10 aspiring entrepreneurs and their brand new business plans in the same room for one evening only!

Sponsored by Brooklyn Royalty and 3rd Ward Edu, you can rock out to the beats of DJ Jeff Ramos, grab a drink with your friends and check out the newest independent businesses before anyone else. Plus there will be tons of demonstrations, free samples and giveaways!



####4. Sweatshop Social, September 28, 7 to 10 p, FREE

Made for food-shopping fashionistas and creative environmentalists alike, join non-profit organization, Bags for the People, in a night of custom cotton bag making. You bring the fun and the fabric; we'll provide the sewing machines, instruction, drinks, snacks and live music. 'Cause everybody knows plastic is passe.

RSVP events@3rdward.com

For more information visit http://bagsforthepeople.org/.



####5. Class of the week: Intro to Final Cut Pro, Sundays October 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2:30 to 5:30 p

Learn all the essentials necessary to start editing your own work and explore the world of digital video editing. This class will cover importing footage, the editing interface, and various tips and tricks.

http://www.3rdward.com/3rdwardclasses/intro-to-final-cut-pro.html

Or

Sign up for ANY of our more than 100 unique classes at www.3rdward.com/classes!

3rd Ward
195 Morgan Avenue
Brooklyn New York 11237
United States