New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1995953866745

Behind every breathtaking opera performance is a world of creativity, craftsmanship, and meticulous planning that most audiences never get to see. What does it really take to transform a composer's score into a fully realized production, from the first sketches to opening night? With the help of an award-winning dramaturg, it's time to step behind the curtain to uncover the remarkable journey of opera and the many hands that bring this extraordinary art form to life.

Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series that goes backstage at the opera, revealing the extraordinary planning, artistry, and collaboration required to bring a production from concept to curtain call. In Part Two: From Design to Reality, we'll explore how an opera's artistic vision is transformed into the sets, costumes, and props that bring every performance to life.

Led by dramaturg and former Welsh National Opera staff member Simon Rees, whose career in opera has spanned more than three decades, this behind-the-scenes virtual experience will include:

• How opera workshops bring designs to life — transforming scenic concepts, costumes, and props into tangible elements for the stage
• The ingenuity behind set construction, from traditional painted scenery to portable sets built for transport and storage
• Inside the costume department, where sketches become custom-made garments tailored to each performer's measurements and movement
• A visit to the props workshop, where talented craftspeople create everything from everyday objects to extraordinary theatrical illusions
• The remarkable artisans behind the scenes whose specialized skills and craftsmanship turn artistic vision into a fully realized production

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Simon — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

The Making of an Opera Series
Part 1: Planning
Part 2: From Design to Reality
Part 3: Rehearsal & Performance

About Simon
Simon Rees spent 23 years as Dramaturg for Welsh National Opera in Cardiff, doing research for designers and producers and tracking down unusual items – for instance, black lace mantillas and matadors’ hats for Bizet’s Carmen. His office was under the props department, and later next to wigs and makeup, so he was able to see all the magical illusions of opera being created in front of his very eyes.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1996638413242

*While New York Adventure Club does not charge for events hosted by the Public Design Commission, advance registration and a deposit will be required, which will be fully refunded upon attendance. This deposit is taken to discourage no-shows on free events with limited spots.*

Did you know that every single permanent structure proposed on or over a New York City-owned property must be approved by a commission first? It's time to step into the archive of this century-old commission and see some of its most prized artifacts like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the Public Design Commission Archive, which maintains an archive of projects reviewed by the Commission since 1902, documenting more than 7,000 sites throughout New York City and providing a unique view into the history of the City’s public works.

Led by a staff member of the Public Design Commission, our unique experience will include:

• The origins of the Public Design Commission and why it was created in the first place back in 1902
• An overview of the commission's jurisdiction over permanent structures, parks and open spaces, streetscapes, signage, and art proposed on or over City-owned property
• The important role that the Archive plays when it comes to informing the Commission’s review of current projects and provides a valuable resource to researchers
• A rare look at original documents, drawings, photographs, and architectural plans handpicked from the Archive

See you there!

*RSVP period closes two days before event
**Bring an ID that matches the RSVP name(s)
***Please wear comfortable shoes as we’ll be on our feet for most of the tour

Testimonials
"The archivist was very knowledgeable. The archives were very interesting to see. I would recommend it for any design, architecture, or civic planning nerd!" -Jessica
"It was a look at a part of NYC that's hidden" -Han
"Archivist was very knowledgable" -Lorraine
"Unique. Not something one comes across too often. A minuscule peek into what makes nyc nyc." -Komal
"The guide was phenomenal!" Melina
"Very unique event, completely unaware that this commission existed. Definitely learned a few new things." -Melanie
"Great presentation!" -Klaus-Peter

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Factories & Facilities Tours

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1997443767077

From the muddled architecture of its ethnic neighborhoods to the shining skyline far above, no city in American history has encapsulated such a range of design like New York City. How has New York’s past and present shaped American urbanism, and what big aesthetic changes are in store for the Big Apple? It's time to explore the buildings and structures of the largest and foremost of America’s urban centers, and see how they created a new form of urban living.

Join New York Adventure Club for a three-part series on the history of New York City architecture, where we'll examine the buildings and structures that have put Gotham on the shortlist of world's greatest skylines. In Part Two: Neighborhoods, we'll explore the city's numerous social, economic, and cultural enclaves and how they interweave their urban patterns.

Led by architectural historian David V. Griffin of Landmark Branding, this digital showcase featuring a selection of unique structures will include:

• A brief overview of some of New York’s best-know historic neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village and Brooklyn Heights
• A close look at SoHo’s transformation from an industrial area to a boutique wonderland
• The bohemian energy of the East Village and Harlem
• The extraordinarily ornate and eclectic styles that reflected the city’s rapid growth and diverse populations
• Examples of typical architecture throughout the five boroughs, including brownstones, tenements, cast-iron buildings, churches and local spots
• An in-depth look at each building's construction, context, and current status, with a focus on how culture and innovation drive architectural symbolism

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with David — any and all questions about these unique buildings are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

New York City Architecture Series
Part 1: Skyscrapers (Wednesday, September 2 @ 8:00pm ET)
Part 2: Neighborhoods (Wednesday, September 9 @ 8:00pm ET)
Part 3: Symbols & Monuments (Wednesday, September 16 @ 8:00pm ET)

About David Griffin
A seasoned public speaker and tireless professional strategist, Griffin’s nearly 25 years’ experience in publicity, programming, writing and research is matched by his encyclopedic knowledge of real estate, architecture and design. His clients include developers, brokers and marketing companies as well as architects and design firms.
Griffin is Special Consultant to and a regularly appearing featured guest on the soon-to-be relaunched podcast Rediscovering New York, hosted by Jeff Goodman of Brown Stevens Harris; Griffin’s writing has appeared in Real Estate Weekly, Metropolis, Dwell and the National Trust’s Preservation Magazine and he is a featured contributor to Brownstoner. He is currently at work on several fiction and non-fiction projects.
Griffin graduated from Vassar College with a double major in English & Art History and has recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as the President Emeritus of the Vassar College Croquet Club. He has also served on the Events Committees for the Vassar Club of New York, the historic Montauk Club in Park Slope and the Young Patrons of The American Friends of the Louvre.

Testimonials
" Engaging speaker and nice presentation" -Amy
" The architectural content, photos, and contextual stories about the buildings and cities. The speaker is extremely knowledgeable and enjoyable to hear! Love these lectures!! Keep them coming!!!" -Marcia
" It's hard to cover everything in under two hours there are so many interesting buildings in NYC. I am watching all 3 of his webinars and the first two have been great." -Richard
" Fabulous explanation of the personalities of NY neighborhoods" -Francine
" Really engaging content and tidbits of information along with great photos and presentation" -Adrienne
"Loved seeing the neighborhoods on the map and then in photos. Also enjoyed learning about neighborhoods in boroughs outside of Manhattan. Very knowledgeable presenter, and I've enjoyed these. Looking forward to the last one." -Aleisa
"Yes, I saw this program in the past, but it was so interesting to me that I signed up a second time. Thank you very much. I look forward to more programs by David Griffin. It seems there is nothing he doesn’t have some knowledge about. I’m sure that’s not true, but it seems that way when it comes to architecture and the history around it. Totally delightful, I love the anecdotes as well about the people he occasionally would mention who live in these places or did in the past" -Sharon
"Exposed to new buildings and some areas" -Julia
"What can I say?? There hasn’t been any webinar presented by the NY Adventure Club that I didn’t enjoy —- immensely!! I was watching early this morning the replay and I was mesmerized by the photos of the beautiful architectural splendor." -Yvonne

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1996638416251

What do Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Crazy Rich Asians all have in common? Tucked away on the 7th floor of a building in the heart of the New York City Garment Center is a century-old business that has created fabric flowers for everyone including A-list celebrities and film & television productions. Now's your chance to visit the historic facility where they're all made, one individual flower at a time.

Join New York Adventure Club for a private exploration of M&S Schmalberg, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Manhattan's Garment District that has been hand-making custom fabric flowers for over 100 years.

Led by one of the company owners, our unique experience with the last custom flower maker in New York City will include:

• An overview of the artificial flora industry, and how fast fashion and offshoring have affected the niche fashion craft
• The history of M&S Schmalberg, from brothers Morris and Sam Schmalberg starting the business in 1916, to becoming the premier fabric flower makers for top fashion designers including Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, and Marc Jacobs
• A private tour of the historic factory to see the fabric flower process from beginning to end — from cutting out the fabrics in a myriad of different designs, to hand assembling petals into tulips, carnations, or other varieties
• A live demonstration by the company's veteran artisans of the century-old cutting machines and custom-made hydraulic presses still in operation

Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to shop for your own custom-made M&S Schmalberg fabric flowers (at a steep discount), and even go home with a stylish piece of history!

Click here to read a featured article of M&S Schmalberg in The New York Times!

See you there!

*This experience is only conducted on weekdays when the factory is in operation

**Guests are encouraged to bring photos of clothes or dresses they want to pair with a fabric flower so the M&S Schmalberg staff can assist with finding the perfect match after the tour concludes

Testimonials
"The event was so much more that I expected! Not only did we get to see the actual steps (and equipment) to make BEAUTUFUL silk flowers, but we got to hear about a family’s history and how the business came to be. I learned so much. Walking home last night, I passed a store on the UES than had some silk (or otherwise) flowers strewn in its window. Thanks to the instruction from Adam Brand, I was easily able to identify them as NOT M&S Schmalberg’s flowers. I didn’t realize how many of their lovely flowers I’ve already seen on favorite TV shows and runways and galas. Thank you!" -Linda

"The owner giving the tour, the family story, and seeing the workroom. Super interesting." -Kala

"Adam is so passionate about the business, the heritage and present and future. He was fantastic." -Dena

"This was so special! It's rare to see inside a family owned factory like this, especially in NYC." -Justin

"Loved that they took the time to let us into their private workspace. Interesting and beautiful creations!" -Margaret

"Resonate tour and history of a vintage business still operating." -Gabriella

"A rare look inside a historic NYC industry." -Jerry
"The opportunity to see a working factory. Guide had lots of stories about his family and the business and was willing to allow photos." -Meryl

"One of the very best trips I’ve ever taken with you. The machines they’ve used for a hundred years still in use today was fascinating. Completely authentic — workers making flowers as we walked through. A trip that truly surpassed expectations. Nice shopping opportunity at the end too!" -Deb

Disclaimer
Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.