Photography

* **BOOK HERE: [www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com](www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com)** **More information:** Berlin Portrait Academy teaches realistic oil painting in the tradition of academies in Florence, Barcelona and London, bringing the Atelier experience to Berlin. Open to all levels from absolute beginner, to those who are more experienced but interested in tackling the academic method. Places are limited to six students per session. Cost is 45 euros per class 350 for a package of ten classes (enquire via email). Materials are provided free for the first lesson. **Please email [peter@pakd-gallery.com](peter@pakd-gallery.com) with any further questions!** See you there! **[www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com](www.BerlinPortraitAcademy.com)**

**Coût de l’événement : € 0,50** On se rencontre mardi prochain pour discuter en français dans une ambiance amicale chez le café / resto Spreegold en Prenzlauer Berg, ou on a réservé une table (il faut demander du French Meetup). Le restaurant n'accepte pas les paiements en espèces. Merci et à bientôt! PS: Le coût de **€ 0,50** s'explique par le fait que par le passé, certains participants ont oublié de payer leurs consommations, laissant l'addition aux autres.

### **🌿 Watercolour Herbarium: A Sensory Workshop** Do you know which herbs boost memory? Which ones calm your body, support digestion, or help you sleep? Join us for a unique 4-day watercolour journey where art meets nature, observation, and everyday wisdom. **In this workshop, we will create our own illustrated herbarium — a personal catalogue of plants — while working directly from real, fresh herbs from my little balcony garden.** You’ll learn how to observe their shapes, textures, and colours, and translate them into delicate watercolour studies. But this is more than painting. Each day, we’ll explore a different selection of herbs like oregano, rosemary, mint, basil and more — learning how they grow, what they’re traditionally used for, and how they can support your body and wellbeing. **We’ll touch them, smell them, paint them… and even taste them in teas and infusions,** engaging all our senses to truly connect with each plant. ✨ What to expect: * Guided watercolour sessions (all levels welcome) * Real herbs to observe and paint from life * Gentle introduction to herbal knowledge & home remedies * A growing collection of your own illustrated herbarium * A calm, sensory, and inspiring atmosphere * Tips about how to grow these herbs at home during this spring By the end of the 4 days, you’ll leave not only with a beautiful series of paintings, but also with a deeper understanding of the plants around you — and how they can become part of your everyday rituals. The workshop includes **four classes**, but you’re also welcome to join individual sessions (when available). To receive the registration form and full details, please contact: 📩 **hola.berlinartclub@gmail.com** **When:** Tuesday 5 - 12 - 19 - 26 May From 6 to 7.30 PM **Where:** Friedrichshain, Berlin (You will receive the exact address by e-mail) **Price:** 85€ for the whole month (4 classes) Single class 25€ / Paypal & Bank Transfer **Material:** You will need a watercolour set, watercolour paper (or sketchbook) and brushes. If you need suggestions about the material, get in touch. If you need some recommendations, this might help: **[Quick Material Guide](https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRDE95Ia5D/?img_index=2)** **To book your spot:** Please confirm here: **hola.berlinartclub@gmail.com,** and you will receive the payment details and the exact address. ***Super small groups! RSVP here is not considered booked.*** You can find my work [HERE](https://www.instagram.com/lujancordaro/) and all updated classes [HERE ](https://www.instagram.com/berlin.art.club/) Come slow down, get your hands moving, and reconnect with nature 🌿 ✨ No previous painting experience needed. Gentle guidance provided throughout. See you!! Lu and the BAC

Register: [https://globalai.community/chapters/berlin/events/agentcon-berlin/](https://globalai.community/chapters/berlin/events/agentcon-berlin/) Join us for AgentCon Berlin 2026, a dedicated space for developers, builders, startups, students, tech-enthusiasts researchers, and innovators to dive to explore the future of autonomous AI agents. This event is part of the AI Agents World Tour, connecting communities from San Francisco to Singapore. Whether you're designing intelligent copilots, orchestrating multi-agent systems, or advancing agent frameworks, AgentCon Berlin offers a platform to share insights, inspire others, and shape what’s next. More information soon! Supported by Neo4j

Hallo zusammen! In Rahmen der PAKD Gallery Kurse bieten wir euch einen Zeichenkurs an. Wenn Ihr Zeichnen liebt und eure Fähigkeiten weiterentwickeln möchtet, dann seid Ihr hier genau richtig. In diesem Video erzähle ich euch von meinem Kurs für realistisches Zeichnen mit Bleistift - und wie er Eure künstlerische Arbeit auf ein neues Level bringen kann. Hattest Du schon immer das Gefühl, zeichnen können zu wollen - Dir fehlt aber die richtige Anleitung? In diesem Kurs lernst Du realistisches Zeichnen mit Bleistift, einfach, verständlich und Schritt für Schritt: • Korrekte Perspektive • Licht und Schatten • Materialdarstellung wie Glas, Keramik, Stoff, Metall Der Kurs ist perfekt für Anfänger und für alle, die ihre Fähigkeiten verbessern möchten. Wenn dieses Video Eure Leidenschaft für das Zeichnen mit Bleistift geweckt hat, dann schickt mir einfach eine E-Mail und lasst uns gemeinsam eure Reise in die Welt des realistischen Zeichnens mit Bleistift beginnen. Kleiner Kurs, große Wirkung. Maximal 12 Teilnehmer\*innen! Anmeldung:Ä [kifan@pakd-gallery.com](mailto:kifan@pakd-gallery.com) Sichere dir deinen Platz, bevor alles ausgebucht ist. Dienstag 18:30 - 21:30 Uhr. 25€ für eine einzelne 3- stündige Einheit 200€ für ein 10er-Paket, flexibles einlösbar.

It's all about getting to know new people from your favorite industry. So if you are interested in Motion Design, 2D or 3D Animation, CGI, Illustration or any related field, feel free to join us. Grab a beer in a relaxed atmosphere, have a nice chat about key frames or discuss your next project! Beginner or expert – wir freuen uns auf dich!

Hallo zusammen! In Rahmen der PAKD Gallery Kurse bieten wir euch einen Zeichenkurs an. Wenn Ihr Zeichnen liebt und eure Fähigkeiten weiterentwickeln möchtet, dann seid Ihr hier genau richtig. In diesem Video erzähle ich euch von meinem Kurs für realistisches Zeichnen mit Bleistift - und wie er Eure künstlerische Arbeit auf ein neues Level bringen kann. Hattest Du schon immer das Gefühl, zeichnen können zu wollen - Dir fehlt aber die richtige Anleitung? In diesem Kurs lernst Du realistisches Zeichnen mit Bleistift, einfach, verständlich und Schritt für Schritt: • Korrekte Perspektive • Licht und Schatten • Materialdarstellung wie Glas, Keramik, Stoff, Metall Der Kurs ist perfekt für Anfänger und für alle, die ihre Fähigkeiten verbessern möchten. Wenn dieses Video Eure Leidenschaft für das Zeichnen mit Bleistift geweckt hat, dann schickt mir einfach eine E-Mail und lasst uns gemeinsam eure Reise in die Welt des realistischen Zeichnens mit Bleistift beginnen. Kleiner Kurs, große Wirkung. Maximal 12 Teilnehmer\*innen! Anmeldung: [kifan@pakd-gallery.com](mailto:kifan@pakd-gallery.com) Sichere dir deinen Platz, bevor alles ausgebucht ist. Dienstag 18:30 - 21:30 Uhr. 25€ für eine einzelne 3- stündige Einheit 200€ für ein 10er-Paket, flexibles einlösbar.

Let's have a "Portray and Be Portrayed" outside of **Internationales Congress Centrum (ICC)** to enrich our portraits with futuristic, high-tech urban backdrops and mood! During this event, you'll experience both sides of the lens: **being a photographer and a model**. ➔ Please only join if you're comfortable being photographed by other participants! * We will rotate roles so there is **only one active model** at a time. * You'll work in small groups of 3–5 people * This format is inspired by our successful TFP (Time for Photos) sessions. Check out the reel from our first "Portray and Be Portrayed" event: 🔗 [View Reel](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEXHaLhKFXc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link) Our group-TFP event that took place outside of ICC: [🔗 View Reel](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-GhcSGK6Me/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D) 📅 **Itinerary** **12:00 -** Meet in the designated spots near ICC. We’ll assign groups for P&BP, and the photography session will kick off. As a group, you’ll have full autonomy to coordinate. **15:00 -** We will meet back at the starting spot. We might go somewhere together afterwards to discuss the day’s photos, share photography tips, and chat casually in smaller groups. **Payment:** This event is free of charge. **Regulars** can join this event regardless of their position in the queue. 📸 **Photography session requirements** * **Bring a dedicated camera (mobile phones won’t suffice). *Want to join without a proper camera? Please send me a DM first!*** * **Have at least a basic understanding of portrait photography**. **🤝 Photo Sharing & Community Guidelines** To ensure a great experience for everyone, we ask all participants to agree to the following: * **Public Social Media:** If you want to post photos to Instagram (or other public media), you **must** get mutual permission from the other party (photographer/model) first * Share your favorite photos in our Discord and WhatsApp group (we might repost your best photos - you will be fully credited/invited to collaboration) * **Give Credit:** All public posts must tag the author, the model, **@the_isoclub**, and **@_portraitscenter**. * *Tip:* We highly recommend using [PicFlow](https://picflow.com/) to easily select and finalize photos that work for both parties! **📍 Location & links** * **Meeting Point:** an entrance to [ICC](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzsm8hyWtDF5uTpA7) *(Keep an eye on the chat in case of slight adjustments!)* * **Lunch:** Details provided on the day! * **Our Instagrams:** [@the_isoclub](https://www.instagram.com/the_isoclub) \| [@_portraitscenter](https://www.instagram.com/_portraitscenter)

**Berlin Photography Workshop Day · Ballet & Beauty Studio Sessions** Sunday, 24 May 10:00–17:30 VELT Studio, 10967 Berlin BB Photography Workshops is hosting a small-group studio workshop day in Berlin for photographers who want to build stronger portfolio images in a prepared production environment. The day includes two separate studio sessions: **Ballet Photography · 10:00–13:00** **Beauty Photography · 14:30–17:30** You can join one workshop or book the full-day package. This is not an open group shoot. The lighting setups, art direction, model guidance and shooting flow are prepared before participants arrive. Each photographer receives individual guidance during the session. The workshops are led by Burak Bulut Yıldırım — Sony Europe Imaging Ambassador, award-winning photographer, lighting specialist and photography mentor with more than two decades of professional experience. Art direction is by Meryem Aydın. **WORKSHOP 1 — BALLET PHOTOGRAPHY** 10:00–13:00 This session focuses on movement, timing, body line, light direction and building a coherent dance photography series. We will work with an experienced ballet model in a controlled studio setup. **WORKSHOP 2 — BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHY** 14:30–17:30 This session focuses on beauty lighting, skin texture, makeup, catchlights, face direction, close-up portraiture, color control and editorial-style image-making. We will work with an experienced beauty model and a professional makeup artist. **WHO IT IS FOR** This workshop day is suitable for portrait, beauty, fashion, dance and studio photographers who already know the basic operation of their camera and want to work in a more structured production environment. Advanced amateurs and semi-professional photographers are welcome. Participants should be comfortable using manual camera settings. **WHAT IS INCLUDED** Prepared studio lighting Art direction Experienced model / performer Professional makeup for the beauty session Model guidance Small-group shooting time Individual mentoring during the session Portfolio-focused shooting structure **WHAT TO BRING** Camera Charged batteries Empty memory cards Portrait or studio lenses such as 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 24–70mm or 70–200mm For Ballet, longer focal lengths can help compress body line and movement. For Beauty, 50mm, 85mm, macro or short telephoto lenses are useful. **PRICING** Single workshop: €245 Full-day package, Ballet + Beauty: €390 instead of €490 **RESERVATION** A €125 pre-payment is required to reserve a place for each workshop. The remaining balance can be paid on the workshop day. **Important:** RSVP on Meetup does not secure your seat. Each session is limited to 8 photographers, so registration is confirmed only after direct contact and pre-payment. **HOW TO REGISTER** Send a DM to @bbphotographyworkshops on Instagram or email info@burakbulut.info Please specify whether you want to join: Ballet Beauty Full-day package **Full information:** **👉 [burakbulut.info/workshops](https://burakbulut.info/workshops/)** **About the mentor:** [instagram.com/burak.bulut.yildirim](https://instagram.com/burak.bulut.yildirim)

Join us for a two-day Botanical Watercolour experience, where we’ll step out of the studio and into two *almost hidden* gardens in Friedrichshain to paint plants directly from life 🌿 Over two days, we’ll meet in two different, *almost hidden* gardens in Friedrichshain—quiet green corners of the city where we can slow down, observe, and paint plants directly from life. Think wild flowers, textured leaves, unexpected shapes, shifting light… and the simple joy of painting outdoors. This is more than just a meet-up: **it’s a guided class designed to help you grow your skills while you enjoy the process.** We’ll start each session exploring essential watercolour techniques—wet-on-wet, layering, colour mixing, and transparency—and then apply them to what we see around us. You’ll learn how to approach different types of plants, how to simplify complex forms, and which techniques and effects work best for each subject. No experience needed—just curiosity, and a love for plants, light, and slow summer days 🌱 The workshop includes **two classes**, but you’re also welcome to join individual sessions. **When:** Wednesday 13 + 20 May From 6 to 7.30 PM **Where:** Friedrichshain, Berlin (You will receive the exact address by e-mail) **Price:** 50€ for the whole workshop (2 classes) Single class 27€ / Paypal & Bank Transfer **Material:** You will need a watercolour set, watercolour paper (or sketchbook) and brushes. If you need suggestions about the material, get in touch. If you need some recommendations, this might help: **[Quick Material Guide](https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRDE95Ia5D/?img_index=2)** **To book your spot:** Please confirm here: **hola.berlinartclub@gmail.com,** and you will receive the payment details and the exact address. ***Super small groups! RSVP here is not considered booked.*** You can find my work [HERE](https://www.instagram.com/lujancordaro/) and all updated classes [HERE ](https://www.instagram.com/berlin.art.club/) Come slow down, get your hands moving, and reconnect with nature 🌿 See you!! Lu and the BAC

***Experience Kenya’s wild beauty—Big Five safaris, Kilimanjaro views, flamingo lakes & unforgettable moments across 4 iconic parks.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/kenya-7n-may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/kenya-7n-may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **🌍 WHY THIS JOURNEY IS TRULY ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME?** This is not just a safari. This is Africa — raw, untamed, and unforgettable. From the golden plains of the **Masai Mara** to the shadow of **Mount Kilimanjaro**, this journey takes you deep into the heart of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll track the **Big Five**, walk among wild giraffes, cruise past hippos at sunset, and witness nature in its most powerful form — all while staying in carefully selected lodges immersed in the wild. ✨ **8 days. 4 iconic parks. Endless unforgettable moments.** **🌟WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?** **🦁 Masai Mara Safari (2 Days)** Track the legendary **Big Five** across vast savannas 🎈 **Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari** Float above wildlife at sunrise — a once-in-a-lifetime view 🌍 **Masai Village Experience** Step into local culture, traditions & tribal life 🦩 **Lake Nakuru National Park** Rhinos, flamingos & acacia forests 🚤 **Lake Naivasha Boat Safari** Spot hippos & fish eagles from the water 🦒 **Crescent Island Walk** Walk freely among giraffes, zebras & antelopes 🐘 **Amboseli National Park (2 Days)** Massive elephant herds with **Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop** 📸 **Iconic Wildlife Photography Moments** Capture “National Geographic” style shots 🗓 **TRIP DETAILS** **Start and End Date:** Sunday, 24 May 2026 - Sunday, 31 May 2026 **Meeting Location:** Meet your guide and the other participants in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. **Finishing Location:** Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. **Note**: You can arrive anytime on the trip start date & leave anytime on trip end date, please however, let us know in the sheet that will be shared with you closer to the event date, so that we can accordingly make the relevant pickup & drop off arrangements from our end. **What is Included?** * Guide for the entire duration (Guide speaks English). **Note:** English is the main language spoken in this trip. * 7 nights accommodation for this trip (twin-share rooms) that **includes 2 Nights accommodation in Masaimara, 2 Nights in Amboseli National Park and 1 Night each in Lake Nakuru National park, Lake Naivasha National Park** & Nairobi. * Private transportation for the entire trip. * Private **Safari mini-van for transportation during the safaris**. * 6 days full board meals during safari. * Park entry fees included. * Guided game drives across all parks. * 1-hour **Lake Naivasha boat ride**. * Airport transfers. * Daily bottled water. * Access to a WhatsApp group and Google photos album, dedicated to the trip. * **Note:** Email us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **How to get to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?** **Flight:** Flying is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with direct and connecting flights available from most major European cities (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London, etc.). **From Europe:** • Direct flights: \~8–9 hours • One-stop connections also widely available via major hubs **Arrival in Nairobi:** Once you land at NBO Airport, our team will arrange your **airport pickup and transfer** to the hotel. **Need Assistance:** Please reach out directly for **customized flight-inclusive offers** from anywhere in Europe ✈️ 📲 WhatsApp / SMS: +49 152 2150 6123 +49 151 2486 7229 **🏡 ACCOMMODATION** 🏨 **Day 1 – Nairobi:** Stay at **The Concord Hotel** (or similar) – Comfortable city stay to relax before the safari 🦁 **Days 2–3 – Masai Mara:** Safari Lodge (Full Board) – Immersed in wildlife-rich plains 🦩 **Day 4 – Lake Nakuru:** Safari Lodge (Full Board) – Close to rhino sanctuary & flamingo lake 🌊 **Day 5 – Lake Naivasha:** Lakeside Lodge (Full Board) – Peaceful stay near freshwater lake 🐘 **Days 6–7 – Amboseli:** Safari Lodge (Full Board) – Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro **🌄 THE EXPERIENCE FLOW** **Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi ✈️** Welcome to Kenya! Relax, recharge & prepare for your safari adventure **Day 2–3: Masai Mara Magic 🦁** Drive through the Great Rift Valley into Kenya’s most famous reserve • Game drives tracking the **Big Five** • Optional **Balloon Safari** 🎈 • Visit a traditional **Masai village** **Day 4: Lake Nakuru 🦩** • Rhino sanctuary • Flamingo-lined shores • Scenic acacia landscapes **Day 5: Lake Naivasha 🌊** • Boat ride with hippos & birdlife 🚤 • Walk among wildlife on **Crescent Island** **Day 6–7: Amboseli 🐘** • Giant elephant herds • Views of **Mount Kilimanjaro** • Classic African safari photography moments **Day 8: Departure ✈️** Return to Nairobi & transfer to airport **🎒 OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE** 🎈 **Hot Air Balloon Safari (Masai Mara)** – $500 per person A breathtaking sunrise experience over the savanna **🌱 TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE** By joining this trip, you contribute to **nature conservation efforts** in the region 🌍 **✨ FINAL THOUGHT** This is the Africa you’ve always dreamed of. Wildlife roaming free. Sunsets that stop time. Moments that stay with you forever. 🌍 **The Grand Kenya Wildlife Odyssey is not just a trip — it’s a story you’ll tell for life.** **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

**In Association With the Berlin Portrait Academy and PAKD Gallery / PAKD Art Lab** * **www.berlinportraitacademy.com** * **www.pakd-gallery.com/artlab** * **Cost: 15 Euros** A regular opportunity to study the nude or portrait from life for 3 hours, every single week! We have one long pose - you can choose whether to draw several studies from different angles around the room, or take your time to do a single sustained drawing or painting in full detail. The pose is held for 20 minute intervals with five minute breaks in-between so the model to rest and stretch, and so artists can move between seats if they choose. We provide some materials such as paper, pencils & pastels for free. Canvases, brushes and acrylic paint can be purchased at the event. We hope to see you there very soon!

Bienvenue :) Rejoignez-nous si vous parlez français couramment et aimez rencontrer des gens francophones pour bavarder. A bientôt!

Curious what we do? Check our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/filmmakersandmovienerds/) ♥️ Would you like to meet some like-minded filmmakers? Start a project? Or do you need help with a movie you are currently working on? Are you new in the city and you'd like to meet people tinkering with movies? **Then you should join us!** We meet every Sunday. It’s important to us that we get to know each other in person. To create a community of connected people, work, learn and grow together. For film making you need a crew of reliable people with a positive can-do-attitude. This is the place to find them. Together, we will talk about these topics: * What you are currently working on * What you need help with * What would you like to help with * What you you would like to learn This is event is great for: * filmmakers * movie nerds * writers * camera operators * editors * actors * sound recorders * composers * gaffers * producers We are limiting the amount of people, so we can have a structured introduction and discussion. After that we get together loosely with some drinks and chats. And then we mostly go for dinner with a couple of us. **Important information**: *To sustain and grow this amazing community, we started a member contribution that is due every month. The money we collect is used solely for the purpose of the community. Of course you can come once or twice without contributing to check us out!*

Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us. Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

TOPIC (TBD): Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: NIK Collection 8 Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.