Home Decorating

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

Every Tuesday at 5pm! RSVP at the following link to receive login details: https://www.enggarcia.com/hbstuesday/ * The Districts Best first time home buyer webinar * Learn about the home buying process * How to qualify & what loans are available * Qualifying for DC Open Doors and other programs * Reduced down payment and closing cost opportunities We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Need some post-Monday inspiration? What better place than the Folger Shakespeare Library? Great food, atmosphere, and free Wi-Fi. https://www.folger.edu/visit/folger-cafe-quill-crumb/ You don't need a ticket to get in. Come as long as you want, but if you plan to arrive after 1 pm, send a message before noon to let me know. \*Make sure your laptops are fully charged. There are places to plug in, but they are sparse. \*\*Please adhere to COVID standards from the height of the pandemic

There is supposed to be a let up in the seemingly incessant rain. Let’s take advantage with a walk at Brookside Gardens. We will meet to the right of the visitors center. If anyone is interested we can go to lunch afterwards.

Did you know..... The National Portrait Gallery conducts free docent-led tours. No ticket needed! No hastle driving downtown either, the Green Chinatown Metro station is right across the street. Join us for the 1:00 p.m. "Highlights of the Collection" tour which will start in the F Street lobby. Afterward, we will walk several blocks to "54 Restaurant" for a pho soup lunch and conversation. Need more info.? Send me a message. Hope to see you there! ....Ross A.

Learn more about our Home Buyer Program * get up to $202k in down payment assistance through HPAP * get up to $25K in grants from Maryland Mortgage Program * downpayment assistance options through DC Open Doors * how to qualify and what loans are available * loan application and approval process * repeat home buyer options * purchase price limits * market insight and home buying steps in a competitive market SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW: [https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.enggarcia.com/egpwebinars/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1705256818169980&usg=AOvVaw0qgqMgQjduPHADDDggU6H6)

Visit Artistic Artifacts on for our in-store 5th Saturday Special — if you **finish a bolt, you save 40% on that fabric!** We will also be offering **25% off our shop selection of 1/2 and 1-yard fabric cuts\*** and our own **curated precut bundles!** We *start this in-store sale early* for our customers, — **we’ll begin our sale on Thursday, May 28, extending through Sunday, May 31! Plan to join us in [our Alexandria, VA store.](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/store-info "Store Info & Hours")** **[Our Alexandria, VA store](https://www.artisticartifacts.com/annex.html)** hours are Tues-Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. \*Note: Precut products packaged by fabric companies and fabrics cut to order that day are not included in this special event. Learn more: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/may30-fifth-saturday-specials](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/may30-fifth-saturday-specials)

Every Saturday at 11am! RSVP at the following link to receive login details: https://www.enggarcia.com/hbscaphill/ The Districts Best first time home buyer webinar Learn about the home buying process How to qualify & what loans are available Qualifying for DC Open Doors and other programs Reduced down payment and closing cost opportunities We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

**MasterClass with Jacqueline de Jonge** 4-day class, Saturday, May 30-Tuesday, June 2 9:00- 4:00 each day, lunch provided! Location: Upstairs classroom (access stairs only) Jacqueline de Jonge is internationally known for her vibrant quilt fabrics and patterns. Push the boundaries of your creativity and master advanced techniques with this BeColourful MasterClass designed to challenge and inspire. Jacqueline shares her expert knowledge, helping you dive deeper into complex designs and bold colorwork as you tackle her intricate patterns, precision piecing, and expert color coordination — all while receiving hands-on guidance tailored to your skill level. Learn more about this class, view your student supply list, and pay for your registration via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/products/masterclass-with-jacqueline-de-jonge-may-30-june-2](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/masterclass-with-jacqueline-de-jonge-may-30-june-2)** ***Note:*** Your $499.00 fee covers your class registration and a provided box lunch each day; this does not include the cost of your pattern and fabrics. **All students are *required* to have, or purchase, Jacqueline’s pattern & fabric to work on in class.** *** Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for through our website at https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk, or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. View our complete class policies at [https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

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

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

**Not everyone will come. That is exactly why you should.** **Two for Tuesdays** is for the people who actually want to get out and do something instead of just talking about it. We’re kicking off the night with a one-hour social walk before Duckpin Social. **Expect a laid-back** But an Intentional 1 hour walk (2-3 miles), good people, and a better way to spend your Tuesday than staying home and doing the same thing you always do. **If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll move indoors.** **This is a paid event.** A small contribution helps keeps events sustainable and ensures those **who RSVP actually show up.** Payment **Link Found in comments** or you can pay on Venmo, Paypal, @WiseUnlimitedLLC or Cashapp $WiseUnlimitedLLC. Walk RSVP **$2** Walk / DuckPin Social **$5** Walk / DuckPin Social + 1 game of duckpin **$12** Please be sure **to Put Event and Event Date** in the note when paying RSVP Fee

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.