Upcoming Events:
Natural Perfume Workshop
Smell is the most neglected of
our senses yet it has an instantaneous power to penetrate
our consciousness invoking memories and emotion. Odors are
ethereal and elusive yet can strongly attract or
repel.
As a concerned consumer, you are choosing organic food,
seeking out sustainable products and opting for
eco-friendly packaging. But what about the fragrance you
wear? That signature scent is likely composed of synthetic
materials (as most commercial fragrances are),
mass-produced, packaged and shipped around the world in the
millions of units. Natural perfumery is a much
different process that uses only essential oils and
precious absolutes that are extracted from plants. Like
fine wine, subtle differences can be found from the same
plant from year to year depending on soil conditions and
climate meaning that it is not an exact science but a
creative alchemical process.
In this sensory workshop we will examine the artisanal art
of natural perfumery. Students will gain a basic
understanding of the sense of smell, the history of
perfume, the advent of synthetic ingredients and the return
to naturals. Perfume ingredients and formulation will
be explored and each participant will leave with two
bottles of their own bespoke perfume.
No prior knowledge of perfume making is required.
Students should bring a notebook to class, all other
materials will be provided.
3rd Ward
195 Morgan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, January 19th
7:00 - 10:00pm
and
Saturday, February 11th
1:30 - 4:30pm
Observatory Room
543 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, March 25th
1:00 - 4:00pm
Cocktail Alchemy Workshop
Cocktails, like perfume, are a
mix of art and alchemy. In this workshop you’ll learn how
to infuse your own spirits to make seasonal and artful
cocktails with fresh herbs, spices, nuts, dried fruits and
grains. The spirits are then paired with mixers and piqued
with the addition of essential oils, which add their own
unique accent to these artisanal creations. Samples of
angelica, chocolate mint and basil vodka (amongst others)
will be passed around along with the cocktails they
inspire.
Observatory Room
543 Union Street (at Nevins)
Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, November 10th
8:00pm
$20