FotoFocus – Taft Museum

I got the privilege of attending the Taft Museum’s FotoFocus feature, Star Power: Edward Steichen’s Glamour Photography.

So what exactly is this FotoFcus you’ve been hearing about? From their website:

The FotoFocus biennial presents an unprecedented opportunity to learn about and experience the diverse currents of photography. FOTOFOCUS brings together museums, galleries, and universities showcasing world-renowned artists and national and regional standouts. Pop-up venues, community art centers, and other grass roots organizations explore current trends in photography with exhibitions featuring the work of emerging talents and students.

I also found this video to be helpful in explaining just what it’s about

The Taft Museum is one such venue featuring the works of Edward Steichen. He is most known for being Vogue’s photographer back in the 20′s -30′s. He brought naturalism to fashion, and did away with the cute perkiness. There was a quote thrown out that night that he makes every cutie look like a woman.

Steichen took a lot of pictures in his apt on 5th ave in New York City. He helped to bring in the modernism of photography. He played with lines and diagonals, and truly changed fashion photography in that time.

That Taft has even a few magazines in which his pictures appear, as well as some that never made it to print. A lot of his work wouldn’t appear for a few years, like the photo of Gloria Swanson above. It didn’t apppear until 4 years after he originally took this photo. This is one of my favorites of the exibhit. Nancy, the curator says the same. If you don’t come to see this one, then you should see the one of Greta Garbo or Gary Cooper.

The exhibit runs through January 27, 2013. The Taft Museum is open Wednesday – Friday, from 11:00 – 4:00, and weekends 11:00 – 5:00. Admission is only $10.00 and is free for all on Sundays. Or you can use your FotoFocus Passport for entry into the exhibit.

They also have a cute little area set up to Steichenize yourself and your friends. I love interactive exhibits So of course me and my friend Paige of CincyWhimsy had to take part

You can see her post about it here

FotoFocus – Betts House

So what exactly is this FotoFcus you’ve been hearing about? From their website:

The FotoFocus biennial presents an unprecedented opportunity to learn about and experience the diverse currents of photography. FOTOFOCUS brings together museums, galleries, and universities showcasing world-renowned artists and national and regional standouts. Pop-up venues, community art centers, and other grass roots organizations explore current trends in photography with exhibitions featuring the work of emerging talents and students.

I also found this video to be helpful in explaining just what it’s about

I got to stop by the Betts House before the Pops show last weekend and check it out Urban Landscapes

The Betts House is one of the oldest standing buildings in Cincinnati, Built in 1804, and survived the big earthquake of 1912. It is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and the
second and fourth Saturdays of each month, 12:30 – 5 p.m. Other days and times are available by
appointment. Admission is $2 per person.

Ronny of Queen City Discovery was there to give some more information about his work. Check out more about the exhibit on his page

Le Diner en Blanc Cincinnati

I’m having a really hard time trying to find the words to describe this event. It was absolutely gorgeous! Breathtaking, stunning, beautiful, fun, amazing… seriously, not just being cliche here.

It’s been described as a pop up fancy dinner. Part flash mob. Part picnic. Part fancy revelry. And when it all comes together, absolutely breathtaking!  It’s a semi exclusive event. Word of mouth and friends of friends basically. You and your friends meet up with a smaller group of about 50 people.

Then these groups meet up with 5 more groups and you’re transported to the secret location for that year. That’s when 1100 people this year spilled out of buses or from various downtown points and set up tables in long rows. Then proceeded to their picnic spread. There is an option to purchase baskets made by places like Orchids and Eat Well Celebrations. From what i saw they were huge! Had plenty to feed 2 and then pass some around. These will cost you though, anywhere from $60-$100.

You will be lucky to get into the event itself. It’s premise is friends coming together, Therefore it’s a friends of friends type gathering. Those that went this year, will be given a spot next year, and they can invite one other couple. Then if there is room, it will go to a wait list. The thing that seems to stop people is the fact that you do have to pay $24 a person, plus a one time $5 membership fee, to allow you to attend the events in the future. The fee goes towards venue rental, security, entertainment, and most importantly, the liquor license that allows us to consume wine and Champagne in a public area.

The most difficult yet kind of fun part, is finding everything you’ll need. You’re to bring a small square table (under 32×32 inches) 2 white chairs, a table cloth, nice place settings, glasses, a table setting/decorations, and a picnic basket with your dinner in it, as well as your drinks for the evening. You also are to dress all in white. They do have really nice contests though. They have a best table one, and a most elegant/creatively dresses group (of 2-4 couples); both offer a dinner for 6 cooked by chefs, such as Jean Robert of JR’s Table. And then there is the most elegantly/creatively dressed couple; this prize is a trip with airfare to Antigua!

Hubby ready for the first course

This year being in Lytle park was gorgeous! Queen City tower, and the Taft museum flanking us, lights in the trees, darn near everyone with candles. You arrive in a huge group and get set up quickly.  at about 7:15 napkins are waved and you start on your 3 courses. Or whatever else you’ve prepared. I used this as an excuse to have a little fun and indulge myself. I saw meat and cheese and fruit trays, dips and spreads and salads. Then you move on to your main course and lastly dessert. Everyone was friendly, and I saw most tables sharing with their neighbors, who most hadn’t met before this evening. It was a great time, and you could take your time and just enjoy it.

Napkin wave to signify the start of dinner!

Molly Wellman looking absolutely adorable.

Dinner

Dessert!

Then at around 9 Sparklers were lit by everyone  and balloons were released. For whatever reason, this was one of the highlights of the evening. I cant put into words how beautiful it was at that moment.

Hubby with his sparkler
Photo Credit: Jens G Rosenkrantz Jr

Balloons!!!

Then it was time to party. Champagne flowed freely, the dj was playing awesome music on the make shift dance floor and Framester was taking awesome photo booth shots! It was just so much fun, half the people didn’t want to leave at 11. But sadly it was time to go as magically and quickly as we arrived. I already can’t wait til next year!

I spy a Jenny K

If you missed it this year, I’m sorry you missed a truly magical event. There was no pretension, no fighting, just fun. Everyone from 25-80 was enjoying themselves at both dinner and the party. It was a spectacular time! hopefully, you know someone who’s willing to sign you up with them next year, so you can experience it for yourself. It’s really one of those kinds of events. But one that mere words still can not put into place.

<3

View my full gallery:

Edit: I’ve found a few more pics to share, and also I’ll post other places that are blogging about the evening!

The view of the park from the 11th floor of The Residence Inn.
Photo Credit: Shelley Groh

One of my favorite photobooth pics of the night!

Best Table Leaders ever!

Even the Hubby had a great time!

BFF’s!

See all Framester Photos Here

Check out more views and pictures here!:

Small Girl Adventures

Eggplant to Go

513Eats

Jenny K

Jens G Rosenkrantz

Beware of Zombies

For those that haven’t heard, another electronic road sign in Kentucky was hacked in Lexington, this time for the Harry Potter Premier.

Personally I think this shit is hilarious!!! As long as no one is getting hurt or you’re taking off an important message. Like a few weeks ago heading into Cincinnati Motorists were greeted by Zombies Ahead!

This sign merely warned motorists of Nightly Lane Closures, which really was no significance at 7am. And from the comments around the article, motorists got a good chuckle and it brightened their dreary Thursday morning just a little bit.

I had actually stumbled upon a blog post about 3 months back that I had saved to reblog, and now is as perfect time as any. It actually spells out how incredibly easy it is to hack these.

*I DID NOT TAKE THESE, NOR ATTEMPT IT AND I IN KNOW WAY CONDONE THIS! Just wanted to put the information out there that is not exactly.. lets say.. idiot proof….*

http://ohmyshit.com/2010/11/20/how-to-hack-an-electronic-road-sign/
Again, if their lighthearted and not posing any real threat, I think their great! I mean how many people really pay attention to these things? I had at least 3 people on my twitter stream that drove by that sign that morning, with the “Zombies Ahead” on it and they didn’t even notice it. I think Kentucky needs to have a laugh with the rest of us and enjoy it for the fun light heartedness it was meant to be taken as.

Dinosaurs Alive half preview #1

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We were met at Kings Island On Thursday with a storm wanting to roll in and dump its vengeance… Being the regulars we are, we didn’t let a few rain drops stop us. We went in and enjoyed the bumper cars and a few rounds on the carousel before the rain let up enough for us to walk to Boo Blasters and then get over to Diamondbacks shelter before it dumped again. After that it was beautiful non-wet sailing

At least the rain gave me a little bit of rainbow happyness over Diamondback

We had actually ventured to the park today for the sole purpose of checking out their new Dinosaurs Alive exhibit, but the rain hindered it opening by the time we got there. We found out at 8pm (after the park lines were closed) that if you had bought a ticket, they were still honoring them, and were letting you go through (kudos +1 KI!) If I had known that I would have gone to the little automated ticket kiosk and gotten one earlier when it was closed So you’re just getting a taste of what it looks like from the outside. Which is still kinda neat. They went a little all out for it. I’m hoping it will still be worth the $5.

I feel the podium actually ties in with this pretty well

Don't let him smell your fear....

Pretty sidewalk

Now the actual walking into the attraction could use some work… or maybe we just need to give it some time for the wood to wear down and actually look more blended in….

The first glimpse right before you go under the racer...

Pretty boring looking entrance

I wish I was kidding, but this thing sounds like a freakin sheep!

*rawr*

The sign just cracks me up!!

Day 30 of 30 Days in Photos

Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss

My Rugby Girls

Krazies...

Nice Normal friends....

... and then the little more normal side

<3

I miss the time I lived in England, and need to get back to visit ASAP. I still talk to a lot of the Brits and Amerians alike, altho I feel we really need to get together and have another camping trip A bunch of complete strangers, thrown together, and yet the closest group of people ever.

And now that thats done (and yes I know it took more than 30 “days”) But between work and computer problems, and road trips, and my ADD I just got sidetracked ). I was going to give up on (like all those times theres like a week between posts) but I always give up on things and this shouldn’t have been that hard, and thats why you got all flippin 30… in like 3 months

I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog

Day 29 of 30 Days in Photos

Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile

This is from my friend Meg’s wedding. We had such a blast being stupid and crazy up until the whole process, ok including the wedding. I love the guys for the most part “attempt” at photobombing. It just cracks me up

Day 28 of 30 Days in Photos

Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of

Since I can’t post a real picture of them… *shudders* I’m going to post some from a far superiorly awesome blogger, Allie

True Story….

Day 27 of 30 Days in Photos

Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member

Ok so this photo is kind of a family tradition. This is the most recent one of us tho. There’s 9.5 years between me and my youngest brother (the insanely tall one that for some odd reason we make the ‘H’ lol) And we’re pretty awesome I would do anything for these guys, and we’ve always got each others backs. That and the one on the end is now military trained to blow shit up… so I think we’re good

Day 26 of 30 Days in Photos

Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you

Gonna be lame here… so deal lol

 

Mainly because in the crap ass relationships I’ve been in (not all of them were bad, I did have some great ones as well!) I didn’t think I would ever have that. Not because i was on a search for a soulmate or anything like that. I have one of those. He’s gay But… I’m a total commitmentphobe. Doesn’t make the whole idea of marriage really seem plausible ya know? But yeah, I’ve made myself step back, and really look out for myself (and was on a mission to make myself stay single for awhile) and it all just kinda fell in my lap ya know?

So thats my story and I’m stickin to it