The Rickie Report is excited to share so many events and activities that are available here in Palm Beach County!  Family-friendly arts and cultural activities are abundant!  No need to hear “I’m bored” anymore!

 Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

invites you to experience

family-friendly arts

cultural activities,

venues and

locales

Right Here –  In Florida’s Cultural Capital^®

Explore hundreds of family-fun things to do online at http://artscalendar.com/thepalmbeaches

The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County invites visitors to enjoy a fun variety of family-friendly activities, venues and locales taking place all over the county and discover why it’s called, Florida’s Cultural Capital^®! With a colorful and diverse array of arts and cultural activities, offerings and fun, there’s sure to be something for families of varying age, taste, and budget. Check out happening events on tap, visit websites, and even purchase tickets by visiting: http://artscalendar.com/thepalmbeaches.

It’s all about `Outdoor Florida’ on the South end of Palm Beach County at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Nestled along AIA in Boca Raton, this venue offers visitors an expansive outdoor nature center with its Sea Turtle Garden, container garden of herbs and local flora, gopher tortoise exhibit and a butterfly nursery. Nature Craft for Father’s Day is planned to take place on June 15; 11 a.m. – Noon; ages 7 – 12; RSVP (561) 544-8615.

Enjoy live theater by taking the family for a “peek” ‘under the sea’ through the eyes of the Sol Children Theatre Troup’s musical play adaptation of Disney’s Broadway production, The Little Mermaid, Jr. July 4–5, Olympic Heights Performing Arts Theater, in Boca Raton; 561.447.8829.

Just north of Boca Raton in the heart of Downtown Delray Beach, visitors will find the charming and whimsical Puppetry Arts Center of the Palm Beaches. Robin Hood, by Master Puppeteer Jerry Bickel with the Bits ‘N Pieces Marionettes takes the stage 10:30 a.m., May 16, 17; and 2 p.m., May 18;

A short walk from the Puppetry Arts Center finds Arts Garage, home of jazz, blues, big band, live theatre, comedy and more! Dance in your seats to the popular family musical, “Footloose,” May 16 – May 19; table reservations available; show times vary. 561-450-6357, orinfo@artsgarage.org.

On the western end of Delray Beach visitors can experience the magical and serene setting of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This year, its annual Sushi and Stroll event offers several dates and themes to enjoy. On June 7, from 5:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m. `Sip while you stroll’ at the Morikami’s Sip & Stroll: An All-About-Sake Evening event. Enjoy a unique selection of sake and menu items from the Cornell Café and learn all about the appeal of this age-old Japanese spirit. www.morikami.org.

Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy a visit to the Sandoway House Nature Center, found along AIA in northern Delray Beach.  Sandoway is home to the largest private collection of shells in southeast Florida with 10,000 museum quality shells on display.  Shark feeding anyone? Plan to arrive at 1:30 p.m. sharp, Tuesday through Sunday, to participate in this thrilling local favorite. If getting your toes in the sand is more your thing, sign up for its May 25 Beach Walk, taking place from 11 a.m. – noon. www.sandowayhouse.org.

For those who like to shop until they drop, explore artsy and trendy Lake Avenue in Downtown Lake Worth. At the corner of Lake and L Street, visitors will not want to miss stopping in at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County to find over 1200 artist-created items for sale in its Uniquely Palm Beach Store. While there, check out its exhibitions by Palm Beach County artists: Artist as Author through May 18; and, County Contemporary: All Media Juried Show – June 14 – Sept. 7.  In the Cultural Council’s Cultural Information Center, take advantage of utilizing its interactive, touch-screen Explore Board to peruse arts and cultural venues; pick up brochures, event calendars, maps, the Winter issue ofart&culture magazine, and fill your day book or extended stay itinerary with destination stops sure to fulfill your quest for exciting arts and cultural happenings fun for the entire family – found all over the county. www.PalmBeachCulture.com

Just north of Lake Worth, in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County’s world class community youth choir, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, presents “Ubuntu”, a special 10th Anniversary performance at the Annual Spring Concert on May 19. This award winning community chorus featuring 350 of the area’s top, talented youth voices; 7 p.m.; 561-832-SHOW; 1-800-KRAVIS-1.

A constant nearby draw for visitors of all ages is the Palm Beach Zoo, with exciting and educational encounters available to help you get to know some of the county’s resident animals. Daily Keeper Talks and `informative feeding and enrichment’ events give visitors an up close and personal look into topics like: What makes tigers so “chuffed” (happy); how alligators and pelicans eat; and what monkeys like to do when they, `monkey around.’ Open   9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily; www.palmbeachzoo.org.

Archelon, part of the “Savage Ancient Seas” Exhibit at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

Hop across the street to see what’s new at the newly-expanded South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, formerly known as the South Florida Science Museum. Celebrate with fun, interactive science 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on June 7 – “Community Opening Day.” Admission is Free. Experience the first blockbuster exhibit to fill the newly open exhibit hall, Savage Ancient Seas: Dinosaurs of the Deep.  Kids and adults alike will gasp in awe at Archelon, a  17-foot-wide sea turtle.  Archelon will be on display as part of the Museum’s newest traveling exhibit – Savage Ancient Seas: The Ancient Aquatic Deep -  opening to the public on Friday, May 17.   www.sfsm.org.

Have a budding artist in the family?  Every first Saturday of each month The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach offers, `Art on the go!’ ages Kindergarten to 5^th Grade. These art workshops are designed just for kids. Dates vary; RSVP:  www.armoryart.org

It’s well-known that the acclaimed Norton Museum of Art, in Downtown West Palm Beach, has permanent collections and exhibitions of masterpiece works of art year-round, but did you know it also offers family-friendly hands-on activities for kids of all ages?  On June 20, the museum invites guests to Be a LEGO® Architect. Begin in the classroom and learn about types of buildings. Next, participants draw designs and take plans to the LEGO® building activity area to construct it in 3-D on a special city map. Are you a Florida Resident planning a staycation? The Norton offers free admission for Florida residents in June, July and August and free admission to Palm Beach County residents every Saturday from June 1 – Aug. 3. www.norton.org.

Nearby along the intracoastal waterway finds the serene and tranquil Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. Gain rare insight into the life’s work of American Sculptor Ann Weaver Norton by exploring Ann’s studio, gardens, and historic home. The vast, meticulously landscaped property is adorned with Ann’s monumental sculptures. Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wed. through Sunday; closed in August. www.ansg.org.

A natural, outdoor setting that invites guests to set their own pace and explore nearly three acres of striking sculpture and native landscape is the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach. The gardens are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is no charge for admission. To learn more, visit www.fourarts.org/gardens.

North Palm Beach is home to the beautiful, tucked away John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Learn about the park’s ecosystems and history with an array of events. Enjoy a Butterfly Walk on May 25; 11 – Noon; Daily nature Walks at 10 a.m.; Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Free with Park admission. Guided two-hour Kayak tours occur daily at high tide; Turtle Walks, May 28 – July 19 with RSVP required; 8 p.m. – 11 p.m., or later, depending on the turtles. 561.624.6952.

North on U.S. 1 is Juno Beach’s Loggerhead MarineLife Center, filled with nature-based exhibitions to explore, and a state-of-the-art turtle rehabilitation center.  Each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. children under 5 can bring their own “hatchlings” to share and enjoy ocean-inspired stories, crafts, and more with Hatchling Tales story time. Enjoy books, music, and group activities-Free; Celebrate World Oceans Day at Loggerhead on June 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to honor the body of water which links us all and to learn ways we can all generate awareness about conserving and protecting our world’s oceans- Free. www.marinelife.org.

Participating cultural and arts organizations say, `Welcome to Palm Beach County” – where Culture has found its place in the sun®. For a wide preview of family fun events and other arts and cultural offerings in Palm Beach County, visit the Cultural Council’s Arts Calendar at: http://artscalendar.com/thepalmbeaches

About the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County:  The Cultural Council is Palm Beach County’s official arts agency and serves non-profit cultural organizations and professional artists throughout the county. It’s responsibilities include marketing the county’s cultural experiences to visitors and residents, administering grants to organizations and artists, expanding arts and cultural education opportunities, advocating for funding and arts-friendly policies, and serving cultural organizations and artists through capacity building training and exposure to funders and audiences. For more information, see  www.palmbeachculture.com.  Admission to the Cultural Council is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

May at the Morikami brings a new Ghosts, Goblins, and Gods Exhibit; Family Fun Programs and Popular Sushi and Stroll Summer Walk Series

Not only is it the perfect time of year to visit the Morikami’s gardens, but there’s also plenty to do while you’re here! Join us for a special Japanese family-fun fish printing workshop, popular Sushi and Stroll Summer Walk Series and a new exhibit, Ghosts, Goblins, and Gods: The Supernatural in Japanese Art. Check out what the rest of the month has to offer below.

Tuesday, May 1, 8 15 & 22, 2012

Ikenobo Ikebana Flower Arrangement

    Time: 1 – 3 p.m.    Cost: $70 (Members $60) + Flower fee of $60 for all 4 weeks, payable to the instructor. Advance registration required.    Location: Oki Education Center, 4-week session

The Ikenobo Ikebana School is the oldest in Japan. Using fresh flowers, students are taught traditional flower arrangement according to the Ikenobo discipline.

Thursday,May 10, 17,  24 & 31, 2012

Sumi-e Ink Painting Floral

                                Time:10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.    Cost:$60 (Members $55). Advance registration required.

Location: Oki Education Center Studio, 4-week session

Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means, “charcoal drawing” in Japanese.  Students learn to grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone. They will also learn how to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes.  The course begins with a review of basic techniques and then students are guided as they create paintings of floral subjects.

Thursday,May 10, 17, 24 & 31,  2012

Sumi-e Ink Painting Landscape      

Time:1:30 – 3:30 p.m.      Cost:$60 (Members $55). Advance registration required.

Location: Oki Education Center Studio, 4-week session

Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means, “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students learn to grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn how to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brush strokes.   The course begins with a review of basic techniques and then students are guided as they create paintings of landscapes.

Saturday,May 5, 2012

Family Fun Workshop Series: Japanese Fish Printing     

 Time: 11:30a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1 – 2 p.m.

Cost: $10(With paid admission to the museum. Must register with one parent/guardian and child. No individual registrations. Each additional child $5.) Advance registration required.    Location: Classroom A

Come and enjoy Children’s Day at the Morikami, a Japanese holiday celebrated on May 5th. Make traditional prints using real fish!  The Japanese used to make prints offish to document their amazing catch that day, similar to us taking snap shots with our prize catch!

Through Sunday, May 6, 2012

Old Techniques, New Interpretations: Japanese Prints

from the Paul and Christine Meehan Collection

Time: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.            Cost: Free with paid admission     Location:Gallery

In the early 20th century, Japanese woodblock print making experienced a revival with the development of shin hanga, the “modern print” movement, and sōsakuhanga, the “creative print” movement.   While shin hanga attempted to revive the techniques and subject matter of the centuries-old ukiyo-e tradition, which had reached its apogee in the 18th and 19th centuries, sōsakuhanga reacted against it.   The vibrant prints of beautiful women and picturesque landscapes of ukiyo-e and, later, shin hanga were the enterprise of a guild, carried out by several different craftsmen that included the designer-artist, wood-carver, colorist, printer and publisher.  In contrast, sōsaku hanga artists controlled every aspect of their work from designing the image and carving the block, to inking and printing the paper. In comparison, their compositions were also much more expressive and abstract.

In the early 1950s, sōsaku hanga artists began producing works that reflected a more contemporary view of the world, resulting in a postwar print revival that looked with great intellectual introspection at contemporary Western art ― a blending of East and West.   Throughout the decades, these artists experimented with different materials and printmaking techniques, producing highly conceptual prints that gave a definitive nod to contemporary developments in European and American painting, from the abstract aesthetics of Wassily Kandinsky (1866 –1944) to the expressionist drip paintings of Jackson Pollock (1912 – 1956). The exhibition at the Morikami Museum features more than 60 prints that celebrate over 40 years of sosaku hanga masters from Kiyoshi Saitō (1907 – 1997) to Toko Shinoda (b. 1913), among many others.

Through, May 6, 2012

Mariko Kusumoto: Unfolding Stories

Time: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.      Cost: Free with paid admission     Location:Gallery

Japanese artist Mariko Kusumoto transforms extraordinary metal sculptures and a variety of found objects and intricate ephemera into music boxes, clocks and other constructions with multiple doors, compartments, drawers and moving parts.  Hermeticulous, hand-crafted sculptural vignettes, comprising a mélange of objects, present a wide range of whimsical, often surrealist, scenes reminiscent of various places and times, from 1850s Boston to 1950s Tokyo.   Her work incorporates a variety of metal-smithing techniques, etching, enameling and casting. With each box sculpture, Kusumoto presents a magical world of astounding detail and artistry.  The exhibition was organized by Mobilia Gallery in Cambridge, Mass.

Both exhibits were funded in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Sushi & Stroll Summer Walk Series

Time: 5:30 –8:30 p.m.

Cost: $7 adults, $5 children. (Members and children 3 and under are free); $2 for taiko performance (optional)

Summer nights in South Florida are something special, especially when they are augmented with taiko drums and a cultural backdrop that can’t be beat!  Add a cold drink, a breathtaking sunset and a walking path through a tranquil garden, and you’ve got Sushi & Stroll Summer Walks!  Stroll the gardens at your own pace and take advantage of our self-guided audio tour. Excite your palate with something delicious from our own Cornell Café, indulge in some shopping at the Museum Store or tantalize your senses with a drumming performance by Fushu Daiko.

Sunday,May 13, 2012

Family Fun Programs: Mother’s Day Craft

Time: 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.   Cost: Free with paid admission     Location:Lobby

Celebrate your mother by creating a special origami card for her.

Sunday,May 13 & 20, 2012

Sado-Omote Senke Tea Ceremony Class

Time: 11 a.m.– 12 p.m. (Individual appointments begin at 10:15 a.m.)

Cost: $45 (Members $40). Advance registration required. Please contact 561-495-0233,ext. 210, or email mmtours@pbcgov.org.    Location: Seishin-an Tea House

The class affords a unique opportunity to study the traditional art of sado, The Way of Tea.  Attending a Tea Ceremony Workshop (offered in November, January and March) is required for those who have never taken a Tea Ceremony Class, but wish to start studying sado.

Wednesday,May 16, 23 & 30, 2012

Sogetsu Ikebana Flower Arrangement

Time: 1:30 –3:30 p.m.

Cost: $52.50(Members $45) + Flower fee of $30 total for the 3 weeks payable to the instructor. Advance registration required. Location: Oki Education Center, 3-week session.

Using fresh flowers, students are taught contemporary Japanese flower arrangement according to the Sogetsu School. This class is for advanced students. Beginners are recommended to register for our Sogetsu introductory courses.

Saturday,May 19, 2012

Demonstrations of Sado, the Way of Tea

Time: 12p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.     Cost: $5 (with paid museum admission). Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Please call 561-495-0233, ext. 210.   Location: Seishin-anTea House

Experience sado in the tranquil setting of the Seishin-an, the Morikami’s authentic teahouse.  Observe Japanese sado by the Omote Senke tea group, an ever-changing tea ceremony demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties.  Involvement in the true spirit of sado harmony (wa), reverence (kei),purity (sei) and tranquility (jaku), along with a sip of green tea and a sweet,will help bring a calm perspective into one’s busy life.

May 22 –Sept. 16, 2012

Ghosts, Goblins, and Gods: The Supernatural in Japanese Art

The most fundamental tenet of Japan’s native religion Shintō is the belief that spirits or gods called “kami”  inhabit the natural world.  Rocks, mountains, trees, rivers, and lakes, are all thought to house kami.  Some are regarded as benevolent guardian spirits, while others are considered harmful tricksters that deceive humans and cajole them into foolish and reckless behavior.

Ghosts, Goblins, and Gods comprises an array of paintings, prints, sculptural figures, masks, and other objects depicting other-worldly beings.  Among the mythical tricksters are tengu,half-man, half-bird forest creatures said to abduct children, and magical foxes and badgers that transform themselves into human form.  The exhibition also features representations of the Japanese gods of good fortune, wisdom, and long life, including Ebisu, the god of fishermen, Daikoku, the god of agriculture, Fukurokuju, the god of wisdom and long life, Hotei,the god of happiness, and his feminine equivalent Okame, the plump-cheeked cheerful goddess of mirth.  The exhibit would not be complete without including some fuzzy goblins from the popular Pokemon series, which have contributed to making monsters a popular theme in Japanese culture today!

Through May 31, 2012

Post-Tsunami Artwork by Japanese Students

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will showcase artwork created by Japanese elementary school students in the aftermath of the deadly March 2011 tsunami.  Compiled from six schools in Japan’s Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, the exhibit will be on display in the Morikami’s Yamato-kan and feature paintings based on three themes: Appreciation of World Friendship, My Life 10 Years from Now and What I Want to Do in the Future.   The paintings were originally part of an exhibition displayed in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan, in October 2011.  The Japanese Foreign Ministry sent sets of 80 paintings to Japanese consulates worldwide.  Paintings on display at the Morikami are currently on loan from the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami.

* For more information, including materials needed for each class, please visit www.morikami.org.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977.   The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida’s heritage and its connection with Japan, explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening.  Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive Museum Store. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is open 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida.  For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Morikami MuseumExhibits Paintings Created by Japanese Students in Tsunami’s Aftermath

Exhibit runsthrough May 31, 2012

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will showcase artwork created by Japanese elementary school students in the aftermath of the deadly March 2011 tsunami.  Compiled from six schools in Japan’s Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, the exhibit will run through May 31, 2012.

On display in the Morikami’s Yamato-kan, the exhibit features paintings based on three themes: Appreciation of World Friendship, My Life 10 Years from Now and What I Want to Do in the Future. The paintings were originally part of an exhibition displayed in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan, in October 2011.  The Japanese Foreign Ministry sent sets of 80 paintings to Japanese consulates worldwide.  Paintings on display at the Morikami are currently on loan from the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami.

The exhibit is free with paid museum admission: adults, $13; seniors (age 65 andover), $12; children (6-17), $8; students, $8; free for Morikami members and children under 5.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977. The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida’s heritage and its connection with Japan, explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening.  Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events,bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive Museum Store. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida.  For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events,visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233

For coverage of your events or to place an advertisement, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291

Morikami Museum

and

 Japanese Gardens

Presents

 33rd Annual Hatsume Fair

Celebrating the first bud of spring, the 33rd annual Hatsume Fair will transform the normally tranquil Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens into an exciting Japanese springtime festival March 17-18, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The festival will feature four stages of continuous entertainment where guests can experience traditional favorites, such as thundering taiko drumming by Fushu Daiko and Ronin Taiko, demonstrations of martial artists and the popular anime-inspired cosplay contests.  Plus, for the first time ever at Hatsume, there will be a performance by celebrity DJ HeavyGrinder.

Also included will be avenues of artisan booths, anime dealers, bonsai and plant sales, Asian and American food vendors, the Kirin Beer Garden, sake station, garden talks and children’s activities. Visitors can enjoy various ways to discover Japan through presentations such as “Wacky Japanese Snacks” and Para Para by Florida International University’s Japan Club.

“At our annual Hatsume Fair, we introduce visitors to everything fun and entertaining about Japan while maintaining a connection to tradition,” said Kizzy Sanchez Sherven, director of marketing and events at the Morikami. “We are truly bringing Japanese culture to life.”

Tickets for Hatsume Fair are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-17 and FREE for museum members and children 3 and under. Discounted tickets are offered online, in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.morikami.org/hatsume.

Hatsume Fair 2012 is sponsored by The Palm Beach Post and Kirin.  HatsumeFair Saturday & Sunday, March 17 & 18, 2012  11:00 am– 6:00pm

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977.  The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida’s heritage and its connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening.  Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive museum store.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tuesday through Sunday.  The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events,visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.

For coverage of your events, listing of announcements in our events section, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291