Open House Recap (Purchase College Continuing Education)

Special Thanks to everyone for attending last night’s open house. The night really belonged to the instructors for showing up and meeting with prospective students in spite of the frigid February weather. It was especially great to see all of the new faces who will be teaching this spring, as well as all of the returning instructors we’ve all come to know and love. Despite the fact that we got off to a slow start, we all managed to come together and have some fun while spreading the word about our spring programs. The highlight of the night would definitely have to be Thomas Baird, who conducted demonstrations of the Alexander Technique, which was quit unexpected, but a thrill to watch none the less.

Thomas Baird demonstrates the Alexander Technique at our Open House

I know this semester promises to be an exceptional one with our newest certificate program, Social Media Marketing, and our latest addition to our list of personal enrichment courses, Introduction to the Alexander Technique and Painting-Developing Personal Vision and Style. With the open house over, and the start of classes only a few weeks away, I can’t help but feel excited about the start of the new semester.

-Queennett Williams

POETRY CORNER WITH RACHEL SIMON AT THE PURCHASE COLLEGE WRITER’S COLLECTIVE

RACHEL SIMON

Good Government

After 27 years of adequate hearing aids and a shake of lip-reading,

Ohio bought state-of-the-art aids for Sweets and she hears her first banana peel.

The noisy revelation emptied her crisper, which sounded plastic,

more funky.  To open produce aloud, unsung.

In noisy lives of history and eucalyptus we never think banana peel.

Cinematic tomato squish, quiet cat feet outside the house,

muffled background crashes on the Fisher Price recording of you

singing flat notes to the chronologically appropriate pop song.

I’m trying to capture the skitter and thrum to package for the trip to Cleveland,

learning dog signs for Definitely, to avoid the love-maul for our language barrier.

The degradable city freezes and thaws, thankful to have its homers,

the occasional small point spread, Marginal Road, thick skin of security.

When Sweets throws a silent party in the listening gallery

wear thick socks on deep shag carpet, whiff the hors d’oeuvres, don’t chew.

The Soul Within Woman

Her voice deep ash and aged

throaty backstroke

Years after the wandering uterus

nailed and stapled

I drew a Canadian map

guidebook loaned out

To scrape away the windshield’s ice

thumbtack sculpture

This cave unspelunkable

vocal dreamland

Melodies unmerry indigo plump

curling tumbler

Exact reminders of large mistakes

adoption farce

Padded envelope too large for mailbox

grainy photo

Ample embouchure for hammy carols

private key brace

I have grown remarkably since

Myrtle’s puppet

Post-polio smoking lessons

Saskatoon sky

Big-lipped canyon ladies

– Rachel Simon is teaching a course called Poetry Corner at Purchase College Writers Collective this Spring, starting February 24th.

Here is a link to Rachel Simon’s latest book

Here is a link to a recent book review

Certificate in Interior Design at Purchase College

Purchase College, SUNY, Purchase, NY … This is Paula Baxter touching base with everyone. I’m looking forward to teaching “History of Decorative Arts” this month. I just have to finish my PowerPoints. Now this is a serious business. A survey history of interior design that moves from antiquity to the present merits a lot of images to show. But, I’ve learned through experience that looking at a blizzard of images doesn’t guarantee total recall. What is better is to show the right number of images with visual characteristics and cues that stick in the memory!

And I’m still determined that we’ll have fun in this course. I’m a fervent believer in educational entertainment. You’ll learn why Neoclassicism became the style of choice in revolutionary America, and later in revolutionary France. And I’ll show you the difference between a highboy and a lowboy, and, no, it has nothing to do with cocktails! Did you know that a previous Prince of Wales (with a rocky love life) was responsible for one of the greatest period styles? Or that misogynistic male Modernists helped create the look of our contemporary kitchens?

As if I don’t have enough to do, I’ve also embarked on a book which will be published next year by Schiffer Publishing. It’s my second book for them, the first was Southwest Indian Jewelry (2001). Before that one, I wrote The Encyclopedia of Native American Jewelry (Oryx, 2000). This new venture is to be called Southwestern Indian Rings, and will have around 350 color photographs. Such a work requires travel to the American Southwest, where I’ll be coordinating photography and interviewing Navajo and Pueblo artists. In March, it means attending the Heard Museum Guild Fair and Indian Market, where nearly 700 of the best artists show their works. Book research also calls me to the annual Santa Fe Indian Market in August.

This means, too, that I will be wearing my finest jewelry to class each week. I’ve been a  compulsive, crazed collector of this Indian jewelry since the late 1980s. So every week I’ll wear something different. Such an obsession was what got me into writing about the jewelry, too. I noted early on when I started collecting that there wasn’t all that much written about the subject. As an art librarian and educator, I thought “oh I should do something about this.” And just look at the trouble I’m in now. Don’t worry about me, however. I know exactly how to handle this situation. At these Indian fairs I go early, and spend the first two hours of the show in frantic running from booth to booth. I buy my objects of desire, and then revert to reporter-writer mode. Aren’t you glad I have my priorities straight?

Open House — Purchase College Continuing Education

On Thursday, February 4 from 6:30-8:30pm, we will be hosting our Spring 2010 Open House for our Professional Certificate Programs and Personal Enrichment Courses. Attendants will be able to meet with instructors to discuss our Spring certificate programs and courses, and register for classes, so save the date- February 4.

Location: Purchase College, Student Services Bldg., Room 0129. Park in the W1 parking and follow the signs.

RSVP: conted@purchase.edu or call (914) 251-6500

Click here for more information

The Principals of Color Theory (Purchase College Continuing Education Interior Design Certificate)

Choosing the right colors for a space is one of the most important aspects of interior design. It has the power to make or break the over all look of a room, it can set the mood for any space, and has been said to have an affect on our emotions. With that much importance placed on color, understanding its principals can be a useful tool to anyone utilizing color in their design. This video goes over the basic principals of color theory and how to make use of it when decorating.

Social Media in Plain English (Purchase College Continuing Education, Social Media Marketing Certificate)

Purchase College, Continuing Education, Westchester County, NY …
After teaching Social Media Marketing and Marketing for quite some time, I will admit, this video is still one of my favorites when it comes to introducing students to the concept of Social Media Marketing.

An Introduction to The Alexander Technique with Thomas Baird (Purchase College Continuing Education)

Thomas Baird seen demonstrating the Alexander Technique

Purchase College, Continuing Education, Westchester County, NY …. Can the way you sit and walk affect tension in your body? According to the Alexander Technique it can. I know what you’re probably asking yourself, who is this Alexander person, and why does he have his own technique? Luckily I was able to speak with Thomas Baird, the instructor of our new spring course, Introduction to the Alexander Technique, and he was able to answer all these questions and more about this innovative approach to wellbeing.

The Alexander Technique is all about movement, something Thomas Baird has plenty of experience in. As an accomplished dancer and choreographer, he has spent years master the art of movement through Baroque dance.  He was first introduced to the Alexander Technique after suffering a dance injury, but with help from the technique he was able to successfully recover, and even now he still continues to dance at a time when most dancers his age would have called it quits. So what exactly is the Alexander technique, you ask. The Alexander Technique is an educational tool used to instruct individuals on how to become more aware of their body movements, and how to improve on its overall use. Some of the benefits of the technique include improved posture, coordination, and balance, reduced tension and stress, and improved physical performance.

The Alexander Technique can be used by anyone, and is suitable for all age groups. Thomas notes that he has taught the Technique to everyone from singer and actors, to those recovering from injuries. He even incorporates element of the technique into his Movement Styles class, which he teaches to opera students, at the Purchase College Conservatory of Music. The Alexander Technique is said to be particularly beneficial to artist and performers. With that being said it is no surprise that the Technique was developed by a performer. Frederick Matthias Alexander, the creator of the technique, was an actor who through his own research was able to create a method of movement control to cure the lose of his voice, after being unable to medically treat his ailment.

One key principal of the Alexander Technique Thomas suggest we can all incorporate into our lives is awareness, just being aware of what we are doing with our body when we are sitting or standing is an important part of understanding how we can improve our body movements. When asked what motto or advice he lives by he said, “with awareness comes choice, with choice comes change” which falls perfectly in line with the teachings of the Alexander Technique.

-Queennett Williams

New Year Pilates (Purchase College Continuing Education, Certificate in Pilates)

Purchase College, SUNY, Continuing Education…

So it’s the first week of 2010 and you have yet to set your New Years resolutions. That’s okay, don’t sweat it. It’s probably the same thing every year: quit drinking, quit smoking, get out of debt, get organized, pick up a hobby, lose weight. Why not start something new THIS year and try Pilates? Commit to something worthwhile that’ll make you feel good about yourself and get results in time to show off your hot new body for the summer!? The man himself, Joseph Pilates says, “If you will faithfully perform your contrology [Pilates] exercises regularly only four times a week for just three months…you will find your body development approaching the ideal, accompanied by renewed mental vigor and spiritual enhancement.” Sounds like a good deal.

So, lets get started. Personally, I like to sign up for Pilates classes rather then learn from DVD’s or books but to each his own. Going to a class provides extra guidance and an motivational environment but DVD’s and books provides you the convenience of practicing on your own time in your own space.

Check out this link that will guide you to a list of DVD’s that can help you get started right now: Top Ten Pilates DVDs.

Here is a list of the top Pilates classes YOU can join:

New York City

*Pilates On Fifth

*Grasshopper Pilates Downtown

*DLFIT PILATES & WELLNESS STUDIO

*Pilates at the Ultimate Body Studio

*Crunch Gym

*Volar Pilates

*Bent Pilates Studio

*Mind Your Body Pilates and Gyrotonic

Westchester

*Fiore Pilates

*Pilates Connection

*Pilates Center of Westchester

*Center for Movement

*Freedom Road Pilates

None of these studios work out for you? No worries, click here if you want to search for a Pilates Studio near you!

If your feeling lucky, why not go for the extra mile and sign up for the SUNY Purchase Certification Program in Pilates? Spread the joy!

-Michelle Jun

Making a Difference One Story at a Time (Purchase College Continuing Education Working in the Digital World Workshop)

Image provided courtesy of Vision Project

I recently became aware of Witness magazine through the Working in the Digital World  certificate and workshop series. Witness is an online magazine produced by Vision Project, a nonprofit organization which focuses on the development and growth of individuals in the field of photography, journalism, and the multimedia arts. Each issue of the online magazine highlights a specific story in need of attention. In its latest issue, Witness covers the topic of coal production in the U.S., and its effect on the health of miners in a West Virginia community. The magazine features contributions from Vision Project staff members, as well as independent photographers and journalist, and currently has 13 issues available for view online. To view the latest issue, Coal’s Consequences, visit www.visionproject.org/magazine.

Click here for more information on the Working in the Digital World Workshop series.

-Queennett Williams

My Favorite Westchester Photographers (Purchase College Continuing Ecucation, Working in the Digital World Certificate)

Purchase College, SUNY, Continuing Education …

Its time to get to know your neighbors. Here in Westchester County we are extremely lucky to have an abundance of amazingly talented photographers to suit all of our creative needs. Whether you are looking for sassy new headshots or someone to capture that perfect moment when you and your spouse say “I do,” here’s a list to get you started on your search for the best shooter.

A Few of Westchester’s Finest Photographers:

Kit Kittle

Kit has shot everyone from Fidel Castro to Vanessa Williams. Amazing travel shots and photojournalism! A very creative and versatile photographer who could cover any subject perfectly. I want to be like her when I grow up..  I guess that’s now… I better get on this.

Hammond Photo Design

Captures the most beautiful portraits of children. Really understands the model and is able to get the perfect shot with incredible focus and composition.

Parris Whittingham

Great wedding photographer! I love the black and white engagement shots! Great website that really shows the extent at which Paris gets the right shots at events. Fairly traditional photography with a creative flair that makes Paris a truly outstanding artist.

Dave Blake Photography

I’m in love with Dave’s sometimes hilarious portraits of couples! If you want a photographer to really “get you,” this is your man.

Liz Steger

Absolutely adorable photos of children and babies. If I had one (thank goodness I dont yet) but if I did, I would hire Liz to catch a timeless photo of my sweetheart. Also very reasonably priced.

Olga Levchenko

Very professional commercial photographer. Great if you are a business looking for promotional work or a model looking for very snazzy shots.

Aida Krgin

Definitely a favorite of mine in the wedding photo world. I highly recommend checking out her puppy love portraits, it will make you want to head to your shelter to pick up a pup of your own, or maybe your yard to go get yours for her to photograph! She also has a great blog which I spent way to long on that you should look at.

Susan Farley

Susan’s portraits tell a story of love and adoration. I personally love and adore her couple pictures… whoa I must be in a sappy mood since I keep landing on the “Lovey Dovey” portfolios of these photographers, or maybe these photogs just happen to get the cutest shots ever.

If you’re suddenly inspired by these talented photographers next door and want to learn how to talk their talk, then check out the great workshops Purchase College is offering this Spring! Please click here for more information about the Purchase College Certificate in Working In The Digital World

Join the shooting squad and sign up now to get started snapping away!

-Jessica Lehrman