Night at the Sensorium: November 2014

The open studio event at the perfumery was deemed Night at the Sensorium due to the abundant sensory delights happening all at one time.

First on the tarmac was Greg's multi media presentation at Mitchells Books, just down the hall from me in the Atrium. He presented 30 years of his art career in 30 minutes with a multi-media presentation followed by a book signing.

Just outside the perfume space, within the atrium, we set up a few tables. One for the cheese, fruit, crackers and our local honey and on the other we had two glass beverage dispensers, one with a special Vermouth rosso with ginger and orange and another with sage water. Off the to side I placed a small spray bottle of Helichrysum hydrosol for spritzing onto the water. The bountiful spread was provided by Gina of Blue Table, which is conveniently located here within the atrium.

Meanwhile, off to the other side door the enchanting Julie Mondin mesmerized everyone with melodies from her glorious concert harp.

Inside the perfumery I stood in back of the glass case answering questions as the attendees inhaled the long row of illuminated perfumes displayed in glass domes.

The garden gate to the apothecary remained closed although easy to view the space within. On the other side, where the teaching and consultorium is located, we placed one of the beautiful, velvety chairs on  top of the violet table with a sign about the Fan Funding.

There was also a platter of fresh lavender obtained from the farmers market that morning and the three new, yet to be released fragrances: Mellifera, Fleurish and Figure 5: Bois.

The event was meant to go from 7:00pm until 9:00pm but lingered on until 12pm! Attendees included a wide range of friends, family, patrons and curious folk who happened to be at the Whizin Market Square that night.

Thank you to all who made it out! We plan to do these events more often and now have a much better idea what to expect and how to orchestrate something of this caliber. For those who missed this event consider visiting on December 13th from 10am to 6pm when the entire Whizin Market Square will be participating in a collective event featuring food, wine, roasted chestnuts, hot cider, entertainment and more!

The photos posted here are from a variety of sources including Ben Neuhart (circle images), Barbara Mitchell, Chiara and Brad Weinman (portrait in front of the display case), Lindsay Turner, Ashley Hackett and a few shots by me.

Movie Monday: Violette

With the perfumery fairly complete and the opening done Greg and I decided to take a movie break last night. We choose the film Violette based on the words: poet, Simone de Beauvoir & french. If I had known that the lead character evokes, as the NPR review states "Exasperating Self-Pity" I probably would have passed.

What drew me in and kept me watching was the beautiful eye candy created from the lighting and costume design, the actors were exceptional as well.

Although I have a copy of Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir, I have yet to read it. After seeing this film and how Simone championed other writers I am going to pull it down from the shelf and begin reading it this week.

"Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference." 

— Stephen King

In searching for material on Anais Nin's role in the women's movement with relation to Simone de Beauvoir I discovered a book that seems like a good fit for fellow females, it's called Hell Hath No Fury: Women’s Letters from the End of the Affair (public library) by Anna Holmes, you can read about it here at BrainPickings.

Open Studio Night is Here!

Join us in celebrating a series of openings November 15 at the Whizin Market Square, 28914 Roadside Dr. Agoura Hills, 91301

1. 6:00-7:00 Mitchells Bookshop Atrium #214 

Book signing and multi-media presentation on the career of visual artist Greg Spalenka. Experience thirty years of his career 

in thirty minutes as well as the hot off the press, "The Art of Greg Spalenka."

2.  7:00-9:00 Roxana Illuminated Perfumer OPEN STUDIO Atrium #219

Come celebrate Roxana's new studio with wine, cheese and raw woodland honey. Experience exclusive new botanical fragrances while listening to melodies on the harp with Julie Mondin. Enjoy this sensorium devoted to the olfactory arts and learn first hand about the natural beauty of the scents of nature. 

3. 7:00-9:00  Chandeliers & Tulips

Opening reception for group show, "An Urban Event" 

including the work of beautifully framed limited edition giclees by Greg Spalenka. This unique space is filled with sophisticated design, style, & fashion. 

Parking is plentiful with lots of great places to eat within the atrium.