Fall Classes at El Pequeno Artista (discounts mentioned!)

El Pequeno Artista, on 20th Street and 5th Avenue, has some excellent opportunities for the little ones this Fall.

The most exciting thing (in my decidedly biased opinion) is the Spanish Immersion Montessori Pre-School offered from 9-Noon Monday through Friday. Part-time is also available. I happen to know that the teacher is pretty darn amazing. She is from Mexico and is trained and certified in Montessori style and techniques.

There are also lots of other classes available for children ages 2 1/2 to 7 including cooking, ballet, movement, Spanish immersion, percussion, and music. Check it out: El Pequeno Artista.

from the EPA email:

Hello all!

I hope you and the little ones have had a lovely summer!

Below you'll find the Fall Schedule. To register, you MUST contact us first to reserve/keep your spot. We take cash, checks and credit cards and we'll guide you through payment once you have confirmed availability with us.

NEW FAMILIES:
For new families who've never tried our programs, we'll be offering a week of free trial classes between Sept. 14th through 19th, and will send an announcement with that schedule (not necessarily the same as the one below) in a week or so. Please wait until you receive the announcement to reserve a spot (reservations are required).

RETURNING FAMILIES:
If you pay by Sept. 4 you get $15 off the regular price. After that you pay the regular price, unless you really put it off, and then there are late fees (the horror!). Either way, you MUST pay in advance to keep your spot!

NEW!

FREE Pick up from local schools: PS 10, PS 107, PS 295 at 3pm.
AND... if your child attends one of these schools and registers in any El Pequeno Artista workshop,
you'll get a 20% off your fall tuition!!!

SCHEDULE FALL 2009:


MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL IN SPANISH
Monday to Friday 9 to 12 pm


MUSICA PARA MI (associate program - please contact directly)
Monday 2 pm


SPANISH IMMERSION
4 to 6 yrs.
Monday 3:30 pm


SPANISH IMMERSION
5 1/2 to 7 yrs.
Monday 4:30 pm


PERCUSSION
4 yrs. and up
Tuesday 4 pm


COOKING
3 1/2 to 6 yrs.
Wednesday 4 pm


BALLET
3 to 5 yrs.
Thursday 3:30 pm


MOVE IT
2 to 4 yrs.
Saturday 11:20 am


BALLET
4 1/2 to 7 yrs.
Saturday 12:30 pm

El Pequeno Artista Open House for Pre-School in Spanish

This is tonight, and the RSVP was for July 5th, but if you're still looking for a preschool, it couldn't hurt to give El Pequeno Artista a call.

El Pequeno Artista will have an open house for parents interested in our Montessori Preschool in Spanish starting this fall - possibly the first one in all of NYC!

Come and hear an overview of the program, meet the director and head teacher, and ask questions, etc. You will also have a chance to register then, if you haven't yet.

Please RSVP to elpequenoartista@gmail.com by July 5th.


WHEN:
Wednesday, July 8th ~ 6pm

WHERE:
El Pequeno Artista
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215

El Pequeno Artista Summer Camp - Discounted

from the El Pequeno Artista email:

El Pequeno Artista is running a SUPER sale!
Save 25% on the first three weeks of our Bilingual Summer Program

Weeks of: July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th

Camp includes visits to the pool twice a week,
professional soccer in the park once a week,
all art projects, cooking, dance and music, excursions and one snack a day!
ALL in a Spanish Immersion environment.

And you pay only $400!!

That is $100 off per week!

Our unique summer immersion program is carefully designed for children aged 4 to 7, and it runs from 9 to 3pm. There is an optional after camp care service from 3 to 6 (for a nominal fee.) We don't hire teenagers - all of our staff is experienced, professional and perfectly bilingual.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY - CONTACT US NOW!

--
EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Open House at El Pequeno Artista

If you haven't taken a look at El Pequeno Artista for classes, here's a chance to get a crash course. They are running a summer program, and a new Montessori Preschool in Spanish will be starting up in the fall. The open house for both programs is at 5:30 PM on May 14th. See below for RSVP information.

from the email:

Saludos!

El Pequeno Artista will have an open house for parents interested in our Summer Program, and/or the Montessori Preschool in Spanish starting this fall. Come and hear an overview of the programs, meet the director and head teachers, and ask questions, etc. You will also have a chance to register then, if you haven't yet.

Please RSVP to elpequenoartista@gmail.com by May 8th.


WHEN:
Thursday, May 14 ~ 5:30 to 7pm

WHERE:
El Pequeno Artista
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Mini-Ballerinas and Dancers Wanted for Dance Deal

Got a kid that's between three and a half and six? Want something to do before or after lunch on a Saturday? Here's your chance for a discounted class.



from El Pequeno Artista's email:

ATTENTION!

CALLING ALL BALLERINAS AND DANCERS OUT THERE!

El Pequeno Artista has a super sale this spring - first time for this class! Our ballet workshop started late for our star ballerina was on rehearsals. We have 9 classes left in the workshop and we would like to invite other dancers to come have fun with us. The price for the remaining of the workshop is now $150!

A saving of $70 from the original price!!

Ballet Workshop

Saturdays 12:30 p.m.

Age 3 1/2 to 6 yrs.

A fun introduction to ballet using imaginative techniques! Children learn the primary elements of classical ballet, including floor, bar & center work, and get a true sense of accomplishment with this dance.

TO REGISTER:

First send us an email with your child's name and age and your contact information. After that, you can send a check for $150 to El Pequeno Artista: 372 15th St. #1A Brooklyn NY 11215. Or call 646.207.0626 to have your payment processed by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email when we have received your payment.

REGISTER NOW!

--
EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Yoga, Beer, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Walking on the other side of the street is truly informative.

After attending the Spanish story-time and sing-a-long at El Pequeno Artista, my neighbor and I crossed 5th Avenue to walk down to Eagle Provisions and check out the plants. Before we got there, however, we dawdled in front of a gallery gone yoga studio called Under Minerva (presumably because if its proximity to Green-Wood Cemetery's Minerva). As we turned to go, a young woman (Sorry, I don't remember her name. Blame it on sleep deprivation.) jumped out of a car and asked if we were interested in yoga classes. After letting us know that there is a "bring a friend and you both just pay $5" deal, she told us there were classes almost every day of the week.

According to the postcard she gave me, Under Minerva is an Art Gallery and Event Space. We were admiring the chandelier in the window and the style of the logo on the storefront while we dawdled, so I'm sure the rest is worth an actual stop. They have an Artist's Den (which makes me think of a nook that's carpeted from floor to ceiling) with 24 hour access and a Wifi lounge (weren't we just wondering about that?). It also hosts meditation, yoga, children's classes - there's even a book club.

The website isn't the easiest to navigate or most informative I've seen, but I'm sure a phone call would help. I have an email in asking for prices and more information; stay tuned.

Continuing on 5th Avenue, we went to Eagle Provisions where the plants looked good, but the beer got bought. Happily, I didn't go nuts in the chocolate section of Eagle because I was about to discover my new favorite Green-Wood Heights Happy Place.

Laurentino's Pasticceria Caffe (with an accent over the e) has been open since October, but since that's also when I had a baby, I guess I've been a little out of it. I had passed this place by a few times, but never crossed the street to check it out. What attracted me this time were the chairs and tables in the window. Then we got a whiff of the baking inside. Oh. My. Goodness. Take a look at the chocolate covered strawberries.
I didn't buy one. I can't believe I didn't, but I didn't. They were only $1 each, but I resisted. I did, however, buy their pignoli. (I know, so much more naughty.) Having lived on the outskirts of Bensonhurst for several years, I was skeptical about whether or not these cookies would be worthy of being called pignoli. Let's just say I'll be purchasing some for when I need a treat for visiting miei amici. Next time I want to try one of the cheesecakes. My neighbor bought one of the blueberry mini-pies. She wanted to take photos, so hopefully she'll let me post those up when she's done.

The women who waited on us were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they encouraged us to check out all the pastries. They weren't annoyed by our many questions and paltry purchases. There are several cozy tables for sitting while you snack and have a cappuccino. There aren't yet any high chairs, but there is enough room to stash a stroller in the corner.

In the summer months they make their own gelato and ices. Oh yeah.

Check out Laurentino's on 5th Avenue between 20th and 21st. They do "cakes for all occasions" and they are looking forward to serving you treats and coffee.

Witches Close Out Kids' Movies at El Pequeno Artista

The last movie of the season...soon the weather will be far too lovely to watch movies indoors. The final film will be an adorable children's movie for all ages. It also features the voice of too-soon-departed Phil Hartman.

KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE (1989)

In director Hayao Miyazaki's gentle, animated adventure, young witch Kiki (voiced by Kirsten Dunst) moves away from her family to practice her craft, but she finds that making friends in a new town is difficult. With her cat, Jiji (voiced by Phil Hartman), in tow, Kiki puts her broom flying skills to work for a baker's wife by starting an express delivery service. She quickly discovers, however, that she can't take her abilities for granted.

EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406
Fridays 5:15pm
$6 per person, includes one juice box per child
Feel free to bring dinner, snacks and/or drinks - tables are available to eat while they watch!

El Pequeno has Tim Curry in a Movie

Sorry, it's not Rocky Horror. It's that other Tim Curry film, you know, Fly Me to the Moon. Much more appropriate for a kiddie movie event.

FLY ME TO THE MOON (2008)

Three ordinary flies -- best friends Nat, IQ and Scooter -- have the adventure of their lives when they stow away on Apollo 11 for its trip to the moon. As friends and family anxiously watch the lunar landing on television, the trio makes a crucial repair that could save the mission. Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry and Kelly Ripa lend their voices to this charming animated feature, with a special appearance by real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

El Pequeno Artista
249 20th Street at 5th Avenue
718 965 1406
Fridays 5:15pm
$6 per person, includes one juice box per child
Feel free to bring dinner, snacks and/or drinks - tables are available to eat while they watch!

Summer Camp at El Pequeno Artista

Winter still has another month left, but parents will need to start thinking about summer camps very soon. Hard to believe! El Pequeno Artista, on 20th Street and 5th Avenue, just sent out its bi-lingual summer camp information. The program runs a full eight weeks, but single weeks are also an option. Check it out below, or visit their website. (Their Friday kids' movies are still going on...5:15 PM, every Friday.)

the information from EPA follows:

Saludos!

Registrations are open for El Pequeno Artista's Bilingual Summer Program 2009, for children aged 4 to 7. Our carefully designed immersion environment will allow your child - those fluent Spanish language speakers and those are just beginning to learn - to practice every discipline included in our year-round curriculum. Let them be immersed in the Arts en Espanol!

Our curriculum will include Soccer (new this year!), Swimming (with a licensed swimming instructor!), Dance, Arts, Cooking, Percussion and Excursions - the ideal artistic environment to immerse your children in a second language! All our indoor activities are in our air-conditioned studio. Our staff is fully bilingual, professional and experienced in creating the safest, and most fun and educational environment for children in this age range. Our space is temporarily partitioned to accommodate the different activities that take place during camp days.

Registration will be open until April 20th, and payment for the camp is due upon registration. If you are interested in our Program, please reply to this email. We'll send you a registration form, which you can mail or hand-deliver along with your payment by the above-mentioned date. Registration for single weeks is available. Priority for enrollment will be given through April 1st to students currently registered in any workshop at El pequeno artista. After April 1st, students will be admitted to the Summer Program on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Bear in mind that our unique Summer Program has not raised prices this year!

It also operates through the end of the season, when most other programs will be finished!

Camp ages 4 - 7

July 6^th through August 28^th (8 weeks) 9 am to 3 pm $3840

Each separate week is $500

Registration fee $25

Camp includes morning snack. Lunch and extra snacks must be provided by parents. After-camp extended day care is available for a separate fee, for 2 students minimum. Also, if enough students request it, we'll arrange for pick up and drop off services at 2 locations in Brooklyn, for an extra nominal fee.

Movie Night for the Kids at El Pequeno Artista

The weekly children's movie night at El Pequeno Artista has something different today. Castle in the Sky will begin at 5:15 PM. The cost is $6 per person, and each child gets a juice box. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own dinner or snacks to enjoy during the movie. EPA is located at 249 20th Street (just off 5th Avenue). Call 718 965 1406 for more information.

the official description:

The magic touch of master animator Hayao Miyazaki is visible from start to finish in "Castle In The Sky" an imaginative tale full of mystery and adventure. The... high-flying journey begins when Pazu, a mining apprentice, finds a young girl wearing a glowing pendant and floating down from the sky. Together, they discover both are searching for the legendary floating castle, Laputa, and vow to unravel the mystery of the luminous crystal around her neck. Their quest won't be easy, however. There are air pirates, secret agents, and astounding obstacles to keep them from the truth and from each other. With spectacular animation, a fabulous musical score, and the voice talents of Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu), and Cloris Leachman (Dola), "Castle In The Sky" is an animated masterpiece you'll never forget!

Free Trial Classes at El Pequeno Artista this Week

It may be too late to get in on the free trial classes, but it can't hurt to try! El Pequeno Artista's trial classes include Spanish Immersion, Cooking, Move it!, Percussion, Ven a Jugar Playgroup, Ballet...and the age ranges are from two years old to five and a half years old. Two of the classes, Move it! and Ballet have trial classes next week. Check out their web site for more information and photos, or see the information from the email below:

Saludos!

Our winter term begins Tuesday January 20th, but before that we will offer free trial classes to new families between the 12th and 17th. Please note the trial schedule does not match the regular winter schedule published on our website, so take note of the hours and days below.

IMPORTANT: Reservations are a MUST. If you would like to attend a trial class, please respond with:

1. the name of the class you'd like to try
2. your name and best number to reach you in case of a last-minute change
3. your child's name and age

Gracias!

FREE TRIAL CLASS SCHEDULE

SPANISH IMMERSION
Monday 1/12 4pm.
2 1/2 ~ 5 yrs

VEN A JUGAR PLAYGROUP
Tuesday 1/13 9am.
2 ~ 4 yrs

PERCUSSION
Tuesday 1/13 4:30pm
4 yrs and up

COOKING ($8 material fee required)
Wednesday 1/14 4pm.
3 ~ 5 1/2 yrs

MOVE IT
Saturday 1/24 (not 1/17) 11:15am
2 ~ 4 yrs

BALLET
Saturday 1/24 (not 1/17) 12:30pm
4 ~ 6 yrs

NOTE: Due to previous artistic engagements, Move it and Ballet will have the trial the week after (1/24) and will begin on 1/31!

EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Wall-E is the Friday Movie at El Pequeno Artista (again)

The last Friday Movie was cancelled due to snow, so here's your chance to see Wall-E at El Pequeno Artista.

from the email:

Our December presentation got canceled due to the snowstorm.
So, here it is THIS Friday:

WALL.E

on a big screen, old fashion projector

Friday 5:15 pm
$6 / person

Juice box included for children
Bring your own snacks and eat while you watch!
--
EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Wall-E is the Friday Movie at El Pequeno Artista

Celebrate Friday's arrival with your kids by bringing them to El Pequeno Artista's showing of...

WALL-E

on a big screen, old fashion projector

Friday 5:15 pm
$6 / person

Juice box included for children
Bring your own snacks and eat while you watch!

El Pequeno Artista is located at 249 20th St. @ 5th Avenue. www.elpequenoartista.com

Winter Activities for the Wee Ones

Cold weather means fewer trips to the park and more time figuring out how to keep the kid(s) occupied without numbing their brains and frying yours. Well, thankfully, one solution has arrived. El Pequeno Artista's winter 2009 schedule is set!

El Pequeño Artista is the place that has offered a free story-time in Spanish on Wednesday mornings for the last year. They also offer classes ranging from cooking to movement to Spanish to music. They also have movies on Friday evenings (or is 5:15 still the afternoon?).

Families who have taken classes previously have an extra incentive: Returning families get $12 off the chosen workshop if you register and pay by December 20th.

Check out the schedule; the classes run from January 20th through March 28th. Also, make plans to attend one of the free trial classes during the week of January 12 through the 17th. The trial schedule will be posted soon.

El Pequeño Artista is located at 249 20th Street @ 5th Avenue. Call 718-965-1406 for more information. It's an easy bus ride down 5th, or just take the train to Prospect Avenue or 25th Street. (I prefer the bus.)

El Pequeno Artista Brings Back Movies for Kids

Just in time for the cold or rainy or sleety weather, El Pequeno Artista (20th Street at 5th Avenue) brings back its movie time with titles sure to please both kids and their parents/caretakers. It starts tomorrow (Friday) at 5:15 PM. Call 718-965-1406 for more information or for the title shown this week.

from the email:

On a cold, slow, Friday afternoon, what's better than bringing kids to an old-fashioned projector screen movie? Come join the fun and rediscover the magic of the movies! Every Friday at 5:15 p.m. starting this week, El Pequeno Artista presents classics & new, blockbusters or independent children's movies at its 20th St. studio. $6 per person - one juice box included per child. Below you will find a few of the titles to be shown - many more coming up! Feel free to bring snacks for your kids or/and a bite or drink for adults. Tables are available to eat while you watch!


WALL.E
SHREK THE THIRD
THE CAT IN THE HAT
RACING STRIPES
LADY AND THE TRAMP
...and more!

Ages: Depends on the movie - most of our selections will range between infant and 8 years of age.

Location: El Pequeno Artista, 249 20th Street @ 5th Avenue.

Subway: R train to Prospect Avenue or 23rd Street. The 5th Avenue bus stops a block and a half away.

Cost: $6 per person. One juice box per child included!

Clearance Sale at El Pequeno Artista this Week

Get while the getting's good!  There are some really great items available at El Pequena Artista on 20th Street and 5th Avenue.  They have Spanish Language books, handmade colored pencils, puppets, decorations, some really cool instruments, and various other toys/items appropriate for all ages of children (and adults!).  

from the director's email:

El Pequeno Artista needs the space taken by the retail area in the studio for camp-related activities and storage.  So we are selling EVERYTHING!  Come this week and take advantage of the major discounts (25%, 50%, and up to 75%) on our hand-made toys from Latin America, books in Spanish, instruments, etcetera.

Our schedule this week (July 28 - August 1) for this clearance is:

Monday 11-4

Tuesday 11-4

Wednesday 10-6

Thursday 11-4

Friday 10-1

Hope to see you there!

This Weekend's Activities

Besides the pool's opening weekend, there are a couple of other activities in the area:

On Saturday, take advantage of the Boricua Festival moving to the 58th Street Pier. Enjoy music and culture and fun from Noon to 7 PM.

On Sunday, take the under five crowd to El Pequeno Artista for a bi-lingual puppet show.

Bi-Lingual Puppet Show for Children

With support from the Brooklyn Arts Council, El Pequeno Artista presents a bilingual puppet show by Elisa Hevia.

One, Two, Tres!
puppets for little ones - títeres para bebés

Six presentations only:
Sunday June 22nd & 29th,
at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
$8 per adult, $5 per child (all ages)

EL PEQUENO ARTISTA
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.elpequenoartista.com
T: 718.965.1406

Hump Day Walk to Storytime

Almost every Wednesday I take my cherub to Spanish story time at El Pequeno Artista in South Park Slope. Or is it Greenwood Heights? Or is it really Sunset Park? Anyway, it's on 20th Street. In the winter, the bus ride was pretty quick, but it costs $4 round-trip (does anyone else remember the days when you could take the same bus in different directions on the same swipe?), and I didn't get my much needed exercise and fresh City air. Walking is free and much more entertaining.

Here's what we saw on the walk home today, in the order in which I found it:

Some dog poo, at least I hope it's canine-oriented, left last night. As you can see from the line in the sidewalk, this dog was not made to poop out of the way. (And for all you dog lovers who get indignant about the ONE TIME someone didn't clean up, I would have posted the diaper I also passed, but the photo was washed out due to the high chlorine level in the diaper.)


I was also able to admire the progress on another building going up across from the cemetery. It's slow-going, it seems. I've been watching it a while. I can't tell if they plan on putting another floor on. However, the L shape makes sure to block lots of annoying sunlight from entering the surrounding homes. I guess the success of the condos next door (the garden terrace on the top floor was recently featured on Brownstoner.com) has encouraged the taller version.

Another few blocks brought us to the set for Rescue Me in the middle of filming a scene featuring a woman giving birth on the street. Super original! I guess they are doing the sound at a later date, or maybe she's a Scientologist who has to do a silent birth. I didn't hear any groaning or screaming or cursing, so it must be one of the two choices.


And finally, on this surprisingly low-on-garbage-in-the-street day, I found that my neighbor's roses have begun to bloom. Every year I've enjoyed passing these roses. Many of the other passers-by do as well. Some come with scissors or knives so they can enjoy them longer. Makes for a flowery end to a very pleasant walk.