The Armory Arts Week includes a night in Dumbo on Saturday, March 9, 2013, generally from 6pm (check with individual galleries for exact hours).

Participating Dumbo galleries include:

• Transparent Studio at Bose Pacia, 163 Plymouth Street, 6-8pm
• AHA Arcilesi & Homberg Fine-Art, 111 Front Street, Suite 222
• The Rabbithole One-Night-Only Silent Art Auction: A Recovery Benefit, 33 Washington Street, 7-11pm
• Minus Space, 111 Front Street, Suite 226
• BAC Gallery, 111 Front Street, Suite 218
• Mighty Tanaka, 111 Front Street, Suite 224
• United Photo Industries, 111 Front Street, Suite 204, open until 9pm
• St. Ann’s Warehouse – Kneehigh: The Wild Bride, 29 Jay Street, 3pm and 8pm show
• Smack Mellon, 92 Plymouth Street, 5-8pm
• A.I.R. Gallery, 111 Front Street, Suite 228, 11am-6pm
• Show: Personal Desire Propoganda, 111 Front Street, Suite 208, 6-8pm

Personal Desire Propoganda
111 Front Street, Suite 208, 6-8pm
27 artists will be offering prints for $10, the cost of making the print. Artists include:
Jeremy Sheaffer
Paloma Crousillat
Jared Friedman
Mark Rice
Corey Riddell
Lauren Pakradooni
Blake Carrington
Michael Levin
Paul Jacobsen
Jesse Weiss
Lou Joseph
Sarah Shebaro
Jonathan Stanish
Seth Scantlen
Brad Ewing
Erik Hougen
Zefrey Throwell
Nathan Catlin
Asa Gauen
Eric Ramos Guerrero
Noah Breuer
Emily Henretta
Mike Neff
Chris Benfield
Julia Samuels
Daniel Rich
Grayson Cox

1) Mil’s Trills
March 8, 4:00-5:00 PM, $20 child with adult(s), siblings $5

Mil’s Trills is an interactive series of live performances for grown-ups with babies and toddlers aged 0-5. Led by Amelia Robinson who plays original, quirky and whimsical songs on her electric ukulele and hosts a rotating cast of musical guests. More info

2) Baby Wearing 101 with Metro Minis NYC
Saturday, March 16, 1:00-3:00pm, FREE

Carriers will be available for purchase. Taught by one of Metro Minis’ trained and certified babywearing educators, Babywearing 101 is the perfect opportunity to learn safe and proper carrying of babies from newborn to toddler.

This class covers the very basics on the five different styles of baby carriers. It is designed to be an introduction to baby slings. Babywearing 101 is ideal for those who have never worn a baby and have little or no experience with carriers. We will discuss the different styles and by exploring your family’s unique needs to help you discover the right carrier for you. More info

3) Rolie Polie Guacamole
DUMBO: March 16th, 4:00-4:45
TriBeCa: March 17th and March 30th, 4:00-4:45
$20 child with adult(s), siblings $5

Rolie Polie Guacamole is a rocking “kindie” band from Brooklyn, NY that has steadily grown a devoted following of children and adults over the last few years, touring across the east coast and mid-west, with top picks by Boston.com, Time Out Kids NY, and Time Out Kids Chicago, their high energy, interactive shows are a mix of funk, rock and folk music mashed into original tunes about natural living, eating healthy and staying active. The band’s latest album, Houses of the Moly, won a Parent’s Choice Award and a NAPPA Honor’s Award! More info

RSVP required, space is limited. Email: alisha@egg-baby.com

The Playroom at EGG (on DumboNYC)
72 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

After 4+ months, Almondine Bakery has rebuilt and is now open. Hurricane Sandy destroyed the kitchen and baking equipment in October 2012. The damage was so extensive that owner/chef Hervé Poussot was doubtful that the bakery could be rebuilt. He had to close the Park Slope location since the baking occurred in the basement of the Dumbo location. But the community came together to help him rebuild with a pop-up fundraiser event, online fundraiser, and created a Facebook page to keep supporters updated. Dumbo is lucky to have Almondine back!

(Photo courtesy of Friends of Almondine Facebook page)

Almondine Bakery (almondinebakery.com)
85 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

gofundme.com/save-almondine
Friends of Almondine Facebook page
@AlmondineNYC

We mentioned in October 2012 that 66 Water Street Restaurant was rebranded and reopened. They remodeled and bought in Executive Chef Jonathan Lemon, from The Linc restaurant and Zigolinis to create a new contemporary American cuisine menu that includes entrees such as poached artic char, fettuccine zucchini, and a “Pat La Frieda” burger.

Then less than a month later, Hurricane Sandy hit NYC. You remember that Water Street and Main Street was hit particularly hard, which permanently closed Governor. Almondine Bakery is still rebuilding and hope to open in the spring.

66 Water Street got walloped with 18,000 cubic feet of water, drowning their newly installed kitchen, destroying computer systems, dry storage, liquor supply, furniture and 12 years of cherished memories and everything the restaurant needed to operate. But they’ve since rebuilt and opened late in 2012. They have been hosting weddings, Bar Mitzvhas, Bridal Showers, and events since then and is serving Dumbo residents. Executive Chef Jonathan Lemon has returned and is now open.

Here’s a message from 66 Water Street about events in March:

• Every weekday Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm.
• March Madness throughout March with the Final Four and Finals in the UnderWater Lounge ending the month.
• March 6th a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser and Silent Auction and the public is invited.
• March 8 the UnderWater Lounge open at 7pm for an After Work “Loungie” Night with soft music.
• March 10 Sunday Time Out for Hunger 2013 (10%) of sales for Food Bank of NYC.
• March 11 through 21st Dine in Brooklyn.
• March 17th join us to celebrate St Patricks Day with Irish Specials both liquid and Entrees.
• March 20th we will celebrate the beginning of Spring with a SunSet Concert
• March 31st Easter Sunday with Special Entrees added to our Brunch.
• Every Sunday we serve our Booze Brunch from Noon to 4pm.

More to come in April. Check out their newly redone dining room and menu and let us know what you think.

66 Water Street Restaurant (66waterstreet.com)
66 Water Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

Hi DumboNYC readers. BlankSlate, based in Dumbo Brooklyn, manages advertising for DumboNYC. They’re an important part of why I am able to keep DumboNYC up and running. They’re fast growing network of premium sites focusing on urban audiences (including Brownstoner, Brokelyn, The L Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine and many more. BlankSlate is excellent at connecting local merchants and businesses to DumboNYC and we hope the ads have been useful for you. The revenue from the ads are recycled back into the community to support non-profit organizations. We hope it’s a win-win-win for the readers, small businesses, and organizations.

BlankSlate is growing and is looking for a Digital Sales Assistant. The Digital Sales Assistant will work closely with BlankSlate’s ad sales team on all aspects of the sales cycle, from lead generation to media proposals, to social media, as well as campaign management and ad trafficking. You’ll gain knowledge of all aspects of digital media advertising as well as the ability to create your own path with a unique and growing media company.

For details, go to Blankslate.com. Be part of the Dumbo community and contact them or forward to someone you know who would be interested.

(Side note: Contact brad [at] blankslate.com for advertising options. For advertisers, not only will you be sending your message to a targeted crowd in Dumbo, ad revenue is donated to support the Dumbo community. If anyone would like to be a one time or regular contributor, guest writer, or photographer, please contact me.)

Dumbo has a community of furniture craftmakers and studios such as Olga Guanabara (which moved to 215 Plymouth Street in August 2012), Journey Home, Shibui, and Baxter & Liebchen, among others.

While several have moved (see below), a new furniture maker has set up a studio on Plymouth Street, Mark Jupiter. We caught up with Mark in Dumbo:

Q: How did you get started in the furniture making business?

A: I have been making furniture my entire life. It started in my father’s woodshop as a child and evolved into making custom pieces for the Homes I build as a founding partner of the award winning prefabrication green housing company New World Home.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: This will be our first year in business with our official launch happening now. We will be a first time exhibitor for BKLYN Designs in Dumbo this year (May 10-12, 2013).

Q: Why Dumbo?

A: To begin with my family and I live in Dumbo and have for going on 6 years now. So that was the easy part. However, we could not have picked a better neighborhood to start the company. DUMBO is going through a wonderful expansion period so we hope to serve all the new residents that are in need of something different when it comes to decorating their apartments. There is also a lot of buzz about the neighborhood in general so it makes it a fun place for the industry in general to come and visit.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: Great question – and a tough one. My immediate answer would be nature, but I also think i get a lot of inspiration from the great furniture designers around the world. The trick for me is to combine that inspiration with something the public can relate to and most importantly….afford.

Q: What do your clients like about your pieces?

A: They like that nobody else has them. That they are unique and specific to them. However, beyond this, they really appreciate the great stories behind the reclaimed materials and the care in which they are combined and constructed.

Congrats to Mark on the launch of his business! (Images courtesy of Mark Jupiter)

There have been several furniture makers in Dumbo who have moved either due to space constraints, high rents, or expansion – Counter Evolution (Moved from 10 Jay St to Navy Yards in 2012), City Joinery (left in June 2011 after rent hike and moved to MA), Prague Kolektiv (closed in February 2009), Bruce Marsh Designs (moved in 2009), ABC Carpet (closed the Dumbo location in 2006), WONK (moved out of 68 Jay St in October 2009), Aswoon/Susan Woods (closed the Dumbo location in 2008 and moved to Navy Yards), Jay East (67 Jay Street, closed retail location in 2011), From the Source (65 Jay Street, relocated to Greenpoint).

Mark Jupiter (markjupiter.com)
191 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
email: info@markjupiter.com
phone: 718-401-6600

Showroom hours:
weekdays 9:30 am – 5 pm, weekends 12 – 5 pm or call for an appointment

(Photo by ceonyc on Instagram)

Olympia Wine Bar’s official opening is on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. Karen Johnson, who co-owns 68 Jay Street Bar is also opening Olympia Wine Bar less than half a block apart. We caught up with Karen at 68 Jay Street Bar who told us, “The neighborhood needs more places where people can gather and enjoy a drink. I know people are hoping for more food options, and I would love to provide that. But Olympia’s small kitchen will be turning out small plates with room for growth. We’ll be serving appetizers such as cheeses and crostinis to start.”

We mentioned in a previous post that Olympia, in a nod to Dumbo’s history, was the name given to the waterfront community in the late 1700s. And speaking of community, Karen has been deeply involved in the neighborhood for a long time as a resident, local business owner, holds board positions with the Dumbo Improvement District, and represents Community Board 2. 68 Jay Street Bar has been open for 9 years, bringing live music, cocktails, and community together. Olympia Wine Bar is a new chapter for Dumbo with what will be its own distinct vibe. Come check it out and welcome Olympia Wine Bar!

Olympia Wine Bar
54 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 (at Water Street in Dumbo)
Daily hours: 4pm-midnight

Previously:
{Olympia Wine Bar at 54 Jay Street, 11feb2013}
{Owner of 54 Jay Street Looking to Open Wine Bar, 04Jun2012}
{Ajimas Grocery on Jay Street Closed, 14Apr2011}

Since Abhaya Yoga studio opened in Dumbo in April 2010, they have had a big following from Dumbo residents and people who work in and around Dumbo. Abhaya is also an educational center where yoga teachers in training come to study from all over the country. The only dedicated yoga studio in Dumbo offers 34 classes of various levels throughout the week but also has a yoga practice combined with live music (the only one of its kind that we know of).

Every Friday evening from 6:30 – 8pm, Abhaya Yoga offers a full flowing practice with live music to kick off your weekend mood with DJ’s, drummers, Kirtan singers, and more. Every Sunday morning from 8 – 9:30am, students can experience the bright early sunshine combined with the sweet sounds of live music.

About the founder Tara Glazier (from abhayayoga.com):

Tara Glazier, a long-time professional classical ballet dancer, pursued a modern dance carrier in New York City after receiving her BFA in Dance Pedagogy at the University of Hartford/ Hartt School. During her time in NYC, she fell in love with yoga, studied to become a certified Anusara as well as Vinyasa teacher and made it her life’s passion. It has been a great gift for Tara to create a community at Abhaya Yoga where friends can come together to share the conversation of yoga in a beautiful, supportive environment.

About Abhaya Yoga Studio:

Abhaya yoga specializes in a dynamic style of Hatha yoga which draws influence from Anusara and Vinyasa yoga. All classes are taught by highly skilled teachers who seek to integrate heart, mind and body. The studio is open seven days a week with regular daily classes as well as special events and workshops. New students get one week of unlimited yoga for $25.

Abhaya Yoga (www.abhayayoga.com)
10 Jay Street, Suite 600, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Brooklyn Cupcake has a new retail storefront at 61 Pearl Street in Dumbo. This is their third location (along with their Williamsburg and Long Island City ones). Among the 18 flavors include tres leche, french toast, tiramisu, and red velvet. Welcome to Dumbo!

(Photos courtesy of Dumbo Parents on facebook)

Brooklyn Cupcake
(facebook.com/brooklyncupcake)
61 Pearl Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
tel: 718.576.3600

Hours: 12noon-7pm

The Dumbo Business Improvement District has a list of dining and event options for Valentine’s Day. In addition, there are some other event options.

For Tuesday, February 12, 2013:

• Valentine’s Beer Making Class: Join Erica & Stephen for an evening of beer tasting & making for two. 7:30-10:00pm at The Dumbo Loft, 155 Water Street.
• Valentines Day Cookie Swap & Cookbook Signing: 7-9pm at powerHouse Arena, including Dawn Casale of One Girl Cookies
• Film: “A Rubberband Is An Unlikely Instrument”, A Musical Performance & Q&A with Walter Baker & short film featuring: Alt-J. 8pm at reRun Theatre, 147 Front Street

For Wednesday, February 13, 2013:

• The “Chocolate” Love Cookie Cake Class, from One Girl Cookies, 7:30-9:00pm
• Valentine Designer POP-UP: Artist and designer pop-up sale, 4-8pm at Superfine (126 Front Street). Artists by Golly, Ayakahara.com, DUB and JENNY, Poppy Lunari, Hélene Pé, and more.

For Thursday, February 14, 2013:

• Valentine’s Day Art Auction: Join 2 Non Blondes at the Arcilesi Homberg Fine Art Gallery (111 Front Street, Suite 222, Brooklyn NY) for live music, treats, and art auction. Japanese Pop Artist Yusack will auction paintings for GetSet-Go.org, a women’s library and learning center in Cambodia. 7-10pm
• Dewey’s Candy, 141 Front Street. “Champagne starts flowing at 2pm for candy shoppers and, as always, Dewey’s will be making same-day deliveries in DUMBO.”
• Don’t forget that Jane’s Carousel is offering a February 2 for 1 special. For $2, take a friend for a spin at Brooklyn Bridge Park!