October 2023

Sights and Sounds of the Season

October means something very important to the arts world and to communities throughout the United States - National Arts and Humanities Month. Cultural institutions and citizens around Michigan celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month via scores of events that proudly showcase our state as an eclectic and dynamic artistic community, rich in cultural heritage. As a cherished, 100-year-old cultural gem, The Community House keenly understands that arts and culture has a wider, more measurable impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, education, and society. As such, The Community House salutes and proudly celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month during the months of October through December including: The Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield, in conjunction with community partners, The Community House, Downtown Newsmagazine, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, and Bloomfield Cablevision, recently announced the 28th annual Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Awards, honoring people who have had an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our community. The public is invited to celebrate the honorees at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S Cranbrook Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009 on Friday, October 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast on local cable and be available on our website following the event: culturalcouncilbirminghambloomfield.org/ This year’s three honorees are:

Stephanie Pizzo, 2023 Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award

Stephanie Pizzo joined the Eisenhower Dance Company (EDD) as a founding member in 1991. At various points in her dance career, she served as Resident Choreographer, Associate Artistic Director, and Co-Artistic Director. Ms. Pizzo now leads the company into her seventh season as Artistic Director. She focuses on collaborating with the highest quality national and international artists and creating strong ties within the metro Detroit community through the art of dance, using the art of contemporary dance both as a means to present beautiful, athletic, and engaging repertory but also as a vehicle to reflect on and explore issues of social significance. Under Pizzo’s leadership, education plays a major role in the company: a new state of the art dance complex, funded by the Strum Allesee Foundation, opened this past January in Bloomfield Hills, allowing for world-class dance education and fitness opportunities. Jurors were particularly impressed by Pizzo’s educational outreach and work with schools of all socio-economic groups. Contact: pizzo@eisenhowerdance.org  (248) 379-2032

Kegham Tazian, 2023 Special Lifetime Achievement Award

Kegham Tazian will receive a Special Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring both his tremendous body of artwork, and his impact on thousands of art students during his 47-year tenure as Professor of Fine Arts at Oakland Community College. (OCC) As educator and artist, he has continually pushed the conventional boundaries of creative expression. The “Best in Show” prize at OCC’s annual student art show is otherwise known as the Kegham Tazian Art Prize and is funded, in part, by the Tazian family.  In 2011, Mr. Tazian and his family established the Kegham Tazian Endowed Scholarship to further promote the pursuit of fine arts at OCC. Tazian’s sculptures and paintings are globally renowned, and his works can be found in public and private collections worldwide, including various corporations, municipalities, churches, embassies, and museums. The City of Birmingham, where Tazian resides, is fortunate to have been gifted one of his bronze sculptures, Pyramid Earth, which is installed in Linden Park.

The Community House, 2023 Partners with the Arts Award

The Community House in Birmingham which is celebrating its centennial in Birmingham this year will receive the Partners with the Arts Award recognizing ‘100 years of service’ supporting the arts, and their role helping to make Birmingham-Bloomfield and the surrounding region a unique cultural hub. The award is given directly by the Cultural Council to honor a business, non-profit or organization in our community that supports the arts in a distinguished manner. Contact: communityhouse.com/ or William D Seklar at (248) 644-5832.

TCH FALL & HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 2023

Birmingham - a city renowned for its sophistication and charm, and the cherished Community House - are set to host a series of exceptional 2023 Fall & Holiday Events. From refined bourbon soirées, enchanting holiday classical concerts, Gluhwein Tent at Winter Markt and Storytime with Santa, to name a few. There is something for everyone. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Christopher Smude at (248) 554-6597 or go to communityhouse.com/.

Bourbon and the Beast: Mark your calendars for October 12th and 26th – these two evenings are reserved for an extraordinary culinary adventure, an exclusive, intimate dinner featuring wild game expertly paired with rare varieties of bourbon. This event transcends traditional dining, offering a spectacular fusion of rich flavors and exquisite spirits. Presented by our award-winning culinary team, the true star of the evening is the meticulously crafted wild game menu. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a lover of fine dining, Bourbon and the Beast is not to be missed. Limited spaces are available. Reservations may be made at communityhouse.com/event/bourbon-and-the-beast/ or by calling 248-644-5832.

2023 Classical Brunch Series: Join us on October 15th and November 19th for the remaining concerts in the Classical Brunch Series, where extraordinary music and delectable cuisine converge to create an unforgettable experience. Featuring mesmerizing performances by Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians, this series brings together exquisite classical melodies and gourmet brunch offerings. The upcoming October concert features Hai-Xin Wu on violin, the Assistant Concertmaster, Caroline Coade, viola, our Classical Brunch Artistic Director, cellist Una O’Riordan, and violinist Alex Volkov. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, Gwen and Richard Bowlby, Hagopian, and WRCJ. Reservations can be made at communityhouse.com/event/classical-brunch/ or by calling 248-644-5832.

2023 Holiday Concert Series: We invite you to take a seat at our holiday-themed concerts on December 6th, 13th, and 20th and immerse yourself in a world of music. Experience a rare opportunity to listen to internationally renowned musicians and artists in an intimate setting. To complement the performance, there will be a variety of delicious desserts to tempt the taste buds. After the performance, the musicians will become part of the audience, conversing with guests, and sharing in the appreciation of the art they’ve created. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Reservations may be made at communityhouse.com/event/holiday-concert-series/ or by calling 248-644-5832.

2023 Storytime with Santa: There’s no better way to capture the magic of the holidays than at Storytime with Santa. Gather your loved ones on December 9th and spend an afternoon surrounded by holiday cheer that will leave your hearts aglow. Santa takes center stage as he reads a captivating tale, weaving a spellbinding narrative that will captivate young and old alike. But the magic doesn’t stop with the story. Little hands can express their creativity at craft stations, creating holiday memories that will be cherished for years. All guests will share extravagant cookies and steaming cups of hot chocolate – and the adults can add a little more cheer to their cups with holiday spirits from the bar. Book now because this sells out quickly. Reservations made be made at communityhouse.com/event/storytime-with-santa/

Winter Markt 2023: Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt taking place December 1-3. The Community House’s tent is the place to be as our extraordinary culinary team will impress guests with authentic German-styled food and beverages including German-inspired Glühwein (mulled, spiced wine!), warm cider and donuts for the kids, authentic German pretzels, brats, and more!

HOLIDAY PARTIES

The newly updated Hoglund Room - is now open for your holiday business. The Community House is delighted to announce the renovation of this exquisitely designed, state-of-the-art gathering space to our customizable collection. When it comes to private meetings for business, community engagements, or just about any other occasion, the Hoglund Room will far exceed your expectations. When you add up amenities such as carefully restored trim work, new coffered ceiling and lighting, state-of-the-art technology, a charming refreshment area, concierge service, and many more contemporary offerings, you’ll see why our Hoglund Room is the perfect setting for your big (and not so big) ideas to flourish. For more information or to reserve the Hoglund Room or an array of beautifully appointed holiday entertainment space (large & small!) customized for your special occasion, please contact Tim Hunt, COO at 248.594.6402.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT STILL UNDERWAY

We are still enrolling for open spots in our Preschool, Pre-K, and Junior-Kindergarten rooms, ages ranging from 3-5 years. Our teachers are dedicated to helping children grow and committed to preparing your child for kindergarten and beyond. Children who attend school by preschool age, 3 years, are better able to handle change, create social connections with others, and foster a love of learning. If you would like to come in for a tour, please contact sschuster@communityhouse.com today.