Monday, March 23, 2015

Meet Artist Eleanor Himel

There are some Arowhon guests who inspire us:
Meet Eleanor Himel from Port Washington, New York.


Her statement:
The moods and colors of the ocean beaches and bays of Long Island have been a constant source of inspiration. Memories of watching waves cascading onto the shore and then receding are entwined with the scent of salt water and the carefree joy of a dash into the surf. The emotional essence of each locale is reflected in contrasting layers of bright paint.

Time spent in Japan gave me an appreciation for the simplified design that is indigenous to that country. It has affected the way I look at art, architecture and fashion as well.

The parklands of Ontario with their peaceful flat landscapes and giant uninhabited lakes have been a summer destination for years and have also been favorite subjects of my paintings. It is a pleasure to sketch and be enveloped in the stillness of the woods, rocks and shimmering water. The works of Arthur Dove, Milton Avery and the Canadians, Lawren Harris and Jack Bush have helped me to develop my own interpretation of these beloved areas.

Click here to see more paintings.


Little Joe Lake-Algonquin Park-40x48-oil

Georgian Bay View-36x48-acrylic

Morning Walk-36x48-oil

Muskoka Hills-38x48-acrylic

Eleanor Himel 

Study:
Hunter College
N.Y.U.
New School
Paul Wood Studio of Port Washington 

Shows:
Solo Art Show, “Summerscapes”, Port Washington Public Library Gallery, June 2009
Numerous juried group exhibitions in Connecticut, Long Island and New York City. 

Awards:
Firehouse Plaza Gallery, Garden City, “Abstraction Now”, 2009 – Award of Excellence
Art Guild of Port Washington “Art at the Bank”, spring 2007 – Second Prize.
Long Island Museum, Summer 2005 – First Prize 

Member:
The Art Guild of Port Washington
New York Artist’s Equity

Manhasset Art Association

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

From the Kitchen


After 38 years of standing in kitchens, I am enjoying a semester at Algonquin College in Ottawa, teaching Cooking Class 080.  The students and I, we started in January, have cooked lunch together every Monday and Friday, at Restaurant International at the Woodroffe campus.

For many of these students, this is their first time in a professional kitchen and their first practical semester!  It has been great fun watching the progress made.  Each service is better than the one before, and I feel proud that some of the knowledge I have managed to pass on will help these students thrive in a trade that has always been good to me – and employs thousands of new cooks every year.

I’ve also learned the importance of patience and clear communication – and by teaching, I will become a better chef myself!

The snow is starting to melt, and the kitchen renovations have gotten to the point where the vision is reality, and I can't wait to see it humming with action.

See you soon!

Sincerely,
David Cooke

Friday, March 13, 2015

Three Generational Family Trips


Algonquin holds a special place in the hearts of many. Perhaps you came as a couple exploring the Park. Later you brought your children and taught them the importance of connecting with nature. Today your grandchildren are growing fast.

Don’t postpone it for another year - Arowhon can help you plan a fun and stress free family get together.

We’ll take care of the sleeping arrangements and provide a feast of meals three times a day. We can organize family canoe trips, relaxing walks and hiking expeditions, pontoon boat rides, cocktails on the deck in the afternoon and nightly bonfires under the stars.

We’ve also been known to chip in at family talent shows, help with sack races in the meadow, hide Smarties for scavenger hunts, and we put on a mean ping pong tournament!

We would be happy (and honoured) to host your family trip this summer.

Click HERE to contact us. 

A weekend gathering for 16 family members in an 8 Bedroom Cabin this spring (May 29 to June 27) is $ 8,800 – that’s for accommodation, six meals (Friday dinner to Sunday lunch), all facilities, tax & service charge. In high season, the rate is $12,350 all in.  

P.S. Our American neighbours save about 20 percent more at current dollar exchange rates.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Winter Pictures & Early Signs of Spring

If you were to check the weather report right now for Algonquin Park, you would think that this record breaking winter will never end. In fact, in February, right on time, one of Algonquin’s earlier signs of spring occurred – the gathering of nest material by Gray Jays!

We hope that warms you up a little! If not, let’s enjoy the last few months of this cold, arctic, windy, icy, snowy, frosty, frozen weather!

Here are some photos at Arowhon by Francesca Geneau. 
Click HERE to see more gorgeous winter pictures!

See you in the spring!