 | | Happy Holidays from the Oak Park Arts District! |  Click to see Tamekia talk about the book release. | "It's been a labor of love and is a gift to every child I have served over the past 15 years. It is so important to me that children understand that their hair is part of their heritage, their culture, and their identity. I am excited to announce the official book pre-release of "Your Hair is Your Crown."
-Tamekia Swint, founder Make a donation of $100 or more to Styles 4 Kidz and receive:
-A hardcover copy of "Your Hair is Your Crown" written by Tamekia Swint and illustrated by Ashley Bailey
-"Your Hair is Your Crown" T-shirt
-"Your Hair is Your Crown" Poster
For more information and to donate. |  As it has for many years, Trattoria 225 is collecting Toys for Tots. Drop off a gift when picking up your take out! 225 Harrison | | Shop Artfully In Store & Online Arts District retailers take your safety seriously. Many offer online services, personal shopping, curbside pick up and shipping. All follow public health guidelines in regards to mask wearing, social distancing and sanitizing. Please think small, unique and local this holiday season. | Purple Sun Arts is now featuring unique jewelry designs by Sandra Dee, in addition to the designs by Ann, such as leather earrings. Other gift ideas include jewelry scarves, earrings, paintings, greeting cards, designer masks, and ornaments. Hours: Wednesday - Sunday from 1 - 5pm. 142 Harrison |  Make someone's holidays sparkle! | | |  Save on Your Sparkle! | Studio 144 Boutique is a cozy and welcoming space offering women's fashion (sizes small - 3x), jewelry, fragrance, purses, skincare and more. Looking for a gift for a special someone? Marcia will help you put together just the right stylish things! Holiday Shopping Hours this week:
Tuesday By appointment only
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
Saturday 12 - 5pm
Sunday 12 - 4pm
To schedule an appointment visit
facebook.com/studio144boutique and click on Book Now, email studio144boutique@yahoo.com. Call or text to 708.205.2866. 144 Harrison |  Shop One of a Kind pieces & support the staff because, where would you bead without them? | In-store or online, Bead in Hand is ready to help you with your jewelry making and crafting needs! Shop a gorgeous selection of semi-precious stone, Czech glass and unique findings or pick up a kit to give as a gift or play with at home. One of a kind pieces made by the staff are sure to please. On the website, you'll find The Bead in Hand Store with links to Do It Yourself Beading Kits, Kits for the Holidays and basic Beading Instructions. Bead in Hand is open every day of the week but due to space constraints, recommends that you make an appointment. Holiday Shopping Hours this week:
Monday, Tuesday 12- 5pm
Wednesday 1 - 5 pm
Thursday 11 - 3 pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 1 - 5pm
145 Harrison | Come by and pick out the perfect record or CD for the music lover in your family. Val's is open all week for your last-minute gift giving needs.
Staying home? Feel free to SHOP ONLINE and enjoy FREE local delivery within a 5-mile radius of the store. Holiday Shopping Hours this week:
Mon - Wed 11am - 7pm
Thu 11am - 5pm
239 Harrison |  Bundle Up! | In-store pick up and porch drops! Elevate offers pre-designed gift bundles, or create your own! E-Gift Cards available via the webstore. Send teachers and others digital cards in any amount easily! Online Shop. 321 Harrison | The arts collective's current show is The Warmth of Color, an exhibition celebrating peace, love, mindfulness and well-being. Studio doors are open on Wednesdays from 1-5pm. Take in the exhibition, shop for art by local artists and handmade soaps and hand sanitizer from Nine Waves Out Soap Company.
Dancing Krow artists are placing their best creations in the gallery for you
to buy for all those you love, including yourself, this holiday season. 43 Harrison | | Online Classes & Workshops |  Click for more information about Winter 2021 classes | Still need a last-minute gift? Give the gift of learning another language and being immersed in French and Francophone culture with a gift card to l’Institut français d’Oak Park. Online classes and French conversation groups are easily accessible to gift recipients near the Oak Park Arts District and far away! | Gift cards and course descriptions for Winter 2021 classes (January 18-March 27) are available here. Questions? Visit www.frenchinstitute.net or contact Stacy Fifer at mailto:stacy.fifer@frenchinstitute.net. Happy Holidays from l’Institut français d’Oak Park! |  Click for more information | Medicine Buddha One-Day Retreat: Healing through Wisdom
Join any one session, or all 3 guided sessions. Based upon the profound healing practice of Medicine Buddha, this full-day guided retreat will emphasize the practice of Tantric self-generation practice of Medicine Buddha, the embodiment of the healing energy of all Buddhas. Although this event is open to everyone, this in-depth retreat is most suitable for those who already have some previous experience with Buddha's Sutra teachings. Each session will include a brief teaching, preparatory prayers, and extensive meditation. Led by Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Zamling. Wednesday, December 30th, 10am - 6 pm. $15-40. |  Click for more information | An Alternative New Year's Eve Celebration
Live
Part 1: Inspired, Confident & Calm: A Special Talk & Meditation for the New Year. Buddhist meditation offers valuable, effective methods everyone can use to improve the quality of your mind and life. Learn how to feel more confident, inspired and stable through meditation in the year ahead -- both on and off the meditation cushion -- regardless of what life throws your way. Led by Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Zamling. $12 Part 2: Prayers of Compassion for World Peace. Now more than ever, our world needs authentic kindness, empathy, and compassion. To celebrate the New Year, we will enjoy a traditional Buddhist prayer which develops our own compassion and enables us to establish a more compassionate and caring society. All are very welcome to attend. FREE. Thursday, December 31st, online starting at 7pm and available for 72 hours after. | A Message from Music Together You & Yours:
In order to make a contribution to our local community, 10% of the Winter Bells semester registration fees will be donated to Beyond Hunger. Families are struggling to make ends meet and I'd like to support the steadfast efforts of this essential organization. Thank you for your continued support. I'll continue to offer classes for as long as it's viable. Please reach out if you need to make payment arrangements. It's crucial that we continue to provide a musical outlet for our kids and ourselves. Community. Music. Food. These are important to all of us.
Classes will start January 15, 2021. Registration is now open for the winter 2021 Bells semester at Musictogetheryouandyours.com
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!
Thank you!
Lauren | | Sweets, Savories & Open Coffee Houses |  Check out the Buzz's heated back patio space too! | | |  Cookies! | The newest business on Harrison Street has Holiday Cookies for your adorable pets- and kids! Decorate your cookies with GRND's cookie kit. A free online class with pastry chef Janet is included. Kid cookie kit and pet cookies, just in time for Santa and friends. There’s even a spare for mom and dad. Everyone can get in on the fun! Invite you friends and neighbors.
Kits are $35 - $65 and include 6 - 13 cookies plus a pet cookie and all the decorations. December 23rd at 1 pm via ZOOM. Register online and RSVP @ GRND Coffeehouse www.grndcoffeehouse.com or 708.613.4592. 140 Harrison |  Click for brunch | RBP has partnered with Publican Quality Meats to bring the Oak Park Community a series of delicious Weekend Brunch Boxes. Each weekend, select a package for pick-up from Rare Bird on Saturday morning between 10 - 11:30 am and if you miss brunching with your friends maybe you could all order a box and do a zoom brunch! Order Up! 211 Harrison | The Eastgate Cafe offers hearty homemade dishes for carry-out curbside pick up or delivery from now until the spring. 102 Harrison |  Place your pie order for New Year's Eve and Day by Wednesday, December 23 at 5:00pm! | | | Easy Ways to Support Independent Retail |  Pick Oak Park. Because supporting local creates a stronger community. #pickoakpark | |  Great gifts for teachers, family meals, holiday gifts, corporate gifts, local shopping & more. |  Support local brick & mortars through their online shops! | | | Thank you for supporting the Oak Park Arts District! See you on Harrison Street. | | |
