Come dance the night away
Le Bal des Arts is hosted by Sewstine, founder of the Salon Society of Chicago. She has over a decade of historical event experience, previously having been the founder and president of the Saint Louis Historical Sewing Society.
What will be provided? There will be a station for heavy appetizers and an open bar. Later on, a full array of desserts will be provided. A live quartet will be there to accompany Master Dance Instructor Rosalind Phelps for those who wish to try their hand at historic dancing, and there will be an arsenal of fun board games for those who wish to give it a try. There will be interesting stations to take selfies and other photographs, as well as a mini museum (tables of beautiful art nouveau objects to admire, as well as previous costumes made by Sewstine). A gift and dance card, designed by esteemed artist Kaz Rowe, will be provided for everyone who attends the event.
Dress Code We ask that everyone come in an outfit that is reminiscent of the period where Art Nouveau and Aestheticism were popular. Namely 1870s to 1910s. We do not ask for historical accuracy, and the theme is more of a guide and jumping point than a must. Furthermore, we welcome people who wish to dress in period dress from non European countries.
To help guide you, there is a pinterest board here. However, this is just a launching off point. Feel free to branch out and seek inspiration from all around you, and your favorite art nouveau pieces!
Age Restrictions: We welcome anyone over the age of 18. However, we do welcome guests 15 and older, assuming that they come with a chaperone of appropriate age. If you wish to partake in the alcohol, we will be carding at the door, so please bring an ID and keep it with you.
Location: The event will be held at the beautiful Stan Mansion, in the heart of Logan Square.
Tentative Schedule:
6:00PM - Doors open for VIP guests.
7:00PM - Door open for all guests. Open bar will sttart 7PM. Games, food, beverages, and photo stations will be available.
8:00PM - 10:30PM Dancing and Live Music with instruction
9:00PM - Dessert will be served
11:30 - Open bar closes
12:00AM - Event ends at midnight
About your hostess
Sewstine, better known as Christine is a textile artist who enjoys crafting historically inspired garments, heavy with detail and nuance such as resplendent embroidery, or handwoven trim (known as passamenterie).
In particular, she enjoys digitizing historical embroidery for modern home embroidery machines.
She also enjoys traveling the world for events to wear her garments at, but hopes to bring the joy closer to her home city of Chicago.
Please note that she does this as a hobby, and works full time.
She resides in Chicago with her husband, child, three dogs and a hamster named Titanic.