How art historians constructed "Swiss art"

"Swiss art" has always been a risky concept; however there is virtually no other country on earth with as many museums per capita as Switzerland. Even with its numerous galleries and internationally famous fairs, the Swiss maintain their modesty on the subject.

Join Dr. Fayet as he discusses the construction of "Swiss Art" from 1876, when Johann Rudolf Rahn published his History of the Fine Arts in Switzerland, down to the present day.

Roger Fayet was born in Zurich in 1966. From 1994 to 1999 he was Assistant Curator at the Johann Jacobs Museum, Zurich. From 1999 to 2003 he was Head Curator of the Museum Bellerive and the applied arts collection of the Museum für Gestaltung, Zurich. In 2003 he was appointed Director of the Museum zu Allerheiligen, Schaffhausen. Since 2010 he has worked as Director of the Swiss Institute for Art Research (SIK-ISEA), Zurich and Lausanne. Fayet teaches the University of Zurich and at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). From 2009 to 2015 he was President of the Swiss National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Switzerland), and he is currently Vice President of the International Association of Research Institutes in the History of Art (RIHA).

Now that's what I call an impressive CV. This promises to be an extraordinary evening and an opportunity for all art lovers that is not to be missed!

Venue: How art historians construct(ed) "Swiss art"
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Nielsen Auditorium, Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry is free. The event is in English and open to all.

Switzerland and Modern Diplomacy lecture

Back from vacation? Ready to start the new school year? Don't miss the opening lecture of the Fall 2016 Lecture Series at Franklin University Switzerland by Ambassador Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General and Head of the Global Cooperation Department at the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation.

Ambassador Wennubst was born in Lugano in 1961 and has extensive experience in development diplomacy based on extensive field work in areas such as rural development, microfinance and public health. He joined the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in 1995 and was initially posted to Bolivia and subsequently to Madagascar where he was tasked with reorganizing Swiss development cooperation activities. From 2008 to 2011, he was the deputy permanent representative of the Swiss mission to the Rome-based UN agencies. He later joined the Swiss permanent mission to the UN in New York as head of the economic and social development team, and currently manages the Global Cooperation Department as Assistant Director General of the SDC.

Now, this promises plenty of interesting aspects to learn about Modern Diplomacy and Switzerland.

Venue: Switzerland and Modern Diplomacy by Ambassador Pio Wennubst
Where: Franklin University Switzerland, Nielsen Auditorium, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorento
Date: Thursday, September 1st, 2016
Time: 19:00 to 20:00

Workshop: Turning the Gears of Confidence

Confidence is a skill.

Feeling inspired? Interested in a workshop? Maria-José Horstkamp, Ambassador of InterNations, offers a workshop with specific, concrete steps to build self confidence and raise self-esteem.

Just visualize entering 2016 in the right mindset, empowered to reach your potential and make powerful positive changes in your life. No more hiding, no more insecurities, no more excuses.

Well, this is your opportunity. Join Maria-José for an interesting evening at the Franklin University with the following agenda:

- The Foundation of Confidence
- Mindset
- Group Activities
- Light refreshment

Venue: Turning the gears of Confidence workshop
Place: Franklin University Switzerland, Via Ponte Tresa 29, Sorengo
Date: Monday, January 25, 2016
Time: 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM
Price: CHF 35.-
Price includes Course, material + light refreshments

Please confirm attendance with Maria-José Horstkamp by e-mailing: kyla_deiss@hotmail.com.

Meetup Lounge Aperitivo @ Seven

If you feel like meeting new people or just want to mingle bringing your own friends along, then this event is for you.

Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Their mission is to revitalize local community and you can be part of it.

The next Meetup Lounge Aperitivo is on Wednesday, March 4th at the new Seven Lounge in Lugano. This new lakeside design lounge bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, beers and wines with a deejay infuse of laid back atmosphere of chilled out vibes. The second floor has been reserved for especially for MeetUp.

So join them by signing up to the event through the MeetUp site.

And don’t forget to check the event calendar for other upcoming events. And if you have something nice and fun you would like to organize just post it on the Meetup and invite members to join.

Venue: MeetUp Lounge
Where: Seven Lounge, Via Stauffacher 1, 6900 Lugano
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Time: 7:00 PM

Family Fun Fair in Lugano

It is the event of the year: the Family Fun fair organised by the IWCL (Int'l. Women's Club of Lugano). Not to be missed come rain or come shine!

There are ongoing activities during the day for big and small. Come along, even if you do not have little people with you. All you need to bring is an empty stomach as our vendors will offer everything from amazing Asian Fusion Catering to wonderful Guily Pleasure cupcakes.

Kids' Klub will be offering ongoing face painting, bouncing castle and the possibility to discover and try instruments under the supervision of wonderful music teachers. Looms workshop will be organised by some volunteers. NANATelier will surprise you with their little creations. Be Unique Suisse provides fun in a unique and stylish way. Karin Hochapfel will make your children sing, Clown Poppins will pop by in the afternoon and Kelly Fischer will be storytelling.

Meet, Sample or Buy:
Taste of America
Cecilia Tsai and Miamily
Lugano Family tour 
Robin Bognuda and All for Kids
Mary Kay
Cloud of Cloth
El Galeon
Book Nook

The following sponsors are offering special discounts. You can collect coupons by writing to iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com. Every Family will receive a goodie bag so - if you are sure to come - please let IWCL know.

International Women’s Club of Lugano
The American Women of Ticino
U Name It Stickers
Children helmets
Rock My Baby
boo-merino.com
Just Rosy
Pinkfish
English Counselling Switzerland
Hello Switzerland
Città del Sole Lugano:
Forever Living Products
"Be Fit for Life"

Venue: Family Fun Fair
Where: Hotel Pestalozzi, Piazza Indipendenza 9, 6900 Lugano
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Have a wonderful Sunday,

Step by step for Japan

Everything starts with a single step. If you feel like watching a movie out of the ordinary please join a group of Japanese tonight for the movie showing of "negative : nothing" by Jan Knüesel e Stephan Knüesel.

March 11th marks a turning point in the life of Swiss travel agent Thomas Köhler. After the Tsunami and the nuclear disaster in Japan he loses all his customers, and eventually his job. Nevertheless, giving up is not an option. He decides to walk through Japan, 2900 kilometers from north to south, in order to show that not all of Japan is Fukushima. A trip of a lifetime starts through a country trying to cope with its biggest crisis since the end of World War II, but never losing hope for better days. The documentary film «Negative: Nothing» is a journey that changes the life of a travel agent forever and gives hope and strength to a nation. Even the longest journey starts with a single step.

Venue: Negative Nothing (Documentary, Japan, 2012)
Where: Cinema Lux Arthouse, Via Motta, 6908 Massagno
When: Thursday, February 27th, 2014
Time: 20:00

For more info: http://www.agendalugano.ch/events/19162/negativ-nothing
Promoted by Camelia Club Giapponese, Tel. +41 (0)78 867 46 91 or cameliaclub@gmail.com

Lugano's first Family Fair

Here is a lovely opportunity to discover how much happens in town. It's the first of it's kind in Ticino. So don't miss it. I'm talking about the Family Fair held at the Hotel Pestalozzi in Lugano on Sunday, November 10th, 2013.

Come spend a fun day with the whole family, grab the chance to eat a cupcake, or some yummy thai or mexican food while browsing the stalls of the Family Fair.

You'll find plenty of entertainment for grown ups and little people in a friendly environment in the heart of Lugano. Much to learn, to taste, to see and to buy.

For more information and to receive the flyer with all the list of the exhibitors contact: iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com

Presentations/demos during the day:
10:00-10:30
Ready-Steady-Move! Demo in Spanish (max 12 kids) to join write to: ticino@ready-steady-move.ch

10:30-11:00
Storytelling in Spanish with Stephanie Bravo

11:00-12:00
Yoga for parents with Lidia Regoli (adults only, max 12) to join write to lidiaregoli@gmail.com

12:30-13:00
Storytelling in English with Kelly Fischer http://www.ktf-writers-studio.ch/

13:00-13:30
Storytelling in Spanish with Stephanie Bravo

13:30-14:30
Family First Aid Kit: No Home Should Be Without One with Christina Schmid – Franklin college nurse

14:30-15:00
Storytelling in English with Kelly Fischer http://www.ktf-writers-studio.ch/

15:00-15:45
Ready-Steady-Move! Demo in English (max 12 kids) to join write to: ticino@ready-steady-move.ch

16:00-17:00
Discussion about dyslexia

This will be a fabulous event so tell your friends! Everybody is welcome to stop by.
Entry is free. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Venue: Family Fair
Where: Hotel Pestalozzi, Piazza Indipendenza 9, 6900 Lugano
When: Sunday, November 10th, 2013
Time: 10:00 to 17:00

You're invited to a spooky party at Swiss Miniature

Ghostly creatures take to flight

on this dreary, frightful night…

Bid you join us…if you dare

for a treat or a scare!!

Thursday October 31, 2013

Swiss Miniatur

from 8:00pm til midnight

Cost: CHF 35.00

(includes finger foods, drinks, music and dancing)

Bring your husbands, wives, partners, friends, but

"No creatures of the night who have seen fewer than

18 hallowed eves"

RSVP to the Lugano MeetUp team

by Thursday October 24, 2013

Corbin Moro cmoro@ticino.com

Helen Roowalla hroowalla@gmail.com

Zuleika Tipismana Ztipismana@gmail.com

Kathleen de Marchi mail@demarchi.ch

Lugano Photo Days 2013

LuganoPhotoDays' second edition is taking place from October 12th to 20th, 2013.

René Burri's exhibition "Impossible Reminiscences" is the cherry on the cake of the event. The author of the Che smoking a cigar or LeCorbusier in his workshop exhibits - on the occasion of his 80th birthday and for the first time in Ticino - a series of colour images. Virtually unknown to the public, and displayed in chromological order, situations and portraits captured simultaneously with the black & white ones, deliver a unique vision of the creativity of this great master of photographyʼs spirit from 1950 until today.

The programme of the International festival of photography provides the very much appreciated workshops and conferences. It has been enhanced with a selection of thematic exhibitions, individual portfolio reviews and the presentation of book by emerging photographers.

For more details click here: http://www.luganophotodays.ch/en/

During LuganoPhotoDays, the Lugano MeetUp group would like to invite you to the aperitivo accompanying Fabrizio Capsoni photo exhibition BEIJING 2008 on Friday, October 18th, 2013 at 18:00 featuring a very interesting reportage of 250 photos telling the story of China during the Olympics.

Should you be looking to spend a nice evening together with other Expats just stop by and introduce yourself to the Organization team to sign up. Have fun!

Venue: Aperitiv & Photo Exhibition

Date: Friday, October 18, 2013

Time: 6:00 PM

Where: Galleria/Libreria ART...on paper

Via Cattori 5a

Via S. Salvatore 2

Lugano-Paradiso

Meet Up with Lugano Expats for an Aperitivo at the Lanchetta

Feel like meeting new people? Looking to hook up with other Expats in Lugano?

The Expat community in Lugano is growing and is more organized than ever. Tonight it is MeetUp time. Meetups are neighbors getting together to learn something, do something and share something. All you need to do is sign up here: http://www.meetup.com/Lugano-MeetUp/.

Enjoy a nice aperitivo in one of the best lounge-bars on the lakeside of Lugano. Nearly 50 people are attending tonight's get-together at the "Lanchetta" at 7pm.

The organizers are looking forward to see you and spend a great evening together, meeting new people and lifting your glasses and spirits high!

So sign up, and since you're at it, check out the pictures of our previous MeetUps!

Venue: MeetUp Aperitivo
Where: La Lanchetta, Viale Castagnola 16, Lugano
When: Thursday, May 23, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

IWCL Evening Group March 2013 Event

It's time to get together again. Come meet other International residents and locals with an global outlook. Don't worry if you are by yourself or concerned that you won't know anybody. Mix and mingle is the motto and that is exaclty what everybody is there for. The International Women's Club of Lugano invite you to meet new people, find like-minded individuals to share a glass of wine and exchange experiences of Lugano and the world. A smile will get you a long way, trust me!

Get ready for spring and meet for a great evening at one of the nicest places in the heart of Lugano: the Osteria Trani.

For more info contact IWCL at iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com or just simply show up.

Venue: IWCL Evening Group March 2013 Event
Where: Osteria Trani, Via Cattedrale 12, 6900 Lugano
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Time: 19:30

"The Lady" Movie Night Out

The very hip and active IWCL Evening group invites you to a Ladies' Movie Night Out.

"The Lady" is an epic love story about how an extraordinary couple and family sacrifice their happiness at great human cost for a higher cause. This is the story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris. Despite distance, long separations, and a dangerously hostile regime, their love endures until the very end. A story of devotion and human understanding set against a background of political turmoil which continues today. THE LADY also is the story of the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of Burma's democracy movement.

This is a very special event for all of you ladies which will start with an aperitivo kindly offered by Banca del Sempione. Of course, gentlemen are very welcome as well.

Venue: The Lady
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMYAzQC3UjI
Where: Lux Arthouse Via Motta, 6900 Massagno

http://www.cinemalux-lugano.ch/mappa.asp

When: Thursday 8th of November, 2012
Time: 7:00 pm aperitivo & snacks, 7:45 pm movie (English with sub. F/D)
Price: CHF 20.- part of the fee will be donate to http://www.prospectburma.org/, a charity fully supported by Aung San Suu Kyi.

If you want to know more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aung_San_Suu_Kyi

Please kindly RSVP to: iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com because they need to know how many you'll be mainly to provide enough snacks for the aperitivo.

International Womens' Club of Lugano get together

Feeling like meeting up with some familiar faces or meeting new ones? You haven't left on holidays yet but want to make the most of a pleasant warm summer evening?

Join the International Womens' Club of Lugano (IWCL) Evening Club for a relaxed drink.

Venue: IWCL Evening Group Chat & Drink
Where: La Lanchetta, Viale Castagnola 16, 6900 Lugano, Tel: 091 971 55 51
Date: Wedsneday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 7:30 pm           

Please kindly RSVP to: Sabrina and Sandrine at iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com

Swiss Insurance World

“Fun is like life insurance; the older you get, the more it costs.”
 Kin Hubbard

Would you like to understand the world of Swiss insurances? Need some help or advice on how to contract an insurance? Happy to recieve tips and hints on how to maximize your insurance policy?

The Lugano English speaking Group is organizing an informal presentation and discussion about the Swiss insurance system - particularly how it compares to systems in other countries. It is presented by Ares Pagnamenta from Gandolfi & Partners in Lugano, a firm that was established in 1986 and specializes in all types of insurance. After a brief presentation, there will be plenty of time for your questions.

This is your opportunity to get your teeth into the subject and get all the information you need.

Venue: Swiss Insurance World
Where: The Book Nook, English library of Lugano, Residenza Pico, Via Pedemonte 2, Viganello
Date: Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Time: 18:00

A beer and a chat

Feel like a beer and a chat or a prosecco and a laugh? Join the English speaking group tomorrow night at their monthly Meet-up at the Spuntino Diverso.

Venue: Monthly Meet-up
Where: Spuntino Diverso, Via F.Pelli 14, 6900 Lugano (see map)
When: Friday, April 13th, 2012
Time: 19:30

Easter Egg Painting Party

The Easter Bunny

There's a story quite funny,

About a toy bunny,

And the wonderful things she can do;

Every bright Easter morning,

Without warning,

She colors eggs, red, green, or blue.

Some she covers with spots,

Some with quaint little dots,

And some with strange mixed colors, too

-- Red and green, blue and yellow,

But each unlike his fellow

Are eggs of every hue.

And it's odd, as folks say,

That on no other day

In all of the whole year through,

Does this wonderful bunny,

So busy and funny,

Color eggs of every hue.

If this story you doubt

She will soon find you out,

And what do you think she will do?

On the next Easter morning

She'll bring you without warning,

Those eggs of every hue.

M. Josephine Todd, 1909

A typical Swiss activity before Easter is egg painting with your children. If you think it sounds messy, it is great fun and is actually very easy with today's specialized egg paints that you can pick up in any Coop, Migros or other supermarket.

Should you wish for some advice, Robin from ALL FOR KIDS will come to your rescue. She hosts an Easter Egg Painting Party for parents and kids every year - and this year it will be Saturday March 31st, 2012 from 13:00-18:00. She provides the colors and dye - you bring your own white hard boiled eggs.

There will be snacks for all and a chance to catch up with friends. Stop by for a short time, or stay all afternoon. It will be at her home & showroom in S. Antonino (Via Cimitero 21) You can find directions online at www.allforkids.ch, or call her at 091 858 30 82.

Everyone is welcome.

Venue: Easter Egg Painting
Where: All for Kids, Via Cimitero 21, 6592 S.Antonino (Map)
Date: Saturday, March 31st, 2012
Time: 13:00 - 18:00

IWCL Wine Tasting Evening

"I can certainly see that you know your wine. Most of the guests who stay here wouldn't know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret."
John Cleese, Fawlty Towers

In order to start the year 2012 on a high note, IWCL and Meetup are happy to invite you to a delicious wine tasting on January 25, 2012 at the NYX Lounge in Lugano.

You will have the opportunity to taste a selection of 5 Italian wines; 1 sparkling, 1 rosé, 1 white and 2 red wines served with home made hot and cold finger foods and a delicate risotto. Your friends are welcome.

Location: NYX LOUNGE, Via Stauffacher 1, 6901 LUGANO (Casinò Lugano)          http://www.nyxlugano.ch/lounge/it/lounge_menu.asp
Date: Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
Time: 19:30
Price per person: CHF 45.-

RSVP: Please book your place before January 22 at: iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com or Sandrine (078 75 143 75) or Sabrina (079 642 40 18)

Wondering how to wine taste like a professional? Check out my post on my Paris blog at: http://expatwithkidsinparis.blogspot.com/2012/01/wine-and-cheese-tasting-french-way.html

InterNations Christmas Party in Lugano

Christmas is just around the corner. Need to let your hair down and take a deep breath between rushing around shopping for the perfect gift, organizing holiday trips or preparing culinary delcacies? The answer is a night out with a bunch of fun-loving people.

InterNations' December event will differ from their regular events and features a unique format. At NYX Lounge InterNations have put together a special Standing Christmas Buffet Dinner package including lots of extras for our members. Doors will open at 7pm.

All attendees will receive a free welcome drink (Martini Prosecco) and the Standing Buffet will start at 8pm. Please check the event post for details on the offered food and please do sign up at the InterNations site.

Not only will you be offered a choice of Prosecco/White Wine/Red Wine (3 glasses per person) and
LIVE MUSIC,but you'll also receive a free welcome Poker Chip for the Casino worth CHF 5.-.

So what are you waiting for? It's all happening tonight with over 125 people signed up for the fun. See you there.

Venue: InterNations Christmas Party
Where: NYX LOUNGE, Via Stauffacher 1, 6901 Lugano, Tel. +41 79 870 93 13, www.nyxlugano.ch
When: Wednesday, December 14th , 2011
Time: 19:00
Price: Members Chf 55.-, Guests: CHF 65.-

Young business women of Ticino - listen up!

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
Alice Walker

Are you under 35? Would you like to join a group of professional women and expand your network? Then sign up for an informal aperitivo Thursday, Dec. 1st at 7 PM at the Anacapri restaurant.

The International Federation of Business and Professonal Women (BPW International) was founded by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips in 1930. BPW International was founded on the vision of achieving workplace equality, right to vote and equal pay.

Since the launch of their triennium theme - Empowered Women Leading Business - BPW women are inspiring businesses, empowering communities and creating opportunities around the world. BPW brings you regular insights into what and how their members are creating lasting change by leading the BPW International initiatives that are firmly in place.

Their purpose is to support professional women up to 35 years old by providing unlimited access to mentors, role models, like minded career women and thousands of friends across the globe!

Should you be interested in joining BPW International and bring the voice of women to business, please click here: www.bpw-international.org.

For more information e-mail: marianduven@gmail.com

Venue: Young Business Professional Women of Ticino
Where: Ristorante Anacapri, Via Clemente Maraini, 6900 Lugano, (www.anacapri.ch)
When: Thursday, Dec 1st, 2011
Time: 19:00

Latino evening in Lugano

"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak."
Indian proverb

The Evening group of the International Women’s Club of Lugano ( IWCL - www.iwcl.org) has been set up for International people living in Ticino willing to get together in a friendly and casual atmosphere.

The IWCL is getting ready to party again. This a party you do not want to miss. Are you ready for a Latino evening full of rhythm and fun?

The Evening group is happy to invite you and your friends to a exotic evening on Thursday, November 24th. Not only will you enjoy and maybe discover Latin music but you'll be accompanied by a teacher who will reveal the secrets of Latino's sensual moves and dances.

Venue: Latino Evening
Where: New Orleans Club, Quartiere Maghetti , 6900 Lugano
Tel. 091/ 921 44 77
http://www.neworleansclublugano.com/
When: Thursday, November 24th, 2011
Time: 20:00
Drinks starting at : CHF 5.50 for water/sodas CHF 6.50 for beer CHF 8.50 for wines CHF 13.00 for cocktails

Please book your place fast by writing to iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com
or by phone: Sandrine Nélisse 078 751 43 75 or Sabrina Nicod 079 642 40 18

In the meantime, you can start practicing....