【推荐1】Nothing says springtime quite like flowers, so why not stitch up (缝制) a few of your own in this special virtual workshop hosted by My Modern Met? Our very own embroidery (刺绣) artist Sara Barnes has dreamed up a beautiful flower embroidery pattern and, over the course of our workshop, will take you step by step through the process of creating this seasonal wall hanging.

This class will take place on December 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. and costs just $10 to participate. Whether you are an embroidery enthusiast or just picking up a needle for the first time, there’s plenty to learn. Over the course of an hour to an hour and a half, Sara will share her tips and tricks on how to stitch a design.

All participants in this virtual class will receive the pattern in advance, as well as a list of materials so that you can stitch along with Sara. There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and share your own work with others in the workshop, as well as a dedicated question-and-answer session at the end. Everyone will also receive a recording of the live workshop that will be available for two weeks.

More about the host

Sara is not only a senior editor for My Modern Met, but she is also an accomplished embroidery artist. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013. Sara is also the author of Embroidered Life, which showcases the work of contemporary artist Sarah K. Benning. Her own practice focuses a lot on animals, particularly pet portraits.

【推荐2】Four Best Zoos in the US

Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo is devoted to research and conservation. In 2022, it received the Worldwide Conservation Award from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums for research and work in the Galdpagos Islands. The zoo is home to more than 16,000 animals, which are kept in clean and spacious natural habitats (栖息地). Open year-round and free to visit, Saint Louis Zoo houses Andean bears, polar bears and Surnatran orangutans, to name a few.

Zoo Atlanta

Opened in 1889 and one of the oldest zoos in the US, Zoo Atlanta is one of the top zoos worth visiting in Atlanta. Home to giant pandas, Sumatran tigers and western lowland gorillas (猩猩), the zoo participates in local and global conservation programs. Visitors say the gorillas and giant pandas are two of the highlights here. Adults (12-64): $34; Seniors (65 & over): $ 32; Children (3-11): $26; Children (3 & under): free.

Bronx Zoo

With more than 700 species and an area of 265 acres, Bronx Zoo in New York City is the largest urban zoo in the US. Since it’s hard to see the entire zoo in one day, prioritize must-see attractions like the Wild Asia Monorail (单列车) and the Congo Gorilla Forest during your visit. Adults (13 & over): $33. 95+; Seniors (65 & over): $28. 95+; Children (3-12): $23. 95+; Children (2 & under); free.

Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo is situated about 20 miles east of downtown San Francisco, It is home to more than 850 native and foreign species. Visitors can see African lions, American alligators and grizzly bears in large natural habitats, Zoogoers say they like the hillside layout and the Sky Ride that affords bird’s-eye views of the animals. Children under 2 years and seniors (76+) : free; Children (2-14) and adults (15-75): $15.75.

【推荐3】Student Film Festival

Student Film Festival celebrates learning across the curriculum through the exciting and dynamic medium of short film.

Through film, students can tell stories, investigate ideas, document learning in any area of study and express the complexity of their thinking through a range of genres and technical approaches.

With the creative use of digital media, students can integrate their personal perspectives to explore the diverse and challenging issues of our time.

It’s open to all students, regardless of school. We are accepting submissions in the following categories:

Cartoon (up to 30 mins)

Documentary(纪录片)(up to 60 mins)

Music Video(under 10 mins)

Science Fiction Short (up to 25 mins)

Situational Comedy (under 10 mins)

Web Series(up to three episodes, no more than 30 mins each)

So far, more than 20 entries have been selected across all categories. We will gradually announce the chosen entries for each category, giving you a chance to watch all the films online and vote for your favourites. Winners in all categories will be announced on Wednesday, 27 December.

Over the years, our film festivals have attracted thousands of filmmakers from around the world. Each festival features live screenings in our own school theater. Our 80-seat theater is outfitted with a 4K projector and seven speakers throughout the venue, delivering high quality in a first-class screening environment. Filmmakers whose works are accepted into our festival will receive free passes to the school theater, invitations to film masterclasses, and are considered for awards.