Open Sessions: Community (in person)

Open Sessions: Community reflects the IAO’s mission of making the aromatic arts accessible to all. This offering is designed to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation, and to welcome those for whom our standard registration fees may not be feasible.

Blending aromatic molecules together into a composed perfume is not only fun, but creative, challenging and - sometimes - kinda relaxing. We can't promise that you'll make the next Santal 33, but we can guarantee that you'll come away with a healthy respect for the art, science, materials, and skill it takes to make perfume.

Open Sessions are the IAO’s longest running program, and focus on hands-on experience for newcomers to the practice. In a casual, self-led setting, you’ll independently tinker with materials from the experimental organ, select five to work with, and get to making your first trials!

We have everything you need: Aromatic materials (natural, synthetic, and accords), 5/8 dram vials and pipettes, and scent strips. You go home with your formula, what’s left of your materials and — most importantly — a new awareness of what it takes to make a perfume. All you need to bring is an open mind, and down the rabbit hole you go!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Dive right in! Upon arrival, you’ll be presented with instructions for the class. Smell through the experimental organ, select five materials to work with, decant them into your vials (provided by the instructor), and start blending! At the end of the session, you’ll take home your material vials and formula, as well as a new appreciation for what it takes to blend perfume, and – hopefully – the readiness to learn more.

Take-Aways:

+ 5 x ⅝ dram vials of your chosen materials

+ Your formula sheet

+ New #friendswithpipettes

Please note: this is a self-directed class. The open sessions do not provide a take-home spray vial. For blending classes with takeaway spray vial, please register for the Introduction for Perfume Blending classes, themed Blending Sessions, or the big bottle workshops.

Materials: Materials are included in the sign-up cost, and provided by the IAO during class.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Trained at Grasse Institute for Perfumery, Julianne Lee started her journey with perfumery at the Institute for Art and Olfaction, and currently acts as the IAO’s Director of Projects. A practicing perfumer with an interest in contemporary culture, she draws from literature, art, and her deep knowledge of materials and technique to extend the creative potential for the field of perfumery.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please read before signing up!

Your Eventbrite confirmation contains important instructions for class attendance. Please scroll down on the confirmation email to review.

Attendance and Refund Policy

This is an in person class that will take place at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or credit for this class. Note also that event tickets are non-transferable.

Safety

Some aromatic materials can have side-effects when applied to skin. The information and teaching materials presented in our classes are for educational purposes only. These are not intended for commercial use and do not necessarily reflect commercial best practices or industry safety standards. For more information about commercial best practices and safety, consult the relevant authorities in your country of residence.

Registration Requirements

Please note that you must reserve your space in advance. If you just show up without reserving a spot, there is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate you. Space at this event is limited.

Our open sessions are 18 and up (or 14+, with adult supervision).

Location

We are located in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood, on a pedestrian street.

Street Address: 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA. 90012

To find us: Chung King Road is a pedestrian-only road that runs parallel to Hill Street, between Hill St and Yale St. See more information here: http://artandolfaction.com/visit

The IAO is wheelchair accessible. Note there is a small 1" lip at the threshold of the space.

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