Don Caldwell, aka, Buster Balloon, comes into New York every few months for some fabulous event, such as his own art gallery show, a super-fancy gig, or to consult with artists like Jeff Koons. This summer is the first time that he is coming to town just to teach and share his world-renowned balloon art with us.  This is actually a farewell tour, so this is your last chance to go to a Don Caldwell lecture.  Three workshops are schedule, one in Manhattan, one in Long Island, and one in New Jersey.  Here’s the schedule:

Class #1 (Monday, June 6th)

WHAT: Don’s “Big & Bad” Class
DESCRIPTION: The debut of Don’s all new balloon workshop: BIG & BAD.  His four biggest, baddest, and most closely guarded balloon creations EVER. Gorilla, T-REX, Shark, and Alien 2.0. As a bonus we will be recording the workshop and providing each attendee with a copy. This class is intended for hardcore serious twisters only. Registration is $125 and limited to 15 attendees.
WHERE:  The exact address will be shared with class attendees.  It will be in West SOHO near the 1-train’s Houston stop and C/E-train’s Spring Street stop.
WHEN: Monday, June 6, 2011 from 2pm to 6pm
HOSTED BY: Todd Neufeld and the NY Twisters
REGISTER: You must register in advance. Register for Buster’s Big & Bad class here.
FEE: $125

Class #2 (Tuesday, June 7th)

WHAT: Don’s “Inflatable Oddities” Class
DESCRIPTION: Explore new worlds of possibility as you discover the joys of twisting with 321′s and 6″ hearts, as well as other commonly neglected and misunderstood balloon species.  This is without a doubt some of Buster’s most unique, creative, and innovative work to date including many creations that he has never shared with  the balloon community before.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.  Doors open at 7pm.
WHERE: United Methodist Church, 903 Beverwyck Road, Parsipanny, NJ  07054.  The map & directions are here http://twist.ly/2
HOSTED BY: Merri-Makers Alley 51 (contact Kathy Gurak)
REGISTER: At the door.
FEE: Free for Alley 51 members,  $15 for non-members

Class #3 (Wednesday, June 8th)

WHAT: Don’s “Inflatable Oddities” Class
DESCRIPTION: Explore new worlds of possibility as you discover the joys of twisting with 321′s and 6″ hearts, as well as other commonly neglected and misunderstood balloon species. This is without a doubt some of Buster’s most unique, creative, and innovative work to date including many creations that he has never shared with the balloon community before.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
WHERE: Tricky Business, 2950 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY, 11554, 516-520-4004
HOSTED BY: John Reid and Tricky Business
REGISTER: There are only 30 seats available, so you must reserve your seat by calling the store at 516-520-4004.
FEE: $20, which includes a $5 credit to anything in the store (to buy the balloons you’ll need).