Latest news with #Tiki
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Sky Tower showcases art from young Te Kowhai Print Trust talent
He enjoyed bringing more playful art to a professional setting and especially loved creating his own characters. Shayne Babes' art 'Comic Strip Skyline' was inspired by the big and bold colours that dominate old school comics. Photo / Sky City Community Trust Babe's work displayed on the Sky Tower features characters from a comic breaking out of the borders that contain them, to gaze over the Auckland skyline. Shayne Babe in front of his comic style work which is being projected onto the Auckland Sky Tower this weekend and next weekend. Photo / Te Kowhai Print Trust He said it was a challenge to create something for such a large canvas - much longer than it was wide. Babe said it felt 'surreal' to know his work would be displayed to hundreds of thousands of people. Throughout the years he had shown his art to close family and friends but not to a wider audience. 'To have it projected onto the Skytower is just an amazing opportunity. 'Even though I was a little nervous, it's the opportunity of a lifetime,' Babe said. He was inspired to do more art classes after the exhibition to broaden his horizons and learn more styles and mediums. He wanted to create art classes at the Hundertwasser Art Centre for people of all ages. Babe said he liked how Te Kowhai Print Trust allowed him to fully express himself with full support behind him. 'They don't limit [creativity] in any kind of way.' Waka Huia Reipo Artwork: Big Tiki Energy! Waka Huia Reipo's piece is a colourful totem – a tiki – that represents her whakapapa and culture. The description of the 35-year-old's work reads: 'Born from Te Kore, these endearing Tiki beings embody love and descend with celestial grace. Kia mau te wehi!' Reipo - of Ngāti Rehia, Ngātiwai, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent - enjoyed being part of a wider movement that allowed her to get creative with her photography and printmaking. She said her tiki had turned into individual personalities. The Patāua South local said she struggled to fully comprehend that her art would be displayed on such a huge scale until it was there in front of her. Reipo, experienced in photography, said people had stared wide-eyed at her piece. She joked it was the desired effect she had in mind thanks to its 'Big Tiki Energy'. She had found it somewhat nerve-racking to work with such 'amazing young artists'. 'Big Tiki Energy' projected onto the Sky Tower. But she said being around so many people with a huge passion for art had been 'inately empowering'. Reipo was grateful for the aroha shown by the kind mentorship of Te Kowhai Print Trust and also her workplace, D5 cafe on Port Rd, who supported her art. Waka Huia Reipo said her Māori heritage was integral to her work and she was proud to be able to showcase it. Photo / Sky City Community Trust Blu Jenkins Artwork: Tooth and Nail Blu Jenkins' masterpiece shows a cat fighting for its life while eight other lives watch on. The 25-year-old's art features the colours of the non-binary flag signalling Jenkins' inspiration to push through adversity. They loved to use bold colours and cartoon styles, inspired by the work of British artist Louis Wain. Blu Jenkins' artwork Tooth and Nail is about mental health and what it feels like to keep pushing through. Photo / Sky City Community Trust Their involvement at Te Kowhai Print Trust started last year when they had worked an evening job so had plenty of spare time during the day. Jenkins had been experiencing a low moment in their life, struggling with anxiety. 'I really liked getting out of the house and being around other creative people,' they said. Blu Jenkins in front of their art projected onto the Sky Tower. Photo / Te Kowhai Print Trust The trust had allowed them to be their self alongside other creative people and to find the confidence to push out of that depression. Jenkins said seeing their work projected on to the Sky Tower had been a 'really unreal' moment that sparked some impostor syndrome. They posted about the event on social media platform, TikTok, which garnered 18,000 views. People commented, saying they had seen the Sky Tower lit up with their art. 'Getting actual people telling you they saw it really drove it home, honestly, that was somehow more exciting,' Jenkins said. 'I think if anything, it's just reminded me that my art holds value.' They were excited to continue creating in the future with other artists. Jenkins said the Whangārei arts scene was growing. Skye Sigley Artwork: Poutama Multimedia Māori artist Skye Sigley said her work represented the steps of knowledge she has gained through her work with Te Kowhai Print Trust. The piece symbolised the haerenga (journey) people take to achieve their hopes and dreams, she said. The 21-year-old said it also went hand in hand with her pregnancy as she prepared to bring her first child into the world this August. Sigley formed strong friendships during her time with Te Kowhai Print Trust and felt the Sky Tower exhibition was the start of something bigger. 'Our power is that much stronger as a group as well, we're interconnected,' she said. Skye Sigley's piece 'Poutama' symbolises the journey taken to achieve ones hopes and dreams, she says. Photo / Skye Sigley Artwork Sigley said it was great to see art on such a large scale, telling the story of community members' achievements and what inspired them. 'It's given me that drive to think anything is possible really, there's no limit to what I can achieve now,' she said. She had found collaborating with other artists at the trust fun and she looked forward to more ideas in the future. 'It's limitless,' she said. Sigley said the support offered by the trust during the process had been 'invaluable'. She said the showcase was a celebration of all their work. 'If we put our minds to it, we can do anything.' Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
Eater
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Boyle Heights' Legendary La Tortilleria Azteca to Shutter Original Location
Though it's the end of an era for La Tortilleria Azteca, it's not officially an ending. On June 13, the over-50-year-old restaurant and tortilleria will cease operations at its classic location on Caesar Chavez Boulevard and move permanently to its second location, less than two miles away on Atlantic and Beverly Boulevards. Thankfully, the news is not a full closure — but it's a sad removal of a historic Boyle Heights space. La Tortilleria Azteca is known for its long lines, the massive flour tortilla-making operation directly behind the ordering counter, and those signature chile relleno burritos. Owners Cynthia Hernandez and her parents, Candy and Juan Villa, purchased the restaurant in 2010. According to LAist, the family opened the second location in 2023 after learning that the landlord was considering selling the property. Strong Water Anaheim pop-up at Thunderbolt Anaheim's two-time James Beard Award nominee and Tiki bar Strong Water will pop up at Thunderbolt in Echo Park on Monday, July 7. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is a great opportunity to try their signature drinks without the long drive and meet owners Ying Chang and Robert Adamson. Tickets are $105 per person, which includes five drinks. Thunderbolt and Strong Water will open reservations on Tock this weekend (keep an eye on Instagram). A new nightclub heading to West Hollywood Sweetwater, a new nightlife and bar on West Hollywood's will open later this summer on the busy stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard near San Vicente Boulevard. Owner Berni Gambino tells Eater that her forthcoming spot is a lesbian bar and nightlife venue that's geared toward inclusion. Chef Daniel Patterson launches his pre-Jaca pop-up Chef Daniel Patterson is still on track to open his forthcoming restaurant, Jaca Restaurant. He'll move forward without his former partner and chef, Keith Corbin, and, during the summer months, will start preparing those future dishes in pop-up tasting menu format in a private space every Friday and Saturday. He describes Jaca Social Club as a preview of Jaca, inspired by his Bay Area restaurant Coi. Tickets are $250 per person and can be booked via Resy. On July 3, chef Michael Montilla and Brad Salzman will bring back one of Los Angeles's beloved restaurant recipes as Original Hollywood Chili. The duo secured the original recipe from the Chasen family and can be ordered here. Chasen's operated in Beverly Hills for decades before closing in 2000. A la carte pre-orders of the revival can be placed on its website. Two events to check out this weekend Good Boy and Friends does its fourth annual natural wine block party in the Arts District on June 28 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. $59 tickets give entrants the chance to taste 40-plus wines from producers across the country, while the $149 VIP for priority check-in, a wine tote, and other goodies. Vendors like Ditroit, Burger She Wrote, and Simón Seafood will sell bites. Pick up tickets here. Infatuation's EEEEEatscon returns to Santa Monica's Barker Hangar this weekend with events on June 28 and June 29. Shake Shack is collaborating with the LA Fire Department with a special burger topped with Fire Engine red pepper relish, fried shrimp with fries, and a limited edition hat, while supplies last. A dollar from every purchase will benefit the LA Fire Department Foundation, a worthy cause in the wake of the wildfires that impacted the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in January. In addition, all net revenues from the weekend will be matched by Chase (One must be a Chase cardholder to attend the event) and donated to a local organization to support small businesses. Other vendors include 88 Club with Trophies Burger Club, Auntie Yvette's Kitchen, III Mas, and Za Za Zá. The festivities take place both days from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; entrance is $25 and food costs extra. See More: Intel LA Restaurant Closings
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Viral Internet Sensation Rescue Dog's First Week at Home Ends in Cuddles and Guitar Serenades
Viral Internet Sensation Rescue Dog's First Week at Home Ends in Cuddles and Guitar Serenades originally appeared on PetHelpful. If you spend much time on the canine side of TikTok, you're probably familiar with a sweet, timid rescue dog named Tiki. He first wagged his way into everyone's hearts when he arrived in his foster home, where veteran foster mom Isabel Klee showed him how gentle and welcoming the world can be. Several dozen viral videos later, Tiki was finally ready for adoption. After extensive deliberation, he went home with his new dog parents, Vince and Aubrie, and canine siblings Meyer and Gaia. As bittersweet as it was to see the Internet's favorite foster duo parting ways, it's also extremely exciting to see Tiki starting his next chapter. On June 16, Tiki's parents shared a heartwarming and emotional update from the pup's first week at home. Every video on his new TikTok account, @tikiplustwo, is worth reaching for the tissues, but this priceless check-in, which includes the sweetest cuddles and guitar serenades, has people positively bawling! There's no doubt that Tiki is in his perfect home. His parents are letting him take the lead during interactions, and they're encouraging him with every piece of cheese they can find. Cheese is the way to this dog's heart! Anyone who's kept up with Tiki's adventures knows that it took him weeks just to feel ready to let someone pet him. The fact that he's cuddling with his new mom after merely a week is a testament to the little dog's bravery and his foster family's Isabel, Tiki's foster mom, couldn't believe her eyes! She commented, "Vince playing him music. The bed cuddles. I am not well!" Tiki's fans are holding back sniffles while watching him thrive, but we also can't help but smile while watching his personality shine through. This dog's zoomies are too cute, and I just about gasped when he stole Vince's belt! "Tiki proves once again that he's the world's bravest little man," one commenter agrees. "Also, was he chewing on a belt? Is he comfortable enough to do crimes?" He really has come so far! However, this is only the beginning of Tiki's silly shenanigans. Only time will tell what kind of trouble he'll cause once he's even more comfortable in his loving forever home. Happy tails, Tiki! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Viral Internet Sensation Rescue Dog's First Week at Home Ends in Cuddles and Guitar Serenades first appeared on PetHelpful on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"LEAVE THEM ALONE! The Best Way To Gain Trust Is To Let A Dog Go At Their Own Speed" And Other Tips For Fostering Dogs That Will Make You Want To Foster Every Single Pup You Meet
Isabel Klee, based in Brooklyn, NY, has been fostering dogs for years. She's fostered 23 dogs full-time and creates content that chronicles their progress and candidly shares their challenges and fears. And recently, her 23rd foster, a sweet, struggling dog named Tiki, caught the attention of millions of viewers online. For those of you who weren't following along, when Tiki first found himself in Isabel's care, he was disaffected and fearful of so much, from accepting belly rubs to being held, and nearly everything in between. As Isabel had done with her other fosters before, she vlogged about her and Tiki's experience with daily updates on their journey. And, in doing so, Isabel allowed people to follow along and root for Tiki as he braved the outdoors, discovered the joy of zoomies, and blossomed into the silly and goofy pup his fans have come to know and love. If you want to read more about Tiki's journey, BuzzFeed reported on Isabel and Tiki here! Tiki's story was and continues to be inspiring, but it's not unique. According to the ASPCA, in 2024, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats are estimated to have entered shelters. There are so many other little Tikis out there in need of supportive foster care and loving forever homes. So I spoke with Isabel to hear her thoughts and advice for anyone who is thinking of volunteering as a foster parent to a dog. So, without further ado, here are nine of Isabel's tips, tricks, insights, and pieces of advice on fostering dogs: 1."The best way to gain [a dog's] trust is to let them go at their own speed." I asked Isabel if she had any specific advice for fostering dogs that are disaffected or shut down, and she shared, "LEAVE THEM ALONE! The best way to gain trust is to let a dog go at their own speed. Don't push them, pressure them, or cross their boundaries. They need to feel like they're calling the shots, and most dogs will let you know when they're ready to progress. Tiki approached me for his first pets, and it took 13 days for me to touch him for the first time." you're worried about the potential money stresses of taking care of a pet, even temporarily, just know that fostering a dog is probably not as financially demanding as it might seem. Isabel told me that she has been fostering since she was 25, "because [she] loved dogs but didn't have enough money to get [one] of her own." She said that even though each organization is different, "Fostering is great because, with most rescues, you don't have to pay for anything. They will cover food, vet care, toys, basically any supplies you might need. I quickly fell in love with the process and have continued fostering even after adopting my dog Simon!" three most important traits for being a successful foster parent to a dog are patience, a sense of humor, and empathy. In Isabel's words, "It's so important to go into [fostering] knowing your rugs will probably get pooped on, your foster will probably break something, etc. but having patience and empathy for what the dog is going through is key." don't need to do a ton to prepare, but Isabel recommends designating an area for a crate. "Honestly, I didn't do any preparation, even though I probably should have. I jumped in with zero experience and just figured it out as I went," Isabel told me. She went on, "If I were to start now, I would have a designated area for a crate where the dog can be home and feel safe, and I would make sure to stick to a strict routine." 5."Fostering fits into most lifestyles." It's a common misconception that volunteering to foster a dog means that the foster parent needs to work from home or that they can't travel while they're in their care. But that's not true. Isabel said, "I always tell people, being home alone in a quiet apartment is so much better for a dog than being in a loud, stressful shelter where they're only getting maybe 2-3 short walks a day. Even if you go into the office, the dog will be totally fine snoozing the day away! Also, travel is super easy to accommodate for - you can just request a temporary foster who will watch your foster dog while you're out of town. Fostering fits into most lifestyles!" there is no one set length of time you need to allocate in order to foster a dog. I asked Isabel how long a dog usually stays in her care, and she said, "It really depends. I've had some dogs for four days and some dogs for two months. Most dogs that I have [had] for longer have medical or behavioral issues that need to be sorted before being adopted, but if a dog is all ready to go, they can be adopted very quickly!" Many people believe that you are on the hook to foster a dog until they get adopted, but most organizations are flexible and have fostering opportunities that can be as short as a weekend or just two weeks. shouldn't feel any pressure to adopt your foster dog. When I asked Isabel about the unexpected challenges she's faced since getting into fostering dogs, she shared that strangers have pressured her to adopt her foster dogs. But that she knows "the power of fostering and how important the work [she does] is." She also shared that people often say to her that "they could never foster because they 'love dogs too much' and would get too attached." In both instances, she's gotten good at tuning out these types of comments. dogs is such a beautiful way to give back, but it's also just so much fun. Isabel told me, "People always look at fostering as this incredible, selfless thing, and it can be! But it's also just so joyful and fun. I can't tell you how many nights I've spent laughing as my foster dog learns to play fetch for the first time or does something silly." might want to start fostering ASAP. When I asked if she could go back and tell herself one piece of advice before her first foster, Isabel shared, "I wish I had started fostering sooner! It's such a huge part of my life and so rewarding, and I can't wait to meet all the dogs I have yet to save." There you have it, nine insights from Isabel for those of you considering fostering a dog! And if you want to learn more, Isabel has a book coming out this fall titled, Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About. You can also follow her on Instagram and TikTok, where you can learn more about her journey fostering dogs. And if you are interested in getting into volunteering, check out your local animal rescue or shelter. If you're based in New York, Muddy Paws Rescue is where Tiki was located before being fostered and ultimately adopted.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tiki the Dog Finds a New Home! Once-Timid Rescue Ready to 'Settle in' with New Family After Going Viral (Exclusive)
Isabel Klee came across Tiki through a call from a friend at Muddy Paws Rescue She fostered the dog, and shared his story on social media, where it went viral Recently, she shared how Tiki has officially been adopted by new ownersTiki the dog has found his new home! Tiki's new owners, Vince and Aubrie, first came across the dog's story on Isabel Klee's Instagram — and fell in love from day one. At the time, neither of them were on TikTok, so they had no idea just how many people had been rooting for the pup behind the scenes. "I had a sense of what to expect, and I'm grateful Isabel shared so much," Aubrie tells PEOPLE exclusively. "We knew Tiki would need more care and patience than our other dogs, but that only makes each step forward feel even more rewarding." "We've been dog owners for 10 years, and our first pup, Meyer, was also a rescue with his own set of challenges," Vince adds. "Tiki reminds us of that experience, but Isabel has been incredible; always available to offer guidance or reassurance as we help Tiki adjust." Klee, 25, originally came across Tiki through a call from a friend at Muddy Paws Rescue. The ASPCA had just pulled several dogs from a neglect case and was urgently seeking fosters. A longtime foster dog mom herself, the Brooklyn, N.Y., local took him in and began documenting his progress on social media. His story quickly resonated, amassing millions of views — even catching the attention of Kyle Kelce. "Tiki taught me patience in a way I had never experienced before," Klee tells PEOPLE exclusively. "It took me 13 days to even touch this dog, and it took everything in me to respect his boundaries and go at his pace. My reward for being patient was his unwavering love and devotion, and all I had to do was listen to his cues." For Klee, she says the journey was deeply personal and life-changing. So it was no surprise that emotions ran high the day Vince and Aubrie arrived to take Tiki home. Leading up to his adoption day, she spent time cuddling with Tiki, staying as close as she could. The day before his adoption she even took Tiki on his very first walk around the block, and for her that was the final piece of the puzzle. Seeing him explore Brooklyn confidently was the sign she needed that he was ready for his next adventure. "Tiki was so confident during the handoff — more so than I'd ever seen him with strangers," she adds. "He let his new mom and dad pet him, played fetch, and even did his signature 'rubbies' on the carpet, which he's never done around people he doesn't know. His confidence and comfortability with them made me feel so at ease about his transition.""I couldn't stop crying, and Tiki just sat calmly in my lap and comforted me," Klee tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I felt like it was his way of assuring me that my job with him was done, and that he would be okay." Since bringing Tiki home, Vince and Aubrie say the adjustment has been slow but steady. Like many rescue dogs in unfamiliar surroundings, Tiki needed time to feel safe. On his first day, he slept under their bed and showed no interest in food that morning. But by dinnertime, he finished his full meal — a moment that felt like a major victory for his new family. 'We've made sure to give him plenty of space and let him settle at his own pace," Vince says. "From day one, he decided our bed was his safe zone — he spent the whole first day underneath it. We eventually set up a pen connected to the front of the bed so he'd have a safe, cozy space outside of just under the bed. Whenever he feels overwhelmed, that's where he goes to decompress.' 'A big win for me has been watching him eat, drink and go to the bathroom regularly,' Aubrie adds. "Given his history, we weren't sure how long it would take for him to feel comfortable doing those things. Watching him eat his first dinner and hearing him drink water was such a relief. With rescue dogs, the smallest milestones are the biggest victories.' Looking ahead, Vince and Aubrie say they don't have expectations for Tiki — just hopes. They want to see him truly thrive for the first time: running around the yard, going on walks and enjoying the company of the many dogs who come through their home. "We just want him to keep feeling safe, building confidence and exploring the world around him," Aubrie says. "As he settles in, we know he'll show us who he truly is." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. At first, the couple wasn't sure whether they would continue sharing Tiki's journey online. They both work full-time from home and don't post much on social media. But they quickly realized how invested the Internet has become in his story. "The support he's received has been incredible," Vince says. "People love an underdog story … and his is the ultimate. We're happy to keep sharing it. Eventually, we'd love to use his platform to raise awareness for animal rescue and rehabilitation — continuing the amazing work Isabel has started." "Like everyone else, we looked forward to Tiki updates from Isabel," Aubrie adds. "He gave people hope during hard times, and now we get to carry that torch. Tiki's story shows that with love and patience, even the most fearful dogs can thrive. We'll absolutely be sharing glimpses of his life, because his story can help other dogs and humans alike." Although the transition went smoothly, Klee recently took to TikTok to share how she's faced some criticism for parting ways with Tiki too quickly, which has upset her. In the video, she clarifies some people's concerns and her own hopes for Tiki moving forward. "Fostering Tiki changed everything," Klee says. "He changed my life, he changed the lives of so many other rescue dogs, and I think he changed the world in some small way. I hope he's taught people to be kinder and more patient." "I LOVE his new parents and love that they have two older, confident dogs who will help Tiki feel more comfortable. I truly cherish staying in touch with my previous fosters — I get a new photo from one of them almost daily!" she adds. To keep up with Tiki's journey, follow @tikiplustwo on TikTok and Instagram. Read the original article on People
