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Mosaic Trifecta Tour with Bonnie Fitzgerald and Kim Wozniak

6 Apr

Magnificent Mosaic sites in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and NYC
with Bonnie Fitzgerald and Kim Wozniak
November 7 – 11, 2018
$1995 per person

Get ready to enjoy a rich and memorable week of mosaic sight-seeing, art history, private studio visits and great company. Your tour hosts will be Bonnie Fitzgerald, artist and founder of Maverick Mosaics, and Kim Wozniak, artist and owner of WitsEnd Mosaic and Smalti.com.

Chagall

Our adventure begins in Washington, D.C. We’ll visit sacred sites, including the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception as well as several unique and hidden gems in offices, city parks and municipal buildings. Our local treasured artist Megan Walsh shares her studio and gallery space with us.

Magic Gardens

On to Philadelphia’s Magic Garden. Isaiah Zagar’s has been creating public art mosaics in Philadelphia for over 30 years, and we’ll enjoy a docent-led private tour of his garden. Next, stop at Tiffany’s remarkable “Dream Garden” mosaic interpretation of Maxfield Parrish’s iconic painting show us a totally different kind of mosaic mastery. And no worries, we’ll make time for a Philly favorite, the famous “Cheesesteak.”

 

A short hop up the road in Bucks County, PA, we’ll visit the remarkable Glencarin Castle on the grounds of Bryn Athyn Cathedral, then settle in for the evening after visiting the artist village of New Hope. In the morning, it’s on to New York and another private studio visit at Miotto Mosaic Art Studios. This visit is by private invitation, and promises to be both memorable and enriching.

Chuck CloseOnce in mid-town Manhattan, we’ll enjoy a free afternoon and evening. Take in a Broadway show, a museum, visit Times Square or just have fun with your mosaic friends and colleagues. The next morning, we’ll explore the city’s subway mosaics. You’ll see a broad range of mosaic styles from magnificent mosaic signage created at the turn of the 20th century to recent installations including the Second Avenue Chuck Close works.

The Mosaic Trifecta Tour is designed for art enthusiasts and mosaic lovers. Space is limited. Visit maverickmosaics.com for details and quick links. For questions or additional information please give is a call at 703/856-5160.

INCLUDED
* Price includes daily breakfast
* 5 night’s hotel accommodations
* All ground transportation from our meeting place in Washington, D.C. through our arrival in New Your City, where we will transition to public transportation
* All admission fees, guide/docents fees, bus driver tips and subway tokens

NOT INCLUDED
* Airfare

NOTE: Trip originates in Washington, D.C. and concludes in New York City.

TO REGISTER
Our travel and logistics partner, A La Carte Travel, is a leader in providing educational institutions with affordable access to learning opportunities. Learn more here: www.alacartetravel.com/maverick-dc-2018

Bonnie Fitzgerald 2018ABOUT BONNIE
Bonnie Fitzgerald is the founder and owner of Maverick Mosaics. She has been dedicated to nurturing and expanding creative expression through the art and community of mosaic art since the mid 2000’s. Maverick Mosaics’ educational focus is to Open Doors to your creativity, pique your urge for adventure, and heighten your sense of discovery. From history lessons to cultural achievements to breathtaking natural wonders travel changes who we are. Since 2012 Bonnie, has been leading international tours and teaching workshops abroad. 2018 takes us to mosaic sites in the USA, Italy and Slovenia. Our 7th trip to the amazing Hacienda Mosaico in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is scheduled for January 2019.

Kim WozniakABOUT KIM
Kim Wozniak is trained in art and architectural design, and has found her voice in mosaics. After leaving the corporate world Kim reclaimed her creative spirit by combining her love of art and building materials. Her rule-breaking style was quickly recognized in the mosaic community and has led her to create both public and private installations throughout the United States, and her fine art mosaics are exhibited internationally. Kim was one of three Americans representing the United States in Ravenna, Italy at the prestigious 2011 juried biennial exhibition: Ravenna Mosaico and Works of the World. She has studied the medium of mosaics with masters from Italy, Mexico and the US. Her work has been featured in several publications including The Craft Report, Breakout, Mosaic Art Abstracts and many other publications. Bonnie and Kim shared an Artist Residency at the Olive Stack Gallery in Listowel, Ireland for one month in 2018. They have traveled together extensively, including two trips to Italy and the Cottage in Wisconsin.

 

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Israel Mosaic and Holy Land Workshop

18 Jan

Israel Mosaic and Holy Land Workshop,
with Sibel Hananel and Dafna Birger
October 3 – 14, 2018
$3300, Double Occupancy; $4300, Single Occupancy

Mosaics in IsraelThe plans for Kismet Mosaic’s second annual trip have been finalized. Our destination is the beautiful and historical Holy Land, Israel. Sibel Hananel, an avid mosaic artist from Israel, has been instrumental in the planning of this trip and join us on our incredible journey.

We’ll engross ourselves in rich history, beautiful art and museums, biblical sites, mosaic sites and spend 3 full days in a mosaic workshop. Come join us for this once in a lifetime trip.Mosaic by Dafna Birger

Workshop: Embroidery in Stone

A 3-day (5 hours per day) stone mosaic workshop is included in the tour. We’ll create a carpet design, 25×25 cm, working with a special tool for stones. We’ll learn all the steps of making a stone mosaic work, from cutting and laying the tesserae to andamento, color combinations and other tips from Dafna’s stone mosaic technique.

Itinerary

  • Oct 3:  Arrive Ben Gurion Airport, drive to Jerusalem; welcome dinner and overnight Jerusalem
  • Oct 4:  Visit Jerusalem Old City and Israeli Antiquity Authority where they restore antique mosaics. Jerusalem visit and free time for dinner at Mamila Center; overnight Jerusalem
  • Oct 5:  Visit Israel Museum, Yad va Shem, Holocaust Museum (optional), Mahne Yehuda Market, Dead Sea, Good Samaritans Mosaic Museum, St. Gerasimos Church (Deir Hajla) mosaics; dinner and overnight at Kibboutz Kalia Guest hotel
  • Mosaics in IsraelOct 6:  Dead Sea Mud Bath, Qumran, ride and overnight in Tiberias
  • Oct 7:  Tiberias, Sea of Galilee. Visit mosaic and biblical sites, dinner, overnight Tiberias
  • Oct 8:  Ride to Tel Aviv; visit Haifa and Caesarea antique mosaic site; overnight Tel Aviv
  • Oct 9:  Tel Aviv highlights: Old Jaffa, Neve Zedek, Nahalat Binyamin; overnight Tel Aviv
  • Oct 10:  3-Day Workshop with Dafna Birger, 10 – 5 daily; overnight Tel Aviv
  • Oct 11:  Workshop with Dafna Birger, visit Tel Aviv Museum; overnight Tel Aviv
  • Oct 12:  Workshop with Dafna Birger; overnight Tel Aviv
  • Oct 13:  Free day to explore Tel Aviv, beaches; overnight Tel Aviv
  • Oct 14:  Check out and transfer to the airport for departure home

Included

  • Mosaics in Israel11 nights, 12 days
  • All hotels (rated 4-star by Trip Advisor)
  • 3 museum entrances: (1 in Jerusalem – Israel museum), (1 in Dead Sea – Qumran entrance) and (1 in Tel Aviv – Israel Art Museum)
  • Transportation, driver and transfers
  • Professional guide for 5 days
  • Full-time service of a professional tour leader

Mosaics in IsraelNot Included

  • Airfare
  • Tips for tour guide, driver, hotel housekeeping
  • Trip Insurance (We’re working on a group plan if you wish to purchase. NOTE: Trip insurance is STRONGLY advised)

About the Instructor and Organizers

Sibel Hananel:
I am originally Turkish and lived all my life in Istanbul until four years ago. I was a tourist guide for Israeli people in Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Istanbul for 15 years. Seven years ago I started to mosaic, and since then I’m into mosaics more than everything else in my life. Four years ago, my father was very ill and we immigrated to Israel for the treatments. I needed to work but did not know on what. I was in contact with some great mosaic artists across the world and asked Giulio Menossi if he could give a workshop; this is how i started to bring mosaic masters to Israel and Istanbul.
I’ve organized workshops with:
Giulio Menossi: 5 workshops in Israel and 2  in Istanbul
Mia Tavonatti: 2 workshops
John Sollinger: 2 workshops and two more planned
Dino Maccini: 4 workshops in Israel
Laura Rendlen: 3 workshops
Leenart Koorman: Dutch portraiture painter and acrylic modern portraiture painting class
Presentation Evenings: Artists named above and Lilian Broca
Mosaic Mural: On 2014 we had a very serious war and in this war time, under the sirens, I organized all my mosaic artist friends to create a mosaic mural for the children’s department at Barzilay Hospital in Ashkelon. The design was created and donated by dearest, great artist and friend Lilian Broca.
I also import mosaic tools, chopping machines, glass and natural stones that we do not have in Israel.
I’m very excited to show you MY ISRAEL.

Dafna Birger
My family was among the founders of the community about 100 years ago, and in 1996, after a longer career of 25 years in the IDF and academic studies, I turned to the field of art and creativity. Prior to my retirement I studied goldsmithing, a carpentry course of the Ministry of Labor and painting on wood by the best artists in these fields. I opened a studio in the yard of Kfar Malal in 1988, with the help of my husband who is in charge of the logistics fields, and in 2004 I started practicing mosaic art.

Carrie Seabrook
Owner of Kismet Mosaic since November 2015. Began my mosaic life in early 2014.
Was in the IT field as computer programmer for 30 years. My current life is surrounded by mosaic. I can’t get enough! Aside from creating mosaic art whenever I can, I took over ownership of Kismet Mosaic so that could bring delightful mosaic pieces to everyone. I love to travel and thus wanted to join my love of mosaic with ancient, beautiful locations.

For More Information or To Register

Please email Carrie (carrie@kismetmosaic.com) or call (856-777-2155) for detailed information.

 

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Mosaic, Yoga, Creative Writing in Bali

5 Sep

Mosaic, Yoga, Creative Writing in Bali, Indonesia
with Christine Kenneally and Cait Scudder
January 6 – 14, 2017
$2450 Per Person Double Occupancy, Before October 1, Singles Available
$250 Discount if You Sign Up with a Friend

Mosaic Art RetreatsDo you long to inhabit your life more fully? Are you ready to transform old stories that keep you small, rearrange the pieces and start living from your most expansive, expressive self? Do you long to embody your divine feminine essence and let your radiance shine? Do you desire connection with sisters that raise your vibration and empower your purpose? Are you ready to receive and be led by the abundant, ever-present flow of life in and around you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you know it is time. This retreat is for you!

Join us for this 9-day, 8-night journey of a lifetime on the magical island of Bali:

·  Yoga, Breath Work & Embodied Movement
·  Creative Writing & Expression Exercises to Strengthen Voice & Invoke Transformation
·  Daily Lessons in the Ancient Alchemical Art of Mosaic – Return home with several original pieces!
·  Traditional Balinese Blessing Ceremony with Local Priest & Priestess
·  Mantra, Singing and Chanting for Heart Opening and Chakra Activation
·  Sisterhood, Sacred Circle Rituals, Visualization and more!

Included:

  • Accommodation (double occupancy) with daily housekeeping service
  • All VEGETARIAN meals at the retreat center, which include breakfasts, lunches, dinners and refreshments
  • Complimentary drinking water for the duration of the retreat — we offer mountain spring water which is UV filtered
  • Mosaic Art RetreatsFree WIFI Access (use own laptop)
  • A complimentary massage at the retreat center spa, and additional spa services available
  • Airport Transfer from Ubud to the retreat center
  • Guided Trek to the local Bali Hindu temple in the mountain forest
  • All materials and tools for making mosaics. We provide a variety of materials (glass, pottery, stone, etc) and the substrates for building the mosaics on as well as adhesive and grout. We provide hand tools for cutting materials. If you would like, you may bring any special objects you would like to incorporate into your mosaics. We will be working in a variety of techniques, both direct and indirect. You will make a series of several small mosaic wall panels, and if you wish, you can make a unique piece of wearable mosaic art — jewelry!

A word about the food:

The retreat center restaurant uses the freshest produce, organically grown when possible. The menu features both Western and Asian cuisine including many Balinese specialties.

They cater for vegetarian/vegan preferences, gluten-free, soy free, lactose intolerance and special diets when required. They introduce as many fresh local products as possible when in season.

Leaders:

Mosaic Art RetreatsChristine Kenneally is a mosaic artist and instructor from Easthampton, MA. She has been teaching the art of mosaics to adults and teens since 2007 and falls in love with the creative process every time she witnesses a student experience it. Her personal mosaic work is inspired by nature and light and of the potential for healing and re-telling a story through bringing together broken pieces.

Mosaic Art RetreatsCait Scudder, MAT, RYT-500, is a yoga teacher, writer and vitality coach who leads workshops and retreats on creativity, yoga and the art and practice of transformation around the world. She is passionate about creating safe spaces that build community, unleash flow, and inspire a return to the big questions of Who We Are and Why We Are Here. Her joyful leadership empowers others to witness and celebrate the fullness of who they are and courageously expand and express their unique gift to the world from a place rooted in authenticity, cultivated practice and activated joy.

For More Information or To Register, click here.

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8 Days in the Rainforest

2 Dec

Just back from the Costa Rica Flora and Fauna Workshop, and thought we’d share a few highlights. The week was transformational start to finish, from the eager, supportive and talented group of mosaic artists assembled to the serene and endlessly surprising rainforest and biodynamic farm at Finca Luna Nueva, to the kind and generous Costa Ricans who embraced us and taught us, to the fresh organic food, and the so-not-your-average-day adventures. More fabulous photos by super-lens Susan Walden here. We’ll definitely be back. If you’re interested in the next session, please let us know in the comment section. Pura Vida!

Click on the first photo and scroll through for descriptions.

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Joie de Vivre Art Tour Paris: 2013

9 Oct

France, Joie de Vivre Art Tour
with Bonnie Fitzgerald, Maverick Mosaics
Family or Solo Travel
June 29 – July 6, 2013
Paris and Surrounding Area

Joie de Vivre Tour Maverick MosaicsIntroducing the trip of a lifetime for families and the young at heart. Maverick’s Art Camp Abroad inaugural trip is to France, in June 2013. Parents will enjoy a week of culture, history and great food while sharing age appropriate activities with your children. For adults and older teens traveling alone you will experience the splendor of France in the spirit of Maverick Mosaics’ successful Art Camp format; learn, create and laugh.

This trip is for ages 6 to 106.

You will travel with Maverick Mosaics on this one-of-a kind vacation, experiencing the magic and beauty of France through the awe and wonder of children. Your trip will be filled with fun adventures and designed to entertain while providing unique learning experiences. We offer hassle free travel, wonderful accommodations, and interactive cultural experiences based in the world of art and architecture. Hands on workshops are will include mosaics, water color, drawing, sculpture, and even a cooking class in a castle!

Our adventure begins in Paris as we spend 2 days exploring the City of Light including a special guided tour of the Louvre. Each morning Maverick’s founder, Bonnie Fitzgerald, will lead hands-on workshops for the children creating works of art based on the previous day’s art education activity. Adults may also participate in the workshops, or take time for themselves to relax or venture around the city, all with the peace of mind that their children are having their own safe creative experience.

After exploring Paris we will travel to surrounding areas of art interest, including Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, Maison Picassiette (the mosaic house) in Chartres, and much more. Our excursions are trips to unique sites offering important art lessons and workshop opportunities. Along the way we will be videotaping and photographing our adventures and at the closing night dinner party seven days later we relive our week; this will be the best souvenir ever!

Children 16 and over may attend with parent’s permission and Maverick will have chaperone services. An adult must accompany children under 16 and adults may participate a la carte in workshops and planned tours.

Maverick’s travel and logistics partner is A La Carte Travel, the region’s leader in providing educational institutions with affordable access to learning opportunities abroad. A La Carte Travel promotes the values of understanding the world we live in through experiencing and learning about different cultures. With over 15 years experience organizing educational tours, A La Carte Travel is the perfect partner with Maverick Mosaics for this unique travel and learning experience.

For more details, trip itinerary, workshop details and costs please click here.

Bon Voyage!

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All About Costa Rica

8 Oct

Mosaic Retreat: Costa Rica
Flora & Fauna
Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode
November 23 – December 1, 2013
$1960

The smallish country of Costa Rica is BIG with heart-thumping nouns: Rainforest; Jungle; Puma; Volcano; Rapids; Blue Morpho; Cloud Forest; Waterfalls; Toucan; Lava, Strangler Fig.

The numbers-story goes like this:

  • 19,700 square miles, ranking 129th in landmass worldwide, and, closer to home, about the size of West Virginia or Denmark.
  • 801 miles of curvy coastline on the Pacific; 132 miles fronting the Caribbean, much of which is inaccessible by car.
  • Elevation ranges from 0 – 12,530 feet above sea level
  • 12 distinct ecosystems
  • Within only .25% of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica hosts 5% of the world’s biodiversity
  • Constitutionally abolished its army in 1949, and is one of the world’s 22 longterm stable democracies
  • In 2012 Costa Rica is scheduled to become the first country on the continent of the Americas to ban recreational hunting
  • In 2007, the government announced an initiative to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021
  • Literacy rate of 94.9%
  • 11 degrees North of the Equator, with a tropical climate determined by elevation

Impressive? Absolutely! But numbers pale up against the visual stimulation of this land filled with gentle people and wild nature. Below is a little gallery of photos from my trips to Costa Rica over the last 13 years. Click on the first image to flip through paradise in larger format.

Get up close with us in Costa Rica — what better place to capture the splendor of quirky and art-inspiring  flora and fauna?

Read Retreat Description here.

Read about Pam’s Virgin Trip to Costa Rica here.

Contact us here.

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