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Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze June 2014

8 Mar

Summer Workshop, Tour, and Outreach
with Valerie Nicoladze and Laurel True
June 21 – 28, 2014
$2600

Valerie Nicoladze Workshop Provence

Immerse yourself in an educational trip and tour that will leave you inspired and creatively invigorated for the rest of the year! Enjoy the lavender in bloom, farm to table food, wine tasting, exploration of local markets and exhibits, and time to create in an inspiring studio environment.

Join professional mosaic artists and educators Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze at Valerie’s Esprit Mosaique Studio in Avignon, France to explore and celebrate color and creativity through mosaics. Laurel and Valerie are teaming up for the second year in a row to offer a very special, specifically curated and inspiring trip that will combine hands-on studio time, a community project at a local social center, incredible insider sightseeing and experiential learning, and amazing food … and wine … and cheese … and shopping in Provencal villages … and more.

Valerie Nicoladze Workshop Provence

Esprit Mosaique Studio is full of joyful color and provides a welcoming place to learn, create and spend time in community with other mosaic enthusiasts. This is a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with French mosaic artists and the North African community served by the Orel Social Center in Avignon. Participants will leave Provence feeling like family — having shared food, wine, stories and creation.

Each instructor will offer lessons focusing on various techniques including fresco cement as a background treatment, demonstration of the uses of stacked and layered substrates, and precision cutting and setting techniques for glass and ceramic. We’ll work with each student according to their experience level; all student levels are welcome.

Esprit Mosaique Studio offers a huge array of beautiful materials for students to use in the creation of their mosaic pieces — drawers and drawers full of colorful and exotic materials from all over the world. Participants will have the opportunity to work with french-made materials that are not often seen or used in the US. Students will enjoy a guided exploration of materials and color through the creation of a piece that they will take home.

One day will include the creation of mosaics elements to be installed at Orel Social Center in Avignon. We’ll combine elements we make with elements made by mosaic students from the social center trained by Valerie, creating a group mosaic project to be installed there. We’ll also spend an evening meeting our co-creators and share a delicious couscous dinner together.

Valerie Nicoladze Workshop Provence

In addition to time in the studio, participants will have the chance to enjoy creative meals together, stay in a cute Provencal hotel, tour Avignon and nearby markets including St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence (in a medieval village with an incredible view AND violet gelato), visit the breathtaking and indescribable exhibition at Les Carrieres des Lumieres, as well as enjoy educational wine tastings and a Provencal backyard BBQ at the home of Valerie and her family.

We’ll end our time together with a picnic in a local lavender field and a visit to the Village of Salut.

Our trip in 2013 was an indescribable experience for everyone. We can’t wait to offer this trip again this summer!

Cost: $2600

Includes: Mosaic workshop instruction, accommodations from June 21-27, breakfast and lunches, Tuesday night family BBQ and Thursday night couscous dinner, transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop, and all touristic visits to markets, exhibits and wine tastings. Cost does not include flight, dinners (except Thursday) and personal expenses. Both instructors are bi-lingual and workshop and activities will be in English and French.

To Register for this workshop, please e-mail Valerie Nicoladze at: espritmosaique@free.fr

Questions? Contact Valerie (above) or Laurel at info@TrueMosaics.com

Payment: 50% due at time of registration to hold your space. Payment can be made through Pay Pal. We have only 10 spaces and expect this workshop/tour to fill quickly.

Valerie Nicladze Workshop Avignon

Itinerary 2014

Saturday, June 21: Participants arrive and get settled in Hotel de Atelier.

Sunday, June 22: Studio orientation and intros at Esprit Mosaique Studio. Tour of Avignon. Evening free (get over your jet lag and gear up for a great week ahead!).

Monday, June 23: Project lessons and demonstrations; materials selection and begin first project. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Afternoon studio instruction and work time. Evening free.

Tuesday, June 25: Studio work time and instruction. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Afternoon studio time. Evening wine tasting at Tavel winery and backyard Provencal BBQ at Valerie’s house.

Wednesday, June 26: Visit Provencal market in village of St Rémy de Provence, with lunch at Villa Glanum Restaurant. Afternoon  art exhibit at Carrières des Lumières and In Les Baux de Provence. Evening free.

Thursday, June 27: Studio work time and instruction. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Afternoon studio work time and instruction. Evening free.

Friday, June 28: Mosaic studio time to create elements for community project for Orel Social Center. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Install mosaic elements at Orel Social Center. Couscous dinner with families involved in social center mosaic project.

Saturday, June 29: To conclude our week together, we’ll take a gorgeous walk in a nearby lavender field and enjoy a Provencal picnic, 9:00 – 2:00. Afternoon: Goodbyes and departure!

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Barcelona and Morocco with Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode, May 2014

25 Jan

GaudiCultural Tour: Barcelona + Optional Morocco
with Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode
Barcelona: May 24 – June 1, 2014
Morocco: June 1 – June 4, 2014
$2350 Barcelona Only
$650 Morocco Add-On

Join Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode for a blissful eight days in Barcelona getting up close and personal with Gaudi, Picasso, Dali, some local tapas, a little cava, a little Costa Brava, and a few Benedictine monks. And since we’ll be so close to Morocco, we’re offering an optional four-day add-on to Fes, a vibrant world heritage site with a medieval section of 9000 narrow pedestrian streets. This mosaic art retreat does not feature a daily class, but will feed you with ample inspiration for your next mosaic evolution.

BARCELONA

Casa Mila, BarcelonaSaturday May 24: Transfer to Apartment and luggage storage; Cafe for coffee and pastries; Tour of neighborhood; Check-in and Siesta/Shower; Red Bus Tour/Welcome Dinner

Sunday, May 25: Stamp and Coin Market Gothic Quarter; Picnic in Park Guell, tour of Gaudi House/Museum; Casas Mila and Battlo

Sagrada Familia, BarcelonaMonday, May 26: Mini Mosaic session with Martin Brown using ceramic a la Gaudi; Picasso Museum

Tuesday, May 27: Montserrat, the famed mountaintop Benedictine Monastery and Black Virgin; Sagrada Familia

Wednesday, May 28: Market Visit and Cooking Class; Afternoon on Your Own

Salvador Dali HouseThursday, May 29: Els Encants Flea Market and Vintage Shopping; Afternoon on the Beach

Friday, May 30: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Private Coach and Guide to Dali House/Museum, Lunch on the Costa Brava, including several Mediterranean villages and Dali’s home

Saturday, May 31: TBD; On Your Own; Farewell Dinner

Sunday, June 1: Airport Transfer

BARCELONA ACCOMMODATIONS

We’ll be staying in a large, light-filled apartment in the heart of Barcelona near Plaza Catalunya. The flat has seven bedrooms (several are dorm-style), wifi, a fully equipped kitchen, table space for 17, lift, washing machine, and a lovely terrace. This will provide a common gathering space as well as ample room for food storage and the possibility of eating-in on quiet nights if desired. The apartment is two block from the metro, and very close to shopping and dining options.

MOROCCO

Join us as we travel to Fes, founded in the 9th century and the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities.  Within Fes is the walled medina, known as the “the city of ten thousand alleys.”   Twelve thousand years old, the huge medieval medina is a bustling time capsule. Known as “the city of 10,000 alleys,” the New York Times describes Fez as ‘faded but stately, crumbling but proud, the walled city of Fez might well be the largest and most enduring medieval Islamic settlement in the world. It is indisputably Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart.”  Artisans still practice traditional techniques, and the market is renowned for ceramics, zellige mosaic, spices, leather, textiles, and cuisine. Read more about Fes here.

Mosaic Fountain
Spice and Flower Market
Mosaic-Making
Patterns
Ceramic Tile
Guesthouse Courtyard

Sunday, June 1: Arrival by air, train to Fes

Monday, June 2: Tour of medieval medina with English-speaking guide; visit to artisan workshops

Tuesday, June 3: Workshop TBD (zellige mosaic, Moroccan cuisine, belly dancing, calligraphy are among the possibilities); ceramic workshop visit

Wednesday, June 4: Train to Casablanca for flights home

MOROCCO ACCOMMODATIONS

In Fes, we’ll stay in a traditional guesthouse, or riad, consisting of several rooms surrounding a central courtyard. A Moroccan breakfast will be included each day, either in the courtyard or on the roof terrace, offering panoramic views of the medina and/or surrounding hills. Rooms may be single or double occupancy, with private bath.

LEADERS

Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode are professional mosaic artists, instructors, and travelers. Read more about Carol here and Pam here. The two have most recently led a workshop in Costa Rica, and have another planned for 2014/15 focusing on local culture and mosaic outreach.

TO REGISTER

To register or for more information, please email Pam. Deposit of $1500 is due March 1. Full payment is due by April 25. Suggested airline schedule is a multi-leg ticket NYC to Barcelona to Casablanca to NYC. Preferred schedules will be emailed to participants.

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Mosaic Retreat in Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

11 Dec

Mosaic Retreat: Todos Santos, Mexico
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
March 16 – 22, 2014
$1599 (Double Occupancy)

Mosaic Art Retreats

Spectacular ocean views? Beautiful gardens? Pools? Personal chef? Mosaics? Yes please!

Spend one full week creating mosaic art in one of the most creative and peaceful settings on the Baja Peninsula, the pueblo magic of Todos Santos. Accommodations will be at the beautiful boutique hotel, Los Colibris Casitas. Los Colibris has 4 wonderfully inviting casitas, each with comfortable beds, great bathrooms and private patios to enjoy the scenery and ocean views. The infinity pool and hot tub are ideally suited for star gazing and observing the humpback and grey whales that often visit.

Mosaic Art RetreatsParticipants will work on a flat 3D shape, using your own found objects, sentimental pieces, millefiori, mirror and stained glass. We’ll learn to work with tinted mortar/thin set and grout, embedding colorful tesserae into mortar to create a color gradation, with an edging of tinted grout. Once mastered, this process is easy to reproduce at home.

Todos Santos is an artist colony on the Tropic of Cancer, just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas, but an entire world away. Nestled next to 70 miles of pristine, undeveloped beach, Todos Santos is famous for the remarkable quality of its light, which drew the first American artists from Taos in the 1980s. Since then artists of all stripes and nationalities have populated the town, which is a charming reflection of their passions with wonderful restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The people of Todos Santos are warm and welcoming, and love sharing the pleasures of their hometown with visitors. The beaches of nearby Pescadero and Cerritos are added bonuses.

The minimum attendance for this retreat will be 4, with a maximum of 8.

Mosaic Art RetreatsRetreat Price: $1,599.00 (based on double occupancy) includes:

  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure (within time frames)
  • 6 nights lodging at Los Colibris
  • Sunday evening welcome reception
  • 5 full breakfasts & 5 lunches pool side by local chef Iker
  • Refreshing agua fresca throughout the work day
  • Evening transportation into town
  • Partial materials for mosaic piece
  • Airfare NOT included
  • Room selections will be made in order of full payments received

Instruction: 5 days from 10:00 AM -2:00 PM. More work time will be available if desired.

Optional Activities: You’ll have plenty of free time to explore Todos Santos and its surrounding areas. Popular activities include hiking, beach walks, whale watching, gallery strolls, shopping. There will also be excursion options that can be booked through Todos Santos Eco Adventures. Massage and yoga are offered at Los Colibris (Los Colibris’ yoga deck sits at the highest point of the property on the tropic of cancer, and has one of the most amazing views of the pacific).

Read more about Los Colibris Hotel here.

Read more about Todos Santos Eco Adventures here.

Read more about Todos Santos Eco Adventures Facebook Page here.

Read more about Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art here.

To Register: Please email Tami with name and contact info or call 805.703.4291.

Fine Print: Deposit of $799 (1/2) may be made through PayPal or check. Materials list, tool list & instructions on packing will be sent after registration. Payment in full must be completed by January 30, 2014.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: All cancellations are subject to a 20% handling fee. For reservations canceled less than 90 days before the workshop, 50% is refundable. If canceled less than 60 days before the workshop, 25% is refundable. If canceled less than 45 days before the workshop, fee is non-refundable. Should the retreat be canceled for any reason the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after the retreat’s cancellation. Instructors have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. Instructors and Los Colibris accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket or for canceled flights. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. All workshop participants should consider purchasing Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company. A Travel Insurance Guide is here.

Mosaic Art RetreatsTami Macala, Artist and Instructor: I am a professional mosaic artist and teacher. I have been creating art all my life, and mosaic art for almost 20 years. In 2009 I started the Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art based on my love for mosaic art and desire to share my passion with other creative people.

I have vacationed in Todos Santos several times in the past two years and have stayed at Los Colibris each trip. I love the rustic and quaint feeling of Todos Santos, and Los Colibris is the perfect location for the accommodations and creating a wonderful environment for this mosaic retreat.

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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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Marsh Mellow

28 Oct

It’s one of those glorious days that’s cool on the marsh and warm on the beach, and nature lets you choose whether you want to feel the wind in your hair while you listen to the fish jump in the marsh, or the sun on your shoulders while the gulls cry. Of course, I chose both, with a little hammock time thrown in for good measure. It’s October, and an idyllic time for a beach retreat.

Tina on the Beach
Marsh Boardwalk
Hammock Time

It’s been a good week. Some nights there’s lots of giggling; some days an hour can pass in complete silence. Some nights we cook as a group; some nights we comb our hair and hit the village. Come as you are, be who you are, and use the time as you choose. Here’s a look at the week!

Sunrise at Pawleys
Ready for Glass!
Tina on the Beach
Mosaic Design Doodles
Playing with Watercolor
Tina’s Workspace
Bettie, Donna and Ann
Mosaics on the Marsh
From the Floating Dock
Beverly’s Marsh
Donna’s Marsh
Magic Hour
BBQ and Fennel Slaw
Bubbles!
Dock on the Marsh
Serenity
Diamond Water on the Beach
Kimberly’s Beach Bird
Little House on the Marsh
Linda’s Boathouse on the Lily Pond
Susan Working
Ann’s Boat
Night Shift
Susan, Tina and Linda at Frank’s Outback
Marsh Boardwalk
Tina’s Marsh
Bettie Grouting
Hanging
Kimberly’s Crab
Pawleys Pier
Cotton Field Frolic
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden
Riding Shotgun

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Mosaics on the Marsh, October 2013

23 Jul

Mosaics on the MarshMosaics on the Marsh Retreat with Pam Goode
October 21 – 25, 2013
Pawleys Island, SC
$375 – 550

Nothing soothes the soul quite like the lapping of tides against weathered docks, the tempered sunlight glinting across fields of watery grasses that thrive on the most tentative silts, the cry of majestic herons and hungry gulls, and a gentle fall breeze. Join us at iconic Pawleys Island for an old-style retreat in old-style surroundings.

Mosaics on the MarshOur site will be a three-story “cottage” with double wraparound porches and ample work tables facing the marsh. The golden month of October features magnificent skies and a softer light, with average highs in the 70’s and lows around 60. Nine bedrooms, five baths, two living rooms, two kitchens, and indoor/outdoor dining areas offer plenty of space for spreading out or working as a group.

Our workshop will consist of a quick-sketch technique overlaid with a modified-watercolor technique to create designs using fauvist or realistic colors depicting life on the marsh. We’ll be able to churn out a large assortment of sketches and paintings the first day, giving you ample possibilities for your mosaic. We’ll also talk about color, mood, cutting methods, and finding your own style.

An assortment of boards will be provided. This retreat is designed for stained glass, however, you are welcome to bring other materials if you prefer.

Mosaics on the MarshThe retreat will be structured loosely, with a group session each day, as well as one-on-one time with the instructor and group studio sessions. You are welcome to work throughout the day or take time off for the beach or local exploration. The lovely sand beach is just across the lane, and the island is ideal for biking, as well as canoeing on the inlet. Across the bridge on the mainland, you’ll find plenty of cute shops as well as local restaurants (both island casual and casual gourmet). Meals will be on your own or as a group, either on the mainland or self-catering. We’ll have plenty of kitchen space!

A barrier island, Pawleys is one of the oldest resorts on the East Coast, measuring  just over 3 miles long and 1/4 mile wide, and a whopping population of 138. Flip flops and shorts are the norm.

Costs per-person for five-day mosaic workshop and accommodations:

$375 shared dormitory room (1 double and 5 twins)
$475 shared room (2 twin beds) (1 available)
$500 shared room (2 double beds) (1 available)
$550 single room (1 double or queen bed) (4 queens and 1 double available)

Cost for non-participating guest sharing your room: $250

Pam GoodeCost includes room, instruction, and some materials. Cost does not include transportation to the retreat location, meals, tools or mosaic supplies.

For more information or to register, contact Pam.

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Mosaic Workshop in Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze

21 Feb

Lavender in ProvenceMosaic Workshop in Provence
with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze
June 23 – 29, 2013
$1900

Immerse yourself in an educational trip and tour that will leave you inspired and creatively invigorated for the rest of the year! Enjoy the lavender in bloom, farm to table food, wine tasting, exploration of local markets and exhibits, and time to create in an inspiring studio environment.

Laurel True WorkshopJoin professional mosaic artists and educators Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze at Valerie’s Esprit Mosaique Studio in Avignon, France to explore and celebrate color and creativity through mosaics. Laurel and Valerie have teamed up to offer a totally cool, specifically curated and inspiring trip that will combine hands-on studio time, incredible insider sightseeing and experiential learning.

Esprit Mosaique Studio is full of joyful color and provides a welcoming place to learn, create and spend time in community with other mosaic enthusiasts. This is a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with French mosaic artists — participants will leave Provence feeling like family.

Provence Workshop

Each instructor will offer lessons focusing on various techniques including fresco cement as a background treatment, demonstration of the uses of stacked and layered substrates, precision cutting techniques for glass and ceramic, creation of individual mosaics elements to be installed on a public wall in the Village of Avignon and guided exploration of materials and color through the creation of a piece that participants can take home.

Laurel True WorkshopStudents will have the opportunity to work on mesh, film and cementicious substrates.* Students who would like to focus on only one technique or project during the week are welcome to do this instead, at their own pace, with one-on-one guidance from instructors.

In addition to enjoying time in the studio, participants will have the chance to eat delicious meals together, tour nearby Provencal markets including St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence, visit the breathtaking and indescribable exhibition at Les Carrieres des Lumieres, as well as enjoy educational wine tastings and a Provincial backyard BBQ at the home of Valerie and her family.

Laurel True Workshop

COST: $1900

Includes: Mosaic Workshop Instruction, Accommodations Sunday, June 23 – Friday, June 29, breakfast and lunches, Thursday night special dinner, transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop, and all touristic visits to markets, exhibits and wine tastings.

Does Not Include: Flight, Dinners (except Thursday) or Personal Expenses.

Both instructors are bi-lingual and workshop and activities will be in English and French.

This workshop has only 10 spots, so sign up early!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hotel de Atelier is a charming hotel in the lively village of Villeneuve Las Avignon, five minutes from the town of Avignon. Read more here.

ITINERARY:

Laurel True ProvenceSunday, June 23
Participants arrive and get settled in Hotel de Atelier

Monday, June 24
Morning: Arrive at Esprit Mosaique Studio, introductions and first project
Lunch at Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio instruction and work time
Evening: Free

Tuesday, June 25
Morning: Studio work time and instruction
Lunch: Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio time
Evening: Wine tasting at Cave de Tavel

Wednesday, June 26
Morning: Visit Provencal market in village of St Rémy de Provence and to ancient Gallo-Roman mosaic site
Lunch: In Les Baux de Provence
Afternoon: Visit art exhibit at Carrières des Lumières
Evening: Free

Laurel True ProvenceThursday, June 27
Morning: Studio work time and instruction
Lunch: Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio work time and instruction
Evening: Winery visit and wine tasting at Chateau Neuf du Pape, then a slow food, Provencal family bbq at Valerie’s beautiful home.

Friday, June 28
Morning: Visit the quaint medieval village of Uzes and Ancient Roman site of Le Pont du Gard
Lunch: on the riverside
Afternoon: Studio work time
Evening: Visit town of Avignon

Saturday, June 29
Morning/Lunch: To conclude our week together we’ll take a gorgeous walk in a nearby lavender field and enjoy a Provencal picnic. 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Afternoon: Goodbyes and departure!

Mosaics in France“Valerie hosted me at her beautiful home and studio in Provence last Spring and we decided to put together this workshop experience so that mosaic artists could come and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing area and the warmth and hospitality of Valerie and her family and community. I came back from that trip bursting with energy, inspiration and a full heart, and can’t wait to share this experience with my students!” ~ Laurel True, mosaic artist and co-instructor of workshop

“I welcome you to my studio and town, in the hopes that each participant/student comes away with a feeling of having spent a wonderful week of creativity, sharing our mosaic passion and fun, discovering the most beautiful places in Provence, with the desire to come back to explore more !”  ~ Valerie Nicoladze, mosaic artist and co-instructor of workshop

PAYMENTS:

Payment can be made through Pay Pal; 50% due at time of registration to hold spot with 50% balance due by April 1st OR  students may also make one payment if they wish, at time of registration.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations made before April 1 will receive a full refund, minus $100 admin fee. Cancellations April  1 – 15 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations after April 15 are non-refundable unless space is filled, in which case there will be a refund minus the $100 admin fee.

Register for this workshop here.

Questions? Contact Laurel here or Valerie here.

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Sonia King Workshops at West Dean College, U.K.

5 Feb

Mosaic Intensive: Chichester, U.K.
Developing Artistic Expression with Sonia King
West Dean College
July 21 – 26, 2013
₤466 Non-Residential

Mosaic Intensive: Chichester, U.K.
Working in Monochrome with Sonia King
West Dean College
July 27 – August 2, 2013
₤608 Non-Residential

Sonia King West Dean Join Sonia King at the acclaimed West Dean College for a week (or two!) of mosaic immersion in an exceptional setting.

Artistic Expression, July 21 – 26, 2013

The goal of this workshop is to offer an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, offering a new way to think about one’s work and the knowledge to push to the next level. Special emphasis will be made on personal expression and developing one’s individual style. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials; and working direct using cement-based adhesive.

Sonia King WorkshopStudents will produce a mosaic using a variety of techniques/materials. There is extensive inquiry into cutting techniques, varied materials and laying styles; essentially broadening the student’s skill-set. There are also varied discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, spacing, andamento, and reflectivity.

Students will bring their own materials for use; possible materials include glass, unglazed ceramic, found objects, mineral specimens, beads, stone and fossils. There will be a limited selection of materials available for purchase.

Sonia King at West DeanYou work on your own project with lots of individual attention, dealing with issues that relate specifically to your work. However, all are invited into the discussions so there is a high level of learning from each other’s specific situations. Additionally there are group discussions and lectures on a variety of topics including design considerations when using multiple materials, cutting techniques, etc. A group review at the end focuses on problems solved and lessons learned.

Working in Monochrome, July 27 – August 2

Creating mosaic in a monochrome palette emphasizes the focus on cutting, laying style, reflectivity, scale and texture. Limiting possible decisions to the primary principles of mosaic offers learning opportunities that color can mask. Working within a single color family enhances technical skills while expanding our understanding of the subtle impact on personal expression.

Sonia King at West DeanWe’ll work direct in a variety of materials with special attention to cutting techniques, methods of laying, and broadening your skill set. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials; and working direct using cement-based adhesive. There are also varied discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, reflectivity and more. Most importantly, you’ll leave the workshop with an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, a new way of thinking about your work, and the knowledge to enable you to push to the next level. Some prior mosaic experience is recommended.

Each student will produce a mosaic using a variety of techniques/materials. Possible materials include glass, unglazed ceramic, found objects, mineral specimens, beads, stone and fossils. Plan to bring your materials with you. There will be a limited selection of materials available for purchase.

Sonia King at West DeanStudents will work on their own projects with ample individual attention, dealing with issues that relate to their specific  work. However, all are invited into the discussions so there is a high level of learning from each other’s specific situations. Additionally there are group discussions and lectures on a variety of topics including design considerations when using multiple materials, cutting techniques, etc. A group review at the end focuses on problems solved and lessons learned.

West Dean

Located in SouthEast England and 12 miles from the coat, West Dean is internationally known for its programs in visual arts and conservation. The 6400 acre estate features exceptional gardens for an inspiring and peaceful stay.

For more information or to register for either session, click here.

Images from previous workshops at West Dean are here.

More about Sonia King here.

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Portraits in Serbia with Andjelka Radojevik, June 2013

17 Jan

Mosaic Retreat: SerbiaDetails; Portraiture
with Andjelka Radojevik
June 1 – 9, 2013
June 15 – 27, 3013
€ 2100 – 2700

Andjelka Radojevik WorkshopsJoin Serbian artist Andjelka Radojevik for one of two upcoming workshops in the Balkans and Belgrade, Serbia. Workshops are designed to combine studio instruction with an introduction to Andjelka’s beautiful homeland —  safe, fabulous food, and widely English-speaking.

“I teach the indirect method, and offer strong direction to enable you to make your best mosaic ever. At the same time, I would like to make it a relaxing and joyful workshop, full of memorable moments. I’ll respect if you would like to have more privacy and more free time. I’ll be available for you 24 hours daily not only as a teacher, but as a friend too!”

Details, June 1 – 9, will focus on lips, an eye, or a small bird

Portraiture, June 15 – 27, will include a full facial image.

Andjelka Rodovejik Workshop“I will assist you in choosing a drawing. The mosaic materials I prefer for this class are natural stone and ceramics. We will use smalti for small details; however, students are welcome to bring their own smalti or gold should they wish to use more. Workshops begin at 9:00 am and end at 5:30 PM. Coffee and lunch breaks are provided. The agenda is not fixed on excursion days.

If a student cannot finish their mosaic on time, they will receive all the necessary material and instruction to finish their mosaic at home.

The workshops will consist of practical and theoretical elements with plenty of examples. The number of students is 1 – 6 max. Friends and family are welcomed. Please, contact me for more details.”

Andjelka Radojevik WorkshopPrices:

Details Workshop, June 1 – 9, 2013
€2100
Surcharge for a Companion: 900 Euro
€500  Deposit is Required upon Registration. Balance is Due upon Arrival.

Portrait Workshop, June 15 – 27, 2013
€2700
Surcharge for a Companion: 1200 Euro
€500  Deposit is Required upon Registration. Balance is Due upon Arrival.

Rate includes:

  • All necessary mosaic material: natural stone, ceramics and smalti for details, nippers, hammer, incus, tweezers.
  • Transfers from/to the airport.
  • Accommodation in Vrnjacka Spa (central Serbia, the most beautiful spa in the Balkans, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) during summer season). Accommodation will be provided in Villa Mignon Hotel, plus two nights in Belgrade.
  • Three meals per day and non alcoholic drinks.
  • Belgrade sightseeing (the World’s largest Orthodox Christian church – Saint Sava’s Temple; Kalemegdan fortress; Saint Paraskeva mosaic church; Prince Michael Street, etc).
  • Visit to mausoleum of the Serbian Royal Dynasty – Oplenac, representing one of the largest mosaic surfaces in the World (38.000 sq ft).
  • Visits to the most beautiful Serbian restaurants.

Rate Does Not Include:

  • Air Fare
  • Spa Treatments
  • Telephone Costs
  • Gold Smalti (arrangements can be made at an additional cost)
  • Car Rental
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Visa Expenses (Please, determine in advance if you will need a visa; if so, I can help)
  • Travel Insurance

Andjelka Radojevik Workshop

Additional Information:

Learn more about Andjelka and Serbian hospitality here or here.

Fore more information or to register, contact Andjelka here.

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My Luggage Exploded!

5 Jan

Packing Tips for Artists

Luggage strapped together with bungie cords and plastic wrap? Tee shirts and tesserae strewn along the tarmac? Bonnie Fitzgerald is a travel veteran with three mosaic retreats planned for 2013 (so far!). I’m betting she knows more than your average Joe about the proper valise. Do you?
Don’t Carry your Jewels in a Paper Sack, by Bonnie Fitzgerald
‘Tis the season to purchase GOOD LUGGAGE. If you’re taking trips and schlepping materials, a good suitcase can save you time, money and muscle. Luggage has entered a new realm of efficiency and portability, and January is typically a big sale month for . . . you guessed it. There are tons of good manufacturers. Try a spin around your local mall and take a few for a test drive. You can also research the best buys on-line. Some suggested features to look for include:
  • Drenched Luggage, HeathrowHard-sides PROTECT what is inside. Hardside polycarbonate is lightweight and durable and allows the shell to absorb impact by flexing when under heavy pressure
  • Expandable design allows flexibility when packing — helpful if you’ll be coming home with more stuff than you left with, and equally helpful if you’re bringing home less since you used up your supplies
  • Multi-directional 4-wheel spinner system makes for super easy maneuverability and smooth, quiet rolling
  • Telescoping handles make a comfortable fit for all
  • Need a little more convincing?
Bon Voyage!

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