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Celebration of Color in Provence

24 Apr

Celebration of Color: Workshop in Provence, France
Art and Inspiration in the South of France with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze
June 25 – July 2, 2016
$2150 Double Occupancy

Mosaic Workshop Provence

Immerse yourself in a week-long experience 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 Nicoladzé at Valérie’s Esprit Mosaïque Studio in Avignon, France, to explore and celebrate creativity through mosaic art.

Laurel and Valérie are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to offer a very special, specifically curated and inspiring trip that will combine hands-on studio time, insider sightseeing , experiential learning, and amazing food…and wine…and cheese…and shopping in Provincial villages…and more.

Esprit Mosaïque Studio is full of joyful color and provides a welcoming place to learn, create and spend time in community with other mosaic enthusiasts.

Participants will leave Provence feeling like family, having shared food, wine, stories and community creation.

Laurel and Valérie will share their experience with students in a relaxed studio setting, offering lessons focusing on various techniques including unique precision cutting and setting techniques for glass and ceramic, use of French mosaic tools and materials and tips and tricks they have mastered over their combined 40 years of creating mosaics. Each student will work according to their experience level with one-on-one guidance. No mosaic experience necessary. Students of all levels are welcome!

Students will be inspired by the huge array of beautiful materials at Esprit Mosaique Studio. There are shelves and shelves full of colorful and exotic materials from around the world for students to use in a personal project to take home.

Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a group project one afternoon – a mosaic mural that will be installed outside the studio.

Mosaics studio sessions are scheduled in the mornings and afternoons, with some optional evening sessions, leaving plenty of time to create.

In addition to enjoying time in the studio, participants will have the chance to eat delicious meals together, stay in a quaint Provincial hotel, tour Avignon and nearby markets including St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence (medieval village with an incredible view and violet gelato), visit a breathtaking subterranean exhibit at Les Carrieres des Lumieres, and enjoy an educational wine tasting and Provincial backyard BBQ at the home of Valerie and her family.

The workshop experience will end with a picnic in a lavender field on the final afternoon and a visit to the Village of Sault, where village shops offer all things lavender.

The beauty of the lavender in bloom is indescribable and will stay with you well after you return home!

Cost for Trip

$ 2350 in single room /8 nights ( 8 rooms available)
$ 2150 in double occupancy /8 nights ( 2 rooms available – 4 spots)

Investment Includes:
Mosaic workshop instruction
Accommodations for 8 nights
Breakfast and lunches Monday night BBQ at Valerie’s
Transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop
All touristic visits to markets and exhibits
Wine tastings

Not Included:
Flight
Dinners (except BBQ)
Personal expenses

Valerie and Laurel are bi-lingual and workshop and activities will be in English and French.

To register for this workshop, please e-mail Valérie Nicoladzé at: espritmosaique@free.fr

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

Exploring Mosaics in Glass Retreat, September 2013

9 Jan

Exploring Mosaics in Glass
with Bonnie Fitzgerald
September 6 – 9, 2013
$345 + Your Choice Lodging / Meal Plan

Mosaic Workshop Bonnie FitzgeraldJoin Maverick Mosaics’ founder Bonnie Fitzgerald for a 4-day mosaic retreat at Pennsylvania’s only residential craft school, Touchstone Center for Crafts. At Touchstone, nature and creative energy combine to produce a unique synergy and students learn in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.

Exploring Mosaics in Glass is a comprehensive class offering a strong foundation for constructing decorative art mosaics. Students will be introduced to several types of glass materials applicable to mosaics. Day one begins with an overview of contemporary glass mosaics and their role in both the decorative and fine art world. We will then cover design principles, terminology and technical considerations. We will dedicate a portion of Saturday to design work, including composition and color theory. Students will then solidify their design and create their mosaic cartoon. Students are encouraged to create original designs; however, the instructor will have optional patterns available for those who feel more comfortable creating from an existing design. Our last day will be spent on grouting and finishing techniques, friendly critique and Q & A.

Materials offered will include stained glass, vitreous tiles, art glass tiles, millefiori, fused glass and glass gems. Instructor will provide an ample amount and variety of materials for you to complete your project. Students are welcome to bring supplemental materials that they may wish to incorporate into their design, and a suggested materials list will be sent out 2 weeks in advance.

Saturday and Sunday will be full studio days allowing for plenty of time for fun and creativity, with time allotted to enjoy our beautiful surroundings with walks and fresh air!

This workshop is suited for anyone new to mosaics or folks wishing to take their work to a new level. Students can expect a great deal of personal instruction and guidance.

Suggested projects include a 16’ X 20” mirror surround or a home décor piece measuring approximately 1 square foot. Students must provide their substrate (instructor will provide resources in advance). You may work on any 2-dimensional project. A separate supply fee of $45 will be payable to the instructor. Fee includes tool loan, ample selection of tesserae, adhesive and grout.

Mosaic Workshops Bonnie FitzgeraldTo view Bonnie’s portfolio with many glass mosaic examples please visit Bonnie Fitzgerald Art.

Touchstone Center is located in the Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA. They offer full room and board in residence halls or cabins. Click here to visit the Touchstone Center website for more information.

Workshop and lodging reservations will be handled through Touchstone beginning February 2013. Students are strongly encouraged to pre-register directly with Bonnie.

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