Mosaic Art Retreats

Mosaic Art Holiday in South Africa with Karla Duterloo

Mosaic Art Holiday
Cape Town, South Africa
November 9 – 14, 2014
Euro 1270

Fancy a little Africa? Join Karla Duterloo for a five-day mosaic workshop and holiday in Cape Town, South Africa, with sightseeing in one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

The workshop will feature your choice of 3-D work on a wooden gemsbok head or an 8″ x 8″ 2-D mosaic. African elements will be incorporated into either design.

Accommodations will be in the Lodge at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, featuring beautiful rooms, free continental breakfast, and a view over the golf course. The Lodge is a few minutes walk from the studio, with restaurants close by and only a 10 minute walk from the beach. A shopping centre is located just outside the Estate. The beach is at 10 min. walking distance. Cape Town city centre is about a 35 min drive away. During the course, we’ll offer coffee/tea, biscuits and lunch (beautiful SA wine included) for all participants.

Excursions

The holiday week will feature two excursions. First, we’ll head to Cape Town centre to visit Greenmarket craft market and the famous Waterfront craft markets. This is a perfect opportunity to select additional accessories for your mosaic.

Our second excursion will be to Cape Town’s beautiful beaches, Camps Bay and Hout Bay. We’ll drive the famous Chapman’s Peak for stunning views at Noordhoek Beach, then visit Kalk Bay and Simons Town, where we’ll stop at the gemstone factory.

About Karla

Karla is an award-winning Dutch mosaic artist proficient with all types of surfaces: bathroom floors, garden sculptures, functional and decorative mosaics, 2D and 3D mosaics. Having studied Arts and Crafts in the Netherlands and attended several Mosaic Master Courses in Italy, Karla has taught students of all levels in the UK, Switzerland and South Africa. She also creates mosaic projects for charity, and has initiated successful projects in London (2010) and Nepal (2011), as well as exhibiting in the UK, Europe and South Africa. Karla’s signature Trophy Heads have been sold in more than fifteen countries around the world. Very recently, her work has been chosen for the Western Cape Handmade Collection and exhibited at the Design Indaba 2013 in Cape Town.

Author of a Dutch Arts and Craftsbook Wereldhandvaardigheid, Karla’s mosaic work is featured in several additional publications: Mastering Mosaics , Mosaic Yearbook and Mosaic Madness. “My classes are creative and inspiring,” says Karla. “The purpose is to bring out the Artist in you in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Above all, we have lots of fun and special moments. You’ll leave the course with new skills, ideas and inspiration, as well as fired up passion for this beautiful Art.”

Pricing:

The course price is 1270 Euros per participant.

Included in the price are:

Transport from and to CT International Airport on Sunday 9 November and Saturday 15 November
6 nights accommodation at the Atlantic Beach Estate Lodge including breakfast
Drinks and tapas on Sunday afternoon
Drinks and canapes on Friday afternoon
5 day mosaic course including most materials and either the trophy head base or 8 x 8 board
5 lunches and 2 excursions for all mosaic course participants
Transport to and from nearby restaurants at night

Not included:

Airfare tickets to and from Cape Town
Dinners in the evening
Additional costs for partners (if desired): 200 Euro per partner
2 separate full-day excursions for partners, lunch not included, min 3 participants: 100 euro per partner.

Participation:

To run the course, we need a minimum of 5 participants
To guarantee optimal personal attention, the course can have a maximum of 6 participants.

Payment:

To confirm your initial place on the course, a 50% deposit (635 Euros) must be received by August 1.
If you bring your partner, the total cost will be 1470 Euros. Your 50% payment by August 1 will be 735 Euros.
If by August 1 we have not received initial payment of the required minimum of 5 participants, we will cancel the course and refund your payment minus any bank charges.
Second payment of respectively: 635 Euros or 735 Euros needs to be received by October 1 to ensure your final confirmation as a participant on the course.
Banking details will be supplied to you via email.
If we have to cancel the course before October 1 due to insufficient registration, your monies will be refunded minus any bank charges.
If you withdraw from the course after October 1 but before November 1, we will refund 75% of the total course fee minus any bank charges.
If you cancel the course after November 1, no refund will be given.

For More Information or To Register:

For more information and a detailed course program, for you (and your partner if desired) please email Karla.

Tags: Art Classes Abroad, Art Retreat, Art Travel, Cultural Travel, Educational Travel, Gemsbok, International Mosaic Workshops, Karla Duerloo, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Workshops, South Africa Travel

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Categories Art Workshop, Mosaic, Travel

Treasures of Barcelona and Madrid with Maverick Mosaics

19 May

Treasures of Barcelona and Madrid
Maverick Mosaics
September 12 – 21, 2014
$2995

Travel Abroad with Maverick Mosaics as Adult Art Camp goes International!

Our second international trip will be to the colorful country of Spain to pay homage to three of Spain’s most important native sons: Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi and Salvador Dali.

Introducing the trip of a lifetime for anyone with a sense of adventure. Get ready to enjoy a long week of culture, history, contemporary art, great food and a hands-on project. You’ll experience the splendor of Spain in the spirit of Maverick Mosaics’ successful Art Camp format: learn, create and laugh.

Take in the magic and beauty of Spain with like-minded and adventuresome companions. 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 street-level cultural engagement based in the world of art and architecture. We plan at least two hands-on workshops including making mosaics.

Our adventure begins in Madrid as we spend our first day discovering the wonders of the Royal Palace and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, where Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica” is enshrined. With Madrid as our home base, you’ll make day trips to Segovia and Toledo. In Toledo our day includes time at the cathedral Santo Tomé to view an El Greco masterpiece and a visit to Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca. We’ll visit internationally recognized potters and renowned Toledo sword makers whose blades have been sought after from around the world (think Zorro, swashbuckling Earl Flynn and Samurai warriors!).

En route to Segovia, a must-see stop at El Escorial is planned. The building is the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance. After a magical day in Segovia, where architecture dates to Roman times, we’ll train to Barcelona.

Once in Barcelona you’ll have a series of fabulous art filled experiences: The Picasso Museum, a guided tour of Gaudi’s Bascilica de la Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and La Pedrera. You’ll make your own mosaic in the spirit of Gaudi and revel in the magic of the city as we make our way touring its famous sights. Topping off our time in Barcelona, we’ll visit the Salvador Dali museum, one of the most unique and multi-sensory museums in the world.

Professionally led wine tastings, fine food and dancing are also scheduled along the way. We wrap up our trip with a day at the beach in breathtaking Sitges. Just a short drive from Barcelona, this is “The Jewel” of the Catalan coast.

Maverick’s inaugural Art Camp trip to France in June 2013 was amazing, thanks in large part to the expertise and planning of our travel and logistics partner A La Carte Travel. A La Carte Travel is the nation’s leader in exclusively providing educational institutions with affordable access to learning opportunities abroad, and Maverick Mosaics qualifies as an educational institution. Hassle free travel is paramount, ground transportation and transfers are included, no waiting in lines for scheduled tours and we have a full time English/Spanish speaking escort traveling with us. A La Carte Travel promotes the values of understanding the world we live in through experiencing and learning about different cultures. With over 16 years of experience organizing educational tours, A La Carte Travel is the perfect partner with Maverick Mosaics for this unique travel and learning adventure.

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

Tags: Adult Art Camp, Art Abroad, Art Tours, Art Travel, Bonnie Fitzgerald, Cultural Travel, Madrid, Maverick Mosaics, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Classes Abroad, Spain Travel, Toledo

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Categories Art Retreats, Travel

Wine, Chocolate and Mosaics in Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze

12 May

Wine, Chocolate and Mosaics
with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze
Provence, France
August 31- September 6, 2014
Cost: $2700

Immerse yourself in this specifically curated trip and tour that will inspire your senses, taste buds and your creativity. Enjoy the late summer light and earthy pigments of Provence, farm to table food, wine tasting, exploration of local markets and exhibits, and time to create at Esprit Mosaique Studio in the heart of the wine-growing regions of southern France.

French wine and chocolate are the perfect accompaniments to creative exploration, and this trip is a creative and gustatory journey into the heart of Provence. Spend a week with like-minded seekers interested in insider-track travel and experiencing the hidden gems of the region, guided by locals showing you their home.

This retreat combines world class wineries and purveyors of fine chocolates, medieval villages, Provencal markets and private gardens with art. We’ll spend relaxing mornings or afternoons in the studio with espresso or wine, and all things chocolate. Each participant will work according to their experience level.

All materials will be provided, as well as one-on-one guidance from bilingual teaching artists with a combined 35 years experience, Laurel and Valerie. Students will enjoy a guided exploration of materials and color through the creation of small mosaic projects to take home. No experience with art or mosaics is required for this workshop!

This is a wonderful opportunity spend time in community with others passionate about experiential travel and creative expression. Participants will leave Provence feeling like family, having shared food, wine, stories and community creation. We’ve intentionally included plenty of time for socializing, celebration and time to enjoy the moment.

The tour will include the spectacular medieval architecture of Gigondas in the Dauphine Region, the breathtaking views at the ancient aqueducts of Pont du Gard, and the Provincial market of Uzez and to Carrieres des Ocres, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the breathtaking earth pigments of these former ocher quarries and shop for natural pigments to use in the studio during a lesson specially focused on the use of earth pigments and mosaic. Also included are visits to world-famous Chateauneuf de Pape and Tavel Wineries for special educational wine tastings and a special private tasting. We’ll end our time together with a final afternoon meal eating local, Provencal food in the middle of a vineyard.

Details:

Cost: $2700
Location: Esprit Mosaique, Villeneuve de Avignon, Provence

Includes:
Mosaic workshop instruction
Accommodations for 8 nights (based on double occupancy, we can help coordinate)
Breakfast and lunches
Tuesday night family BBQ
Thursday night couscous dinner
Transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop
All touristic visits to markets and exhibits
All wine tastings

Cost Does Not Include:
Flight, dinners (except Tuesday and Thursday) and personal expenses.

To Register: Please e-mail Valerie Nicoladze at espritmosaique@free.fr. For more information, contact Valerie or email Laurel.

Group Leaders:

Valerie’s 40 years living and creating in Provence give her a unique insider view that she is offering exclusively to participants of this first-time offered tour. She has created a welcoming and colorful studio, Esprit Mosaique
Studio, where participants will spend time exploring color, texture and the inspirations of Provence.

Laurel (on left) is a world traveler, teacher and professional mosaic artist with 25 years experience, who brings her unique style of exploring the world through art and culture to participants. She is co-founder of the Institute of
Mosaic Art in California, Principle at True Mosaics Studio and Founding Director of The Global Mosaic Project.

Itinerary:
Sunday, August 31
Participants arrive and get settled in Hotel de Atelier
Studio Orientation and Intros at Esprit Mosaique Studio.
Evening: Free (get over your jet lag and gear up for a great week ahead!)
Monday, September 1
Morning: Mosaic Session at Esprit Mosaique Studio
Lunch at Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Studio Instruction and Work Time; Evening: Welcome Dinner in Avignon
Tuesday, September 2
Morning: Carrieres des Ocres: Color Study of Natural Pigments in the Landscape
Lunch at Roussillion Restaurant
Afternoon: Visit Village for Natural Pigments at Local Market; Evening: Free
Wednesday, September 3
Morning: Mosaic Session, Lesson in Use of Natural Pigments with Mosaic
Lunch at Restaurant La Strada
Afternoon: Atelier Wine and Chocolate Tasting; Evening: Wine tasting at Taval Winery
Thursday, September 4
Morning: Wine Tasting Tour, Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape
Lunch at Cave Chateauneuf du Pape
Afternoon: Visit to Gigondas Beaumes de Venise; Evening: Free
Friday, September 5
Morning: Visit to Uzes and UNESCO World Heritage Site Pont du Gard
Lunch at Restaurant Pont du Gard
Afternoon: Last Studio Session and Wrap Up; Evening: Wine and Cheese Garden Party at Valerie’s
Saturday, September 6
Morning: Visit to Village de Provence for Last Minute Shopping
Lunch: To conclude our week together we will enjoy an incredible late lunch in the middle of a
vineyard, enjoying the outdoors and each other with champagne, chocolate, French cheese,
charcuterie and more. Goodbyes and departure!

Tags: Art Classes Abroad, Art Retreats, Art Workshops, Cultural Travel, Esprit Mosaique, Experiential Travel, France, Laurel True, Learning Travel, Mosaic Art, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaics in France, Provence, True Mosaics, Valerie Nicoladze

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Categories Art Retreats, Art Workshop, Travel

Navigating Airfares: Knowing When to Buy

24 Mar

When I first started doing my own research and finding my own best fares, it was a pretty peachy thrill. I felt so in control. The world was my oyster, and I could grab a ticket to explore it with a few taps of my fingers. Possibilities were spilling open, and yet … in retrospect, the decisions were pretty simple. Online sites were few (expedia), flights were many, and pricing made some sense. Now, well … things have changed.

I still love dreaming up a getaway and making it happen, but I confess that my finger trembles a bit more while hovering over the Confirm button. Am I saving a bundle or blowing one? Should I wait to book tomorrow, or was last week my last best chance?

I was happy for a little hand holding by Airfare Watchdog this week in the form of their 2014 guide to booking Low. Check it out, and plan something lovely.

Tags: Airfare, Art Classes Abroad, Art Retreats, Art Tours, Art Travel, Barcelona, Cheap Travel, Finding the Best Airfare, International Mosaic Workshops, Morocco, Mosaic Art, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Workshops, Saving Money on Airline Tickets, Travel

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Categories Art, Travel

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Tags: Art Classes Abroad, Art Outreach, Art Travel, Art Workshops, Avignon Travel, Cultural Travel, Esprit Mosaique, Laurel True, Mosaic, Mosaic Art, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Outreach, Mosaic Workshops in Provence, Provence Travel, Valerie Nicoladze, Volunteer Projects Worldwide

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Categories Mosaic, Travel

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

25 Jan

Cultural 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

Saturday 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

Monday, 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

Thursday, 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.

Tags: Art Travel, Barcelona Travel, Carol Shelkin, Ciel Gallery, Cultural Travel, Group Travel, Morocco Travel, Mosaic Art, Mosaic Art Classes Abroad, Mosaic Art Retreat, Pam Goode

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Categories Art Retreats, Mosaic, Travel

Mosaic Artists Take Over Touchstone Retreat Center!

12 Jan

Touchstone, a craft and retreat center in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania, has invited a full slate of mosaic artists to teach in 2014.

Instructor: Rachel Sager
May 16–19
Building Stories in Stone: Contemporary Mosaic in a Geologic Medium (Intensive)
All Levels | $300 Plus Selected Housing/Meal Plan
Extended Weekend Workshop

Instructor: Rachel Sager
August 10 – 16, 2014
Building Stories in Stone: Contemporary Mosaic in a Geologic Medium (Immersive)
Instructor: Rachel Sager
All Levels | $500 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weeklong Workshop

Are you ready for adventures in the creeks, hills, and valleys of Touchstone’s woodland campus? Join award-winning and internationally exhibited mosaic artist, teacher, and speaker, Rachel Sager, in her journey into the magic of sourcing local Southwestern Pennsylvania stone and transforming it into elegant tesserae, the building blocks of mosaic. This extended weekend intensive will cover building a sturdy substrate, mixing and applying high-quality thin-set mortar, cutting with hammer and hardie, the classic tool of the Italian mosaic maestros, and learning the nuances of andamento, the flow and pathways of mosaic. The field trip part of the workshop will include Rachel’s singular process of hunting and gathering for her material. This will be a challenging but also contemplative workshop, and students will learn valuable cutting skills along with mosaic philosophy. You will leave with a 12 x 12-inch mosaic, but more important, you will take home specific knowledge of an ancient medium translated into a contemporary format.

Rachel’s bio and class schedule can be found here for the May Intensive, and here for the August Immersive. Learn more about Rachel’s work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

May 23–26
Realistic Flower Mosaics
Instructor: Yulia Hanansen
All Levels | $300 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Extended Weekend Workshop

Learn to translate images of flowers into realistic and powerful mosaic statements in this extended weekend workshop. To create flower mosaic, students may work in a traditional mosaic layout or master an exciting and visually effective “brush-stroke” technique that Yulia uses for her own flower portraits. Materials and techniques are discussed in-depth with demonstrations given in groups and individually. Stained glass is used as a primary material for this project with instructions provided on how to cut, shape, and lay out the pieces. Students also explore color and composition in mosaic arts. The workshop concludes with instructions on grouting and a group discussion on the made pieces.

Yulia’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

May 30–June 2
Exterior Mosaics
Instructor: Bonnie Fitzgerald
All Levels | $300 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Extended Weekend Workshop

This workshop covers everything you need to know about creating professional permanent mosaics to withstand moisture and freeze-thaw cycles in exterior environments. Workshop lectures will include important information about selecting appropriate materials, substrates, and fixatives that will endure weather year round. We begin Friday evening with a picture presentation and lecture covering technical considerations and design principles. We will spend a portion of the workshop experimenting with both stained glass and ceramic tiles suitable for exterior use. You will make 2 small experimental/prototype pieces, one in glass and the other in ceramic. These exercises are a valuable experience in cutting and designing. We will then embark on our larger project on Saturday.

Bonnie’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

July 27–August 2
Strata Chroma: Mosaic High (Relief) and Deep (Color)
Kelley Knickerbocker & Erin Pankratz-Smith
All Levels | $500/+ Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weeklong Workshop

This workshop is geared to interest and challenge students of all levels of mosaic experience.

You will first learn to build and rig your own durable, lightweight 2D mosaic substrates, incorporating pigmented cement in an adventurous exploration of color merging, layering, and texture. Next you will learn to recognize/create/exploit ideal joins of angle, height, size, and shape of a wide variety of black materials – both natural and manmade – for various visual effects, and then experiment with setting each into colorful cement mortars. Finally, using the strata format as a compositional framework, students will incorporate all they’ve learned into the construction of a small mosaic on their handmade substrates.

Their first collaborative artwork, I’m Pervious, built-in 2013, combined Kelley’s achromatic leanings and stratified-high-relief-materials approach with Erin’s saturated color aesthetic and birthed the idea for their ”Strata Chroma” workshop. 2014’s ”Strata Chroma” workshop marks the beginning of their collaboration as educators.

Kelley and Erin’s bios as well as a schedule for the workshop can be found here. Learn more about Kelley’s work here and Erin’s work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

Instructor: Carol Shelkin
September 5–7, 2014
Tempered Glass Mosaics
All Levels | $200 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weekend Workshop

Learn how to create glittering mosaic art mixing collage with mosaic techniques using “Tempered Glass.” Tempered glass – also known as “Crash Glass” and “Safety Glass” is used to create mosaic art and architectural installations. A presentation showing examples of some of the finest works in Tempered Glass will be shown. You will learn to develop a jewel-like surface for both interior and exterior installations; and you will complete a mosaic using an overlaying technique with metallic papers, tissue, foils, glitter, photos, wordage, and more. You are encouraged to bring a variety of small paper images, photos, embellishments, and/or text to include in your mosaic. This is the perfect medium to permanently incorporate printed imagery!

Carol’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work at here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

Instructor: Cynthia Fisher
September 19 – 21, 2014
Glass Mosaics
All Levels: $200 + Selected Lodging/Meal Plan
Weekend Workshop

Mosaics are a medium one can readily learn at a workshop, and then continue with at home with minimal investment in tools and materials. You will learn about (1) the rich history of mosaics materials, (2) tools and substrates, (3) a variety of methods of mosaic assembly with the major focus on the indirect method, and (4) color and the mosaic palette and how tile shape creates visual texture. Lecture time will be kept to a minimum, and there will be an emphasis on one-on-one guidance, maximizing individual interests.

Cynthia is eager to share her considerable knowledge and experience working in the medium of glass mosaics, from artistic considerations unique to mosaic to architectural installations. Cynthia’s bio and workshop schedule can be found here. Learn more about her work here. Lodging/Meal Plans here.

Tags: Art, Art Classes Abroad, Art Retreats, Art Travel, Bonnie Franklin, Carol Shelkin, Cynthia Fisher, Erin Pankratz-Smith, Kelley Knickerbocker, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Workshop, Rachel Sager, Touchstone Crafts, Travel, Yulia Hanansen

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Categories Art Retreats, Mosaic

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)

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.

Participants 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.

Retreat 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.

Tami 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.

Tags: Art Travel, Art Workshops, Baja California peninsula, Baja California Sur, Cultural Travel, Mexico, Mosaic Art, Mosaic Art Retreats, Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art, Tami Zweig Macala, Todos Santos

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Art Retreats, Mosaic, Travel

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.

Tags: Art Classes Abroad, Art Travel, Carol Shelkin, Costa Rica, Costa Rica Travel, Cultural Travel, Educational Travel, Finca Luna Nueva, Learning Adventures, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Workshops, Pam Goode, Rainforest

Comments 5 Comments
Categories Art Retreats, Art Workshop, Culture, Travel

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!