Tag Archives: Art Travel

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 Artists Take Over Touchstone Retreat Center!

12 Jan

Mosaic WorkshopsTouchstone, 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

Rachel Sager WorkshopAre 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

Yulia Hanansen WorkshopLearn 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

Bonnie Fitzgerald WorkshopThis 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

Erin Pankratz Smith WorkshopThis 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

Carol Shelkin WorkshopLearn 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
Cynthia Fisher WorkshopAll 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.

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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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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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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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Italy Anyone? May 2013

29 Nov

Eye candy for the soul! Inspiration for the artist.

If you see anything you like, I’ll be leading a mosaic workshop / retreat to Italy May 12 – 18, 2013. Drink in the beauty of old walls and endless vistas, then learn how to translate your photographs into strong mosaic designs. We’ll be working small, so there will be plenty of time to soak up culture, feed the spirit, and try out a new way of being. More information here. More motivation below.

Click on the first photo to enlarge, and then browse your way through a few of my past trips to beautiful Italy. Hope you’ll join me in May!

Bronze Anyone?
Portico
Grocery Shopping
Windows on Italy
Rome in the Rain
Decorated Facade
Fire in the Sky
Wine and Chocolate
Dinner al Fresco
Church Mosaic
Bicycling in Rome
Pantheon at Night
Banks of the Tiber beneath Sycamore Shade
Pantheon Pigeons
Clouds above the Tiber
Real Food
Market Day
Italy and Ivy
Lovely in Florence
Artistic Commentary
Oranges at Campo de Fiori
Architecture Rules
Wall of Love
Italian Balconies
Street Artist
Sunset Dinner
Roman Forum
Art is Everywhere
Fountain
Just another Italian Street . . .
Windows on Italy
Fall Vines
Remaining walls from the Baths of Diocletian (306 AD), behind Santa Maria degli Angeli
Architecture
Mosaic Floor; love the rambling andamento
Laundry Day
Self Portrait 🙂
Street Lights
Welcome!

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Mosaic Intensive with Sonia King: Paros, Greece, 2013

6 Nov

*WAIT LIST ONLY

Mosaic Intensive: Greece
Working in White on the Greek Island of Paros
with Sonia King
June 17 – 21, 2013
$2375

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceJoin Sonia for an intensive five-day mosaic workshop on the sun-drenched island of Paros in Greece.  Paros is famous for the beautiful white marble that the ancient Greeks carved into statues like the Venus de Milo. We’ll take our inspiration from this amazing material and work all in whites, tone on tone. This will be a rare opportunity to enhance your mosaic skills in an inspiring and stimulating environment.

Sonia King Intensive GreeceCreating 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. Technically, there will be extensive inquiry into 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, working direct. There will be 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. Prior mosaic experience is recommended. Some white materials will be supplied. (A list of the supplied materials will be sent in advance so class participants can bring additional materials, or even additional colors, if they wish.)

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceThere will be an optional side trip on one day, by ferry, to the island of Delos to see ancient mosaics.  Participants may choose to come along or to remain in the studio working.  The atmosphere will be relaxed and there will be ample time for swimming and sunning on the beach steps away from our hotel.

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceThe course fee includes:
* Get-acquainted dinner on the evening before the workshop begins, June 16
* Individual instruction/coaching by Sonia, structured to meet each participant’s experience level and goals.
* Group discussions on the art of mosaic, cutting techniques, ergonomics, technical issues, the business of art, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies for design/implementation and more.
* Substrate, adhesive, marble and the use of a hammer/hardie. Bring your own hand tools. Participants may also want to bring additional materials to work with, such as glass, unglazed ceramic, smalti, beads, found objects, etc. More info on recommended tools and materials will be supplied.
* Optional day trip to visit ancient mosaics on the island of Delos with lunch and shopping opportunities on Mykonos
* Closing night dinner party, June 21

Not included:
* Transportation (airfares, ferries, taxis, etc.)
* Meals (other than breakfast at the hotel and the get-acquainted and closing dinners)
* Optional side trip to visit the ancient mosaics on island of Delos plus lunch & shopping on Mykonos

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceSpace is limited so early registration is recommended.  Cost is $2,375 US. Ten participants are required for the class to be held. A deposit of $500 is required on booking and the class fills on a first-come basis. Balance of the fee is due by February 1st, allowing ample time for buying air tickets at the best price.  After February 1st, refunds will be given provided the opening is filled. (There is always a wait list so a refund is likely.) Refunds will be less any money transfer fees. Payment may be made by US $ checks, US $ wire transfer, Western Union or PayPal. (PayPal incurs a small percentage transaction fee)

Direct inquiries to Sonia.
Include contact info (name, address, phone, e-mail). As the workshop approaches, recommended tool information, details about materials and advice about logistics will be sent.

See images from the 2011 workshop on Paros

Click here for a flyer in PDF format for printing

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Mosaic Art Retreats: More Mexico 2013

27 Oct

Mosaic Art Retreats

What’s Up in Puerto Vallarta? SIX mosaic retreats at Hacienda Mosaico!

12/2 – 12/8, 2012 Carol Shelkin, Faces, Flowers & The Human Form in Mosaic

2/10 – 2/16, 2013 Woulterina “Riana” de Raad, Life-Size Mosaic-Covered Concrete Sculpture

2/17 – 2/23, 2013 Shug Jones, Fun with Figurative Mosaics

3/3 – 3/9, 2013 Susan Wechsler, Spirit Houses

5/5 – 5/11, 2013 Bonnie Fitzgerald, Large-Scale Mosaic Murals

Read more about Hacienda Mosaico here.

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