Tag Archives: Educational Travel

Italy Tour + Ravenna Festival with Kismet Mosaic

21 Mar

Mosaic Inspiration: A Tour in Italy during International Festival of Contemporary Mosaics with Mini-Workshop
Kismet Mosaic
October 3 – 10, 2017
4400 €

Italy with Kismet MosaicJoin us as we take a tour of the rich mosaic history of Italy that culminates in Ravenna during the International Festival of Contemporary Mosaics. This tour is geared towards travelers who want to ‘see’ great works of mosaic art versus many days of workshops. We will also visit factories that make some of the finest mosaic glass. If you are new to mosaic art or want to find inspiration, then this is your trip.

The tour starts in Milan to see the wonderful mosaics in two of its main churches.  The journey moves next to Venice, where the gold of mosaics is reflected in the lagoon.
Italy with Kismet MosaicA short tour of Effetre Murano is planned to see their amazing Millefiori. (Bring an empty suitcase for products you want to buy.) We also visit Fornace Orsoni, one of the finest smalti factories in Italy. Moving on the Adriatic Coast, we will visit Friuli Venezia Giulia where mosaics have been preserved dating back to the 4th-11th centuries. A tour of Spilimbergo mosaic art school is planned. Finally, we go to Ravenna, the capital of mosaics where we will participate in the International Festival. A workshop will be planned in Ravenna based on the traveler’s desires. If you want to extend your end date, then take a workshop in Ravenna for extended days. If you can only spend the 8 days on this tour, then take a partial day workshop in Ravenna.

Italy with Kismet MosaicThe tour is curated by Silvia Togni, who was born in Ravenna and worked many years in a mosaic arts factory. Mosaic is her passion and she specializes in thematic itineraries. This specific trip has been designed for a limited number of travelers (about 10) to keep it small and personal, and thus the higher price.

Itinerary:

  • Milan
  • Venice
  • Murano
  • Spilimbergo School
  • Ravenna
  • International Festival of Contemporary Mosaics

Italy with Kismet MosaicHighlights:

  • Four star hotels
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included
  • All tour admissions are included
  • Transportation and transfers all included
  • Full–time service of a professional tour leader
  • All tips for guides and drivers included

$500 deposit to hold a spot

Contact carrie@kismetmosaic.com for detailed information.

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Spring in Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

28 Dec

Spring in Todos Santos, Mexico
with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
April 2 – 8, 2017 OR
April 9 -15, 2017
$1,699.00, Double Occupancy

Imagine creating art with spectacular ocean views to inspire you, beautiful gardens and pools to relax you, and a personal chef to prepare gourmet meals to sustain you. This is just the beginning of the Todos Santos mosaic art retreat.

Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic ArtYou’ll spend one full week creating mosaic art in one of the most creative and peaceful settings on the Baja Peninsula, the pueblo magico of Todos Santos. Accommodations for this retreat will be at the beautiful boutique hotel, Los Colibris Casitas. Los Colibris has 8 wonderfully inviting casitas, each with comfortable beds, great bathrooms and private patios from which you can enjoy the amazing scenery and ocean views. The infinity pool and hot tub are great for star gazing and observing the humpback and grey whales that are often visitors at certain times of year.

These workshops are created with the beginner in mind.  We just ask that you come with a creative spirit and fun positive energy!

At this retreat students will learn how to create a mosaic with Mexican smalti, the vibrant and wonderful glass tiles from Cuernavaca Mexico.  Participants will learn how to create a design or abstract.  We’ll then move on to deciding color choices, how to lay out the design, proper cutting techniques and proper adhesion.

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.

Retreat Price:  $1,699.00 (based on double occupancy).

Included:

  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure (within time frames)Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
  • 6 nights lodging at Los Colibris
  • Sunday evening welcome dinner and reception
  • 5 full breakfasts & 5 lunches  by local Chef Iker
  • Last night cooking class and dinner with Chef Iker
  • Refreshing agua fresca throughout the work day
  • Evening transportation into town
  • Partial materials for mosaic piece

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

Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic ArtYou’ll have plenty of free time to explore Todos Santos and its surrounding areas. Popular activities include hiking, beach walks, whale watching, gallery strolls, and shopping. There will also be excursion options that can be booked through Todos Santos Eco Adventures if you choose to extend your stay. 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). Room selections will be made in order of full payments received. Here are a few websites to check out: Los Colibris Hotel, Todos Santos Eco Adventures, Todos Santos Eco Adventures Facebook, and Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art.

For More Information or to Register: Read more here. Email Tami here or call 805.703.4291.

About Tami:

Mosaics in MexicoI’m a professional mosaic artist and teacher. I’ve 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’ve vacationed in Todos Santos several times in the past four 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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Create Your Own Mosaic Workshop in Mexico with Carol Shelkin

9 Oct

Create Your Own Mosaic Workshop in Mexico with Carol Shelkin
February 5 – 11, 2017
February 12 – 18, 2017   FULL
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
$1850 per person, Double Occupancy

This workshop encourages you to experience and use stained glass, tempered glass, smalti, tile, air-dry clay or any material of your choosing to create a realistic or abstract design. All levels are welcome, from Beginner to Advanced students.

Carol Shelkin WorkshopSome Options Include:
Option 1: Mosaic in a painterly fashion and understanding realism in mosaic art with stained glass or tiles.
Option 2: Tempered Glass: Creating an abstract design with the layering technique using mementos and other embellishments like: clay pieces, jewelry, stained glass foil papers, glitter etc.
Option 3: Working with Clay tiles in Mosaic: Work with NEW and exciting air-dry clay to create tiles for embedding in your mosaic design.
Option 4: BRING WHAT YOU WANT!

There will be lessons on shading, color, balance and understanding how to apply these materials and techniques to any mosaic style.

Hacienda MosaicoMosaic is unique to all students and my goal is to help each student ONE-TO-ONE and in an optional collaborative environment develop and find their own techniques, styles and voice. There will be professional artist tricks taught. Other subjects will include: composition, presenting artwork to gallery owners, exhibitions, building a resume, pricing, shipping, framing – or not framing, photographing your mosaic art and much more. During this week: bring questions! We will have time for lots of one-to-one instruction. No questions will go unanswered!

Whether you want to try something new, jump start your creative side, or take your work to the next level, it will be a most inspiring week full of art in the tropics!

All participants will be contacted by Carol in advance to be sure you have a list of supplies.

The beach is within walking distance along with two cafes one block away for mini snacks, dinner options and my favorite: fresh fruit smoothies!

Carol Shelkin WorkshopPlease Bring:
  • Any materials, substrates & tools to work with
  • Sturdy bag to transport mosaic home
  • One of each: pen, pencil, colored pencil (blue, red or green) and 10 toothpicks
  • 2 regular Sharpie markers (black, regular & fine point)
  • Safety Glasses
  • Smart phone or camera – used as a tool
  • Push tool: toothpicks
  • Small tabletop lamp, such as an Ott Lamp

Summary:

  • Retreat Price: $1,850.00 (based on double occupancy).
  • Lodging: 6 nights & 7 days
  • Mosaic Art Instruction: 5 days (unless you come for TWO WEEKS, then 10 DAYS!)
  • Unlimited Open Studio: 24/7
  • Two Optional trips to Sayulita & Art Walk Downtown Puerto Vallarta
  • Meals Included by the Hacienda’s Personal chef: Sunday evening Welcome Carol Shelkin WorkshopReception, 6 full breakfasts & 5 lunches (more like dinner) served poolside in a tropical setting and a Saturday departure breakfast
  • Students must bring their own tools and Supplies. Carol will contact you for a helpful material list, and packing instructions will be provided after registration.
  • Free time: Anytime!

About the Instructor: Carol Shelkin, with studios just outside of Philadelphia, is a Carol Shelkin Workshopprofessional artist with over 25 years teaching experience. She attended PA Academy of the Fine Arts, USA, and Scuola Nazionale del Mosaico Restauro in Ravenna, Italy. She has shown her work both nationally and internationally in juried shows and galleries with her mosaic artwork  found in public installations and private collections. She has been invited to be a Presenter and Instructor at the Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand (MAANZ) Summit, the Society of American Mosaic Artists’ yearly conference, and also offers workshops in Costa Rica, Canada, Spain, Morocco, Australia, Italy, Mexico and throughout the USA. Carol is a founding member and President of the Mosaic Society of Philadelphia, a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Visit Carol’s website here. Contact Carol here.

TO REGISTER:

Contact Sam at Hacienda Mosaico. A $500 deposit is required for registration. More about Hacienda Mosaico here.

Trip insurance is strongly advised.

Travel Insurance 101: How to Protect Your Vacation
This “plain language” tutorial will explain travel insurance so you can
easily find the right plan.

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Irish at Heart Artisan Tour and Workshop

17 Aug

Irish at Heart Artisan Tour and Workshop
with Jean Cauthen, Laura McRae-Hitchcock, and Pam Goode
Painting, Mosaic, Creative Writing
May 19 – 28, 2017
$2600, Double Occupancy; $3100, Single Occupancy

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee loud glade.  ~ William Butler Yeats

Join us for a tour along the wondrously wild Atlantic coast of Ireland as we visit the artisans inspired by this land of rugged natural beauty. We’ll also offer a wide range of classes in painting, mosaic, plein air work, and creative writing, as well as demos by local artists.

Our base will be Listowel in County Kerry, only eight miles from the sea and a thriving town filled with Irish charm, fabulous locally grown food, theatre, art, traditional pubs, scones to die for, parks and a lush riverwalk, castle ruins, and easy access to all parts of a country you can drive across in five hours.

Days will be spent in your choice of a variety of classes, plein air painting sessions, open studio, lecture/demos, and artist visits. Evenings will include a gourmet Irish cooking class, local music, local theatre, pub theatre featuring local writers (and insanely good Guinness), and local cuisine.

Excursions begin with the Cliffs of Moher, a half-day visit to one of the Aran Islands, and a ferry ride for a close-up and personal view of the cliffs and bird life from the water. A mid-week excursion will take us to the atmospheric Dingle Peninsula, with incredible coastline views from Slea Head Drive and visits to several of the local artisans who create here. Along the way we’ll have stops for painting and/or photography and shelling.

Accommodations

Ireland TravelGroup accommodations will be at Listowel Arms Hotel, Town Square. The hotel features double and single rooms with private bath, town or river views, restaurant, bar, sitting areas, and a delightful terrace on the river. The Arms is located one block from our studio space at Olive Stack Gallery; additionally some classes may be held at the hotel. One night may be at the Cliffs on Ballybunion Beach. Lodging for our Ballyvaughan overnight will be at a hotel similar to the Arms.

Workshop Space

In addition to plein air painting in numerous locations around town and beyond, mosaic workshops and Open Studio will be held in the bright and spacious studio at Olive Stack Gallery. Other locations may include the Listowel Arms and personal artist studios. Transportation will be provided if necessary.

Workshop Options by Jean, Laura and Pam

All registrants will be able to participant in any and all workshops of their choosing, time permitting, regardless of medium or instructor. Workshops are still being added, but selections will include:

  • Plein Air Painting (Multiple Options)
  • Studio Painting
  • Building a Pochade Box for Plein Air Painting
  • Photograph Manipulation for Painting or Mosaic
  • Working with Color
  • Mosaic Landscapes
  • Mosaic Techniques
  • Encaustic Demonstration by Olive Stack
  • Painting Demonstration by Jim Dunne
  • Cooking Class
  • Creative/Travel Writing for Journals
  • Quick Sketch
  • Travel Watercolor Journaling
  • Pebble/Sea Glass Jewelry
  • Open Studio

NOTE: Local participants are welcome to register for classes a la carte. Please contact Laura to be added to the mailing list when the schedule is finalized.

Tentative Schedule, Subject to Change

  • Painting in IrelandThursday, May 18: Depart for Ireland, Shannon Airport (SNN)
  • Friday, May 19: Morning Shannon Arrival, group airport pickup at Noon, departure for Cliffs of Moher and overnight in Ballyvaughan
  • Saturday, May 20: Ferry to and morning on Aran Islands, ferry beneath Cliffs of Moher, transfer to Listowel, hotel check-in and dinner (included)
  • Sunday, May 21: Morning and Afternoon workshops of your choice, painting demo and talk by Jim Dunne, local painter and muralist, walking tour of Listowel with local historian, cooking class for half the group, others dinner at Listowel Arms (included)
  • Monday, May 22: Morning and Afternoon workshops or plein air painting, Encaustic demo and talk by Olive Stack, local artist, cooking class for half the group, others dinner at Listowel Arms (included)
  • Tuesday, May 23: Early Departure for Dingle Peninsula, tour, visit artisans, paint, photography, return to Listowel, dinner Listowel Arms (included)
  • Wednesday, May 24: Morning and Afternoon workshops or plein air painting, local discovery excursions, BBQ with Olive Stack (included)
  • Thursday, May 25: Morning and Afternoon workshops or plein air painting, local discovery excursions, dinner on your own, optional event at St. John’s Theatre
  • Friday, May 26: Morning workshop or plein air painting, exhibition set-up, Gallery Exhibition and Reception for group, 6-9:00 Club with locals, Pub Theatre
  • Saturday, May 27: Open Studio and interactive exercises,  farewell lunch catered by Lizzie’s Little Kitchen (included), mid-afternoon departure for Shannon, tour of local ruins and local lore with Damian, dinner on your own, Park Inn Hotel (one-minute walk from Shannon Airport Check-In) (included)
  • Sunday, May 28: Return Flights

Cost: $2600 Per Person, Double Occupancy; $3100 Per Person, Single Occupancy. DISCOUNTS: Payments by check or cash may deduct $75 from the final payment. $100 Discount for those not participating in any classes. $100 Discount for repeat students of Jean Cauthen, Laura McRae-Hitchcock, or Pam Goode. Maximum allowed discount is $175 from total price. Discounts do not apply to local à la carte students.

Included

  • Airport Transfer Both Ways on Dates Shown Only
  • 9 Nights Lodging
  • 4 Dinners, 1 Lunch, 9 Breakfasts
  • All Excursions, Transportation, Admissions Listed
  • All Artist Demos Listed

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Meals Not Listed Above
  • Alcohol
  • Personal Purchases or Excursions
  • Trip Insurance (Recommended)

What They Say

“I would follow you anywhere.” California. “It was truly one of the top adventures of my life.” Michigan. “This trip has been so far beyond anything I expected.” Anon. “Everything was simply wonderful!  From the perfect location, size and comfort of our apartment to the transportation, to your generous spirits. But I most appreciated the pace of the trip as I never felt rushed or pushed and the free time gave me space to explore alone.  All of my needs were met beyond my expectations. I have already recommended you to someone and will gladly do so over and over again.” Montana

To register or for more information, email Pam. The combined information/fine print/registration form includes payment information, travel insurance suggestions, deadlines, etc. Information on flights, accommodations, and a full list of workshops will be emailed to participants. Registrations will be accepted with 50% payment.

Affiliations: This workshop is part of the Ciel Abroad program at Ciel Gallery, and is also affilitated with Olive Stack Gallery in Listowel, County Kerry.

About the Instructors

Ireland Art WorkshopJean Cauthen grew up in Naples, Italy, New Orleans and the Carolinas, completing her education with an MFA  (Painting and Drawing) at James Madison University in Virginia. Her art career has led her to Moscow, Russia as a set designer, and she regularly returns to Italy (sometimes with students). When not working plein air, she creates large scale paintings in her studio near Charlotte, NC. “My concentration is simple. No matter the subject, my focus is color against color. Shape with shape. Mark to mark. From this, and with care, expression and meaning can emerge.” www.jeancauthen.com

Ireland Art WorkshopLaura McRae-Hitchcock has been painting for over 30 years. She is a partner artist and teacher with Ciel Gallery and recent Artist in Residence at Olive Stack Gallery in Listowel, Ireland. Additionally, she is a 2016 participant in the nationally celebrated ArtPop program and grant recipient from the Arts and Science Council. “I try to get to the heart of the matter….my heart, that is. I’ve given up trying to be perfect, and instead I focus on finding that space where my heart speaks with paint. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but wow, what a ride it is!”   www.lauramcraehitchcock.com

Ireland Art WorkshopPam Goode is a mosaic artist, writer, founding partner at Ciel Gallery, and founder of Mosaic Art Retreats. An avid traveler, Pam is most inspired by being in unfamiliar surrounds where every sight, every thought, is new. “I see everything differently — feel everything differently — and the ability to communicate my own transformation though art thrills me.” A lifelong writer, Pam has been creating mosaics for sixteen years, working with a wide variety of materials. “My goal is to bring a sense of joy, wonder, or peace to viewers. I need to create a mosaic that sings, that resonates, that helps you remember who you are and where you want to go with vibrating clarity.” www.pamelagoodemosaics.com

 

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Exterior Installations in Mexico with Bonnie Fitzgerald

1 Aug

Architectural Installations, Exterior Mosaics & Community Projects with Bonnie Hacienda Yucca CropBonnie Fitzgerald
January 15 -20, 2017
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
$1,875 Per Person, Double Occupancy

This is Bonnie Fitzgerald and Maverick Mosaics’ 5th trip to the Hacienda. We’re honored and very excited to be invited back to teach at the amazing educational environment that is Hacienda Mosaico.

Mosaics in MexicoThe primary focus of this workshop is exterior and large-scale mosaics and installations. For new students, this is the perfect opportunity to learn all about large-scale installations and community mosaic projects. Our workshop will guide you through the process of designing, fabricating and installing large-scale permanent mosaics for exterior or interior architectural settings. Each student will create several “studies” using various indirect mosaic techniques and a wide variety of materials. These exercise studies are invaluable, offering students’ time to explore materials and techniques that work best for projects they have in mind. Students are welcome to take their studies home for future reference. Additionally, you will gain experience in collaborative design, fabrication, and installation as a group by creating an architectural mosaic as a gift to the Hacienda.

Mosaics in Mexico

Mosaics in MexicoAlternate Focus: All students are welcome to create their own workshop and work on personal projects of any scale. Instructor will work with students one-on-one in advance to ensure you arrive at the Hacienda with appropriate materials. If you wish to create a personal mosaic to take home, you must submit a design concept to instructor in advance so materials can be sourced. Students are responsible for bringing their materials and the appropriate hand tools to cut their selected tesserae (mosaic pieces). Workshop includes a host of valuable hand-out materials and resource information.

All skill levels are welcome. Mosaic experience is helpful but not necessary.

Mosaics in MexicoA comprehensive presentation and lecture will cover creative and technical approaches best suited for community work. When many hands are involved there is magic to the art created, but there are lots of important planning steps to be considered. We will review the process of budgeting and bidding jobs, and share ideas for developing projects, recruiting and managing volunteers, and ways to gain the support of your local community. Students interested in exploring techniques to create a community based project will participate in a series of exercises to help master the appropriate method for their future projects. Materials list & instructions on packing will be sent after registration.

Mosaics in MexicoFor our gift mural to the Hacienda we’ll create a mosaic work in mixed materials and install the piece on Hacienda property using thin-set mortar. Everyone will gain valuable experience by participating in this hands-on exercise. In 2016 we created “Three Amigos” which are installed poolside to serenade you during meals!

Students are invited to a Hacienda welcome reception on Sunday evening, January 15. During our week together there will be tons of learning and lots of free time to explore Puerto Vallarta, shop or relax. After dinner each evening we offer optional instructor-supervised open studio. Students depart Saturday, January 21.

2017 Workshop Fee: $1,875

Included
Welcome Reception
6 Nights Lodging
5 Days of Instruction
5 Breakfasts & Lunches on Workshop Days Served Poolside
Unlimited Studio Use 24/7
Saturday Departure Brunch
Instructor will provide appropriate adhesives and a wide variety of mosaic materials; students are asked to contribute a small amount of materials for exercises and must bring their own mosaic hand tools.

To Register
A $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Maverick Mosaics is accepting payment for this workshop, via credit card, bank wire or check. A 3% discount is extended for cash or check payment. Contact instructor for details.

Please consider Trip Insurance

Mosaics in MexicoAbout the Instructor
Bonnie Fitzgerald is an artist, educator and author. As a past Executive Board Member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA), Bonnie has long been instrumental in raising awareness of mosaic as an art form throughout the United States. Bonnie teaches workshops throughout North America, including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and leads study tours to destinations in Europe. She is the author of Guide to Mosaic Techniques (2015) and 300+ Mosaic Tips, Techniques, Templates and Trade Secrets (2012), which have been translated into 5 languages. To learn more, visit maverickmosaics.com and bonniefitzgeraldart.com.

Take a Look!
To “see” the Hacienda experience have a look at the video from our 2013 trip.

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MORE Flora and Fauna in Costa Rica, January 2017!

6 May

Flora + Fauna in Costa Rica with Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode
January 7 – 15, 2017
San Ramon Area, Costa Rica
$1960 per person, Double Occupancy; $2360 Single Occupancy

Costa Rica Art Retreat


“There’s really only one way to venture into the rainforest in search of the life that teems there, and that is to still your body and mind and wait. Once you  give up the searching and simply watch for tiny flutters, everything around you is brilliantly alive” ~Pam Goode, 2016

Is it any wonder we can’t stay away? Please join Carol and Pam for our third retreat in the rainforest wilds of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Art Retreat“The trip from airport to bliss is one of my favorite parts, no matter the route. Arriving late, I miss seeing shafts of light strain through sugarcane fronds along the Pan Am highway, so tall that there is only green and sky and blacktop as far as you can see. As a consolation gift, the dark hangs purple in swaths across the skies like aprons bulging with plums.

Yellow lights twinkle across the valleys with a decidedly un-citified lack of regimentation, taking on the look of teenagers strolling idly with no set agenda, lanterns in hand.

The night deepens and the empty winding road is steeper now. The living guard rails watch as we pass, while streams topped by one-lane bridges make their dash toward the Pacific. It is an unaccustomed bliss. These days, how often do I wander through the night? I drink it in.” ~ Pam Goode 2016

Costa Rica Art RetreatOur 2017 retreat will combine a five day mosaic realism workshop on the flora and fauna of Costa Rica led by Carol Shelkin with onsite organic farm and rainforest tours and an adventure or two (think water safaris, hot springs, butterfly gardens, lava hikes). Accommodations will be at glorious Finca Luna Nueva (New Moon Farm), a sustainable rainforest ecolodge and certified organic biodynamic farm with single or double lodge and cabin accommodations Costa Rica Mosaic Art Retreats(triples and quads also available), fabulous organic food grown and prepared onsite, panoramic open-air workspace with 24-hour accessibility, wifi, ionized pool, jacuzzi, and spa. Optional activities at an extra cost include guided Arenal Volcano Lava Hike, Butterfly Garden or Cloud Forest Tours, Zipline Canopy Tour, Rafting, or Hanging Bridge Canopy Tour.

Costa Rica Art Retreat“I wake to brilliant sunlight and a cacophony of birds at 6:15, a time of day I rarely see. The purple-flowering hedge that greets our front door is a-whirr with the ever ready wings of hummingbirds, and there’s a 28″ iguana lolling in the crook of a tree 10 feet beyond me. It’s a good morning, cool and bright, and coffee, tea, juice, organic eggs, rice and beans, and an array of tropical fruits await us.” Pam Goode, 2016

Costa Rica Art RetreatINCLUDED

  • Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose to the Lodge and Return Transfer
  • Eight Nights Accommodation (rooms will be assigned in the order received)
  • Seven Breakfasts, Seven Lunches, Seven Dinners when at Lodge
  • 5-Day Mosaic Workshop and Open Studio Time
  • Access to the Secondary Rainforest and Primary Rainforest
  • One Guided Farm Tour
  • One Guided Rainforest Tour
  • One River Safari with Transportation

Costa Rica Art Retreat


NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare To and From Costa Rica
  • Optional Tours and Activities
  • Transportation for Optional Tours or Local Transportation (Arrangements Provided)
  • Offsite Meals
  • Trip Insurance (Recommended)
  • Gratuities
  • Departure Tax of $29
  • Alcohol, If Available

 

NEED TO KNOW

  • Retreat has a minimum of 6  and a maximum of 10. Please reserve early, but don’t make flight reservations until notified that we’ve met the minimum.
  • Participants will bring their own materials; details to follow. Packing Tips here.
  • Photos from our 2013 Retreat are here.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Costa Rica Art RetreatTemperatures  for January average High 73, Low 59, with .4″ of Rain
  • Central Standard Time
  • Latitude: 10° North of the equator, with equal hours of light and darkness
  • Currency: US dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere, including tips
  • Electricity: 110, with standard US plugs
  • Fast Facts: Literacy rate 96.3%; Military abolished in 1948
  • Costa Rica is among the countries with the highest amount of protected land in the world; 25% of the nation is dedicated to park systems, reserves, or natural wildlife areas
  • Bridging the northern and southern most points of the two American contents, Costa Rica is the meeting point for a variety of cultures and a density of plant and animal species said to be unlike any other country in the world
  • Approximately 850 bird species, 9000 plant species, 34,000 insect species, 205 mammalian species, 220 reptilian species, and 160 amphibian species

ABOUT THE LEADERSCarol Shelkin Workshops

  • Read more about Carol Shelkin here. Contact Carol here.
  • Read more about Pam Goode here. Contact Pam here.

ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Read more about Finca Luna Nueva here.

TO REGISTER

Contact Pam here for a reservation form.

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Gaudi, Dali and Picasso: Barcelona and Costa Brava with Pam Goode and Carol Shelkin

25 Feb

Gaudi, Dali and Picasso:
Barcelona and Costa Brava with Pam Goode and Carol Shelkin
September 9 – 17, 2016
$2850 Double Occupancy
$3350 Single Occupancy (Limited)

Well Hello Dali and Gaudi Y’all! Get ready to Pic A So So So FABULOUS fall excursion to the heart of Barcelona’s art scene and the wild Mediterranean coast. 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 the coolest dragon you’re likely to see.

We’ll fill our days visiting the iconic mosaic sites of uber-cool and laid-back Barcelona, including crowd-fave Park Guell, the mind-blowingly unlikely Sagrada Familia, and the world’s largest Art Nouveau site. We’ll explore tiny streets, gothic marvels, trendy eateries, and sip lattes in courtyards surrounded by a town that boasts remnants from 5500 BC. And we’ll get cooking! Our guided tour through the famous boqueria will be filled with tips on how to select the wiggliest squid for your paella followed by a hands-on cooking class featuring Catalan favorites.

We’ll also spend a day meeting Dali, touring his Alice-in-Wonderland home, and getting deliciously disoriented on the tiny white-washed lanes of Cadaques, then wandering the foresty paths along Spain’s Wild Coast.

We’ll stay on one of the prettiest streets in town in apartments with plenty of space to stretch out, store your yogurt, and sip tea on the balcony. Optional excursions run the gamut from a funicular into the mountains to visit Benedictine monks and a ferris wheel with a view of the entire city, surrounding mountains, and Mediterranean beyond.

Dates

Thursday, September 8: US Departure

Friday, September 9: Barcelona Arrival

Saturday, September 17: Barcelona Departure

Accommodations

We’ll have 1 – 2 lovely, light-filled, large apartments with two twin beds per room, kitchen, large dining table, living room, balcony, elevator, and multiple bathrooms. Easy walking distance to all amenities (grocery, ATM, restaurants, cafes, pastries and gelato) in the heart of Barcelona. Two metro stations within 2 -3 blocks.

Barcelona Art RetreatCost Includes

  • 8 Nights Double Accommodation
  • Airport Transfer Both Ways
  • City Map
  • Tour of Gaudi Sites Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia
  • Picasso Museum
  • Tour of Palau de la Musica and Hopital Sant Pau
  • Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class
  • Day Exploring the Costa Brava, including Dali’s House

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Meals
  • Tips
  • Personal Expenses
  • Optional Excursions

About the Leaders

Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode are professional mosaic artists, instructors, and insatiable travelers. Read more about Carol here and Pam here.

Why We’re Different

  • We don’t do canned tours. We’re artists too, so we know what you’re here to see, and we make sure that’s what you get.
  • We don’t do big groups. No giant buses, no Tour sign on a stick so you can find us in the crowd, no formula meals at giant personality-free restaurants that can seat groups of 50.
  • We don’t do tourist hotels. All accommodations are well-researched and specifically chosen to give you the experience of living in a city rather than being run through it on a conveyor belt.
  • Our goal is to present an experience of traveling with friends. We present a well-researched framework and invite you to enjoy it in your own style at your own pace.

Recommendations

  • “I went on this trip 2 years ago. It was the best trip of my life. Carol and Pam were amazing hosts and planned the most amazing sight seeing, food eating, money spending, mosaic making, museum seeing and bed sleeping I’ve ever had. You should go!”  ~from Beth

Learn More about Barcelona here.

To Register

To register or for more information, please email Pam. Deposit of $1500 is due with registration. Full payment is due by August 1.

 

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Mosaic Mural Making in Mexico with Laurel True

11 Nov

Mosaic Mural Making in Mexico: Sacred Peacock Mural with Laurel True
Hacienda Mosaico, Puerto Vallarta
January 24 – 30, 2016
$1,850 (based on double occupancy)

Usher in the New Year by entering the cosmos of the Sacred Art of Mural Making. Glittering glass, mirror and ceramic tile combine to create a multi-cultural celebration of creative expression and color. Get into the flow-state during a week of personal and collective making. Tap into your personal creative flow in the company of others on a similar path. No mosaic or art experience necessary.

Laurel True Installation Workshop

Join artist Laurel True at Hacienda Mosaico in Mexico for a Global Mosaic Project inspired by the sacred symbol of the peacock. One ancient myth has it that the peacock’s mission was to travel the world, seeking out and neutralizing negativity. The peacock was rewarded with beautiful colors.

This week-long workshop combines group mosaic mural-making with exploration of sacred symbols and inspiring texts to help students launch into a New Year of creative expansion and honoring our life paths.

Hacienda Mosaico Workshop

Workshop will include group discussions and personal exercises combined with hands-on mural making under the tutelage of Laurel True, who has been traveling the world, teaching and creating mosaic murals for almost 25 years.

Workshop participants will work with Laurel to create and install a magnificent peacock mural on the wall of Hacienda Mosaico. Students will also create a small piece to take home as a symbol for moving into a New Year.

Smaller, personal projects will focus on sacred symbols and finding personal meaning in our creative explorations.

True Mosaics Mexico

Mural Making Techniques  and lessons offered will benefit those who wish to pursue future projects, as well as those who want to engage in a collective, creative experience, culminating in a permanent piece of artwork.

Class will cover methods of design, color selection, and specific coding and sectioning methods required for large-scale projects, as well as planning techniques for successful architectural projects.

Students will receive instruction in precision cutting and setting techniques, working in the direct method using tile tape, and how to successfully combine on-and off-site mosaic work for larger projects.

Workshop will begin with welcome cocktails (or mocktails) and appetizers, and Laurel will offer an informal presentation and talk about her global projects around the world.
Some mornings and evenings will include optional group sessions and creative kickstarter activities. The studio space at Hacienda Mosaico is open 24 hours a day so that students can work independently after workshop hours.

Hope you can join us in Mexico!

To Register:
To register or for more information: click here. For more information about Hacienda Mosaico, click here.

A Little More:
Learn More about Laurel here and more about True Mosaics here.

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Happy Feet Travel Tips: 10 Things You Probably Won’t Pack

3 Sep

Travel Packing TipsI’ve been saving this post from the helpful folks at Airfare Watchdog for JUST the right moment. Since I’m off to Paris and Provence with 13 lovelies in less than a month, today’s the day! Of course I couldn’t help adding a few notes of my own. Get ready for Fall Travel!

 

10 Things You Should Pack (But Probably Won’t)

by Christine Sarkis

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Ravenna Workshop in October 2015

5 Aug

Ravenna Mosaic Holiday with SISAM School of Mosaics
October 8 – 22, 2015
£1875.00

Ooh look! A wonderful opportunity to visit Ravenna for the start of the Mosaic Biennale, while also attending the distinguished SISAM School of Mosaics for a 9 day course in Roman-Byzantine mosaics, using the traditional methods. The course will run in the mornings from 9:00 to 1:30.  Afternoons and evenings will be free for you to visit the various activities of the Biennale, or just to have some quiet time at the nature reserve or on the beach nearby. We will also be visiting Faenza for one day, where there is a wonderful ceramics museum and many small ceramic workshops around the town. 

Mosaic Art RetreatsRavenna has played an important role in history. It prospered in Roman times, was the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy, and later the capital of the Byzantine Empire in Italy. During these periods of greatness many monuments were built with lavish mosaic decorations. Of the many churches and mausoleums, eight are World Heritage Sites. During your stay in Ravenna you will have time to explore this vast array of churches and fabulous mosaics. But there will also be many other exhibitions of modern mosaics celebrated in the Mosaic Biennale. This starts on October 10 with a grand opening night – Il Notte d’Oro (the Night of Gold), which will continue into the early hours of the morning!

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation with be in La Tavernetta hotel in Marina Romea, set in a nature reserve. Ideally situated, the hotel is an easy two minute walk from SISAM mosaic school, and a five minute walk to the sea and beach. A local bus runs to Ravenna town, which is about 15 minutes away.

WORKSHOP
SISAM has been running courses in Roman-Byzantine mosaics and frescoes since 2001. Mosaic Art RetreatsOur course has been designed for people who have some knowledge of mosaics, to make two small (approx 30×30 cms) mosaic works. The first will be a copy of a fragment of a particular Ravenna mosaic, and the second will be a contemporary mosaic of your choice. Participants are encouraged to bring photos or drawings of their intended design with them.

Students will learn to use a hammer and hardie, along with the traditional methods using lime and paste, as used in the making of the historical mosaics of Ravenna.

Stones such as limestone, marble, brick, etc. are provided free, but students will be asked to pay for the paste used and any coloured smalti as well as all silver and gold pieces.  

INCLUDED (British Sterling Pounds £1875)

  • Half-board accommodation at   La Tavernetta hotel.

  • Nine 4.5 hour workshops at SISAM School of Mosaic, studying Roman-Byzantine traditional methods (some materials included).

  • Guided tour of the monuments in Ravenna.

  • One day excursion to Faenza and the ceramics museum.

  • Final farewell meal in the medieval village of Brisighella.

  • 24 bus tickets for Ravenna

  • Transfers to and from Bologna airport.

 NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to and from Bologna airport.

  • Glass, silver and gold smalti and mosaic paste.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
For additional detail, click here. To request more information on this holiday, or to book your space, please phone Linda at 07738707007 or send an email to Linda@ArtHolidaysAbroad.com.

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