Tag Archives: Educational Travel

Mosaic Art Holiday in South Africa with Karla Duterloo

28 Jun

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

International Mosaic WorkshopsFancy 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

International Mosaic WorkshopsThe 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

International Mosaic WorkshopsKarla 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.

International Mosaic WorkshopsIncluded 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:

  • International Mosaic WorkshopsTo 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.

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8 Days in the Rainforest

2 Dec

Just back from the Costa Rica Flora and Fauna Workshop, and thought we’d share a few highlights. The week was transformational start to finish, from the eager, supportive and talented group of mosaic artists assembled to the serene and endlessly surprising rainforest and biodynamic farm at Finca Luna Nueva, to the kind and generous Costa Ricans who embraced us and taught us, to the fresh organic food, and the so-not-your-average-day adventures. More fabulous photos by super-lens Susan Walden here. We’ll definitely be back. If you’re interested in the next session, please let us know in the comment section. Pura Vida!

Click on the first photo and scroll through for descriptions.

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Marsh Mellow

28 Oct

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

Tina on the Beach
Marsh Boardwalk
Hammock Time

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

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

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Mosaics on the Marsh, October 2013

23 Jul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information or to register, contact Pam.

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Mosaic Workshop in Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze

21 Feb

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

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

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

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

Provence Workshop

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

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

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

Laurel True Workshop

COST: $1900

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

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

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

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

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

ITINERARY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PAYMENTS:

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

CANCELLATION POLICY:

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

Register for this workshop here.

Questions? Contact Laurel here or Valerie here.

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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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Sourcing Local Stone Retreat: May, August 2013

14 Nov

Note: May Retreat is 3/4 Full!

Mosaic Retreat: Pennsylvania
What Lies Beneath Our Feet:
Sourcing and Working with Local Stone
with Rachel Sager
May 17 – 20, 2013
August 18 – 23, 2013

Rachel Sager Mosaic Art RetreatsJoin award-winning and internationally exhibited mosaic artist, Rachel Sager Lynch, in her journey into the magic of sourcing local Southwestern Pennsylvania stone and turning it into elegant tesserae, the building blocks of mosaic. This 5 day 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, 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” mosaic but more importantly you will take home specific knowledge of an ancient medium translated into a contemporary format.

Rachel Sager Mosaic Art RetreatsMaterials: Students are asked to bring work clothes, good walking shoes for field trips, an apron, safety glasses, and a stone hammer and hardie if possible. If you are serious about learning to work with stone, you are highly encouraged to invest in the hammer for this class. If not, you will have to share with others. Contact Rachel for information on where to purchase hammer and hardie. Logs to set the hardie into will be ready for you when you arrive. Students are also invited to bring some stone from their own native areas for identification and experimenting.

Details:

Extended Weekend Workshop: May 17-20, 2013
Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Orientation
Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Sunday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Monday: 9:00 – 2:00, Programming

Weeklong Workshop: August 18-23, 2013
Sunday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Orientation
Monday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Tuesday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Wednesday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Thursday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Friday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming and Clean-Up
Saturday: 10:00 AM Check-Out

Lodging and Meals: Touchstone Center offers full room and board in residence halls or cabins. More information is available here.
Cost: May Workshop Fee will be $300 + $100 Materials Fee + Your Choice Lodging/Meal Plan
August Workshop Fee will be $500 + $100 Materials Fee + Your Choice Lodging/Meal Plan
Registration: Official registration and lodging selections will be available soon through Touchstone; however, students are strongly encouraged to pre-register directly with Rachel.

Rachel Sager Mosaic Art RetreatsMore About Rachel: Rachel Sager Lynch, a Fayette County native, works on the cutting edge of the contemporary mosaic fine art movement. Her work has been represented in cities throughout the U.S. and internationally and has been awarded multiple Bests of Show in juried exhibitions. Her Marcellus Shale Series stands as a true Pittsburgh success story and her work is collected with passion by private clients and corporations all over the world. Her time spent studying with Italian maestros has shaped her mosaic philosophy and she brings these classical techniques home to her native Southwestern PA with its sandstone, limestone, slate and coal seams.

Registration or More Information here.

Rachel Sager’s Website is here.

Touchstone Center’s website is here.

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Learning a New Language? Child’s Play!

19 Oct

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

 

 

 

Happy Feet Travel Tip #1

Itchy feet and brain food are a great combination, and MindSnacks makes child’s play, rather literally, out of learning a new language. Fast and addictive, this fun phone app  from i-tunes is perfect for small chunks of time. Carpool lines, waiting rooms, and take-out time are perfect for quick refreshers or the next short lesson, and the quizzes are 90-second mini-games that appeal to adults and kids alike. With a free entry-level version or a full version at just $4.99, this quick bite feeds you Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, and Chinese.

MindSnacks won’t make you fluent, but don’t we all need to know where the bagno is, or the difference between homme and femme?

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