Tag Archives: Laurel True

Celebration of Color: Mosaic Workshop in South of France with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze

7 May

Community Project and Mosaic Workshop in the South of France
with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze
June 22 – 30, 2019

and / or

Celebration of Color: Mosaic Workshop in Provence 2019
Art and Inspiration in the South of France with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze
July 2 – 10, 2019

* Come with a friend and share a room and you both save $400!

 

Ready for an awesome MOSAIC RETREAT in the South of France this summer?

Join Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze at Valerie’s beautiful Esprit Mosaïque Studio near Avignon in the South of France for one of TWO workshops that will leave you inspired for the rest of the year!

Both workshops are appropriate for any level student — NO mosaic or art experience necessary! Students make pieces to take home in both workshops, as well as experience Provence from an insider’s point of view.

Add farm to table food, wine tasting, art field trips, Provincial markets, exhibitions and more, and you’re looking at a fabulous week.

Jump in!

2019 Laurel Provence Collage 1

2019 Provence Group Collage

2019 Laurel Lavender and Projects

More Information for Week 1 is here:

More Information for Week 2 is here:

 

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Wanna Teach? Mosaic Instructor Training in Mexico with Laurel True

18 Jan

Mosaic Instructor Training with Laurel True
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
March 12 – 18, 2017
$2,050

Training for Instructors of Beginning and Intermediate Level Workshops

Workshops with Laurel True“I’m so happy to be returning to Hacienda Mosaico this Spring to teach an exciting new workshop. After training literally thousands of students over the past two and a  half decades, I have decided it’s a great time to offer instruction and  support for current and future mosaic instructors to take out into the  world. Many of my former students have expressed a desire to teach mosaic workshops; others are dipping their toes in and say they would love some guidance and support.

I’ve carefully developed this workshop in order to pass on my knowledge and experience to help educate great teachers.”  ~ Laurel True

Artist Laurel True brings 25 years of experience in mosaic instruction, curriculum development, and business of mosaics to an intensive workshop focusing on teacher training for mosaic artists at Hacienda Mosaico.

This 5-day intensive workshop provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn organization and methodology for running mosaic workshops for beginning and intermediate level students. The curriculum is suitable for both new and experienced educators who would like to refine or add mosaic techniques to their teaching practice.

Laurel will present organizational and marketing strategies, tips on designing workshops for students of various skill levels, and methodology for teaching mosaic techniques effectively using glass, ceramic, and mixed media.

Mosaic Instructor Training with Laurel TrueThe workshop includes hands-on studio time during which workshop participants will be guided in the creation of a set of useful teaching tools to take home, including a set of essential sample boards and visual aids that illustrate materials, techniques, color, pattern, and setting styles (these will be lightweight and easy to pack). Students will also experiment with various sample projects that illustrate how beginning and intermediate skills are developed.

An extensive training manual is included in the workshop fee, as well as sample design patterns and templates for class handouts. Resources will be given for ordering wholesale material, studio supplies, and tools.

Mornings will include discussions around the philosophy of teaching, personal goals and expectations, and group dynamics, as well as addressing joys and fears, aligning one’s teaching practice with core values and how teaching others can greatly contribute to our own well-being.

Students will come away from the workshop with the confidence and knowledge needed to be a great teacher.

Each student will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the workshop from the Global Mosaic Project.

Additional Topics Covered:

  • Design, timing and structure of mosaic workshops (single and multiple day, ongoing)
  • Organizing information delivery
  • Subject-specific workshops
  • Workshops away from the studio
  • Classroom set-up and safety
  • Syllabi and teaching notes
  • Flow and timing of information delivery
  • Effective demonstration of proper tool use and setting techniques
  • Student relations and keeping workshops on track
  • Tips for pricing and promoting workshops and classes for different markets
  • Budgeting for materials, tools and supplies
  • Formalizing agreements with host venues/teaching spaces
  • Dos and don’ts during the workshop and while teaching
  • Fostering a positive experience for students
  • Images of classroom setups, classes in session, organizations of rooms, and examples of beginner and intermediate student work

Investment Includes:

  • 32 hours over 5 days of seminar-style information presentation and hands-on learning
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Handout templates for beginning and intermediate workshops covering vocabulary, adhesives, materials, tools, substrates, and grouting
  • Extensive resource sheets for wholesale and discount materials
  • Sample syllabuses and organizational structure for 1/2 day, 1 day, 2 day and multi-class ongoing workshops
  • Tools, supplies, and materials checklists needed for teaching and studio set-up
  • Advance copy of Laurel’s upcoming book, Teaching Mosaics: Essential Knowledge for Mosaic Instructors in .pdf format

AND:

  • 6 nights in colorful, inspiring accommodations
  • Healthy and nourishing breakfast and lunch daily

 

Accommodations: Hacienda Mosaico

For More Information or to Reserve Your Space:
Contact Sam @ info@haciendamosaico.com.  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.

About Laurel: Laurel True is an artist, educator and community builder based in New Orleans. She has been creating architectural, public and community-based mosaic art for almost 25 years. Working with ceramic tile, glass, mirror and recycled building materials such as brick, concrete and asphalt, she designs and creates murals and sculptural forms for public, commercial and residential settings, and as street art around the globe. True is the co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has fostered education in the mosaic arts through teaching and lecturing around the world. She has lectured and taught internationally for the past 20 years. True is the Founding Director of The Global Mosaic Project, an organization that creates community-based artwork and provides art education and entrepreneurial training to under-served communities in urban environments and developing areas. She has created and facilitated hundreds of projects over the last two decades, training thousands of project participants, students, apprentices and volunteers in the US, Africa, Europe, Latin America and Haiti. Website: True Mosaics

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Celebration of Color in Provence

24 Apr

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

Mosaic Workshop Provence

Immerse yourself in a week-long experience that will leave you inspired and creatively invigorated for the rest of the year …

Enjoy the lavender in bloom, farm to table food, wine tasting, exploration of local markets and exhibits, and time to create in an inspiring studio environment.

Join professional mosaic artists and educators Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladzé at Valérie’s Esprit Mosaïque Studio in Avignon, France, to explore and celebrate creativity through mosaic art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost for Trip

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

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

Not Included:
Flight
Dinners (except BBQ)
Personal expenses

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

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

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

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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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Mosaic Kaleidoscope: Exploring Color, Inspiration and Creativity with Laurel True

16 Jul

Mosaic Kaleidoscope: Exploring Color, Inspiration and Creativity
with Laurel True
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
November 9 – 15, 2014
$1850

Mosaic Workshop MexicoIn this five-day workshop artist Laurel True will guide students through an inspirational week of creative exploration as they create a colorful, kaleidoscopic, radial mosaic that reflects their personal style and inspiration.  A kaleidoscope in its traditional form creates a symmetrical pattern of color and radiance through the placement and reflection of mirror and glass. Students will repurpose this concept under the guidance of True, as they design and create a 18” round kaleidoscopic mosaic using their choice of colored and stained glass, mirror, fused glass elements and more. True will demonstrate the use of various tools to achieve desired cuts and shapes, and offer tips for precision setting techniques for grouted and non-grouted mosaics. Various exercises will encourage students to stretch their creative potential and run with their inspirations as they explore color, materials and texture.  This unique workshop will focus both on mosaic creation and identifying and bringing into form our creative desires, opening participants to a more cosmic approach to art-making.

Mosaic Workshop MexicoThe final day of the workshop will include the group-creation of a Global Mosaic Project with participation by workshop participants and Hacienda Mosaico staff. The class will create a small mosaic kaleidoscope mural to be installed at Hacienda Mosaico, thus giving students a chance to experience personal and collective mosaic-making, as well as mosaic creation on both intimate and larger scales.

Optional Excursions Include:

Trip to Syulita, a celebratory dinner on the beach, a gallery stroll, and fabulous dinners out in Puerto Vallarta.

All levels. No art or mosaic experience necessary.

Cost: $1,850

Mosaic Workshop MexicoCost Includes:

  • 6 nights lodging at Hacienda Mosaico (based on double occupancy)
    Breakfast and Lunch Daily
  • 5 Days Mosaic Instruction
  • Participation in Global Mosaic Project

Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Dinners
  • Personal Expenses

Mosaic Workshop MexicoLearn More:

Learn more about Laurel here. Learn more about Hacienda Mosaico here.

For Information and Registration:

Contact Sam: info@haciendamosaico.com

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

12 May

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

Provence Wine and Chocolate Tour

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

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

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

Laurel Provence Wine Chocolate 3

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

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

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

Laurel Provence Wine Chocolate 2

Details:

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

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

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

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

Laurel Provence Wine Chocolate 7

Group Leaders:

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

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

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

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Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze June 2014

8 Mar

Summer Workshop, Tour, and Outreach
with Valerie Nicoladze and Laurel True
June 21 – 28, 2014
$2600

Valerie Nicoladze Workshop Provence

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

Join professional mosaic artists and educators Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze at Valerie’s Esprit Mosaique Studio in Avignon, France to explore and celebrate color and creativity through mosaics. Laurel and Valerie are teaming up for the second year in a row to offer a very special, specifically curated and inspiring trip that will combine hands-on studio time, a community project at a local social center, incredible insider sightseeing and experiential learning, and amazing food … and wine … and cheese … and shopping in Provencal villages … and more.

Valerie Nicoladze Workshop Provence

Esprit Mosaique Studio is full of joyful color and provides a welcoming place to learn, create and spend time in community with other mosaic enthusiasts. This is a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange with French mosaic artists and the North African community served by the Orel Social Center in Avignon. Participants will leave Provence feeling like family — having shared food, wine, stories and creation.

Each instructor will offer lessons focusing on various techniques including fresco cement as a background treatment, demonstration of the uses of stacked and layered substrates, and precision cutting and setting techniques for glass and ceramic. We’ll work with each student according to their experience level; all student levels are welcome.

Esprit Mosaique Studio offers a huge array of beautiful materials for students to use in the creation of their mosaic pieces — drawers and drawers full of colorful and exotic materials from all over the world. Participants will have the opportunity to work with french-made materials that are not often seen or used in the US. Students will enjoy a guided exploration of materials and color through the creation of a piece that they will take home.

One day will include the creation of mosaics elements to be installed at Orel Social Center in Avignon. We’ll combine elements we make with elements made by mosaic students from the social center trained by Valerie, creating a group mosaic project to be installed there. We’ll also spend an evening meeting our co-creators and share a delicious couscous dinner together.

Valerie Nicoladze Workshop Provence

In addition to time in the studio, participants will have the chance to enjoy creative meals together, stay in a cute Provencal hotel, tour Avignon and nearby markets including St. Remy and Les Baux de Provence (in a medieval village with an incredible view AND violet gelato), visit the breathtaking and indescribable exhibition at Les Carrieres des Lumieres, as well as enjoy educational wine tastings and a Provencal backyard BBQ at the home of Valerie and her family.

We’ll end our time together with a picnic in a local lavender field and a visit to the Village of Salut.

Our trip in 2013 was an indescribable experience for everyone. We can’t wait to offer this trip again this summer!

Cost: $2600

Includes: Mosaic workshop instruction, accommodations from June 21-27, breakfast and lunches, Tuesday night family BBQ and Thursday night couscous dinner, transportation from train station or Avignon airport and to and from workshop, and all touristic visits to markets, exhibits and wine tastings. Cost does not include flight, dinners (except Thursday) and personal expenses. Both instructors are bi-lingual and workshop and activities will be in English and French.

To Register for this workshop, please e-mail Valerie Nicoladze at: espritmosaique@free.fr

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

Payment: 50% due at time of registration to hold your space. Payment can be made through Pay Pal. We have only 10 spaces and expect this workshop/tour to fill quickly.

Valerie Nicladze Workshop Avignon

Itinerary 2014

Saturday, June 21: Participants arrive and get settled in Hotel de Atelier.

Sunday, June 22: Studio orientation and intros at Esprit Mosaique Studio. Tour of Avignon. Evening free (get over your jet lag and gear up for a great week ahead!).

Monday, June 23: Project lessons and demonstrations; materials selection and begin first project. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Afternoon studio instruction and work time. Evening free.

Tuesday, June 25: Studio work time and instruction. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Afternoon studio time. Evening wine tasting at Tavel winery and backyard Provencal BBQ at Valerie’s house.

Wednesday, June 26: Visit Provencal market in village of St Rémy de Provence, with lunch at Villa Glanum Restaurant. Afternoon  art exhibit at Carrières des Lumières and In Les Baux de Provence. Evening free.

Thursday, June 27: Studio work time and instruction. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Afternoon studio work time and instruction. Evening free.

Friday, June 28: Mosaic studio time to create elements for community project for Orel Social Center. Lunch at Restaurant La Strada. Install mosaic elements at Orel Social Center. Couscous dinner with families involved in social center mosaic project.

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

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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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Community Mosaic Mural Retreat in Haiti, 2013

5 Nov

Global Mosaic Project: Haiti
Community Mosaic Mural Project
with Laurel True
March 23 – March 29, 2013
$1796 per person, Double Occupancy

Global Mosaic Project, Haiti

Join mosaic artist Laurel True and youth from Art Creation Foundation for Children in Jacmel, Haiti for an amazing mosaic-making adventure.

Global Mosaic Project, HaitiBe part of a group of international mosaic artists participating in global outreach and voluntourism on this unique trip combining community mosaic mural making, sightseeing in one of Haiti’s most beautiful regions, and visits to local art centers, schools, and beaches.

Participants will contribute to the rebuilding and beautification of Haiti while working alongside Haitian youth artists from Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC) on a community project facilitated by Laurel True.

View of Jacmel, HaitiThis hands-on, cross-cultural collaborative process will result in the creation of a public mosaic mural that will become part of a city-wide beautification project being created by Laurel’s students at ACFFC called Mosaique Jacmel.

Jacmel is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and abundance of artists and musicians. The architecture is reminiscent of New Orleans. Jacmel folks are friendly, welcoming, and motivated to rebound after the devastating earthquake.

This trip is appropriate for Mosaic artists and novice artists alike. Seasoned mosaic artists will benefit from professional development training in community mosaic project facilitation, and novice mosaic artists will receive hands-on training while participating with other community members learning about mosaics.

Global Mosaic Project, Haiti

Mosaic Haiti Itinerary

After our arrival in Port-au-Prince, we’ll visit a famous art gallery founded by musician Issa El Saieh, and enjoy lunch at the historic Hotel Oloffson. We then travel northeast to visit Mirebalais, where Laurel and a team of Haitian mosaic artists have created multiple projects in the new Merebalais Hospital being built by Partners in Health. We’ll return to Port-au-Prince for our first evening together in Haiti.

Global Mosaic Project, HaitiThe following day we travel southeast to Jacmel. Our days will include working on the mosaic mural and relaxing in the evenings at a stunning waterfront hotel, Cap Lamondu. Laurel will offer several professional development sessions in the evenings, including a debrief on the day as well as clear information on best practices for mosaic creation and project facilitation.

An afternoon will be set aside to relax on one of Jacmel’s beautiful beaches and enjoy tropical juices or rums. Our last evening in Jacmel will include a project dedication and an evening of traditional Haitian music.

Tour coordinator Lisa Rueff will lead optional morning yoga classes on the hotel terrace.

Accommodation & Reservation Details

Cost for this trip is $1,795 based on double occupancy in fine hotels in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, Haitian/English-speaking tour guide, lux ground transportation, and delicious Haitian meals each day.

**Price does not include airfare to Haiti, or return airfare.
***Please note that $200 will be tax-deductible as a direct contribution to the ACFFC.

To reserve your space and for more information, please contact Global Adventures Tour Director Lisa Rueff. Leading international yoga and service trips abroad, she looks forward to sharing this rewarding experience in Haiti with you.

Contact Lisa: globaladventures@me.com

More About Laurel

Laurel True, Global Mosaic ProjectLaurel True is based in New Orleans, and has maintained a professional studio practice in architectural, public, and fine art mosaics for over twenty years through her company, True Mosaics Studio. Her vibrant mosaics can be found in hospitals, parks, hotels, and in public, commercial and residential settings worldwide. Laurel teaches and lectures internationally and facilitates community-based mosaic projects through her organization The Global Mosaic Project. Laurel began working in Haiti in 2010, with Art Creation Foundation for Children, where she has an ongoing role as Lead Consultant for the Mosaique Jacmel Project. Laurel is the co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California, and has been teaching mosaic techniques for almost twenty years. For more information, please visit www.TrueMosaics.com and www.acffc.org.

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Global Mosaic Mural Project: Costa Rica 2013

17 Oct

Global Mosaic Tour: Costa Rica
Community Mosaic Mural Project
with Laurel True
January 10-19, 2013
$2225 Per Person

Global Mosaic Project Costa RicaBe part of a team of Global Community Builders by participating in the creation of a community mosaic mural in Costa Rica!

Laurel True, founder of True Mosaics Studio and The Global Mosaic Project is partnering with EcoTeach Costa Rica for the first Global Mosaic Tour. Share a unique experience that combines Voluntourism, art education and community process.

Laurel will facilitate the creation of a public mosaic mural with tour participants and local community members for a small medical clinic in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

Global Mosaic ProjectTour participants will learn firsthand how to facilitate and create a mosaic mural while involving community members of all ages. Participants will experience a group mosaic-making process through the actual creation of a mosaic mural. Experience with mosaics is not a requirement for this project. Laurel will teach all tour participants mosaic setting techniques and how to pass those skills onto others in the context of a community project.

Global Mosaic ProjectThis will be a fun and educational project that will bring art education, neighborhood beautification and an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange to the community of La Fortuna. Participants will be working with ceramic tile mosaic. Participants may be asked to carry some tile from their home city, and these materials will be combined with locally sourced materials.

Additional Educational Elements:
Casual evening sessions will include discussions focusing on different mosaic-making techniques that can be employed with groups with any level of training, approaching design development with community involvement and multiple approaches to project coordination.

This tour is suitable for artists and non-artists alike. Anyone who wants to come make a community mosaic mural in Costa Rica will have a great time. Artists who would like to add a community component to their work, teachers, and community organizers will find this education tour of particular benefit to their professional development training.

Highlights:

  • Be part of a team of Community Builders and participate in the creation of a community mosaic.
  • Learn how to pass mosaic setting techniques onto others participating in the community project.
  • Work with Laurel True, public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in sculptural and architectural mosaic projects.
  • Visit Asis Wild Animal Rescue Center
  • Enjoy dinner at Don Juan’s Organic Farm
  • Participate in zip lines or hanging bridges

Global Mosaic ProjectProgram Fee 2013: $2225/person
Program Fee Includes: Bi-lingual Naturalist Guide, accommodations, private in-country transportation, meals, activity & entrance fees, post departure travel insurance and exit taxes.
Trip Details: Please visit our Mosaic Making Tour web page with complete trip details.

Contact Us: For additional information, please contact Stephanie Hall at 1-800-626-8992, ext. 10 or stephanie@ecoteach.com.

Info Links:

Registration and Nuts and Bolts Info

General Information

Inspirational Photo Gallery

Global Mosaic Project Facebook Page

Eco Teach Facebook Page

Laurel True, True Mosaics

Global Mosaic Project Costa RicaAwesome Itinerary for Trip:

ATENAS & THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night)
Arrive in the central valley of Costa Rica, home to 80% of the country’s population and surrounded by mountains. This area boasts fantastic vistas and a perfect climate. You will spend your first night in a comfortable country setting and have a chance to get acquainted with your fellow travelers.

LA FORTUNA/ARENAL (7 nights)
Laurel True will lead participants in a group mosaic‐making process through the actual creation of a mosaic mural. Experience with mosaics is not a requirement for this project. Laurel will teach all tour participants mosaic setting techniques and how to pass those skills onto others in the context of a community project. The Mosaic workshops will be held in the town of La Fortuna at the base of the spectacular Arenal volcano. You will stay at the wonderful Don Juans’s Organic Farm for the first five nights and then two nights at Arenal Springs Hotel.

Activities outside the workshop will include a tour of the organic farm, time to explore the town of La Fortuna, and a visit to the Asis Wildlife Rescue Center which cares for rescued wild animals, from monkeys to peccaries, kinkajous, macaws and more! Before leaving the Arenal area you will have the opportunity to fly through the forest canopy on a zipline tour!

ATENAS ; THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night)
End the trip right back where you started ‐‐ in the Central Valley. This is the night to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on your experiences.

Itinerary Printable Version is here.

About Laurel True:

Laurel True is a public artist, educator and community organizer specializing in sculptural and architectural mosaic projects. Her projects are focused mainly in urban and developing areas and she is committed to fostering arts education and entrepreneurship both in and out of the classroom. True is co‐founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and has lectured and taught internationally.

In addition to maintaining a professional studio practice, True facilitates community ‐ based mosaic projects in the US, Africa and Haiti through her organization, The Global Mosaic Project. Her work has been featured in independent and mainstream media, books and publications. She has created and facilitated hundreds of projects over the last 20 years.

She is a member of the Community Built Association, the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Americans for the Arts and the National Art Education Association.

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