Mosaic Art Retreats

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Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze June 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost: $2600

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

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

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

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

Itinerary 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Mosaic, Travel

Mosaic Artists Take Over Touchstone Retreat Center!

12 Jan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Categories Art Retreats, Mosaic

Mosaic Retreat in Todos Santos with Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art

11 Dec

Mosaic Retreat: Todos Santos, Mexico
Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art
March 16 – 22, 2014
$1599 (Double Occupancy)

Spectacular ocean views? Beautiful gardens? Pools? Personal chef? Mosaics? Yes please!

Spend one full week creating mosaic art in one of the most creative and peaceful settings on the Baja Peninsula, the pueblo magic of Todos Santos. Accommodations will be at the beautiful boutique hotel, Los Colibris Casitas. Los Colibris has 4 wonderfully inviting casitas, each with comfortable beds, great bathrooms and private patios to enjoy the scenery and ocean views. The infinity pool and hot tub are ideally suited for star gazing and observing the humpback and grey whales that often visit.

Participants will work on a flat 3D shape, using your own found objects, sentimental pieces, millefiori, mirror and stained glass. We’ll learn to work with tinted mortar/thin set and grout, embedding colorful tesserae into mortar to create a color gradation, with an edging of tinted grout. Once mastered, this process is easy to reproduce at home.

Todos Santos is an artist colony on the Tropic of Cancer, just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas, but an entire world away. Nestled next to 70 miles of pristine, undeveloped beach, Todos Santos is famous for the remarkable quality of its light, which drew the first American artists from Taos in the 1980s. Since then artists of all stripes and nationalities have populated the town, which is a charming reflection of their passions with wonderful restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The people of Todos Santos are warm and welcoming, and love sharing the pleasures of their hometown with visitors. The beaches of nearby Pescadero and Cerritos are added bonuses.

The minimum attendance for this retreat will be 4, with a maximum of 8.

Retreat Price: $1,599.00 (based on double occupancy) includes:

Airport transfer on arrival and departure (within time frames)
6 nights lodging at Los Colibris
Sunday evening welcome reception
5 full breakfasts & 5 lunches pool side by local chef Iker
Refreshing agua fresca throughout the work day
Evening transportation into town
Partial materials for mosaic piece
Airfare NOT included
Room selections will be made in order of full payments received

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

Optional Activities: You’ll have plenty of free time to explore Todos Santos and its surrounding areas. Popular activities include hiking, beach walks, whale watching, gallery strolls, shopping. There will also be excursion options that can be booked through Todos Santos Eco Adventures. Massage and yoga are offered at Los Colibris (Los Colibris’ yoga deck sits at the highest point of the property on the tropic of cancer, and has one of the most amazing views of the pacific).

Read more about Los Colibris Hotel here.

Read more about Todos Santos Eco Adventures here.

Read more about Todos Santos Eco Adventures Facebook Page here.

Read more about Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art here.

To Register: Please email Tami with name and contact info or call 805.703.4291.

Fine Print: Deposit of $799 (1/2) may be made through PayPal or check. Materials list, tool list & instructions on packing will be sent after registration. Payment in full must be completed by January 30, 2014.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: All cancellations are subject to a 20% handling fee. For reservations canceled less than 90 days before the workshop, 50% is refundable. If canceled less than 60 days before the workshop, 25% is refundable. If canceled less than 45 days before the workshop, fee is non-refundable. Should the retreat be canceled for any reason the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after the retreat’s cancellation. Instructors have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. Instructors and Los Colibris accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket or for canceled flights. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. All workshop participants should consider purchasing Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company. A Travel Insurance Guide is here.

Tami Macala, Artist and Instructor: I am a professional mosaic artist and teacher. I have been creating art all my life, and mosaic art for almost 20 years. In 2009 I started the Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art based on my love for mosaic art and desire to share my passion with other creative people.

I have vacationed in Todos Santos several times in the past two years and have stayed at Los Colibris each trip. I love the rustic and quaint feeling of Todos Santos, and Los Colibris is the perfect location for the accommodations and creating a wonderful environment for this mosaic retreat.

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

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Categories Art Retreats, Mosaic, Travel

8 Days in the Rainforest

2 Dec

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

Click on the first photo and scroll through for descriptions.

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

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Categories Art Retreats, Art Workshop, Culture, Travel

Mosaic Mandalas and Mystic Immersion with Deb Aldo

2 Jul

Mosaic Mandalas with Deb Aldo
July 27 – 28, 2013
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Members $335 / Public $355

Mandalas are contemplative tools for moving between the inner and outer experience, helping to restore a feeling of peace and calm. Get a taste of what it’s like to work on a mosaic, in a fun and meditative atmosphere. Class will begin with a short lecture and demo on how to cut, fit and combine mosaic materials in a radial pattern. Next a discussion and reflection on why creating art is important, even for those who do not consider themselves artists. Finally you will be taken on a brief meditative journey to call forth your creative muse. A variety of materials will be available, including stone, glass, pebbles and shells. All tools and materials and design possibilities /suggestions provided. All levels welcome. No experience necessary!

To register or for more information, call (860) 536-7601 X 213 or email.

Staying for the weekend? Ask MAC education staff about discounted Mystic hotels.

Mystic Immersion with Deb Aldo
Friday, July 26, 2013
6:30pm – 7:30pm
FREE and open to all Mosaic Mandala class participants

Meet and Greet at Mystic Arts Center

Immerse yourself in Mystic for the weekend! Relax and meet the instructor and fellow students at a reception just for class participants. Enjoy the MAC galleries with a private viewing of Mystic As Muse, MAC’s centennial exhibition, and a glass of wine. Free .

Saturday, July 27

Students are welcome to join the instructor for lunch and a walk in downtown Mystic. Lunch is at your own expense.

See you there!

Tags: Art, Crafts, Deb Aldo, Edicational Travel, Mandala, Meditation, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Mandala, Mosaic Mandalas, Mosaic Workshop, Mystic CT, Pebble Mosaics

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Categories Art Retreats, Art Workshop

Mosaic Workshop in Provence with Laurel True and Valerie Nicoladze

21 Feb

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

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.

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.

Students 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.

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:

Sunday, 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

Thursday, 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!

“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.

Questions? Contact Laurel here or Valerie here.

Tags: Art, Art Retreats, Art Travel, Community Mosaic Mural, Cultural Travel, Educational Travel, Laurel True, Learning Adventures, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Classes in France, Mosaic Workshops in Provence, Mosaics Abroad, Provence, Provence Travel, True Mosaics Studio, Valerie Nicoladze

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Categories Art, Travel

My Luggage Exploded!

5 Jan

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:

Hard-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!

Tags: Art Travel, Bonnie Fitzgerald, Educational Travel, Joie de Vivre Tour, Luggage, Maverick Mosaics, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Packing Tips, Travel

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Categories Travel

Italy Anyone? May 2013

29 Nov

Eye candy for the soul! Inspiration for the artist.

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

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

Bronze Anyone?

Portico

Grocery Shopping

Windows on Italy

Rome in the Rain

Decorated Facade

Fire in the Sky

Wine and Chocolate

Dinner al Fresco

Church Mosaic

Bicycling in Rome

Pantheon at Night

Banks of the Tiber beneath Sycamore Shade

Pantheon Pigeons

Clouds above the Tiber

Real Food

Market Day

Italy and Ivy

Lovely in Florence

Artistic Commentary

Oranges at Campo de Fiori

Architecture Rules

Wall of Love

Italian Balconies

Street Artist

Sunset Dinner

Roman Forum

Art is Everywhere

Fountain

Just another Italian Street . . .

Windows on Italy

Fall Vines

Remaining walls from the Baths of Diocletian (306 AD), behind Santa Maria degli Angeli

Architecture

Mosaic Floor; love the rambling andamento

Laundry Day

Self Portrait 🙂

Street Lights

Welcome!

Tags: Art, Art Tours, Art Travel, Florence, International Art Tours, Italy, Italy Travel, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Classes, Mosaic Landscape, Mosaic Workshops Abroad, Orvieto, Pam Goode, Pamela Goode Mosaics, Personal Growth, Photos of Italy, Rome, Umbria

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Categories Art, Travel

Packing Tips for Mosaic Retreats

27 Nov

Will TSA confiscate my Leps? Can I buy wedi in Turkey? Does the 3 ounce rule apply to Lexel? Help!

Carol Shelkin is a mosaicist on the move, teaching workshops across the US, as well as Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, with several more continents on the list. So I’m thrilled that she agreed to guest-write this column on packing tips for mosaic artists. Let the planning begin!

Travellin’ Tips from Carol Shelkin:

To make your life easier, I don’t recommend any mosaic art supplies in your carry-on other than substrates or sheets of Tempered Glass (TG). Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules and guidelines are clear (and firm), and protecting your art supplies and getting them to your destination will make for a wonderful art retreat.

The rule is that a liquid or cream-like substance needs to be 3oz or less, and in one plastic quart-sized zipped bag for a carry-on item. No sharp objects or tools may be brought on-board. It’s not wise to bring any “white powdered” grout, colorants or thinset in carry-on luggage. These rules help shape how we must pack for traveling with art supplies.

1. If you are bringing a lot of mosaic art supplies, place them together in one piece of separate luggage to be checked. This way, TSA only has to “rummage” through one piece of luggage. Again, check this luggage — do not bring it on board. Be aware that weight limits are 40 – 50 pounds per bag, and do check your airline for specific weight restrictions. Test-Pack and weigh your luggage well before leaving for the airport. If it looks like you’ll be over the weight requirement, it might be less costly to pay for extra weight than to separate your supplies into two checked bags. Fees should be listed on each airline website. Beads, millefiori, some tiles and embellishments with NO sharp edges may be brought in a carry-on. If you’re unsure of a specific item, do NOT bring it on board; pack it with bags to be stowed in the cargo area!

2. Allow for expansion and contraction of filled tubes by pouring/or squeezing some adhesive out and leaving a bit of empty space in the container. Wrap all tools and supplies in bubble wrap (small bubble size) and secure with painters tape. Enclose all art supplies in clear, plastic zip-top bags and then place in a clear plastic shoebox-style bin, and then in a plastic trash bag (preferably clear) in your suitcase. This allows airport security to quickly view and approve your items, and spend less time handling your supplies. In some cases the pressure and temperature change in an airplane’s cargo area and can cause tubes of adhesive to leak or burst. Zip-lock plastic bags, plastic bins, and trash bags help keep messes contained.

3. Use painters’ tape to close the shoe box, and be sure to mark shoe boxes (SHARP GLASS – ART SUPPLIES) to allow items to be opened and closed easily by TSA.

4. If using one piece of luggage, pack shoe boxes on top of clothes for TSA’s easy access.

5. Smaller substrates can be packed in the bottom of your suitcase or carried on board. It is not recommended to pack a sheet of TG in luggage, but I’ve brought TG on board many times. Making certain the glass is within the height and width restrictions for carry-ons, simply wrap it in bubble wrap and place in a canvas bag or carry-on luggage.

6. If you work with Silicone, Weldbond, DAP or any adhesive that is not in a powdered form, keep these in the original containers, and again — place them in a zipper bag, clear shoebox bin and small trash bag in case of leakage.

7. If you’re traveling with thinset, grout, colorants, or anything in powdered form, place these in a heavier weight zipped plastic bag, place the bag in a storage container (see photo), place that container in another zipper plastic bag, in a shoe box and lastly, place the shoebox in a trash bag. Mark the bags and plastic containers: ART SUPPLIES and list the contents (grout, thinset, etc.). Then, place these items in a shoe box (if it fits) also marked ART SUPPLIES. Secure the bag and containers with painters’ tape, since it’s easier for inspectors to open and close. The painters’ tape will adhere each time.

8. Stained Glass is easier to transport if cut in small 3″x3″ pieces (see photo). It’s suggested to wrap four – five pieces in bubble wrap (small bubble size) and then place them in a shoebox. Mark the shoebox “ART SUPPLIES — SHARP GLASS.” Wrap smalti in bubble wrap and place in shoebox, along with any desired embellishments.

9. Place your name and destination on the outside of each shoebox. Often, inspected items are taken out of luggage and mixed-up, dropped, etc. Let’s make sure they get to you.

10. Make a list of enclosed supplies for your records.

LUGGAGE SUMMARY

The best way to transport supplies is to place them in zip-locked plastic bags or waterproof bags, place these bags in shoe boxes or storage bins, wrap the bins in a larger plastic bag, and place these in your checked luggage. Substrates packed in carry-on luggage must be able to fit easily in the overhead bins or in the space provided under the seat. Carry-on luggage must not exceed dimension and size limits; check with your airline. You may bring some tesserae on board, as long as there are no sharp edges. Tools may not be brought on board, ever. Keep checked luggage unlocked and at 40 – 50 pounds. Check with your airline for domestic or international flights weight and size limits.

SHIPPING

If you choose to ship items to your overseas destination, allow a month for travel time and be aware of tariffs and taxes. Place both your name and the retreat name / host’s name on the address label and don’t forget to inform the retreat location that you will be shipping supplies. Ask them to contact you when the package arrives. Some retreat locations charge a holding fee if they need to store your supplies for more than three days. This can get tricky and expensive.

You may also call your materials supplier to see if they ship direct. Check the prices, as it might be easier and less expensive to simply pay the “checked baggage” fees when traveling. FedEx or DHL will expedite the supplies, but this can be very costly and is not recommended. Get quotes in advance if you decide to go this route.

COMING HOME

Some airlines do not allow you to check “artwork”, so plan on bringing your work on board as a carry-on. Place a soft towel on top of the mosaic, then wrap in bubble wrap and place in a canvas bag or carry-on luggage.

There you have it: Tips from a Master! If you have additional suggestions or questions about traveling with art supplies, please use the comment section below. And thank you Carol Shelkin!

Tags: Art, Art Supplies and TSA, Artist, How to Pack Glass, Mosaic, Mosaic Art Retreats, Mosaic Classes Abroad, Overseas Travel, Packing Tips, Travel, Travel with Art Supplies

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