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Art and Creativity Workshops

by Sheri Leigh

Self expression is one of the most dramatic abilities that set humans apart from other species. Creativity, not just for survival, but for the beautification of one’s environment has inspired man to great heights for millennia.

Prehistoric rock art and Homer’s Odyssey chronicle man’s triumph over nature; the Parthenon and pyramids show man’s attempt to commune with the gods; and the visual arts of sculpture and painting illustrate man’s attempt to depict and glorify the world.

This month’s hosts offer opportunities for artists and art lovers of all skill levels to explore and expand their creative impulses. Whether your desire is to study and replicate the great works of Renaissance and Impressionist masters, learn the traditional weaving and textiles skills of Latin America or explore the ancient arts of Asia, your journey begins with the many wonderful companies featured in this issue.

Name: Art Workshop International - Pick of the Month
Location: Mexico and Italy
Specialty: Painting, writing, drawing and art history courses
Why We Like Them: For over 20 years the founders of Art Workshop International have been sharing their love of art with students from around the world. With courses in painting, drawing, writing, collage and art history, Art Workshop International offers the most complete selection of classes available to explore your creative expression. The company offers two 14-day workshops in Italy each summer and a two-week program in Mexico in the winter. Its long history, fantastic teachers and great selection of classes for artists and art lovers alike has earned this company a leading role among art workshops.

Name: Alma Ortolan Studio
Location: Italy
Specialty: Fresco workshops, restoration and conservation techniques
Why We Like Them: Alma Ortolan uses her personal experience of restoring and conserving major Renaissance frescos to create unique workshops that allow her to share those skills with artists who want to expand their knowledge about traditional painting techniques and conservation. Both professionals and students of all stages are encouraged to explore the world of traditional fresco painting by hands-on restoration work on projects in the Veneto.

Name: The Art Exchange
Location: Greece
Specialty: Art workshops on various Greek Islands
Why We Like Them: Each year different journeys are created which explore various aspects of Greek art. Each trip features a specific island and their primary craft as a theme. Upcoming in spring 2005, The Art Exchange offers a painting workshop including Athens, Aegina, Hydra and Tinos, the birthplace of the founding fathers of modern Greek painting and sculpture.

Name: Art Workshops in Italy
Location: Italy
Specialty: Classical Renaissance egg tempera, gilding and watercolor en plein air painting
Why We Like Them: Combining art classes with excursions suitable for any art lover, great accommodations and fantastic foods, the focus of these workshops are the traditional arts of the Renaissance. Day trips explore the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval past that contributed to Italy’s artistic prominence. Participants can study in either Tuscany or a combination of Assisi and Rome, with guided visits to view the fabulous master works that continue to inspire the company’s directors Fred Wessel and Jeremiah Patterson.
Article: Tuscany Workshop

Name: Etruscan Places
Location: Italy
Specialty: Open air landscape painting
Why We Like Them: Intensive one-week programs combine both the technical and historical aspects of the genre. Designed for oil painters, participants can also explore watercolors, acrylics and pastels. Classes are available for all levels and some dates have cooking classes geared to non-painting companions. College credit can be arranged.
Article: Open Air Painting In Italy.

Name: ArtStudyGiverny
Location: France
Specialty: Artist retreats in Monet’s Giverny
Why We Like Them: Eight and 11-day workshops allow painters and photographers the chance to work in Monte’s garden. Accommodations in the company’s Normandy-style lodge allow the participants to enjoy fabulous meals and the chance to mingle with your fellow artists and discuss the day’s experiences. Welcoming students of all levels, ArtStudyGiverny also offers excursions to en plein air at sites made famous by both French and American Impressionist painters.

Name: Open Your Eyes Painting Workshops
Location: Japan, U.S. and France
Specialty: Open-air workshops in oil, watercolor, acrylic painting, pastel drawing, graphite and  charcoal sketching
Why We Like Them: Husband-and-wife team Sven Widen and Elizabeth Schippert offer one of the only Japanese art workshops we have found. Locations include both Tokyo and the fabulous gardens and temples of Kyoto. Traditional accommodations and in-depth tours introduce participants to Japan’s complex and beautiful culture, and the inspirational landscapes that define the country’s art. A fine selection of classes are also available in the U.S., including Florida and Maine.