Carnival 2020

Carnival

February 16 – 22 /2020

Photography / Plein-Air Painting Workshop
Taught by Scott Williams & Niki Gulley

You’ve seen the images of the people with elaborate costumes and ornate masks set against the stunning backdrop of Venice. Well, now is your chance to not only be a part of this fabulous spectacle, but to also capture the festival in all of its glory.

Imagine working on your photography and painting skills in an environment with such visual stimulation and artistic opportunities. Join us as we take you on a journey among a cast of characters that have stepped out of a long forgotten time as they stroll amid the grandeur of the Venetian canals. Every corner brings you face to face with new subject matter and backgrounds that afford you endless possibilities to spark your imagination.

There will be walking tours through the back streets and canals of Venice as we go in search of opulent costumes and dazzling masks in a setting like no other place on earth. You will experience the sights, sounds and passion of Venice as you are immersed in Italian culture. Every time we go, we feel like a kid in a candy store!

Niki will conduct the Plein-Air Painting Workshop from different picturesque locations daily, teaching through a combination of demos, discussions, assistance and critiques. Sessions will be broken into one half day outings of either morning or afternoon locations, with the other half day set aside for exploring the cultural side of the area. There will also be plenty of time in between for shopping, sightseeing or to dine al fresco for a leisurely lunch.

Scott will take the photographers on a daily walking tour, giving you the opportunity to experience the trip through your lens as he guides you to use your camera to define what you see while achieving your own artistic vision. As with the painters, there will be half day destinations, with time allowances for exploring on your own.

This unique Workshop affords you the option to choose which aspect interests you, whether it is painting, photography or both. Thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your Art Treks experience. There will also be valuable critique sessions throughout the workshop that can provide invaluable information and feedback, as well as giving everyone an opportunity to share ideas and get to know each other.

There will also be opportunities each day to see the museums, visit the churches, go shopping and enjoy all of the things that make Venice what it is. So come join us as we take you on an inspirational exploration of Carnival with an emphasis on observation and perception as we help you develop your own style – or just ride along to enjoy the countryside, as artists and non-artists alike are welcome.

Admission is limited to 12 participants, so we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. There will also be space open for non-participating partners at reduced rates on a limited basis.

Work Shop includes:

  •  Lodging for 6 nights. (Accommodations are in shared rooms, although a few single rooms may be available at an extra fee)
  •  Private water taxi to & from the airport in Venice
  •  Breakfast 
  •  Boat trip to the islands of Murano & Burano
  •  Emergency Medical insurance
  •  Instruction, guidance, experience and fun

Your cost for all of this is $3,495 and to reserve a spot, simply send a completed application form (the forms will be provided upon request) along with your deposit of $1,200 per person by 7/13/19, after that date the price goes to $4,095. There is also a final application cut off date of 9/28/19 for the workshop to make.

There has to be a minimum of 6 people for the trip to make, if the 6 person minimum is not met by the 9/28/19 deadline, deposits will be refunded.

A second payment of one half of the remainder after deposit is due by 9/7/19, with a final payment due by 11/9/19. For those wanting a single occupancy room, there will be an additional cost of $750. We can take credit card payments, however it will incur a 3.5% fee.

There is a discount of $350 for partners wanting to accompany participants on the trip, but not take the workshop. We will also setup optional spa tours and food, wine or cooking classes where  available at an additional cost for participants not interested in the painting/photography sessions.

Airfare to the workshop is not included, you are responsible for your own travel arrangements. We will provide transportation from the Venice airport on Sunday Feb. 16th at one appointed time, as well as the return to the airport on Sat. Feb. 22nd and all transportation within Venice.

Our trips, while not overly strenuous do require a reasonable amount of physical fitness. In order to derive the greatest experience from our destinations, we spend a fair amount of time walking within each location. Our goal being that each person should see and experience as much of the culture as possible during our excursions.

In the event of inclement weather during the trip, arrangements will be made for museum visits, etc. Once deposits are received, there will be no refunds for cancellations as trip arrangements will have been made. We suggest trip insurance for travel difficulties or unforeseen illness.

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way and we hope that you will be able to join us!

Scott Williams       214-289-8512      /       Niki Gulley     214-803-5812

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Email Scott, photoguy@blind-squirrel.org  if you are interested in joining us.