My updated website!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Sculpture and Whimsy in France: Masquerade Parade

                       
                  2013 France Workshop
          

                                    July 15 to 22, 2013


Create and explore in this magical, week-long retreat in the charming village of Durfort, in the south of France. Sculpting whimsical figures and animals -- inspired by the stories of Commedia dell'arte, Masquerade balls, characters, beasts, and masks -- we'll create narratives of our own.

Our troupe will be sculpted in polymer, fashioned over an armature of glass and wire. They will be cured and painted with multiple coats of oil paint to achieve a warm, vintage feeling. Learn how to stand your unique creation, on two spindly legs, with a special wire and balancing technique. We'll create the illusion of movement with these spindly legs. No special sculpting skills are needed for this workshop; my students are consistently surprised and delighted with their creations! With my techniques there are no mistakes, just happy accidents. Much laughter and fun sets the tone for all of my workshops.

We'll visit the newly renovated Toulouse Lautrec Museum in Albi, where we'll draw inspiration from the offbeat characters of Lautrec's world, the patterned French gardens and grand palace. When we're not consumed with our creations, there will be leisurely excursions exploring the glorious mid-summer sunflower fields, area flea markets, the En Calcat monastery (and its wonderful art bookstore), and the famous Saturday market of Revel, where locals like to shop.


All excursions are optional; this is a week to satisfy yourself. Relax in the village with a book, sit on the terrace with a glass of wine, or, if you wish, take a nap in the afternoon.

Enjoy fine, fresh, local food prepared by our own personal chef, Nese. We'll meet for a delicious and sustaining breakfast. Lunch, which is served on the terrace, will ready us for the afternoon's adventures. Candlelight, wine, and chef Nese's dinner, accompanied by laughter and shared experiences will complete our delightful days.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE- email me!

Cost: $1,900

  • Charming double occupancy room (seven nights)
  • 7 breakfasts / 6 lunches / 6 dinners ... (Lunch and dinner prepared by chef Nese, with fresh, local ingredients)
  • Workshop Instruction, 24 hour open studio plus local excursions.
  • Price does not include airfare or shared rental car (approx. $150 per person)
  • Contact Doreen at doreenkassel@gmail.com with any questions or to reserve a space.


Visit Gwen Gibson's website for more information about La Cascade

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

La Cascade Workshop / 2013!

I'm thrilled to announce my workshop in La Cascade, France, 2013, July 15-22! This is an idyllic village where we'll make art, visit glorious sunflower fields, take field trips to ancient & fascinating places, shop at flea markets & food markets, hear local music, get fed by a wonderful local chef & generally have an experience of a lifetime! 
I'll post more links & info soon. Here is a link to 
La Cascade...http://gwengibson.com/lacascade.htm