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What do participants have to say about the
Casa Art Workshop Vacation experience?
Read an article by workshop participant
Julia Courtney, Curator of Art,
Springfield Museum of Fine Arts
(click here)
Recommendation: The Casa Experience is – “ a great get away. A place to
just “BE”. Lots of companionship and lots of alone time. A very safe, fun,
exotic adventure. You will be well taken care of !”
-Julia Courtney, Curator, Springfield Museums, Springfield, MA
"For a unique experience with art as a major and Mexico as a minor - Go !!
... Bob's kind and gentle way is very encouraging and positive. His many years of
experience come thru - suggestions made are done diplomatically and from
a point of personal experience... I want to add - it's been a big help that essentially
the total fee was "all - inclusive" - it made things a lot easier. - Mucho Gracias"
- Chris, Casa workshop participant
“Dear Bob, I cannot thank you enough for the incredible week I had in the Boca.
It is hard to believe I had any hesitation at all. Of course I would not have known
what I missed, but thankfully I got to experience the most creative, rewarding,
informative week and got to share it with you, your beautiful home and your
teachings. It was all so good and I can't wait to come back and do it all again.
I've already told a few others about it and I'm only back 12 hours!”
- Judy D. - New York, N.Y. Casa workshop participant
"There are no words to describe the educational/artistic experience at the Casa -
it was top notch! ...more than an art workshop, my week at the Casa has been
an incredible life altering event that has nourished my mind, body and soul, -
refreshing my creative spirit!"
- Maggie O'brien, Director, Middletown Art Center Casa workshop participant
“This trip was the best I have had. I came with a loved one who was doing the
workshop, so it was a vacation for me. “FANTASTIC” is the only word I could
use and even it is not enough. I have had some Great Trips before, but
This Tops Them All - Bar None!”
-Charles Duncan, PLano, Texas
– “A restful environment in which to recharge your body and soul.”
- J.F. San Diego
“The Casa is a perfect setting to drop your inhibitions and hang ups and feel your
creative energy. Bob is incredibly patient, insightful and a natural teacher. He makes
you feel as if you’ve lived in the Boca all your life. It’s a very strange feeling when
you have to go home because the Casa and the Boca community feel like home.”
K.B. – San Francisco
Lunch in the mountains of El Tuito with Jane Lunds Workshop
I can’t say enough good things about this vacation. Everything from the place, the
people, the food and activities, all left me wonderful memories. It was not just a
painting workshop – I felt that I really “lived” here. I’ve gotten to know some
wonderful and inspiring people, both the locals and the workshop participants. I also
learned some very incredible techniques and helpful insights to improve my drawing
and painting skills. - Bob was very knowledgeable and skill-full. Excellent
communication of technique and was always very helpful and encouraging. I learned
a lot from him. - The studio space was very spacious. Good lighting and views.
The staff and the food (at the Casa) was wonderful! I felt like I was being treated like
a queen. Each restaurant we visited had its’ own unique charm - I loved all of them.
I would definitely recommend this workshop to those who desire to learn
drawing/painting techniques and want a lot feedback with attention to their artwork.
It was also a nice get away with a lot of opportunities to have fun with what could be
offered by the Boca and the Casa workshop. - It was a wonderful experience for the
mind body and soul. I met a variety of people here, all were very friendly and with a
good heart. Boca was beautiful – this was an experience that I will never forget!
- Karen, New York, N.Y.
Casa Chef Ruby with baby Fanny
Description: It was a wonderful experience as an art workshop and a vacation
3 things that stand out in my mind from my Casa Experience
– Laughing, The beauty of the area, the studio facilities
Accommodations: The rooms were wonderful, comfortable, and terrific to go to sleep
with the sound of the water. It was a luxury to have my own bathroom.
Studio: Heavenly.
Meals and Staff: The meals were unbelievable, but too much! I loved the variety and
quality of it all. It was really superb and beautiful to look at.
Restaurants used for off property meals: I really enjoyed El Primitivo and could eat there all the time!
The Artist/Facilitators: What can I say? Both of you were wonderful and it all seemed to
flow so well between you and us. I learned a tremendous amount from both of you
and appreciated that you took the time to also help.
If you were to rate your Casa experience on a scale of 1 to 10 ,
(1 being terrible and 10 being excellent), how would you rate it?
11!
Recommendation: The Casa Experience is – “ a unique, relaxing, very comfortable and
interesting place to be and a very worthwhile and productive art experience.”
-Lori DH, Northampton, MA
Parade in Puerto Vallarta
“ The art workshop at the Boca rates among a very few experiences in our environment
that can boast of a spontaneous people and a natural setting that colors and shapes
an artists memory. The hospitality and generosity of Bob and his staff flavors the
pallet and ambiance with a delicate mixture of art and play”
-Sister Maria Joseph Nace, SP, Chicopee, MA
The Casa Experience was relaxing and fun with a Generous teacher/host, in a beautiful
facility and fascinating surroundings. My room was comfortable and inviting and the
common areas of the Casa are comfortable and colorful but relaxing. The studio space
is excellent ! The Casa staff and food superb. I loved Ramone’s (restaurant on the
beach) and his staff – Victor and Freddie –the food was very well prepared and
flavorful. Both teachers were patient and sensitive. Faye and Bob both provided
clear instruction and gentle support. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being excellent) I would
rate it 10! It was an excellent learning experience held in a warm and loving atmosphere in a gracious modern Casa, tucked into a tiny harbor at the mouth of a
gently flowing river. – Deborah Kutch, Penn.
The Casa Experience was relaxing yet full of options to explore within and without.
The things that stand out most in my mind was the hike to the beach (Colomitos Cove),
open studio at night, the trip to Puerto Vallarta and daily Yoga. Having a single room
was fantastic with a wonderful view, the bathtub was beautiful in blue and greens (tile).
The Studio space was wide open to the village and river yet secluded in being above
and away from the busy fishing village. The kitchen staff and meals were delightful
and delicious and the Red Snapper at Ramones was fabulous. Bob was cheerfully
hosting, teaching, managing logistics and being tour guide. A lot to do but he’s a
master juggler. At the Casa you can follow your own rhythm – stay at the studio or
go on excursions. It’s a relaxed permissive environment. – J.F. San Diego
Angel fish at Los Arcos
The Casa Art Workshop Vacation was an educational – new experience – creative.
What stands out most in my mind is: the most pleasant – non judgemental easy
learning environment, with a knowledgeable, gentle spirited host who was most
accommodating. The rooms were clean and neat, warm and inviting with access to
all the Casa offers. The staff and meals were fabulous – excellent – Best food ever!
Ramone (restaurant on the beach) was gracious – food over abundant servings. I
couldn’t have started as a novice with a more patient host and instructor –
Edifying and uplifting! Faye was also superb – gentle and guest sensitive!
The Casa was a fantastic cultural experience in a jungle, on a mountainside, on a river overlooking a fishing village – It was beneficial creatively, emotionally, physically
(walking) with great opportunity to have quiet time for self-introspection. -
I’d rate it a 10 - A Fabulous opportunity! – Anne Bizak, Philadelphia, PA
Dear Bob, - A note to thank you very much for the exceptional holiday at the great
“Casa de los Artistas.” It is truly one of my most memorable vacations I have
experienced in a very long time, and you were very much responsible for such success.
There's a long list of wonderful things about ‘Casa de los Artistas,
but I would like to applaud the superb food which was always cooked to perfection
and the excellent accommodations.
At this point, I would like to move to Peter’s excellent workshop, again, I would like
to offer my opinion as a professional art dealer with more than twenty-two years
experience serving corporate and private collectors. The workshop was indeed
conducted with professionalism. I was very impressed with Peter's natural and smooth
delivery and presentation as he shared his keen knowledge with the participants.
In the course of the one short week, there was an evident transformation among
the artists work-in-progress.
I will highly recommend Casa de los Artistas for anyone that is looking to improve
their painting skills, or simply for those with a desire to get away from the stress of
every day life and experience a truly relaxing vacation.
I wish you all of the best with your wonderful endeavor, and hope to return very
soon for another wonderful experience.
Besos,
Isabella Trimper, President
Art Services International, Westport, CT
At play in the studio, Kitchell Workshop
– “I would recommend the Casa to people with a bit of adventure in their hearts.
The Boca and the Casa will be in my heart forever.” -Lori M. Houston, TX
The Casa was a new experience. The beautiful scenery of the Boca, the Mexican life
around us and the music, as well as the beautiful Casa de los Artistas. The studio
space was great with lots of great art supplies. The staff was excellent and the food
was terrific, well prepared and much more than we could consume! Bob went
“beyond the call of duty” to make sure we all had a great time. He is a special human
being. Intelligent warm and a gracious host. The Casa Experience was relaxing and
fun with a generous teacher/host, in a beautiful facility and fascinating surroundings.
My room was comfortable and inviting and the common areas of the Casa are comfortable and colorful but relaxing. The studio space is excellent !
The Casa staff and food superb. -Deborah, PA
Description: “Simply Incredible”
3 things that stand out in my mind from my Casa Experience
– the peace and tranquility and friendliness of the Boca, the positive attitude and
desire to be helpful of the instructors, the relaxed atmosphere and the lack of stress
in both the place and the instruction.
Accommodations: Very attractive and comfortable Studio: Spacious, comfortable
and inviting with a scenic view of the Boca as well as the surrounding
landscape and seascape.
Meals and Staff: The Staff excellent – the meals somewhat unusual (different from
what I’m used to), but very tasty and satisfying.
Restaurants used for off property meals: The fresh seafood at Ramones is a
cullinary delight. The seafood and chicken at Primativo was very good,
but the beef was very tough.
The Artist/Facilitators: “Top Notch” – very knowledgable – very positive and
non-judgemental. A lot of “positive energy”.
If you were to rate your Casa experience on a scale of 1 to 10 ,
(1 being terrible and 10 being excellent), how would you rate it?
“off the scale + + + !
Recommendation: “ The Casa Experience provides a relaxed atmosphere in a very
different environment, which is very conducive to creative thought and expression.”
Heidi Coutu discussing demonstration in the studio
“As a beginner among many experienced artists, I still received the individual
instruction needed to accomplish a great deal. I learned much more than I had
expected to, in a short period of time. While I realize I have a long way to go and a
lot more to learn, I now have some important “ basic tools” to keep me
from being discouraged and frustrated.
In addition to the art, the personal interactions and camaraderie
made the experience worth far more than the cost of the trip.”
“p.s. You might include the following: - If you are an “uptight – ultra conservative”
you may not be comfortable here! But, you may leave with a completely
different view of the world if you come!”
-Jerry Wilson, Wilbraham, MA
The following is what I received when I wrote a participant to ask him to
write a recommendation for the Casa.
Hi Bob, - I would love it if you showed my work on the Casa website.
Both you and Peter have been so supportive of my work at the Casa.
I really feel good about that. I would be very happy, privileged actually to write an
endorsement for the Casa. I feel like I made some good friends in the Boca and
find myself thinking often about our numerous outings with fond memories. The work
I did at the Casa is really liked by all that have seen it because the Casa and the spirit
of the Boca creates a superb environment to bring out the purity of thought and
discover the creative side of the soul.
I just received a CD of images from Peter from the workshop. We really had a
good time didn't we. I will do a letter this weekend and look forward to
seeing your website. Lets absolutely stay in touch.
-John (Calif.)
"Comida" - Lunch at the Casa
And from a non art participant guest, (husband of an artist participant)
Description: “One of the Best Vacations I’ve had”
3 things that stand out in my mind from my Casa Experience
– Meeting and getting to know you (Bob), your location,
your planning and your care about people.
Accommodations: Excellent Meals and Staff: For me it was perfect.
The Artist/Facilitators: Host Artist- excellent personality and nice human being.
If you were to rate your Casa experience on a scale of 1 to 10 ,
(1 being terrible and 10 being excellent), how would you rate it?
10+ +!
Recommendation: The Casa Experience is - I would recommend it by all means,
for your location and your personality.
Rajab, Woburham, M
At Play in Donnas' Workshop
and “Host Artist was very sensitive to people’s needs and abilities, made a
special effort to get to know everyone and their personal needs.
Sensitive, effective, instructor. Guest Artist was fun and inspiring”
If you were to rate your Casa experience on a scale of 1 to 10 ,
(1 being terrible and 10 being excellent), how would you rate it?
10
It has been an exciting and productive time for me. The vacation experience was
wonderful: people, places and activities. The relaxing atmosphere and surroundings,
the variety of activities outside of the workshop. The accommodations were comfortable
and clean, the studio space is very spacious in terms of painting space and accessibility
to materials. Very competent instruction – Concepts and technique – especially the
drawing exercises – I gained much in drawing and input on my work. I would
recommend the Casa Art Workshop Vacation as the instruction and demos are clear
and easy to follow. Thanks for a great workshop and vacation. –Luz, Canada
I learned so much from you Bob, your manner is open and generous. You live the
spiritual art process and teach it tenderly. - Lynn
It was a very positive experience that promoted growth both artistically and personally
(if the two can be separated) for me it was a true adventure experiencing Boca De
Tomatlan and the people who live here. The studio space couldn’t have been better –
lots of beautiful things to paint and draw. Bob was beyond generous in sharing his
skills and ideas. The demonstrations and verbal critiques were very helpful. I learned
a lot. By the middle of the week I found myself viewing my environment with new eyes.
I felt that Bob pushed me further to improve my work. My favorite aspect of the Casa
experience was our gracious host Bob. He was generous with his time, knowledge and
enthusiasm for the art and for this area of Mexico in general. The week felt balanced
with the side trips we took, the studio time and of course eating at various places.
There was also an interesting balance of people – age wise, personalities and
backgrounds. Bob was very accepting of us all. In some ways we all became a family.
Aiyana (Bobs’ daughter) was a creative and delicious cook, who took
pride in her job this week. Thank you for this great experience!
– Jane Cassidy, Huntington, Long Island – July 2007
The Casa Art workshop/Vacation experience is a place and time to rest, contemplate,
learn, connect with kindred spirits, all while refocusing on ones artwork and being
immersed in a calm and energizing environment. The 3 things that stand out most in
my mind are; the place (the Boca), being able to enjoy making art, and connecting with
people (and a forth – the food!). Bob’s knowledge covers the most basic to the most
advanced. The guest artist, Miso was also wonderful. Persons coming to the Casa will
be able to focus on their art and enjoy the company of other artists as
well as local residents. The location is very beautiful, peaceful and endearing.
– Jean V. –Boston area
Inspiring! -The 3 things that stand out most in my mind are; -I think I can do this. -
People are much nicer than I've experienced. -I feel at home here. I see no need for
improvement, the studio space is great, too much great food and a comfortable staff,
restaurants were fun and good and Bob is great. It was a well rounded experience in a
beautiful setting with a great artist-director. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being excellent) I
would rate it 11! - Your impact on my life will always be with me.
- Jane B. Nevada
Joseph Campbell said that the key to a life well lived, with purpose and meaning was
to "follow your bliss." Great advice, but just what does that mean? Come to the Boca
and meet people who are doing just that. Not just Bob and his family, but others you
will encounter in the course of the week of activities embody Campbells' advice.
The things you do and see go well beyond the usual workshop experience.
You will leave inspired and contemplating a return to Boca de Tomatlan.
P.K. -Los Angeles
www.maslafineart.com
Art Workshops/Vacation-Retreats
to find out more contact:
Monica and Bob at (413) 625-8382
www.maslafineart.com
email us : bob@maslafineart.com
or contact Karla and Steven at Boca Divers
011 52 322 228 0713 www.bocadivers.com
Water collor collage
