"Creativity • Culture • Cuisine"
at Casa de los Artistas, January 10 - 21, 2012
For Dan Cochil and Friends
Tuesday, January 10th to Tuesday, Jan. 17th, 2012

Special Tour Price for 6 Persons
$15,419. U.S.

Dan Cochil use your visa or mastercard to pay for and secure your tour by clicking on our
secure paypal buttons below
Due to paypal restrictions, ($10,000. maximum),
it is nescessary to make two payments -
one for $10,000. and one for $5,419.
Thank you for your patience.




Your all-inclusive Special “Creativity, Culture, Cuisine” Workshop/Vacation Includes:

• Round trip ground transportation from P.V. airport and Casa de los Artistas

• 3 rooms, 11 nights Oceanside accommodation at Casa de los Artistas

• 11 Breakfasts • 10 Lunches • 10 Dinners at ocean side restaurant
(the freshest seafood possible!) and drinks!

• various activities as described below:
One day master artist Robert Masla will introduce you to the Casa studio and art
materials and help you to access your creativity with an exercise in "Uncovering Your
Creative Signature", no prior art experience is necessary to reap the benefits and enjoy
this creative experience, (if you desire to pursue your creative expression in drawing,
painting or sculpting further, he is available for this). There will be a hike along the
cliffs and jungle to explore the beautiful nearby romantic cove of Colomitos for
swimming and snorkeling, another day hiking up river to waterfalls and swimming
holes, yet another day we will go sea kayaking, with the opportunity of seeing dolphin
and other marine life. Zip lining through the Mountain Jungle Canopy as well as
horseback riding are other activities that can be arranged at an additional fee, please let
us know if you are interested in these. There will also be two gourmet cooking classes
offered by the Casa chef Ruby in Traditional Mexican cuisine. Sit back and sip on
some wine, a margarita or some Raicilla as you watch, and if you wish, participate, in
the preparation of traditional Mexican recipes. Learn first hand the recipes and methods
for Traditional Mexican dishes and condiments - such as Chili Rellenos, Enchiladas con
Queso, Salsa Mexicana and Salsa Verde, Ensalada Nopalito, Tortillas and Totopos,
Sopitas, Aqua Frescas and much more – and then partake in the feast!

Make sure you bring your camera, journal and sketchbook for the
4 Cultural Excursions:

• We will visit the exotic botanical gardens for hiking, photography and sketching,
(there is also a beautiful river and swimming hole).

• On Thursday, January 12, we will visit the nearby rustic Mt. town of El Tuito, having
lunch and tequila tasting at a wonderful hacienda restaurant overlooking the mountains
and the Agave plantation and then join in the evening Fiesta of the Virgin of
Guadeloupe. This is a rare opportunity to witness and participate in a very authentic
rural Mexican Fiesta – not on any tourist routes! There is a “Parade” down the main
street of town by many of the surrounding villages, with the sales of crafts, food and
drink, culminating with performances and fiesta in the Zocalo and fireworks at
the church!

• Wednesday afternoon, January 18, we will be taking a trip into Puerto Vallarta for
shopping at the Mercado and wonderful crafts shops, walking on the malecon
(boardwalk), at night (filled with artists, street performers and revelers) and tour some of
the art galleries to experience the city’s lively arts scene. (This evening in Puerto
Vallarta is the only meal not covered by the Casa, we leave it opened in case couples
wish to dine on there own and meet up later, we are happy to make suggestions for
dining or you can join us at one of our favorites).

• There will be a boat trip to explore the gorgeous coastline and spectacular rock
formations, as well as to swim or snorkel at Los Arcos National Coral Reef Park, with
opportunities for seeing sea turtles, whales, dolphins and abundant fish. We will then
take the boat to a wonderful beach for a fabulous picnic, more swimming
and snorkeling.

• Plenty of time for Siesta (as much as you need - All activities are optional)
Bring your camera, the Boca is a photographers heaven, inspiration all around -
a picture at each turn of your head.


Take the time to explore the depths of your creativity in an atmosphere of joyful camaraderie, while enjoying fabulous cuisine and unique cultural adventures.
Join artists Robert Masla as he lead you in a playful, nurturing and
supportive environment where exploration is encouraged and where there are
no mistakes. Come and participate in this enjoyable, relaxing and educational workshop/vacation
Artist Robert Masla and his wife Monica Levine, will be your hosts in the unique tropical environment of their home and studio, Casa de los Artistas, in the tropical fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan, Mexico.  Here inspiration abounds with tropical flora and fauna and all the beauty the sun, surf and sea have to offer.
.
lunch el tuito
Artist -Casa Owner Bob Masla and workshop participants enjoy lunch in El Tuito

More than a Workshop, More than a Vacation
– An Extraordinary Experience

Take a break from the ordinary, come and enjoy the tropical lifestyle on Mexican time.
  Jump-start your intuition as you recharge your creative batteries in this inspirational
village, where time seems to stand still. Some of the opportunities available are painting,
drawing, sculpting, cooking classes from traditional Mexican chefs, swimming,
sea kayaking, snorkeling, shopping at the Mercado, or just relaxing on the beach or your private patio. Your workshop vacation at Casa de los Artistas is different
from anything you have experienced, (read the statements of past Casa participants
online). But that’s not all; make sure you bring your camera, journal and sketchbook,
as there will be numerous cultural excursions as well. We will visit the exotic botanical
gardens for photography and sketching, we will visit the Mt. town of El Tuito, tour the
small but beautiful Hacienda Museum, having lunch and tequila tasting at the hacienda
restaurant overlooking the mountains and the Aguave plantation and then join
in the evening Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadeloupe.  This is a rare opportunity to witness
and participate in a very authentic rural Mexican Fiesta – not on any tourist routes!
There is a “Posada” “Parade” down the main street of town by many surrounding
villages culminating with performances and fiesta in the Zocalo and fireworks at the
church! We will also be taking a trip into Puerto Vallarta for shopping at the Mercado
and wonderful crafts shops, walking on the malecon (boardwalk), at night (filled with
artists, street performers and revelers) and tour some of the galleries to experience the
city’s lively arts scene. There will be a boat trip to explore the gorgeous coastline and
spectacular rock formations, as well as to swim or snorkel at Los Arcos National Coral
Reef Park, with opportunities for seeing sea turtles, whales, dolphins and abundant fish.
Other wild life is right at hand, from the balcony of your room you can view tropical
birds and observe the local unspoiled Boca.  Watch (and participate) as the simple
authentic Mexican village life unfolds around you. This quaint fishing village unspoiled
by tourists, is a rare treat off the beaten path. Words don’t actually do justice to the
wonderful adventure in store for each participant. Your all inclusive week long Art
Workshop/Vacation is just that - a workshop that is structured so you don't have to
worry about details, but not too rigid - loose enough to enjoy yourself, relax and
experience a vacation from the typical.


Sunset@Mitoe
Sunset, at Mitoe, oil and alkyd on canvas - Robert Masla

BobCasaAndreas
Casa Andreas, P.V. -oil and alkyd on prepared paper, Robert Masla

Do I have to be an artist to be a part of the Casa Experience?

The only qualifications to participate in the Casa experience is the desire to have fun.
Whether you decide to participate in one of the classes designed to help you access your
creativity, or prefer at that time to relax on a lounge chair on the beach, that's fine -
there is no pressure here - it's your workshop/vacation.
We only ask that you bring with you a sense of adventure and willingness to explore the
unknown. We believe creativity is a natural part of each person, and the Casa is the
perfect environment to nurture your creativity.

WatchingTheSunsetLosMuertos
Watching The Sunset, Los Muertos, P.V., oil and alkyd on canvas - Robert Masla

About Making Art At The Casa
Join Bob as he leads you in a playful, nurturing and supportive environment
where exploration is encouraged and where there are no mistakes. Create in this fun,
relaxing and rejuvenating time, -using non-traditional and innovative approaches,
experimentation and "art games" as well as some traditional drawing, rendering and
painting techniques. He will share with you in this exploration of materials and
techniques, as well as his joy and excitement of various approaches to drawing and
painting from objects, nature, eidetic images and the beautiful local of the Boca and
surrounding region.  There will be some time spent in the Casa's 1500 square ft. open
air studio, but alot of time will be out doors, plein-air, as you gain
insight into the art of seeing, learning to edit the non essential and
simplify shapes, to lay foundations quickly, accurately, and confidently. 
There will be some group demonstrations / instruction on
process but Bob will also work with individuals to help them
uncover their unique and exciting signature or “style”.
Combining techniques (the craft of drawing and painting)
with emotional response and visual concept we will give rise to unique individual
expression.  All levels of artists are encouraged to join in this extraordinary workshop
vacation. Suitable for those who haven’t drawn since they were children, seasoned
artists and professionals who wish to infuse their work with new energy and stimulation,
-and everyone in between. Participation in the Creativity Workshop aspect of your
vacation is totally optional - no presure here, relax and enjoy.
Sunset Through Los Arcos in June
Sunset Through Los Arcos in June, Photograph

About your artist host and his teaching philosophy.

I am blessed to act as a catalyst and witness for the revelation of your own
"signature" or "style", the manifestation of your unique intuitive creative self.
You will leave this workshop relaxed and rejuvenated, with improved technical skills,
renewed confidence, and inspiration to continue painting and drawing on your own,
using art as a process to awaken and enhance self discovery - and have fun doing it!"

Robert Masla is an internationally exhibited artist whose work is in numerous
discerning private and corporate collections. He has an extensive exhibition history
extending over 30 years of solo and group shows.
His teaching experience is extensive, having taught drawing, painting (all media),
2 and 3D design, printmaking, arthistory, art education as well as lecturing on art as
healing/therapy, art making as a spiritual practice and conducting workshops in
accessing creativity. He has worked with a variety of age groups and
environments from pre -k through college, as well as private workshops and classes.

He has been the Artist in Residence for the city of Springfield, MA, where he was
the creator and artistic director of the A4E program (Art for Everyone), which had
received 3 consecutive grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for bringing art
into the inner city schools that had no previous art curriculum. In the Spring of 2009
Masla was awarded the title of "Teaching Partner" by the Massachusetts Cultural
Council. Masla, along with his wife, Monica Levine, a licensed social worker,
sex educator and therapist created Casa De Los Artistas as a retreat for their family
and to conduct workshops for fostering and nurturing creativity and self-discovery.
To see more about the artist and to see a virtual gallery of his work please visit:
 www.MaslaFineArt.com


Workshop fee does not include round trip airfare from your city to Puerta Vallarta
International Airport, expenses for personal items and gratuities for the Casa cooks and
house care persons, and dinner one night durring Gallery Walk in Puerto Vallarta,
(please see this website for details).

Wishing to renew your passion for life or just kick back and relax. Looking to find some fresh inspiration and recharge your creative batteries.
- Come and celebrate with us -
"Creativity • Culture • Cuisine"


"Standing on Fossils, oil and alkyd on canvas, 24x36 inches, Robert Masla


To see more of Bobs work and to learn more about him visit the link below
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