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

February 6th - 13th

"Creativity • Culture • Cuisine"
with Artist
Robert Masla
and the
Springfield Museums Travel Program

More than an Art Seminar
– An Extraordinary Vacation
and Cultural Experience



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 artist Robert Masla as he leads 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,
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.
.

Sailing to the Sun
Offering to the Goddess, mixed media digital collage painting - Robert Masla

More than an Art 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 art 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 a hacienda
restaurant overlooking the mountains and the Aguave plantation. 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 and a picnic on a secluded beach.
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. 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.

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 Masla 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 workshop, -using non-traditional and innovative approaches,
experimentation and "art games" as well as some traditional drawing, rendering and
painting techniques. Masla 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 working out doors, plein-air, as Masla gives
you insight into the art of seeing, teaching you to edit the non essential and
simplify shapes, to lay foundations quickly, accurately, and confidently. 
Masla will give some group demonstrations / instruction on
process but 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.

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, art history, 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


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

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

•7 nights Oceanside accommodation
(single or double occupancy –we don’t charge extra for a single!)

• 7 Breakfasts • 6 Lunches • 6 Dinners at ocean side restaurant
(the freshest seafood possible!) and drinks!

• 6 art workshops days • All art materials

• 2 cooking classes with the Casa chefs – 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!

• 4 day trip excursions : – Botanical Gardens  - Boat trip to
explore the dramatic coastline and to destinations for snorkeling and/or swimming - trip
to mountain town of El Tuito for Hacienda Museum, lunch at Hacienda
Restaurant/Tequila tasting -1 afternoon and evening excursion to Puerto Vallarta for Gallery Walk Tour, shopping and city life.

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.


Total Cost of this Casa Workshops per Person: $1,895.00
 Special registration $1795.00 -$100. Off by October 31 if you mention
The Springfield Museum of Fine Arts.
An additional $100. off ($1,695.), if you register by August 31 !!!

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 (please see this website for details).

If you are in the Springfield Massachusetts region, contact Jeanne Fontaine at the
Springfield Museums Courses and Travels Program to find out about
group airline tickets.
(413) 263-6800 ext. 382

 Like the other workshops in the "Casa environment", this experience will lead us
to developing camaraderie among new friends and certainly stir our concepts and
conversation around making art and the creative process. Do you want to learn about and access your creativity, explore drawing or painting?
Seeking a fresh perspective? 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 at Boca Divers
011 52 322 228 0713 www.bocadivers.com