TRAVEL…it captures your mind, heart and imagination. HORIZONS travel programs are a decade and a half old. Over these years, they have established special relationships with the people who live in the regions they visit. Their goal is to make these travel experiences have real meaning — to bring you to places and in contact with people you might not otherwise encounter. Their groups are small to give them lots of flexibility and avoid being a “tour”. Great food, places to stay that have charm and character…these are integral parts of the pleasure of travel and new discovery.
Ireland: an example of an educatinal and fun Horizons Course.
The verdant island of Ireland has physical and mystical qualities that are special in the Western World. Coastal Kinsale, their home base, is a prime example of the sheer loveliness of a small Irish seaside town — historic buildings immaculately restored, charming stone streets and shops, and to top it all off, Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland — the cuisine here has been lauded by participants year after year! Is it any wonder that both the NEW YORK TIMES and TRAVEL & LEISURE MAGAZINE devoted recent articles to the wonderful Southwest coast of Ireland? Horizon combines studio time with excursions capturing the diversity of the Irish panorama — from historic Dublin to ocean vistas and stately manor houses; lush gardens to mountain landscapes and even a few great pubs! Lodging in the captivating Old Presbytery Inn — perfectly sited to spend time both in Dublin (on the final day), and the glorious, coastal countryside of Counties Cork and Kerry. Rooms double occupancy, private baths.
Ireland has a long glass history: from the beauty of Waterford’s cut glass to Simon Pearce’s contemporary blown glass. This workshop explores yet another fascinating technique in this versatile medium – kiln formed glass, the process of fusing and slumping sheet glass in a palette of colors to create plates, bowls, tiles…wonderful objects for the home! Learn from one of the most prominent contemporary artists in an intriguing workshop, completely accessible to students at any level of experience.
Italy: see the art centers of the world with Horizons.
Tuscany is truly the heart of Italy, studded with panoramic landscapes, ancient walled villages, olive groves and vineyards stretching rhythmically to the horizon and capped, of course, by the glorious cities of Florence and Siena. As with all Horizons trips, aesthetics of their lodging and wonderful food are a bottom line! May and October are prime months for a Tuscan trip – gorgeous weather with all the key sights serene and uncrowned. They will alternate workshop days with excursions to Florence and Siena, as well as to the charming hilltop villages so distinct to this “Chianti region”...from San Gimignano with its ancient towers, to Greves with its bustling trade in wine.
What better place to study glass than Italy? Add to this the opportunity to learn from one of the activists in the world of glass and you’ve got heaven! Small sculptures, beads, baubles, jewelry, even marbles of all shapes, colors and textures--an immersion in a mesmerizing medium for all skill levels!