Travel to vibrant INDIA on a fully guided, bespoke, off the beaten track, sketchbook Art Tour with professional artist and educator, Catherine Parker, who has spent 20 years travelling to India and 15 years experience guiding art groups
This is a two week Sketchbook Art program / tour to Odisha, considered the ‘soul of India’ – Odisha is not heavily touristed making this especially unique
Whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out, this Art Tour will bless you with inspiration that will carry you beyond time, where spirit and matter merge. Your sketchbook becomes the cherished memory holder of this deeply nourishing, joyful journey. Visits to traditional Artisans, daily art making as well as a day trip to the 5th century Buddhist Monastery, Ratnagiri ‘Hill of Jewels’ make this a very special journey
These highly specialised, bespoke, cultural + creative immersion Art Tours, are made with love and the deepest respect for land and people.
- This is slow pace, joy filled, rural India where you will be greeted with warmth and kindness that is deeply felt. The village is considered the true, beating heart of India..just ask Gandhi. These tours are fully escorted with a well respected guide who will accompany us the entire journey
Tour includes:
- Accommodation: 5 nights in our beautiful, unique, community based adobe inspired cottages in lush surrounds on a peaceful river, based in the hill district of Desia, with private areas for Art making. This is a community based initiative to assist the local villages, especially women to become more independent
- 5 nights in our divine palace, with private areas for Art making. Set amongst tree plantations and exquisite gardens – perfect for workshops and private drawing/painting – based on feedback, an extra night has been added here for reflection and immersion
- 2 nights in the ancient capital of Bhubenshwar known historically as the ‘Temple City’ where some 700 temples once stood
- All home cooked delicious meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner with the excepton of the last 2 days
- All ground transport in AC cars
- O/N comfortable sleeper train
- A well respected, professional and deeply knowledgeable guide will accompany us for the entire tour
- Visits to artisan families from Textiles, to Potters, Painters, Dhokra + Bell Metal, Drum makers; IKAT weaving is a speciality in odisha
- A private, traditional GOTIPUA classical dance performance
- Ancient temples including Ratnagiri ‘Hill of Jewels’ a 5th century Buddhst monastery nestled within mountains
- Witness the sacred ceremony in the Joranda monks monastery near Dhenkanal
- Vibrant markets
- Tribal hamlets where you will meet the Bhonda First Nations community, make this a very deeply felt experience and memory
- Easy walks to villages
- Art tuition, Love, joy + inspiration!
Exclusions: international airfares + local tipping
Tour Dates: 28 October – 10 November 2024
Registrations are now open
Registrations close on August 1, 2024
Suitable for all skill levels + PD for Art Educators
Max 10 people
For more information and to book please visit:
https://catherineparkerartist.com/art-tours
Testimonials
I consider myself lucky to respond to the original email about your trip. I saw something of the ‘magic’ in you and I wanted to be part of what I thought would be a ‘carpet ride’ across some very interesting territory. Thankyou Catherine. Your very deep experiences in India with both the people and the landscape enabled me to just ‘step’ onto that ‘carpet’ and blast off on one of the best experiences in my life. Tony and I both are indebted to you and Kamlesh for all you did for us. We are now set to make plans for our next trip
Betsy Forster, Australia
My experience with Catherine Parkers Art Tour of India was more than I could imagine, an adventure of a lifetime.She is so experienced and in tune with the energy that is India, that we were all able to benefit from her deep research and love of the country and people. Every day was joy filled, educational and inspiring. We stayed in beautiful heart felt lodgings where the owners knew Catherine and welcomed us in comfort and safety. I am planning to return as soon as possible, for another magical tour with Catherine.
Karen Meadows, California USA
