Sweet + Tender Little Things
An Alternative Book Making Experience
Meet Orly Avineri
In my life as a ‘maker of things’ I've been creating and earning a living from painting and collage making, graphic, book, textile and surface design, illustration, mural painting, and a myriad of other disciplines. I've studied fine arts in Ein-Hod, an artist's village, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the mystical Carmel Heights in Israel where I am originally from. Later I have studied graphic design in the contemporary yet history-drenched city of Utrecht, in the Netherlands. In the last decade I've been practicing and teaching complex yet simple art making processes through mixed-media, visual-journaling, book making, story telling, and ritual building.
I have taught workshops in intimate settings and in large art retreats, both across the US and abroad, in Australia, Mexico, Morocco, The Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Ireland, and England. I've been a contributor in more than a dozen books and magazines and have authored three published books and four card decks designed to inspire and support creative practices. I have spoken about these practices in beautiful events as well. My work’s purpose is to advance the well being of those who seek it through a unique creative process and an experience based content I have created and developed throughout these years. Engaging in a world that is far more expansive than my own enlivens me to no end and I hope to invoke that feeling in others.
SOLD OUT
There are 2 different weeks for this retreat. Both weeks were sold out but now have openings in both weeks. Please reach out to Alex to reserve your spot! Week One- May 1-9th and Week Two- May 9-17th.
Orly Avineri is coming to PORTO - with a 4 days workshop called SWEET & TENDER LITTLE THINGS | An Alternative Book Making Experience. Marina and I feel both grateful and blessed as Orly had decided to give workshops only in the States and after her successful retreat in Lisbon last march, Orly decided to come back to Portugal. Telling you that we are excited is an understatement as Orly is one of the most inspiring and talented artist in our mixed media world, she is one of those free and generous mind that you want to meet once in your life and now we are lucky to call her a friend.
You are invited for a NINE DAYS ART + TRAVEL RETREAT WITH ORLY AVINERI. We have curated a very special week and hope that you will go home with “Saudades”, a Portuguese word meaning a longing to come back soon. Our journey will start with a welcome drink and dinner so we get to know each others then on Saturday we will discovering Invicta as Porto is called and will continue with us creating and exploring SWEET & TENDER LITTLE THINGS | An Alternative Book Making Experience for 4 days with ORLY.
Our Retreat will be held in Menina Colina Guesthouse, a house that is over 170 years old next to the city centre, old town and the galleries around rua Miguel Bombarda. Our workshop will be held in the historical music room of the Menina Colina Guesthouse. This ancient House was completely renovated with exquisite taste in 2017. All the historical beauty of the murals, gardens, and the architecture will surround us. Limited availability of 8 SINGLE ROOMS and 4 DOUBLE ROOMS (have a roomate) where you can fully relax and appreciate our creative week. Please note that this hotel does not have an elevator.
You will fall in love with Porto and his people called "the tripeiros" as they are authentic generous and welcoming.
Our inner child will be excited to attend a custard Pastel de nata workshop, going to a fisherman village called Afurada, taking a Douro river trip on the Rabelo famous boats, listening to traditional fado, wandering in the old city with his unique charm and good vibes, visiting the best Wine Port cellar… Our goal is for you to experience the best of Porto, to bring home your very personal and unique creation made with Orly and to nourish your body soul and mind.
This is Your retreat where you will have time both for yourself and to gather, connect, share laugh with other creatives souls. You Deserve The Best!
Welcome to my Father António Rui Fonseca e Castro Ferreira hometown!
warm hugs, alex
Workshop Details
CLICK ON EACH TAB
- Choose from 8 SINGLE ROOMS and 4 Double Rooms (share with a roomate)
- 9 days and 8 nights in the MENINA COLLINA GUESTHOUSE, a house that is over 170 years old next to the city and centre old town and the galleries around rua Miguel Bombarda. Our art workshop will be held in the historical music room of this ancient House. The MENINA COLLINA GUESTHOUSE is more than 170 years old and was completely renovated with exquisite taste in 2017. The beautiful murals, gardens, surrounded by such beauty.
- 8 Breakfasts
- 7 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- Welcome dinner so we can get to know each others.
- Walking tour from Hôtel to Bolhão market to São Bento train station to Ribeira
- Visit to Afurada a fisherman village
- Tasting in one of the best Porto wine cellar
- A Douro Rabelo boat trip with lunch, savouring the unique view
- Listening to Fado
- Dinner in Tapabento one of the best restaurants in Porto
- A farewell dinner with special surprises for participants.
**PLEASE NOTE THIS HOTEL DOES NOT HAVE AN ELEVATOR
Marina GrebennikovaSOLD OUT
Workshop Schedule
- Transfer from airport to The Menina Guesthouse
- Welcome Drink
- Welcome Dinner
CONTACT ALEX
Orly Retreat with Alex Castro Ferreira
Porto, Portugal | May 9th- 17th, 2025Deposit is: 1350 Euros and is non-refundable upon registration.
Early Bird Price is 3700 Euros per person for a DOUBLE ROOM and is until September 1st, 2024.
Early Bird Price is 4150 Euros per person for a SINGLE ROOM and is until September 1st, 2024.
Regular Price is 3950 Euros per person for a DOUBLE ROOM and begins on September 2nd, 2024.
Regular Price is 4400 Euros per person for a SINGLE ROOM and begins on September 2nd, 2024.
Full Balance is due from everyone by December 1st, 2024.
*This workshop is not refundable* You may transfer this workshop to another person if you can't attend. If there is a waitlist we will connect you with the next person on the list. Once transferred or sold, your reserved spot will be removed. If we cancel this workshop you will be refunded.
Registration is OPEN- Contact me by clicking one of the buttons on this page to book your spot. You can also reach me for any questions by using the same buttons.
please note
*This workshop is not refundable.
**ALL PAYPAL FEES ARE TO BE PAID BY ATTENDEE
SOLD OUT
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What people are saying
Some gathered voices on taking one of Alex's courses or workshops!
Dear Alex For the second time only in my life, I have truly felt HOME in my heart while in a new place away from my own family. There is no Portugal for me without you. With all my love and light.
D Artist
I’m so delighted and inspired by your lessons and techniques. Love this class and the big concept of LOST + FOUND TREASURES. You are a most excellent teacher.
Susan Artist
I have learned so much with this course (and will never look at a rusty item quite the same) A big thank you to you Alex for stretching my imagination and teach me the art of mixed media. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Andrea Artist
I’m not new with Art Journals and know a lot of technics but your course is really an enrichment to me and for my work. New for me is the resin paper and dying with black beans. Your course is awesome. Also the assemblage ideas are so great.Thanks Alex so much for this wonderful and generous course for us.
Petra Artist
My four treasures in honor of my beloved ones. Alex’s workshop opened up a whole new world for me and gave me a chance to deal with my grief. THANK YOU dear Alex. From the bottom of my heart.
Anne Artist
I think your workshop is amazing. Your theme of using memorabilia from our family members is brilliant.
Cecile Artist
This is the first project that had me completely focused on the process. I get to escape. What I love about it is the richness and meaning behind the content.I’m completely absorbed in the organic feel of the materials. LOVE IT! I’ll be looking forward to your next class.
Stephanie Artist
"After participating in Alex's wonderful online classes, I had the pleasure of meeting Alex in person at a retreat she organized in Portugal with a guest teacher artist. We were welcomed by Alex and her partner Marina with open arms to a gorgeous setting. All our needs were taken care of! The group bonded beautifully as we were offered a nice blend of artistic activities, touristic adventures and gastronomic delights. Alex and Marina connect with people quickly and naturally. Participating in their retreat is a treat you do not want to miss!
Darquise Artist
Not only very well organized but a super warm atmosphere thanks to Alex and Marina. Loved the hotel and location in Sintra; loved the food, loved the wine, loved the sightseeing and the bit of spare time that allowed me to explore a bit more on my own. I think the dosage of workshop and sightseeing was just perfect. I was extremely sensitive to Alex and Marina's enthusiasm, energy and generosity.
Nelly Artist
It truly was wonderful! Thank you, Alex, for bringing us all together and sharing your lovely smile and seemingly boundless energy. Thank you, too, for Marina. Her choices and plans made the entire experience even more unique and memorable.
Mary Artist
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for one of my most favorite retreats! You kept surprising us with treats and activities, you lavished on us and you and Marina just made us all feel so special and loved. Thank you doesn't seem like enough. I miss you already!
Joy Artist
When we were in Morocco I felt that you had the incredible ability to make each of us in the group feel special. It’s a rare gift you possess. Thank you for sharing it.
C.Sullivan Artist
Words cannot describe this experience of a lifetime. Alex and Marina were fabulous hosts. Incredibly generous with their time. Lots of laugh, inspiration, sightseeing, food,wine and visit to flea market.
C.Randall Artist
Jane and I made it home to Denver with no problems except missing all of you beautiful ladies. It was great fun to see several old friends and meet even more new ones. The workshop was wonderful - I love, love, love making books with Alex and Robyn. And it was so good to get to see Marina. Kisses to all of you.
Sandy Artist
The retreat in Miami more than met my expectations! GREAT experience and great people. It filled my soul! Learned so much from both Alex and Robyn and I am enjoying putting those lessons into my work in my studio at home. Much love…
Sherry Artist
I learned a tremendous amount of new skills at the workshop and appreciated the generosity of you, Robin and Alex. It was my first time working with Alex and found her to be a wonderful and compassionate teacher - with a great sense of humor! I have followed Robyn on the internet for several years and still I learned several new ways to make art from her. I loved the book structure that she taught,. I look forward to finishing my book with pictures and mementoes of my grandparents so that I can pass it on to my daughter who never knew them. I like to make art that has an impact and I can't begin to tell you how meaningful it will be to share it with my children.
Claire Artist