ORLY AVINERI

Exploration of Black as a Primary Color

A Live Art + Travel Retreat in Portugal

March 22nd-30th, 2024

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.

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Orly Avineri is coming to Lisbon - Sintra with a 4 days workshop called EXPLORATION OF BLACK AS PRIMARY COLOR. Marina and I feel both honored and blessed as Orly had decided to give workshops only in the States so this is an UNIQUE and RARE OPPORTUNITY to participate. Telling you that we are excited is an understatement, 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.

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 dinner with live music then on Saturday with us collecting found objects and old photos in our most popular flea market called Feira da Ladra,and will continue with us creating and exploring black as primary color for a 4 days workshop WITH ORLY surrounded by a magical forest.

Our workshop will be held in a 150 years old house in Sintra with each one of us having our own SINGLE ROOM where we can fully relax and appreciate our creative week. The hotel has a beautiful garden and a magnificent pool and it’s a 10mn walk from downtown Sintra, the fairy tale city as we like to call her with it’s outstanding castles and palaces.

You will dive into historical Lisbon - Sintra with our iconics monuments like Torre de Belém, Mosteiro do Jerónimos, Palácio da Regaleira and we will pause, savouring our famous custard tart called pastel de nata and having lunch in traditional Portuguese restaurants.

Our inner child will be excited to attend a tile ceramic workshop, visiting Joana Vasconselos most famous Portuguese artist ending our day in a traditional fado restaurant where you heart will melt with the beauty of these songs. Our goal is for you to experience the best of Lisbon-Sintra 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 hometown!

warm hugs, alex

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Workshop Details

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Your own SINGLE ROOM where you can be completely at ease. YES! I mean you get your very own bedroom!
9 days and 8 nights in an old 150 year old house overlooking the magical Sintra forest.
8 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
4 Dinners
Airport pick up from the lisbon airport to the House on March 22nd.
Welcome drink with Portuguese wines and amuse bouche will be proposed so you can settle in and relax
Welcome dinner with Portuguese traditional guitar live music
A special treat in your own private bedroom
Collecting found objects and old fotos in our richest flea market Feira da Ladra
Sightseeing tour in downtown Lisbon with a guide who loves Lisbon
Guided tour in historical palace in Lisbon
Guided tour in iconic Quinta da Regalheira and fantastic Park and Palace Morserrate in Sintra
Joana Vasconcelos exhibition.
Portuguese tile workshop
Dinner in traditional Fado restaurant with live music that will melt your heart
Day 8, March 29th A very special farewell dinner with special surprises for participants.
Day 9 March 30th after Breakfast time to say Goodbye transfer from the House to the Lisbon airport March 30th

In this workshop we’ll take on the fear of using black as a background color, as a starting point, as the star, or as an honorable color among all the others on our palette. In physics and on the light spectrum black is the absence of light, which provides us with a beautiful opportunity to draw the light out with our paints, line makers, and collections of papers. In our lively event we’ll be using small canvases, panels, old vintage book boards, etc. to create a series of magnificent pieces. This mixed media workshop welcomes all curious souls and free spirits who are good and ready to celebrate a less popular color, in fact, one that in art is considered to be the presence of all colors.

We breathe Portugal, the ocean and the forest, enjoying every minute. This is YOUR RETREAT it is the perfect place to tune into a slower rhythm, away from the usual routine, rest deeply ,be among fellow creative souls and make friends for a lifetime. After this fantastic trip you return home rested, inspired, full of vitality and inspiration. This trip is the best gift to yourself.

Welcome to the city of light as Lisbon is known. Lisbon is the second oldest capital in Europe,so with a history of almost 3,000 years she has a very unique soul and much to offer.

Our studio will remain open after hours if anyone wants to keep their hands busy.
One sewing machine will be on the studio with a box of supplies for us to use.
Coffee and tea will be available throughout the day

SUPPLY LIST

Bring with you ~10 small surfaces (at least) you can’t wait to work on.

Ideas: Small canvases of your choice, card boards, wood panels, old vintage book boards, etc.

-A sidekick - a used/vintage book with images/photographs/illustrations you love, to be altered. (Book should lay flat when worked on and preferably not glossy)
-Acrylic Paints (a few colors of your choice), a container for water, paper towels or/and rags
-White Gesso
-Black Gesso
-A couple of different size brushes, from very thin to wide and flat
-Scissors
-Matte or Soft Gel (Liquitex, Golden)
-Fine permanent black pens.
-A nice size collection of collage papers, blank mixed media paper sheets, miscellaneous images, original or photocopies, pages from magazines and old book, old journal pages and paintings on paper that you are willing to alter, etc.

What is not included:

Your airline ticket including any baggage fees.
Insurance (medical and/or travel) highly recommended
4 dinners as we want you to have free time and feel free to gather or stay in your own private bedroom
Personal Shopping
Tips to the guides+drivers

**Airport pick-up to and from the house is only for indicated dates. Should you plan to arrive earlier to stay at the hotel you will be responsible for your own transfer fees. We can help you arrange your transfer and extra night if required.

** Please note that the house does NOT have an elevator. The workshop will be held in the garden floor and rooms are in the main and first floor.

Deposit is: 1050 Euros and is non-refundable upon registration.

Early Bird Price is 3800 Euros and is until December 1st, 2023.

Regular Price is 4050 Euros and begins on December 2nd, 2023,

Full Balance is due from everyone by January 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.

Marina Grebennikova

Organizer of tours and events, wine guide in Portugal. For 10 years Marina has been introducing Portugal to guests from all over the World.

Marina boundless love for Portugal together with professional tourism education and sommelier diploma allow her to reveal this country in all its beauty, richness and consistency.

In 2008 Marina has created an event company Wildmemory which is Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), where she together with partners organizes European excursions and wine events and promotes ancillary practices.

Marina is always in touch and ready to help at any time with any question you may have during our event.

We are HERE to answer your questions!

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Workshop Schedule

Transfer from Lisbon airport to The house-Sintra
Welcome Drink with amuse bouche so we can relax and settle in + Kit from Alex
Welcome dinner with Portuguese guitar live music as we get to know each other

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Orly Retreat with Alex Castro Ferreira

Lisbon, Portugal | March 22nd- March 30th, 2024

Deposit is: 1050 Euros and is non-refundable upon registration.

Early Bird Price is 3800 Euros and is until December 1st, 2023.

Regular Price is 4050 Euros and begins on December 2nd, 2023,

Full Balance is due from everyone by January 1st, 2024.

please note

*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.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

What people are saying

Some gathered voices on taking one of Alex's courses or workshops!

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.

SusanArtist

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.

AndreaArtist

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.

PetraArtist

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.

AnneArtist

I think your workshop is amazing. Your theme of using memorabilia from our family members is brilliant.

CecileArtist

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.

StephanieArtist

The Keeper of Memories book with the most inspiring teacher Alex Castro Ferreira continues with more images of my ancestors. And what a journey it is! This one includes a small tribute to Alex as a way of showing acknowledgment and appreciation for this amazing journey. We have all enjoyed and have been somewhat affect by the emotions it has stirred. Thank you so much Alex

SuziArtist

This has been a journey for sure, I cried watching your course videos as I knew I would take the journey too. So many moments we’re stuck in time for me with someone else’s thoughts attached. I pulled the photos I have left all out and dusted them off and worked through it. This course is such a gift of healing.

DiArtist