Why bring our dear Orly to Romania? Simply because her Dad Natan was born in Lasi and her Mom Rebecca in Bacãu. So though Romania is well-known for its diverse cultural heritage, beautiful nature, historic landmarks, amazing food and famous legends like Dracula, for us creatives, Romania is and will remain Orly’s parents country. To tell you I feel honored and blessed to organize this retreat with Orly is an understatement. I know it’s going to be powerfully deep and meaningful. Welcome to Romania!
Multumesc- thank you! Alex

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.
Workshop Details
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- Your own 7 SINGLE ROOM where you can be completely at ease. YES! I mean you get your very own bedroom both in Bucarest and Sinaia.
- 8 days total
- 1 Night Capitol Hôtel Bucarest
- 5 nights Vila Camelia Sinaia
- 1 night airport hotel
- 4 days of Workshops with Orly
- 7 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 6 Dinners
- Welcome dinner in Bucarest Capitol Hôtel so we get to know each others.
- Walking tour from Capitol Hôtel to Bucarest Old Town
- Transfer from Bucarest to Sinaia
- Visit Peles Castle and Monastery Sinaia
- 4 days workshop with our dear teacher ORLY
- Painting eggs workshop Sinaia
- Traditional lunch with live music Brazov
- Walking tour Brazov
- A farewell dinner with special surprises for participants.
- Transfer from Sinaia to Bucarest airport on day 7
**PLEASE NOTE THIS HOTEL HAS AN ELEVATOR
Workshop Schedule
- Welcome Drink + Dinner at Capitol Hôtel Bucarest so we can get to know each others.
Orly Retreat with Alex Castro Ferreira
Romania | May 15th- 22nd, 2026Deposit is: 1050 Euros and is non-refundable upon registration to reserve your spot.
Early Bird Price is: 3650 Euros until August 1st, 2025.
Regular Price is: 3950 Euros begins on August 2nd, 2025.
Full Balance: is due from everyone by November 1st, 2025.
*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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

"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!

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.

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.

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!

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.



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…

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.





Marina Grebennikova












