RED ROCK TERRITORY The Grand Four-Corners

September 19-26

Southern Utah’s monumental landscape is impossible to capture in a simple adjective — its rock arches, winding rivers and immense canyons are literally breathtaking. This is unspoiled nature, almost untouched by tourism and powerfully beautiful. Along with this sweep of nature, the enduring history of the region’s ancient Anasazi settlements and Navajo culture makes this corner of Utah one of the most fascinating in the United States. A highlight is our day-long (easy) raft trip down the San Juan River, cutting through rock canyons that record a quarter of a billion years of geologic time and the heartland of the departed Anasazi civilization — a trip of awesome beauty and archeological fascination. In short — a diverse week amidst nature on a grand scale, coupled with seeing the stunning work of Navajo artists working today. Early fall is a perfect time to visit, amidst the glow of cottonwoods turning gold against russet canyon walls. Rooms double occupancy, private baths at Recapture Lodge in Bluff. All workshops designed for beginners as well as participants advanced in a medium!

Register by March 1 • Save $100! Tuition, Accommodations, Meals & Excursions: $1975 plus lab fee. Photo Independent: $1675

PHOTOGRAPHY: An Independent Study
Celebrate stunning scenery! A unique opportunity to photograph extensively on your own AND, with guidance on trails and vistas, to explore among the special canyons and hidden wonders of this “great American outback”. Combine the richness of the Bluff area with our many “Indian Country” excursions and you’ve got a photographer’s delight!

PAINTING & DRAWING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS: The Power Of Place

Jenny French, Instructor

The Southwest’s riveting light and color have been a magnet for artists for over a century. The constantly changing play of colors, dramatic canyons, sweeping vistas and the SKY….all combine to seduce even beginning painters to be inspired! A week designed for the novice as well as experienced painter, with encouragement to work in the medium you most enjoy. Jenny is a long-time student of this very special region – its highways and byways are in her bones. She has created a class that is flexible and portable with lots of one-on-one in a small group setting. Everything you need to express your own response to the landscape, both technically and imaginatively!

SILVER & TURQUOISE: Heart of Western Jewelry

Dan Jocz, Instructor

In the Navajo culture jewelry holds a place of special importance. Artifacts from hundreds of prehistoric sites suggest that the Native American jewelry tradition has spanned more than 2000 years. This work done in silver, often with turquoise, is stunning, created for adornment, celebration, ritual and everyday life. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by the Navajo people and to have an opportunity to see magnificent work in the trading posts that are part of the Bluff community. The genius of Navajo jewelry — whether belt buckles or necklaces, earrings, pins or bracelets — lies in their exquisite silver casting techniques. The process is fascinating and enormously creative — great for beginners… challenging and intriguing for the accomplished jeweler. Lots of one-on-one with Dan making it easy to develop your own interests and set your own pace, with encouragement to work in either a traditional or contemporary mode. For all skills.

CERAMICS: THE POWER OF TRADITION A Journey In Clay From Past To Present

Jean Sahme, Instructor

The Southwest’s stunning landscape has profoundly influenced the magnificent pottery created by the Hopi and Navajo. We are fortunate to have one our most pre-eminent 21st century Hopi potters, Jean Sahme, teaching this workshop! A week inspired by enduring works of art, immersing ourselves in a centuries old clay tradition, with contemporary applications. We’ll focus on handbuilding techniques, producing decorated pieces in russet and cream tones achieved with a traditional Hopi firing when, on our last day, we go to Jean’s home in First Mesa at Hopi — a unique experience and the culmination of our week together!

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A glorious day on the San Juan River with stops at early Anasazi dwelling sites, picnic
    lunch, the opportunity to see one of the Southwest’s most extensive rock art panels
  • Unique introduction to Southwest art at the famous Twin Rocks Trading Post — a second generation enterprise that has pioneered the preservation of Navajo art
  • A very special trip through Valley of the Gods, one of the most spectacular land masses in the U.S. with monumental rock formations and vistas

WANT A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY? Please e-mail us! or call 413-367-9200

 

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