Catherine Parker Sketchbook Art Tours

 Catherine Parker has been travelling to India since 2005 where she first engaged with the culture through an Artist in Residence programme in New Delhi. Since this time she has journeyed nearly 30 times both as an artist making ‘on the road’ works, setting up makeshift studios and now leading artists on sketchbook - cultural immersion programmes. Catherine Parker Art Tours celebrates 10 years of guiding artists to this amazing country.

The next Sketchbook India Art Tour is to Orchha + Gwalior

CATHERINE PARKER SKETCHBOOK ART TOURS presents
INDIA l Orchha + Gwalior : short + sweet Art Retreat:
9 nights/10 days
September 25 - 4 October 2020
School Holidays in some Australian states
(PD Professional Development available for Art Educators: approx. 32 hours)

We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us
Joseph Campbell - Philosopher 

 This is a slow paced Art Tour designed to allow you to truly focus on your Art making and embrace village life: the true spirit of India



INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL OFFER for this inaugural slow paced Art Tour: $2350!! If booked by Feb 29

 TOUR COST: EARLY BIRD! If booked by February 29 you pay only $2350 based on twin share | single supplement: $415


Please note: These are pilot tour prices – take advantage of these special 2020 rates! (the post Feb prices are also inaugural rates)

 Post February 29: $2530 | single supplement: $415

Tour includes | exquisite accommodation in heritage and heritage inspired hotels, all breakfasts; transport within India (according to itinerary - side trips at expense of artist), sketchbook guidance and tuition, local guides, all breakfasts and a whole lot more that is not listed and is totally unique.

Excluded: international flights; Tipping: $95 (to be paid upon arrival) 



Max: 10 people means you get access to humble, life changing moments you may not otherwise experience. 

 Each itinerary is lovingly researched. 10 Years conducting Art Tours and 15 years travelling, researching + creating makeshift studios in India creates a unique overview and opportunity to experience the ‘real’ India



Please email me for more information at: catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com  website: www.catherineparkerarttours.com



CATHERINE PARKER SKETCHBOOK ART TOURS presents
INDIA l ODISHA : Temple + Tribal + Textile Sketchbook Art Tour
March 1 - 14 2020
 
Welcome to Odisha, the 'soul of India!'
Off the beaten track,sketchbookin hand, travel with like minded artists to India.
I adore this itinerary - it is a balm for the soul and heart

This beautifully crafted Sketchbook Art Tour is unique. With almost 30 trips and still counting; it is an honour to share my passion for the 'real' India - these itineraries are saturated in creativity and authenticity.
 
These bespoke Art Tours are highly specialised with a max of 10 participants. Because of our small group size, it is manageable - we can stop for chai, interact with locals, sit in nature, draw in peace and are granted access to places not available to others - this is one of our most unique attributes. It is often these spontaneous happenings and interactions that leave a lasting imprint and can linger in our hearts well after the tour has finished...

I have spent 5 years researching this itinerary and consider it be one of the dearest to my heart.
 
Experience: Art workshops with traditional artisans; sketchbook guidance from myself, a qualified art educator and professional artist; observe First Nations women create their sacred shawls; eat traditional meals in villages and be welcomed to share in family life; travel off the beaten track in 4WD vehicles; visit markets and learn how to engage outside your comfort zone; observe rice painting rangolies and traditional grinding methods; experiment with organic materials and soak up the natural beauty of odisha...

This tour is stunning! There are many features not listed and every tour is different. However, one virtue is a constant: you will never be the same again!

I have been informed by many of my participants, some returning for the third and fourth time: that my Art Tours touched their hearts profoundly and that their creativity was stirred deeply and beyond their expectations....

Cost of tour:
$3550 based on twin share; $690 single supplement; Art Tour includes: accommodation from basic to palatial; all meals in Desia and Dhenkanal; internal transport in comfortable 4W Drive vehicles; overnight train; experienced Indian guide to accompany the entire journey; creative workshops; artisan led workshops in small villages; tribal gatherings and so much more!

Tipping: $130 to be paid upon arrival. It is customary to tip the assistants/ drivers and helpers on our tour as they work hard to meet your needs and ensure that you enjoy India. I have found it simper to request a group tip upon arrival rather than any awkwardness at the end. It does not however, cover your personal individual interactions

Exclusions: International travel; visa 
Contact
If you feel called to join, please email me for an itinerary or call me on: 0400 991 710
E: catherineparkerarttours@gmail.com and visit my website: www.catherineparkerarttours.com

Testimonials

Many of my participants have returned between 2 - 3 times, testament to the quality of my Art programmes, their structure and organisation, not to mention the authentic touches you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere - feel free to email me with any enquiries!

After a friend raved about Catherine’s Drawn to India tour, I went along in 2015. It was everything I had heard and more. Each day was a treat, and I loved how Catherine tuned into and responded to the group. The art practice was fun and enlightening, and undertaken in the context of the visual and spiritual feast that is India. Those on my tour could never forget the morning we drew a wonderful musician while he sang and played a performance exclusively for us. It was spontaneous and heart-felt. Things just happened on the tour and we embraced them, while participating in a very well organised holiday. Thank you Catherine and Tripathiji for wonderful memories. I hope to visit India with you again. Ann returned in 2018!
Ann White
Sunshine Coast
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