Latitude Cultural Center

La Toulzanie (Lot)   France

COURSES/WORKSHOPS --  SUMMER,  2010

2 workshops the week of June 19-26 :



      (1)  PAINTING THE COLORS OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE




Rob O'BrienRob O'Brien
Facilitator: Rob O'Brien has conducted 2 watercolor workshops at Latitude. Vermont watercolorist Rob has won many prizes for his work. He is a laid-back teacher who, past participants say, is a terrific teacher! You can see his work at his website:  www.robertjobrien.com.

Participants will paint every morning  (except  the free day,Wednesday, and Sunday when we go to the nearby market --of course there's no law against bringing paints along!) at nearby sites. In the past, these have included the village  of Cenévières (with its Michelin-starred castle) and La Toulzanie (the headquarters of Latitude).  Rob will offer gentle instruction.

For all levels of  previouis accomplishment--from the rank beginner to  the very experienced!



 (2)  A GREAT LEAP BACKWARD! 

An exploration of the psyche in paleolithic caves, and the cave in the psyche


Doug and Adrienne AmundsenFacilitator: Adrienne Amundsen.  Adrienne is a psychologist in private practice from the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also a poet and experienced workshop leader, particularly of rituals. Together with her husband, Doug Coffee (an attorney and impassioned historian), she offered a course in 2005 at Latitude which focused on paleolithic art and history of nearby caves. In 2010, the course will emphasize the nature of creativity. Participants will explore the nature of early humans, the emergence of art, various theories about the creation of cave art, the practice of shamanism, and the neuropsychological aspects of altered states. (She has taught versions of this course in Australia and the U.S.)

Participants will visit several caves and enjoy what she calls " the beautiful countryside around La Toulzanie." There will be opportunities for participants to work in a leisurely manner on their own creative projects, particularly writing.  CEU's for psychologists and MFT's are available.

Photo (at left) depicts Adrienne and Doug in the Lot when they co-taught a course in 2005.





June 26 -- July 3 -- 2 workshops

 
(1) A TASTE OF TEXTILES

photo of Maureen Newman
Facilitator: Maureen ("Mo") Newman studied arts & crafts (specializing in Textiles) at Endsleigh College in England and earned a certficate at Hull University. For over a decade, she was  a headteacher in Zmbabwe, a member of various spinning and weaving groups both in England and France, an exhibitor throughout Europe, and an impassioned teacher of textiles (leading many workshops). She now lives in southwest France.with her hausband, Mark.

Mo notes the following: "There are many and varied skills in textiles, all of which date far back in history. This course/workshop offers "tasters" a few  skills which will enable them to explore the possibilities of art-textiles, while creating finished decorative pieces.
 
Each session can be enjoyed by complete beginners who will learn the basics.. Tthose with textile experience will work at their own levels;   the ideas can be taken to quite detailed levels of complexity. Working in small groups, the activities are fun to do and give a great sense of achievement!

Each session is a discrete element,  but the week is designed for participants to build on the skills and experiences as  they go

Here is a brief rundown of the workshop day-by-day:
 
Sunday: Design using fibres & yarns
Introductory session in basic design using the medium of fibres/yarns. Aa chance to look at some finished examples of the work to be covered.Make a yarn of your own by spinning from prepared fleece. Great fun, as you make your own spindle first! Through the week, this can be practiscd,  and then a participant's yarns can be integrated in  his/her art-textiles.
 
Monday: Decorative Silk Pots
Mmaking a silk & yarn decorative tea-light/photoholder; dishes for holding jewelry, pins, etc.
 
Tuesday:  Creating a felted image
Working with Merino wool tops with embellishment with other fibres and yarns etc, to create a felted picture.
 
Thursday & Friday: Weaving on Wood
The ability to weave practical and beautiful materials has been one of the most important skills ever developed. Iits endless possibilities continue to be expanded whether for domestic use or  for the wider uses (e.g., industry). In these 2 days, participants will learn basic tapestry-weaving skills that are used to create decorative and individual sculptures or tableaux.  A natural piece of wood becomes a  participant's  loom - a rather noisy fun start, with quieter concentration to follow.



 (2) A TASTE OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE


photo of E. Barbara PhillipsAfternoons( mainly). Instructors:E. Barbara Phillips,  Professor Emerita of Sociology & Urban Studies, San Francisco State University,  and local historians, artisans, producers, castle-owners.

Discover culinary/social history of  Quercy in southwest France (emphasis: the Department of Lot; Cahors remains its capital) via visits/discussions with farmers and artisans who continue to produce gastronomic specialities in  traditional ways. "Cazelles" (shepherds'  drystone huts), "pigeonniers" (dovecotes) & other Quercynois architectural gems will  be pointed out. Guided tours of a Renaissance (and earlier) castle and the beautiful, artsy medieval village of St. Cirq Lapopie . Special visit to the 25,000 (at least) year-old cave paintings in nearby Pech-Merle (not a facsimile; rated 3 stars by Michelin).  Explore connections between food, family life, & national identity.

Notes: (1) The Lot is a leading producer of foie gras in the world. But, no "gavage" (the forced feeding of geese or ducks) is included here. If you wish to see this practice, we can arrange a visit to a duck farm.  (2) The Lot is also a big truffle producer, but the truffle markets are held locally in winter. Chef/bistro owner Todd Kniess of the Bistro Liaison in Berkeley will  host a truffle-hunting trip in Winter, 2010 if you wish to enjoy this "black gold" treasure and see how they are hunted. In summer, alas, the truffle hunts are over and so are the local truffle markets. There is a nearby truffle museum, however, and a trip there can be easily arranged.



Typical schedule: 

Saturday
 Arrive at Latitude between 4-6 p.m. Welcome Dinner in the mill at 8 p.m.

Sun a.m.

Buy or just enjoy/experience local produce at nearby market at Limogne. After lunch: talk about food & national identity. Free evening.

Mon

 Morning:  Visit the 25,000year-old cave paintings at Pech-Merle (not a facsimile!). Free afternoon after lunch. Dinner at 8.

Tues

Guided tour, the Michelin-starred Chateau of Cenévières.Lunch. Free afternoon. Dinner at 8.

Wed

Free day (only breakfast served at Latitude)

Thur

Visit a goat farm and see how goat cheese is made;.walking tour of  a medieval  town.

Fri

After lunch:  Visit St. Cirq Lapopie, a nearby, preserved medieval village, and architectural gems (pigeonniers, cazelles, bread ovens, etc.)


(Return to Home Page)