Artista

It's not often that as women we take time to flex our creative muscle or expand our repertoire of activities that nurture the soul.  Smart gal and entrepreneur, Bev Sanders understood that women want both physical and artistic outlets and set about to design programs to do just that. After her first venture, surf camps for women, became a terrific success she began to explore other venues of learning and expression. She came up with Artista, a series of art focused workshops hosted in Carmel-by the Sea.

This past July, a friend and I took off on one of Artista's safaris -- a three day supercharger of buoyant energy and sensational expression painted in the medium of acrylics. Intuitive abstract painting, it's whatever you want it to be so there's no stress of still life precision or restrictive techniques that take years to learn.  Guided by noted artist Lauryn Taylor, the studio time was a playful yet earnest display of color, experimentation and personal style.  In short order I was amazed to see pieces suitable for framing.

The Artista team runs a top-notch program flawlessly executed from the first contact with reservations to the careful packing of finished pieces to ship home.  (Other program offerings include print making, encaustic painting and collage.)  And the best part is a well thought-out schedule that allows time for leisurely lunches, shopping, yoga classes, massage sessions, and private gallery appointments.

So next time you're thinking about a "me" getaway, do something creative -- call a friend and book a safari with Artista. www.artistacreative.com Don't forget to tell them you heard about it on Good News Girlz.