IRELAND Rhythm & Light Workshop
Burren College of Art
Ballyvaughn, County Clare, Ireland
MAY 13 – 20, 2023
A unique week-long painting retreat to immerse in learning how to draw, compose and write your own icon using the Byzantine System and the tetrachrome (four color) palette in egg tempera with master Greek iconographer Dr. George Kordis — and to soak up the unparalleled beauty of this inspirational corner of Ireland.
Good for both beginners or those with more experience, George Kordis will teach his own artistic approach through in-depth demonstrations and detailed exercises in the art, expression and language of the icon using the principles and rhythm of the Byzantine system as a strong foundation for creating beautiful Christian icons.
Along with the daily hands-on creative sessions, there will be short lectures and other visual inspiration and insight addressing iconography, creativity, icon history, theology and always good conversation and friendship over meals.
Held in the area of the Burren, a natural geographical oasis known for its beauty and unique ecosystem, the Burren College of Art is an internationally-recognized art college and landmark on the West Coast of Ireland. Not far from Galway, just off the Atlantic and near the Cliffs of Moher, the college itself is nestled in the ancient village of Ballyvaughan, which is planted in the rugged landscape of the Burren itself.
Nestled on the grounds of a restored 16th-century castle, the Burren College of Art is a unique blend of ancient stone landmarks and modern art studios, on-site lodging, and an artisan bakery/cafe to accompany the immersive daily studio learning with Dr. Kordis — the perfect inspirational place for our retreat-style program to come to life.
We will be painting the icon of St. Brendan the Navigator during the workshop.
Limited to 15 students.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO AGENDA AND REGISTRATION DETAIL
Short video of the Burren College of Art facility:
DAILY AGENDA
Saturday, May 13 – Arrival Day
Arrive into Shannon International Airport –
Choose to either be picked up at 10:30am from the airport or 11am at the Old Grounds Hotel in Ennis where you can taxi to from the airport if you arrive much earlier (many flights from the U.S. arrive early morning) and partake of breakfast at the Old Grounds Hotel. (https://www.oldgroundhotelennis.com).
Group Bus transport to Ballyvaughan – 40 minutes from Ennis, 60 minutes from the airport.
Arrive, drop off bags at Burren College of Art lodging and explore Ballyvaughan Farmers Market (10 to 2pm), enjoy lunch with fellow students (or on your own) and return to our lodging at the Burren College of Art anytime after 3pm for lodging check-in.
Settle into housing with Tea time at 4pm.
Free time
Catered dinner on-site at BCA housing
Evening discussion
Rest
Sunday, May 14
9am Full breakfast
10am Leisurely walk to the Burren College of Art Campus for set up for workshop for those who wish
Students are welcome to attend Catholic mass at St. John’s in Ballyvaughan at 11am, explore the grounds of the BCA, relax or sleep in.
1pm bus to The Burren Perfumery: https://burrenperfumery.com
Lunch at the Perfumery Cafe
3pm return to BCA Lodging
3 to 5pm Iconography discussion, drawing exercises & tea (may be held at castle)
Free time
Group Dinner at the Wildflower Restaurant, Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan.
Rest
Monday, May 15
Simple self-serve Breakfast
9am shuttle to BCA
9:30am Welcome talk with Mary Hawkes-Greene, President of BCA
Studio Work
12:30pm Lunch at the BCA Cafe
Studio Work
5pm – Shuttle transfer back to BCA lodging
Free time
Catered dinner on-site at BCA lodging
Rest
Tuesday, May 16
Simple self-serve Breakfast
9am shuttle to BCA
Studio Work
12:30pm Lunch at the BCA Cafe
Studio Work
5pm – Shuttle transfer back to BCA lodging in the village
Free time
Group dinner at Monks Ballyvaughan
Rest or evening group trip to Ballyvaughan
Wednesday, May 17
Hearty breakfast
Bus pick up for a guided coach tour of the Burren
Visits to historical & geological sites (to include Poulnabrone, Dolmen, Lemanah Castle, Kilfenora High Crosses, and Cliffs of Moher
(lunch out)
Return by 5-6pm
Catered dinner on-site at BCA housing
Rest
Thursday, May 18
Simple self-serve Breakfast
9am shuttle to BCA
Studio Work
12:30pm Lunch at the BCA Cafe
Studio Work
5pm – Shuttle transfer back to BCA lodging in the village
Free time
Dinner on your own (or with fellow students)
Rest
Friday, May 19
Simple self-serve Breakfast
9am shuttle to BCA
Studio Work
12:30pm Lunch at the BCA Cafe
Studio Work independently or hike the Burren
5pm – Shuttle transfer back to BCA lodging in the village
Free time
Final group dinner at the Wildflower Restaurant, Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan.
Rest
Saturday, May 20 — Departure Day
Full Early Breakfast
Check out
10am Transfer by bus to Shannon Airport
11am arrive to Airport
Travel home or onwards to explore more of Ireland
COST:
This experience is being offered at an all inclusive price of $1,850. per person
TO INCLUDE:
- TUITION ($850.00)
- Materials of pigments, paper and board (except for brushes)
- Lodging (private en suite single room) https://www.burrencollege.ie/facilities/accommodation/
- Round trip bus transfers from Shannon Airport
- Van shuttles to and from the BCA daily
- Transport to and from Ballyvaughan on group restaurant nights
- Touring transport on 5/17
- All Entrance fees to Cliffs of Moher and Perfumery Tour
- MEALS
- Breakfasts (except arrival day, 5/13)
- Lunches (except arrival day 5/13)
- Dinners (except 5/18)
Irish Nationals are offered a special discount of $100 plus another $100 if arriving by their own car and do not need the airport shuttle or taxi transports.
Please contact Keri at info.writingthelight@gmail.com after filling out the registration information if you prefer to stay in alternative housing – we will only have several slots open for this option (discounted cost of inclusive price) which you would need to book independently.
Additional: One family member is allowed to join and share your BCA room for a discounted inclusive price of $950 additional per person (to include room, meals and all other fees as described above but without tuition).
TO REGISTER:
Please fill out the basic form (through the red registration button at the top of this page) and we will email you with the next steps.
All payments will be billed through PayPal by Cinnabar, a part of Iconography Today. A non-refundable $400 deposit will hold your spot. The remaining fee will then be made in two installments: 1) on October 1st, 2022; and 2) on January 3rd, 2023 when the full remainder will be billed. Alternative payment plans can be discussed by contacting Keri at info.writingthelight@gmail.com.
Please note that should you need to withdraw, we will refund your balance minus the deposit amount until January 15th, and allow your deposit to be applied to a future workshop or used as credit if desired.
Please see below for changes made after January 15th, 2023.
REGARDING REGISTRATION & REFUND POLICY
- The $400 US Dollar deposit is non-refundable, but transferable (or held as credit) if notified prior to January 15, 2022.
- Should you need to cancel attendance, you will receive a refund for any balance paid minus the deposit with the deposit turning into usable credit towards other programs of Iconography Today if we are notified prior to January 15th, 2023. If you cancel your attendance after January 15th, 2023 you will forfeit your deposit, and will only be refunded your remaining amount paid. If you cancel after March 15th, 2023 you will also incur an additional a $200 penalty or you may also choose to apply the unused tuition and deposit as credit towards another future workshop so you will not lose your full investment if you have to withdraw at the last minute (the penalty in the amount of $200 will still apply to your total).
We will work as generously as possible with students experiencing pandemic-related or health-related travel issues, handled on a case-by-case basis. We understand there are many factors beyond our control with travel in today’s world, and we ask that you continue to be up-to-date with all travel restrictions while traveling abroad.
We hope to have you join us for this rare opportunity to learn iconography from master George Kordis in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Ireland ~🍀🍀🍀
NOTE: IF YOU REGISTER AND DO NOT RECEIVE AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER WITHIN 24 HOURS, Please email Keri at info.writingthelight@gmail.com and/or check your spam folder as sometimes our letters and invoices go directly to spam.
Thank you!
