The Gang's All Here!
My husband Allen and I just returned home from a trip to the Czech Republic where I was a teacher at Petra Nemravova's Fimohrani Event in Prague. It was a mind blowing trip in the most beautiful city I've ever seen. I had heard much the same from others who have visited there, but only seeing it for yourself can do it justice. Out of over 2000 photos, I've posted some of my favorites here and in the Prague 2011 album on the blog. We had the chance to visit the Easter fair in Old Town Square, where we bought local crafts and even made some friends with the artists there. One egg vendor kept plying us with their homemade "moonshine!" Further explorations took us through the oldest Jewish Cemetery in Europe and area museums.
Prague Castle
Our tour of Prague Castle left us surprised when low and behold, the Czech Republic's president Vaclav Klause, drove right by us (literally about 20 feet away at one point) in one of the courtyards. We knew something was up when several police officers suddenly appeared, but no attempt was made to push us back, but only a sharp eye being kept on the tourists standing near by. Like that would ever happen in the U.S.!
Sgraffito Villa Exterior
Along with the prevalence of the Art Deco architecture, were the medieval buildings that are beautifully preserved. Among my favorites were the ones decorated with Sgraffito (the art of etching or carving through contrasting layers of stucco or other materials to form designs) and a building outside of Prague Castle with Trompe L'oeil windows which were added to avoid paying window taxes hundreds of years ago.
You couldn't turn around in this city without seeing something that would take your breath away from architecture to art. Even the modern buildings like the Dancing House by architect Frank Gehry was amazing. It was directly across from one of our hotel while in Prague and so much fun to see outside our window.
Above Left - Trompe L'oeil Windows, Right - The Dancing House
We left the city one day to visit the village where Allen's grandfather emigrated from, Uhersky Ostroh; nearly 4 hours Southeast of Prague. We stopped at a grocery store on the way, only to come out and see two identical cars to our rental, parked in a row. Needless to say we were confused, but picked the correct car on only the second try!
Which Skoda was ours?
The drive through the country side was breathtaking. The perfect way to spend a blustery day and rest our feet from the miles we logged in Prague the day before. We even saw a few castles from the road. Allen and I found the row house that belonged to his Great Grandfather, but we found that it was no longer occupied by relatives.
Old Town Square, Prague
After several amazing days walking the city (the blisters were worth it!), we moved to a suburb of Prague in an historic hotel that was once part of the barn, stables and granary of the nearby castle. This is also where nearly 70 participants gathered for three days of classes with the amazing artists: Carol Blackburn, Christine Dumont, and myself. Some of the students hailed from other countries including Germany and Austria, but most were from the Czech Republic. Each and every one of the participants (including one Polymer Prince - Jan) were absolutely delightful to work with. Even with a language barrier for some of us, we shared tons of laughs and heartfelt moments. My favorite, being gifted along with Carol and Christine, with a gorgeous and huge strand of beads made by all the students. What a treasure! I hope to upload a photo of this to the blog vey soon.
Petra and her family were incredibly organized and gracious making sure no one wanted for a thing. They catered delicious meals and snacks throughout in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
I was lucky enough to be gifted with several books written by participants, including the talented Petra herself. While I can't read Czech, some things transcend translation. The same was true in the classes. I couldn't have done it though without the wonderful translators that Petra supplied each of us. My eternal thanks goes out to new friends Eva (from day 1), Lucie (from day 2, my fellow Swarovski Fan) and Eva (from day 3).
One Class' Pinwheels getting ready to bake for Spinner Rings
I taught kinetic construction with an emphasis on making rings using my "Smoosh Cane." Each and every student brought their own unique style to their project. The best part was the inspiration I gained from their designs. I'm still reeling with delight from my time in this lovely country. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
We visited Prague a couple of years ago (December 2009)for the Christmas Market - what a beautiful place it is. Thanks for the reminder.
Those spinners look gorgeous - wish I had had the opportunity to take a class with you. Anything in the pipeline for England?
Posted by: Neet | April 24, 2011 at 01:44 AM