As a nation, with a lot of European stock, America has always found it comfortable to look across the Atlantic for its influence, but with the demographic shift, Internet age, mass travel and other exposure to larger portions of the world, I would hope the curious would be venturing past the familiar to more exotic fare.
This issue was meant to do just that. Inspire the reader to a wider vision of art introducing the less known Asian, Latin American and African centers, but alas, Europe and to a lesser extent America, dominated the submissions.
So from Great Art Centers, we shift focus to Western Art Centers in deference to the travel opportunities available. While a few of our Hosts, go beyond the village boundary and offer new ideas and opportunities, Japan, India and the Middle East for example, most included in this issue are closer to the western heart.
Please don't misunderstand me. European art has always been a major influence in my life, especially the Italian Renaissance. I am a Europhile from start to finish. It is in the blood and in the learning. Western Civilization, the main stay of the American educational system, is based on a Euro-centric point-of-view. The great "Masters" Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Turner, Gainsborough, Monet and 100's I can't even name as well as the authors and composers celebrated as Culturally influential, are all European.
So why the disappointment? Simply the fact that I always want to provide a well rounded International perspective for our issues. Encouraging the reader to probe beyond the familiar by providing an educational experience rather than just an entertaining one. Perhaps if we all knew, and cared, more about what makes the "other" tick, we'd have a happier, safer world today.
This month's tour hosts review:
Location: Worldwide
Specialty: Museum quality expert lecturers
Why We Like Them:With over 60 different optionsThe Traveller’s tours include; Arts & Architecture of Gujarat & South Rajasthan, St. Petersburg & the Romanovs, Classical Greece: World of Herodotus & Thucydides as well as three Leonardo inspired itineraries— in both Italy and England. Their “Taste of” series, offer short 4-5 day journeys to a dozen locations that allow the traveler to sample new destinations. These programs can be easily extended for individual exploration. Accompanied by both specialist lectures and a tour manager, The Traveller is sure to provide the trip of a lifetime for the culturally curious.
Specialty: Art, history and culinary small group tours
Why We Like Them:Led by the husband and wife team of Pam Mercer and Sam Hilt, their tours offer a great combination of pre-viewing enlightenment and post-viewing discussion. It doesn’t hurt that Sam is a PhDin Renaissance Studies! Their detailed knowledge of Tuscany, their adopted home, assures that you’ll get the most up-to-the-minute information and the small tour size allows for last minutechanges to take advantage of any unexpected opportunity.
Article: The Panel Competition — Origins of the Florentine Renaissance
The Institute of Design and Culture
Location: Rome, Italy
Specialty: Private City Courses
Why We Like Them:Rome as the ultimate classroom. Designed to immerse the traveler in a specific topic of Roman history, ancient or contemporary, this experience goes way beyond the common tour. Led by experts, choose from a course in one of their prearranged departments such as: All that Glitters, Body Politics, Past Perfect and Mangia, Mangia or create a custom designed course geared to your specific interests. For an in-depth study of any of Rome's fascinating aspects, I haven’t discovered a better company to satisfy a hungry mind.
Article: The Baroque Reloaded in Rome
French Links Tours
Location: Paris, France
Specialty: Private guided tours around Paris
Why We Like Them: Whether you are looking to explore the haunts of famous artists and writers, the best shopping and culinary treats, or discover the best little museums in the city, Rachel Kaplan and her guides can show you the many faces of Paris. Such tours as Artistic Paris at the Musee d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and the Marmottan Museum, Parisian Art Nouveau Tour, Paris Through the Middle Ages, and an Architectural Paris Tour are just a few of the many offerings available.
Why We Like Them: Offering tours to over a dozen countries, Specialtours Ltd has been designing tailor-made itineraries with exclusive private visits since 1967. Well respected for arranging art-orientated tours, they have created tours for many museums groups. In addition, the independent traveler can join one of their many scheduled departures. Trips scheduled for 2006 include; Rembrandt 400, Art Collections in Switzerland, the art centers of Dresden & Berlin, Connoisseurs' Prague and Japan— Land of the Rising Sun, just to name a few.
Specialty: Incoming travel planners for groups and individuals
Why We Like Them: Based in Malaga, they offer a selection of one day journeys around Andalucia. Whether your needs are for a day or week, they design custom made to measure packages. They can help you book scheduled day tours all around Spain, create a custom led group tour, or arrange independent fly/drive packages. Whether your needs are big or small or you aren’t quite sure just what you require, Spain Direct can help plan your trip and offer ideas for every budget and design.
Specialty: Introductions to artists and locals as well as day tours
Why We Like Them: By getting to know a Parisian in their own den, cross-cultural interaction enlightens both participants and allows the traveler to see behind the veil. An interesting way to meet locals with similar interests is to enjoy a meal hosted at their home. Choose from a wide selection of hosts with similar interests or meet artists in their workshop and get to know the city and her inhabitants first hand. The company also provides a selection of day trips to round out your experiences.
Article: Impressionism, a lively experience in Paris
