ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFO

Today I'd like to focus on our program on the island of Bali. Many people recognize Bali as Indonesia's premier vacation spot; that "island paradise" of white sand beaches and tropical jungles. ARTIS recognizes Bali as more than an inexpensive holiday retreat and structures its study program to provide the serious student and artist an opportunity to encounter this unique society and its culture through an exchange between themselves and the Balinese people.

To encourage you to seriously consider Bali as an ideal location for study abroad, I would like to share with you some of my impressions from this summer's three week program. As an artist I was overwhelmed by the natural beauty of Bali. I was prepared for the tropical jungles with the banana trees, the papaya trees and the palm trees. I even had a pretty good idea of how amazing the terraced rice paddies would look as they contoured around the hills and volcanos. But what took me by surprise was the overwhelming beauty of the Balinese people and the simplicity of their functional society. Not only were the people themselves extremely attractive physically (I've never seen more gorgeous children!) but their life-style and religious practices were in a class by themselves. Because of the unique blend of Indian Hinduism, Chinese Buddhism and Aboriginal Animism, the Balinese of today live in a world rich in ceremonies, rituals and mythologies. Daily customs, not to be hidden away in the temples, were a public and open expression of beliefs.

To maintain a culturally sensitive experience the ARTIS program is located in the main artists village of Ubud. Being located in the cultural center and away from the touristic coastal resorts provides opportunities for our participants to experience an in-depth exchange of ideas and values not available to the average tourist. The program begins with language classes and lectures on Balinese customs during our orientation period. This allows the student ready access to understand and communicate with the local Balinese.

To explain the relationship between religion and theater, a field trip to the family compound of a high priest (the only one allowed to carve ceremonial masks) for afternoon tea and demonstrations in mask carving is conducted. Additional classes in wood and mask carving, as taught by master craftsmen, are offered as part of the curriculum in the ARTIS program. Other visual art classes available are Asian landscape painting in acrylic. This well established artist's studio is situated in the midst of beautiful rice fields outside of Ubud. Ideally located, the afternoon classes are refreshing and inspiring for students and professors alike.

Because of the rich tradition of costumes and religious garments for dance and ceremonies, batik classes are offered. Traditionally used in textile, batik is now seen as a media for painting as well. This private studio situated in a family compound is located in the heart of Ubud and allows the student an insiders view into the life of a Balinese artist. Close "one on one" instruction allows even the novice to create beautiful works of art. An important part of the ARTIS program is to introduce the students to Balinese dance and theater. These visually stimulating art forms are world famous and a "must see" for any visual artist. Dance costumes incorporate elaborate use of weaving, batik, screenprinting, mask carving and face painting. The awe inspiring actors perform/dance to gamelan music and weave such a captivating experience that the audience is soon seduced into an overwhelming appreciation of the dancers' skills. To help in understanding the relationship between the gamelan music and theater performance, workshops are arranged where students can practice the fundamentals of gamelan music.

No ARTIS international program is complete without our hallmark tours and excursions, and Bali is no exception. Daily field trips to such places as: Puri Lukisan, Neka Gallery and Agung Rai, (Ubuds major art museums) Pengoseken Village, home of basket makers, North Bali to see the temples of Menqwi and Ulu Danu, the hall of justice in Klung Kung, aboriginal villages, private dance performances and much more.

I believe that the ARTIS program into Bali can be an important and life changing experience for anyone who wants to stop and take the time to smell the roses. I feel the inspiration and visual stimulation to be had is on a par with any Western art capital, therefore I highly encourage professionals and students to consider Bali as a study abroad option.