ABOUT BALI
Bali is only one of more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia--the fourth most populous nation in the world. But this island, currently enjoying an Artistic Renaissance, must be one of the world's loveliest, rich in dramatic scenery, ancient temples, and graceful people. It is a paradise for the fortunate photographer, especially since the local people, with very few exceptions, are happy to be photographed when asked.

Bali remains one of the few places in the world where the traveler can explore and discover untouched places and witness authentic rituals that have not diminished with the passing of time. Every back road is a gateway to the heart of the Balinese people.

On Melasti Festival Day, Balinese in vibrant costume island-wide march in procession to the sea, purifying themselves and their sacred objects. Carrying banners, ceremonial umbrellas and with incense and offerings piled high on the heads of graceful Balinese women, it is a truly lovely spectacle. We travel to the sea to watch two processions of hundreds of Balinese, culminating with the Priests and Priestesses in trance. During the next major festival, Mecaru, Balinese cleans their homes of past indiscretions, before retiring to the main streets for fireworks, walking Gamelan orchestras, and processions of giant demonic puppets, created to frighten the low spirits from the island in preparation for New Years day: Hari Raya Nyepi. A day for meditation and contemplation. Everyone must be quiet. No one can work, light a fire, cook, or leave their home. There will be limited service and food available at your comfortable, quiet accommodation, and you may use the pool and grounds.

THE WORKSHOP
This workshop will assist photographers in exploring the visually and culturally rich environment of the Balinese celebrations of the New Year (Nyepi). Participants will immerse themselves into the real lives of Balinese villagers: working, living, preparing offerings, and performing the joyous religious ceremonies. They will approach this event from a perspective that interests them: as narrative (you will try to connect with, and follow, one individual family for the entire week), as portraiture, or as cultural environmental photography (as seen in National Geographic).

The staff will give logistical support and language/cultural translation, with George and Beata focusing on giving individual attention to each participant, to enable them to hone their craft, think through their project, and define their vision, in order to grow on their own personal terms. We will follow a digital workflow, to expedite the editing and critique of all photos, and will produce a gallery show, to be hung at the end of the stay in Bali. This show will also showcase the work of Indonesian photographers, with an exchange of ideas, and the donation of the final prints to a local foundation, working for the preservation of native culture.

After spending the first week in Ubud, Bali's cultural center, the second week offers you time to explore the island in a guided tour that offers the best of Bali¬πs natural wonders, exploring the mountainous interior as well as the beaches and tropical waters.

"SACRED BALI: FESTIVALS OF LIFE" WWA's newest Travels with Artists photographic workshop, is designed to inspire and motivate photographers working with people and the social landscape. Participants should be self-directed, fluent in their camera technique, and travel with their own laptop. Individual consultation will be provided in portfolio review, personal style development, digital capture, editing, enhancing, and archiving.

THE AGENDA

WORKSHOP & TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Itinerary may change subject to unplanned opportunities. There is a good chance you will also be able to attend a cremation ceremony. Although no one is required to attend all activities, there will be no refunds for missed activities. Anyone who leaves the tour at any time, for any reason, is on their own.

TRIP COST INCLUDES: $2295.00

• 11 nights of village accommodations in Ubud, the cultural center of Bali.
• 1 night's accommodation at Jimbaran Beach.
• 1 night's accommodation at Candi Dasa Beach.
• 10 workshops in photogrphy
• 3 full-day, and 1 1/2 day island tour excursions to classic temples, secluded beaches, museums, remote villages, ancient sites, terraced rice fields, nature reserves, homes and studios of artists and crafts people.
• 2 excursions to authentic rituals and ceremonies.
• 3 performances by nationally acclaimed dance and Gamelan performing groups.
• Introductory classes in basic Indonesian and seminars in customs and culture, religion, sacred masks, history, rites of passage, etc.
• Breakfast every day and farewell dinner.
• Services of guides.
• Plus free time for exploring, shopping and relaxing. .

CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TRIP COST AND FEES: The trip price $2295.00 per person is based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath. Full breakfast, excursions listed in the itinerary, classes, services of Balinese and USA guide, several orientation and language sessions. Minimum 8. Maximum 15 participants.
AIRLINE INFORMATION: Many major carriers fly to Bali including Singapore, Cathay, Japan, Malaysia, Korean, Continental, Thai and Quantas. You are traveling in high season however, so we urge you to book early, especially if you plan to use frequent flyer miles. For assistance with an agent who specializes in Bali, call Wendy Simon at 1-800-435-9463. On arrival, you will need to book at the regulated taxi station from the airport to hotel and return.
ACCOMMODATIONS: All accommodations are based on two persons sharing a twin bedded room with private, western-style bath. Single supplement available for $199.00.
ROOMMATES: Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a share basis and will be assigned a roommate as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $199.00.
MEALS: Full American Breakfast daily. One fresh fish dinner. Although meals are not included in the trip, we do organize some group meals at the start of the trip to familiarize you with local dishes and acquaint you with our favorite, cost-friendly restaurants.
SIGHTSEEING AND EXCURSIONS: All sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary will be carried out by air conditioned motor coach. All admission fees are included.
TIPS AND TAXES: Tipping is not customary in Indonesia, except in western-style hotels where service is charged. Optional gift will be collected for drivers and bungalow staff at the end on the stay.
PASSPORT, VISA AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: A passport, valid six months from date of entry to any country visited with proof of onward transportation. An Indonesian visa valid for 4 weeks will be given on arrival with $25.00 fee. Those wishing to stay longer should apply for a 60 day visda from any Indonesian Consulate. No inoculations are presently required or suggested.

ORGANIZERS/ LEADERS: Judy Slattum MFA has been organizing and leading study tours to Bali for 24 years after first visiting the island on sabbatical to study mask dance in 1978. Six months later she returned with the first of many unique travel/learning experiences. Judy has published many articles on Balinese culture and her book, Masks of Bali;Spirits of an Ancient Drama was released by Chronicle Books in 1992, has been featured in Time Magazine and sold over 17,000 copies, and was reprinted by Periplus Editions in Sept. 2003. Her museum exhibition on Balinese Masks toured the USA as part of the Festival of Indonesia for 5 years and has now relocated to Bali.

PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTORS
Beata Bernina, born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, studied music and photography in Boston, before returning to work as a magazine photographer in Jakarta. On her second visit to Boston, she entered into a working and life relationship with George Simian, culminating in their marriage in 1995. Currently living in Santa Monica, CA, Beata is involved in teaching photography, to disadvantaged youth in the US, and to a group of Indonesian weavers, in the Eastern Indonesian islands. She is also pursuing personal fine art photography projects. Her work can be seen at www.beatabernina.com
George Simian, born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, began his career while in college, making documentary photographs, and teaching. Turning to commercial work, over the next 25 years he illustrated over 200 corporate Annual Reports, making images of real people, on location - recognized with numerous Mead and AR100 awards. After working primarily with medium-format film, George has been capturing images digitally for the past four years, and developed considerable expertise in digital workflow and color management. Still involved in education, George helped launch the Center for Digital Imaging Arts in Boston, before relocating to Los Angeles, where he is teaching at the UCLA Extension and the Julia Dean Photo Workshops. His work can be seen at www.georgesimian.com.