Explore the World with Judy!

During an Artistic Artifacts Travel Creative Retreat with Judy Gula, enjoy a vacation filled with art classes, tours, wonderful cuisine and more! Explore exciting international destinations as you learn new creative techniques, witness handcrafted products being manufactured in behind the scene visits to local factories and studios, partake in private tours of local historic sites, museums — and so much more!

• Booking now! The 2025 Cultural And Textile Tour Of Kerala with Judy Gula, February 14–March 1 — learn more below. There’s still time to join this exciting excursion!

Registration is now open for our 4-day Creative Minds Summit on April 24–27, 2025. Our mixed media retreat will take place at our shop in Alexandria, VA, with Artistic Artifacts owner Judy Gula joined by Julie Booth, Kecia Deveney and Leighanna Light. Stay connected via our newsletter for the latest news on all special events!

February 14 – March 1, 2025 Cultural And Textile Tour Of Kerala

Join Judy for the Cultural And Textile Tour Of Kerala, February 14 – March 1, 2025. Arranged through Aahilya Holidays, you will enjoy Kerala's rich cultural heritage, reflected in its architecture, dance forms, music, and cuisine. Known for its traditional textiles — the famous Kasavu sarees and mundus (cotton with intricate gold borders), Kalamkari, (hand-painted cotton or silk) and more — you’ll explore this India state's various cities, towns, and villages to learn about its unique art forms, crafts, and textiles. Some of the must-visit places in Kerala include Fort Kochi (colonial architecture and vibrant art scene), the hill station of Munnar (tea plantations and scenic beauty).

Highlights of this Cultural And Textile Tour Of Kerala:

• Eco-dyeing workshop
• Shibori workshop
• Batik workshop
• Block printing workshop
• Visit Kathakali dance performance
• Explore the Fort Kochi
• Visit to tea gardens and tea factory
• Visit khadi weaving centre
• Visit to traditional Kerala saree weaving centre
• Experience the boat cruise at the Alleppey backwaters

Visit Aahilya Holidays for a detailed itinerary and complete information and join Judy on this exciting opportunity!

Italy Creative Retreat — Creating a Sense of Place in 2025

Judy will return to Ischia di Castro in Northern Italy on September 6–13, 2025 — mark your calendars and start planning! We have a dedicated studio space in town, fully stocked for your fiber and mixed media adventure. All art supplies are provided for your morning classes, and afternoons you’ll explore historical and art-filled towns and venues.

Artistic Artifacts works with Lewis Gautieri of Italian Cultural Tours to bring this one of a kind trip to you: contact Lewis with any questions.

Ischia di Castro, located approximately 55 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Rome in the northernmost area of Lazio. Rich in history, it is strategically located to many fascinating cities, historic archaeological sites such as the ancient Etruscan city of Castro, and bodies of water. Lewis Gautieri offers you assistance and personalized attention and is happy to assist you with flight recommendations, customized tours, spouse activities, extended stay options and more.

Above, Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo (translates to Sacred Grove or Sacred Wood and is known as The Park of the Monsters), located near the town of the same name, Bomarzo, in the province of Viterbo. This is a popular tour during our Italian Creative Retreat!

Panorama photograph by Shadow Fixing - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link