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! Stay connected via our newsletter for the latest news on all special events!
- Textile Journey of Indonesia in June 2026 is SOLD OUT.
- Our Fall 2026 mixed media retreat in Ischia di Castro in Northern Italy is SOLD OUT— learn more below and plan to join Judy in 2027.
- Just added: Textile, Craft & Cultural Journey of Uzbekistan with Judy Gula: October 17 – November 1, 2027 — learn more below
- For more information on classes and special events at our shop in Alexandria, VA. Visit our Workshops & Events page »
SOLD OUT: Textile Journey of Indonesia June 1-15
The enchanting land of Indonesia is a beautiful destination, where cultural wonders and natural beauty intertwine. In addition to the intricate art of Batik and Ikat, Indonesia is also home to a wide variety of other traditional textiles, such as songket, tenun, and tapis, all made using different techniques and materials and each with their own unique beauty. Encompassing Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali and Ubud, this is a dream getaway with Aahilya Holidays: www.aahilyaholidays.com
SOLD OUT: Italy Creative Retreat September 5-13
Judy returns to Ischia di Castro in Northern Italy in 2026 on September 5–13 — while this event is sold out, start planning ahead to join her in 2027 (dates will be announced soon. 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. Download an example itinerary of the weeklong tour »
Artistic Artifacts works with Lewis Gautieri of Italian Cultural Tours to bring this one of a kind trip to you. Contact Lewis with questions. and to let him know you are interested in a future trip! You may also call Italian Cultural Tours: US (202) 246-3570 or IT (+39) 340 869 3991. “This trip of a lifetime has limited space and we would love to have you join us! Enjoy living like (and amongst) a local. Participate in local customs, food, wine other regional delights while enjoying your own apartment or BNB in the center of Ischia di Castro, a Medieval village from the 1500's.” Lewis shares. “Participate in Judy's custom designed workshop, incorporating the local flavor into your project and enjoy guided tours of some of the most authentic Medieval villages on the planet. You will be well cared for from the beginning to the end, creating memories of a lifetime — several guests have enjoyed the trip more than once!”
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.
October 17–November 1, 2027: Uzbekistan
With friendly locals, affordable prices, and a rich cultural heritage, Uzbekistan is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and food. Booking now: A Textile, Craft & Cultural Journey of Uzbekistan with Judy Gula with Aahilya Holidays!
Uzbekistan is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It was once an important stop on the Silk Road, and its cities are still home to some of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Pictured above is The Hazrati Imam complex, an architectural monument dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, located in Tashkent and constructed near the grave of Hazrati Imam, the first imam-khatib of Tashkent, a scholar, preacher, poet and an artist.
Uzbekistan is also known for its delicious cuisine, which blends influences from Russia, China, and the Middle East. Visitors can try traditional dishes like plov (rice pilaf with meat and vegetables), lagman (noodle soup), and shashlik (grilled meat).
Highlights of the tour include:
- Join workshops on block printing, ceramics, and embroidery
- Take cooking classes for somsa, manty, and plov (rice pilaf with meat and vegetables)
- Visit museums, including the Museum of Applied Arts
- Explore a silk factory and see traditional textile making
- Meet master artisans in Gijduvan, Rishtan, and Tashkent
- Discover Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand — these ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with stunning mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums that date back to the 9th century
- See famous landmarks like Lyab-i Hauz, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa, Kalon Minaret, and Ulugh Beg Madrasa
- Explore mosques, madrasas, minarets, markets, and local Islamic culture
Visit Aahilya Holidays to learn more about this exciting trip and to book your tour to accompany Judy on this Textile, Craft & Cultural Journey of Uzbekistan!
Join Judy on a Creative Retreat!
Artistic Artifacts strives to bring you the best in international destinations with traditional textile village visits, meeting the artisans who practice the artform, attending textile and art workshops, and learning about the history and significance of the handcrafted items and regions visited.
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
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