Robbie Laird, an innovative painter, teacher, and  juror, is a full time resident of Lake Almanor, California, and part time  resident of Hilton Head Island, SC.  Her paintings captivate the viewer with an exciting balance of flowing ambiguity and varying amounts of specific detail. Using large brushes and flowing paint, her work dances on the edge of abstraction in areas but pulls you back in others.  She sometimes uses the unique qualities of flowing transparent pure watercolor to create mysterious rhythmic works, while in other pieces she incorporates a variety of other watermedia.  In addition to painting, she has expressed her vision in: forged metal and wood sculpture as well as leaded glass design and residential architecture.  The continuing source of inspiration for Laird’s work is a lifetime interest in cycles and natural transitions and connections.
Her paintings have received numerous awards in National and International exhibitions. Laird is a signature member of National Watercolor Society, where in 2008 her painting was selected for the Loa Sprung Award (top award for Non Objective Painting). She is a signature member of Watercolor West, National Association of Painters of Acrylic, San Diego Watercolor Society, and is a full-juried member of the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media.  She is affiliated with other art associations nationwide.  She is a highly sought after instructor and was named one of 20 Great Teachers of the last twenty years, by American Artists’ Magazine.  Her paintings and articles have been in many publications, including Watercolor Magazine, American Artist, and International Artist Magazine. Her work is included in Splash IV, North Light Books, and Artistic Touch 3.  Creative Catalyst Productions produced her video, “The Informed Intuitive Approach”. Laird has been in numerous solo and group exhibitions.  Her paintings are popular in Hawaii where she shows with the Village Galleries on Maui.  Her paintings have been collected extensively in the US and internationally.

As past president of the San Diego Watercolor Society, Laird has an extensive background with arts organizations and art education.  After completing her Masters degree in Art Education, Laird became a Fine Arts curriculum consultant, giving workshops for teachers throughout California, the United States, and abroad. She is currently the Director of the Kanuga Watermedia Workshops held each spring in North Carolina. Her influence as an artist and educator continues to grow.

Franco Marini is the co-owner and director of Global Journeys. Franco was born in Italy and since his arrival in the U.S., when he was eight, he has continued traveling as part of his life’s mission. He has chosen to devote his life to being in service as a teacher and healer. He is a Yoga Shiromani (teacher of yoga), a ceremonialist, a wellness coach, a massage therapist, a drum-maker, a consultant and director of Peak Empowerment – an organization dedicated to personal, team and organizational development. He loves to be in service to those seeking personal growth and spiritual expansion. One of his commitments in life is to create programs, such as this retreat, that have a vision focused on personal empowerment, transformation, and well being. His role on this retreat is one of support.

Kay LatchmanSingh is the main organizer and logistic expert of this retreat. Her background in international trade and finance and her attention to details will ensure that this will be a quality experience for all. She is in communication with everyone who is a part of this program and makes sure that all aspects of this endeavor are synchronized. Kay is also in charge of participant wellness and takes care of everyone from the time they register until they are back home. Kay is the co-owner and vice-president of Global Journeys. She provides a wealth of experience in travel and cultural connections. Kay was born and educated in British Guyana, moved to the U.S. and has traveled and worked with people in many European countries, Russia, Egypt, South Africa, British West Indies, and Central America. Her knowledge and connections with various cultures is a wonderful asset as she works with and teaches a variety of people. Her vision of providing service to those in need and doing so in a celebratory way certainly is the foundation of this retreat. She is a Yoga Shiromani (teacher of yoga) in the Sampoorna tradition, and is a student of Sanskrit. She will be leading some of the Yoga sessions on this retreat. Kay’s Hindu practice, knowledge of the Vedic Traditions, experience leading Kirtan, amazing ability to prepare Indian cuisine and Yoga knowledge will be invaluable assets on this retreat.