Tour Facilitators Maureen Fautley & Dawn-Angela Seeley from Oakville, Ontario have a combined 16 years experience working with travel agents to take their boutique, small groups of artists, artist types (and significant others) to destinations like Ireland, Tuscany, France and Mexico.
Their experience tells them that what separates their tours from the “Big Bus Tours” is the focus on groups of 8 – 20 people, with a slower pace, some flexibility and attention to the smaller details which includes some “off the beaten track”, less touristy villages and places where the locals like to hang out.
Maureen and Dawn-Angela, both fine artists, are getting ready to take a group for a 10 day tour: Ireland Through the Eyes of an Artist this May. So while the temps here may be in the negative double digits, they are anticipating warmer days for their itinerary, which they plan to unveil in a visual presentation at an informational meeting at the Kings Arms Pub in Oakville on January 26, at 7.30pm (reservations required).
Maureen Fautley has a personal connection to Ireland – “my grandfather grew up on the west coast of Ireland. As an artist, I have found my heart’s home here.”
Maureen curated this Irish tour 3 years ago, to incorporate Dublin, Drogheda, Cork and Kinsale with gallery visits and meetings with with artists and artisans. Highlights include a local artists’ sketching walk, painting demonstrations and lace making. She has incorporated the experience of seeing the beauty of Irish landscapes, seascapes, the city of Dublin and towns such as Drogheda and Kinsale, where Dawn-Angela will also teach an (optional) painting course in watercolours. “No previous experience necessary. I will show you how to paint and take home your own fine art souvenirs of the Emerald Isle.” comments Dawn-Angela.
Maureen Fautley is an artist who specializes in portraiture. She has worked with local charitable organizations, donating paintings to raise funds for the Humane Society. She now divides her time between Canada and Ireland, embracing every opportunity to enjoy both! www.ealiaontours.com, info@ealaiontours.com 416.201.2412.
Dawn-Angela Seeley is a fine artist, instructor and author/illustrator of An Adventure in Tuscany, a 16-day excursion guide. She works in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and her paintings are held in galleries and private collections in Canada, California, England, France and Italy. www.dawnangela.com, artist@dawnangela.com, 416.917.2772
