30 October to 3 November 2025
Using the artistic medium of mixed media collage Cordula Kagemann wants to approach the place where we stay and work, and let us be inspired by its beauty and magic.
Our perception of the “sense of place“ Monsaraz epitomises, by combining prehistoric and medieval history, lively culture and tradition, myths and legends, nature and tranquility, will provide us with a rich source of inspiration. Capturing images of the atmosphere of the old village on the hillside with its mystical aura, the medieval castle and the surrounding valley through different creative media, will lead us to creating shapes, textures and colours, with the goal of finding abstraction. We will look out for details and interesting finds which spur our imagination.
By using techniques such as photography, drawing, painting, monoprint, frottage and paper cutting, we will put our impressions on paper. In a combination of the papers designed in the course, print outs of photos we will take, and other collage materials collected or brought along, images are created through layering and overlays that reflect our impression of the place in an individual and abstracted way. Beginners are welcome!
Cordula Kagemann is a contemporary German artist known for her intricate and evocative collage work. Born in Bremen, Kagemann has spent her life immersed in the world of art, studying extensively and refining her unique approach. She holds a degree in Visual Communication from the University of Arts in Bremen, where she developed a profound understanding of visual aesthetics and design principles.
Kagemann’s art is characterized by its deep exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time. She employs a variety of materials, including paper, acrylics, and found objects, to create multifaceted pieces that invite viewers to engage with their own interpretations. Her work often features themes of fragmentation and reconstruction, mirroring the complex, often nonlinear nature of human experience. Through her use of layering and textural contrast, Kagemann’s collages evoke a sense of depth and dimensionality, encouraging a contemplative and immersive viewing experience. Her contributions to the art world continue to inspire and challenge, making her a significant figure in the ongoing dialogue about the role and evolution of collage in modern art.
30, 31 October- 1, 2, 3 November 2025
(5 days and 4 nights)
Shared Room:
1.800€ PP (+vat 23%, only 6 rooms available) = total 2.214€
Single Room:
2.000€ PP (+vat 23%) = total 2.460€
(Paid 2 times: Reservations Until end December, and Final Payment 5th March 2025)
Paid 2 times:
Reservations:
1st Payment:
1107€ (shared room)
1230€ (single room)
2º payment until 5th March 2025:
2nd Payment:
1107€ (shared room)
1230€ (single room)
3 full day Art Classes with Cordula Kagemann
3 Dinners
3 Lunches
Yoga Class
Visit old rug factory
Wine tasting and olive tasting event
4 Nights Acommodation (with breakfast included)
Transport from Lisbon Airport to the Hotel (2 hours) and transport in the area.
• It is advisable to book the plane after the final confirmation that the retreat will happen, or sooner until we have 10 participants.
• If we cannot gather the minimum participants of 10, the event can be canceled and the payments refund to the participants, less 50€ for cancelation costs.
THURSDAY, 30 October 2025
The bus will pick up the participants at Lisbon airport at 4 pm. It is advisable to arrive at Lisbon airport before 3.30 pm. The trip to Monsaraz, to the hotel at Telheiro, lasts 2 hours, so we will arrive at the hotel around 6 pm. A light dinner will be served at the hotel upon arrival.
FRIDAY, 31 October 2025
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have a 15 minute walk to the retreat centre “Sofia In Monsaraz” with our teacher around 9am.
Once there we will introduce ourselves in a welcome session before starting the first class at 10 am. Cordula will offer a short introduction into his artistic background and practice.
Before lunch in the garden, you will taste different olives oils produced at SIM. Then you will head back to the studio for the second painting session.
In the afternoon you will travel to the castle where dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
SATURDAY, 1st November 2025
Session 3 will be offered in the village of Monsaraz. There we will use the environment, the observation of what surrounds us as inspiration to generate new ideas and create in a free and surprising way. The shapes, geometries, nature and the elements that we will observe will be the beginning of a new story or illustration to accustom your mind to the search for beauty and ideas through the everyday.
After lunch at a local restaurant, around 12 pm we go back to SIM to work on our photos and sketches that we’ve made in the morning. At the end of the afternoon the participants do back to the hotel to make their own plans for dinner.
SUNDAY, 2 November 2025
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll gather again around 9 am for our 15 minute walk to the retreat center “SIM”. Before beginning painting you’re invited (but not required) to enjoy 30 minutes of yoga. The 4th and final session also involves putting into practice all that you have learnt throughout the previous exercises, so we start at 10 am and finish by 1.30pm.
After lunch in the garden, we’ll have an informal “mini group show” to appreciate the original artworks created during the retreat and to reflect on our artistic experiences.
Before ending the day we will appreciate some Portuguese wines, selected by a local sommelier. During our last evening together, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with your new friends while reliving the best moments of your experience here in Monsaraz.
MONDAY, 3 November 2025
Everything is organised to detail so that nothing will prevent you from enjoying all the peace and quiet of the Alentejo.
All the rooms have air conditioning, full and private bathroom, shared or private balcony and outdoor access.
This accommodation is a 15-minute walk from the workshop venue (SIM) and passes by the Bulhoa menhir (National Monument) and the Alentejo plain, ideal for reflection before starting work.
Shared Room:
1.800€ PP (+vat 23%, only 6 rooms available) = total 2.214€
Single Room:
2.000€ PP (+vat 23%) = total 2.460€
Paid 2 times:
Reservations:
1st Payment:
1107€ (shared room)
1230€ (single room)
2º payment until 5th March 2025:
2nd Payment:
1107€ (shared room)
1230€ (single room)
If you would like to make a direct booking: info@sofiainmonsaraz.site
Internacional roundtrip airfare, transport to SIM from the Hotel, alcoholic drinks, activities not included in the itinery, hotel incidentals including room service, expenses during free time, laundry service and hotel bar, food and beverages not included in the itinerary. COVID-19 test, if applicable.
We require all participantes to have a personal travel insurance that at minimum covers medical emergencies and cancellations. We do not provide travel insurance for the retreat and each participant is required to have their own individual travel insurance. The place, where the retreat happens, has an Insurance that covers accidents. Will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip.
We cannot guarantee to accommodate vegan, gluten free or dairy/egg free, and some allergies. We are unable to accommodate participants with severe food allergies or food intolerances. Please contact us in advance of registering if you have any dietary questions
It will start when arriving at the hotel, Thursday evening and finish when you leave the hotel, by Monday morning. We are not responsible for any non-retreat activity that a participant decides to purchase outside of the retreat and such activity will not form part of the participant’s contract with us. The bus transport is insurance secure.
This retreat includes a walking tour where the ground may be uneven. You may be on your feet for several hours at a time and should be comfortable with walking.
The supplies list will be comunicated a few months before the event.
In this event we will accept up to 15 people. The event does not include spouses, partners or friends if they are not taking the workshop.Please contact us if you would like to bring a non-participant partner.
If we cannot gather the minimum participants of 10, the event can be cancelled, and the payments refunded to the participants.
Other questions about this retreat please contact: info@sofiainmonsaraz.site
For more info or questions please consult here our Terms & Conditions.
Rua do Chafariz, nº 6 Aldeia do Outeiro
7200-179 Reguengos de Monsaraz
(+351) 266 557 091
Sofia in Monsaraz Ⓒ 2023 – All rights reserved | Identity design by Jorge Silva | Video created by Janz Anton-Iago | Photos by Ana Paula Carvalho
We will contact you with the details for payment.
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