Franco Getzy: Life Changing Cement Sculpture Workshops in El Valle

A Workshop Focused to Unleash the Artist Within Fanco Getzy is a talented artist living in El Valle. He offers a cement sculpture workshop… sometimes - should the people and place line up syncronistically. Franco believes that the universe will provide all his needs, and lives his life with this philosophy. He tells a story of a time when he had no money and was craving a cup of tea. His need was met when a neighbor invited him to tea, nothing more, nothing less. A South African native, Franco’s early years brought him to  the center of the artistic world in his native land. He earned fame by pushing boundaries in ceramics and performance art. Political strife in South Africa, drove him to leave his career behind and find a new home in Panama, where he was free to explore his many talents: dance, art, and botanical gardening.

Concrete Art- A Lasting Experience

These days Getzy enjoys working with concrete. The workshops he teaches are small, limited to 4 students. From expert to beginner, students from all walks of life and experience are accepted and encouraged to create something memorable. The classes are encouraging and supportive, and Franco prepares before hand so that there is a core ready for the student to begin work. Metal mesh is cut and students are coached to reach in and connect with their creative spirit.

Our reporter, Louise Belisle who took Franco’s class, went in an absolute beginner. She said it was a moving experience for her, coming from a non-creative background. Here she found the support to connect with her own artistic expression:    “I had never experienced anything like it.  It is one thing to do a job well done and be proud of yourself, but to create something from a bag of dust, stones and water… It blew me away!”

A creation made in the workshop takes a few days to cure, and after that a concrete sealer needs to be applied. Once done, the student has a  piece of art which is durable enough for indoors or outside.

Take Away More Than Just a Sculpture

This modest, yet humble creative teacher encourages each student to tune into the creative experience, opening doors to a new perspective. Franco says, “No art is seen as bad art, true creativity is just an expression that occurs when an individual meditates on the beauty that exists within and around them”. A great teacher is able to show others how to do this, Franco Getzy is such a teacher. He opens the doors to a new way of understanding.

To contact Franco for bookings or questions please call 6481 8239 or email him through Candis Clarke at Clarke.candis@yahoo.com

BEGINNERS 2 DAY SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24   or   other class on June 30  and July 1st.
Hours: 9 - 3
Cost: $80 includes materials and tools
(50% deposit required)

TILE MAKING WORKSHOP - 3 DAYS
Tuesday, June 26 - Desilgn
Wednesday, June 27 - mold making
Thursday, June 28 - casting and finish
Hours: Begin at 9:00
Cost: $80 includes all materials and tools
(50% deposit is required)