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Manifesta Safaris has offered World Premier Vacations
for Women for nearly ten years. In 1997, founder Bev
Sanders and friends launched Las Olas Surf Safaris
for Women with the idea that women can learn more
easily in the company of other women. They were right.
Las Olas has introduced thousands of women to the
sport and lifestyle of surfing. They have received
warm praises from guests and glowing reviews in numerous
publications such as O, The Oprah Magazine, Newsweek,
Time, and Travel & Leisure. Noted by the San Francisco
Chronicle as "The Golden Door of Surf Camps",
the Las Olas experience has demonstrated how camaraderie
and confidence blossoms for women when balanced with
fun, relaxation and shared new experiences.
Artista Creative Safaris for Women was born at the
request of the guests of Las Olas. When asked what
they would like to learn as well as surfing, they
discovered painting was a favorite choice. Artista
is located in the beautiful seaside hamlet of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Here, women escape into Bohemia with creative instruction
and inspirational activities specific to the area.
Artista's newest safari offers women the opportunity
to design and make their own garments. Artista Creative
Safaris are guided by Carmel's foremost artists and
clothing designers. At the core of Manifesta is it's
commitment to helping guests reach their full potential
as well as provide a life altering experience. Our
mantra is "We make girls out of women."
Bev | Judi | Lauryn | Bill | Jackie | Jessica | Chris | Annie
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Bev Sanders has made a lifelong commitment to
helping women to reach their full potential. "The
empowerment of women would be a benefit to us
all. My goal is to inspire us to accomplish what
we once thought was impossible."
In 1982 , Bev co-founded one of the first
snowboard companies and greatly impacted the
evolution of the new sport. After decades devoting
herself to the development of women's snowboarding
needs, Transworld Snowboarding Magazine recognized
Bev's contributions by honoring her as the "Pioneer
Woman of Snowboarding". Learning to surf
at the age of 44, she saw a new opportunity
to promote her mission and launched Las Olas
Surf Safaris for Women.
Bev's personal interest in Artista comes from
her past years spent in the thriving art community
of Benicia, California, and now living in Carmel-by-the-Sea. "Over
the last decade, I've been slowly introduced
to the local art scene which was, quite frankly,
intimidating early on. Since then I've gained
enlightening friendships and a much deeper
appreciation for the arts. This is no surprise
considering I'm easily distracted by beauty,
whether it's in my garden, on a mountaintop,
or . . . even wandering aimlessly through a
fabric store. As a beginning artist myself,
I've found great reward in exploring my own
creativity. And I know, if given the opportunity,
there are many women who would like to experience
the same."
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Judi helped Bev launch Las Olas Surf Safaris
for Women over a decade ago. Since then she
has applied her experience as a merchandising
manager at Discovery Channel, and Board Member
for Arts Benicia, as the head of customer relations
for Las Olas. Judi is a practicing Mendi Body
Artist, costume and jewelry designer, and event
planner. Never short of inspiration and positive
energy, Judi paints, surfs, and dances her
way through life while finding time for her
most cherished position as Dexter's Mom."The
idea of painting used to be scary to me, but
once I started, I had way too much fun to be
afraid. When I paint, I find my hand moving
the brush on it's own, without me having to
think about. The fear of judgement and rejection
just disappears. I absolutely love seeing women
at Artista have the same experience. They face
and conquer their fear, discover their own
creativity and giggle like little girls while
doing it. "
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"The process of discovery becomes the journey, and the destination becomes
the reward... expecting nothing but the unexpected." Lauryn Taylor is
expert in teaching a style she describes as intuitive, abstract painting. Creating
through the act of mixing, brushing, and texturings liberating for anyone who
otherwise fears the process of making art. A former designer for a leading
greeting card publisher, Lauryn moved to Carmel after her company sent her
to the area to find inspiration. She now teaches a series of classes throughout
Northern California designed for both novice and expert painters. Her contemporary
acrylic and mixed media paintings employs vivid colors combined with rich textures
result in intriguing abstract paintings. She is also curator/owner of the Lauryn
Taylor Fine Art gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea where works by her students and
accomplished artists can be viewed and enjoyed.
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William Harsh is a well-known painter, printmaker and studio art instructor who
lives and works in the art community of Benicia, California. He received his
MFA from Boston University and has studied with Philip Guston and James Weeks.
William has had numerous solo shows and his work is represented in galleries
across the country and in private collections in the US, Canada, and Europe.
With nearly two decades experience teaching painting, drawing, color, design,
and printmaking at colleges and universities throughout New England and the San
Francisco Bay Area, William has returned to teaching the encaustic medium.
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Jackie is an avid reader, writer, and fabulous cook who is most appreciated by
the Artista Alumnae for her delicious culinary creations. Originally from the
San Francisco Bay Area, Jackie and surfing husband Brian settled in Carmel-by-the-Sea
to raise their daughter Juliet. "My greatest desire is to bring up my girl
to be a kind and happy woman." Jackie understands the needs of our guests
and is there throughout the safari to insure a lovely vacation for all.
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Jessica grew up in Santa Cruz, California,
where she found her passion for the arts at
a young age. Fort building, sewing, painting,
and organizing craft clubs with her neighborhood
girlfriends were her childhood pastimes. Jessica
attended Mills College where she graduated
with a B.A. in Studio Arts and a double minor
in Art History and Anthropology. In addition
to school she has explored museum and gallery
work as well as taught inner-city children.
Attending Mills College, an "all women" school,
has given Jessica the opportunity to learn
alongside a diverse group of women of different
ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds.
Her experience has encouraged her to embark
on a mission to inspire women to explore creativity.
Currently Jessica enjoys sharing her love of
the arts with the Artista ladies and is determined
never to let go of her inner-child.
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Chris coordinates the different aspects of each safari into one fantastic experience
for our guests. Bev Sanders, his long time partner and Manifeta founder, have
been married and working together for over 20 years starting with the launch
of Avalanche Snowboards in 1982. He applies his education and experience in graphic
arts and industrial design throughout the organization. When not in the office,
Chris surfs and tests restaurants throughout California and Mexico. Good gig.
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Originally from Massachusetts, Annie was a
dedicated therapy dog for Bev's dad. Bev adopted
her shortly after his death in 1998. Annie
currently holds the esteemed title of "Cutest
Senior" awarded at the annual Carmel-by-the-Sea
Reindoggie contest. She also captured the hearts
of the audience by taking "Best in Show" at
the screening of Best in Show, a favorite event
in dog-friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Any day, Annie can be found curled up on Bev's
desk, precariously close to her keyboard. Whenever
she needs attention, she tiptoes around the
keys making her responsible for all typos on
this website.
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(pictured at top) Nearly a decade of experience
introducing women to challenges on their own
terms has helped Artista to build a professional
team of service experts. From your booking
to departure you'll notice our attention to
detail and ability to maintain a seamless rhythm
is due to our heartfelt understanding that
this is your time. This is an obligation we
appreciate and respect.
pictured: Manifesta
Home Team
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