FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I am only a beginner at painting and drawing - will I be okay to join this art holiday?
A: Yes, absolutely! Cleo and Mark have designed the sessions to be accessible to beginners - as well as catering for the more advanced. art in the village® holidays are built to support and nurture everyone's skillset. In fact many of our students say they always feel warmly welcomed, fully integrated and learn a lot. please see the testimonials page for previous art holiday students' feedback.
Q: If I want to bring a friend or a partner who doesn't want to paint with us - is that okay?
Yes, that is absolutely fine - if you both SHARE A ROOM your partner will pay a fee of £570 which includes accommodation for the week and the Fish and Chip Supper and can also join us on the Art Mystery Trail.
The cost for a partner or friend for a separate room - which includes having their own bathroom (not always ensuite) - is priced higher at £700.
Guests need to pay the £400 deposit and the remaining £300 is due by 1st June (same date for the full Art students too).
Q: What does a Guest have included in the holiday fee?
A: Double room / twin room in a lovely cottage with their own bathroom
Welcome Fish and Chip Supper with Wine or Beer or Soft Drinks
Joining in the Art Mystery Trail and Prize
Excursions and Workshops
We will have ONE seat spare on the 2 x minibus excursions (Michaels Mount and Zennor) which are costed at £95 for the half day's Art excursion / travel / tuition etc. But this will be on a first come first serve basis.
Or alternatively, Guests can make their own way to the excursion sites and pay £70 for the tuition with us and cover the costs of their own transport to the site.
Q:What is NOT included for the Guest?
A: Any Art workshops at the Island Hall will be available to the Guest at a cost of £30 per session
*Boat trip: Joining the group for the boat trip is not available as we are chartering a boat for the main Art group and spaces are very limited.
Any St Ives Festival workshops are not included and are to be booked by the guest independently
Entry to the Tate or Hepworth Museum
Q:Why is an Art in the Village® holiday a bit more expensive than other Cornwall holidays I've seen?
A: We did our research and comparable - and quite honestly we couldn't find any other holiday like ours.
Most Art holidays in St Ives are very short or just run by one teacher in one medium. We offer two tutors and Painting Drawing and Mixed Media.
One slightly similar Painting Art holiday in Cornwall we looked at, was still offering much less than us was priced at £700 for just 3 short days with no accommodation, no en plain air excursions outside St Ives, no first night supper, no mystery art trail, no Seal Island boat trip and not much tuition!
Q: Will I only be doing painting?
A: No! You will be doing Painting, Drawing and Mixed media. There will a range of Arts sessions 2 painting and 2 drawing and 2 Mixed Media.
Q: Is it likely to rain in Cornwall in September?
A: St Ives (as in the rest of the Southwest) has a rather unique weather system. It can be nice and balmy in late September with not much rain at all. That said, we cannot guarantee it won't rain.
So, as we are painting and drawing outside a lot, then please bring a waterproof jacket, a cushion to sit on and layer your clothing.
Q If I need to return home early from Cornwall, can I get a refund?
A: Unfortunately not. We can't offer any refunds at after the deadline of March 1st 2024.
Q: Is there a hospital in St Ives?
A: The closest hospital to St Ives is the Edward Hain Walk in Medical Centre
Q: Do I need to bring my own arts equipment as well as materials?
A:Yes please as we do not provide paints, inks, Pencils, brushes or any painting paper
We do provide some basic drawing paper
If you want to bring your own easel or foldaway stool you are welcome to!
There are excellent Art shops in St Ives such as the St Ives Times Printing Shop which can provide you with a good variety of arts and crafts materials.
There will be a list of essential art items for the week's holiday which will be emailed to you as part of your induction pack (pdf file) once you've booked your place on the holiday.
Q: Do I need to get insurance for the holiday?
A: Yes you need travel insurance for the week. Especially if you have a pre-existing condition
Q: I have had surgery recently, am I okay to do an Art holiday?
A: As long as your doctor agrees to it & your medical company is happy to cover you for travel, then you are most welcome. There isn't much exercise required for the holiday as we will be driven by car/minibus to all places - but we will be walking around St Ives itself - which is quite hilly - so those with decreased mobility may find some inclines too steep etc
Q: Are there child care facilities?
A: No unfortunately we don't have any childcare facilities. The minimum age for our holidays is 21 years old.
Q: Is the weather warm in St Ives warm in mid September?
A: It is usually very mild in mid September and sometimes warm enough for light clothing and mostly warm enough mild a sea swim. Here is an article by Cornish Secrets Holiday company who advocate September as being a great month to visit St Ives. https://www.cornishsecrets.co.uk/general/5-reasons-to-visit-cornwall-during-the-month-of-september/
Q: I am disabled - in a wheelchair - will this holiday be suitable?
A: Some of the sites we visit may make using a wheelchair very difficult as the ground will be uneven and some sites may only be accessible via steps.
Q: Can I get a refund if I am not able to stay for the whole week?
A: Unfortunately not - however, if your stay is cut short due to extenuating circumstances such as medical conditions etc; then your travel insurance may cover this.
Q: Is my Train or flight included in the cost of the holiday?
A: No we are sorry, but the travel is not included. We offer a minibus excursion TWICE during the week and nothing else journey wise.
Q: Are evening meals included in the cost of the holiday?
A: We only include your Monday night Fish and Chip Set meal at the Mermaid - plus we also include an essentials food box for your arrival.
Q: Will I be collected at the Station?
A: You will need to take a taxi or walk from the station to St Ives town. It will cost you about £8 or walking is 14 minutes.
Q: What happens if I miss the train or flight to St Ives or home to London etc?
A: If you unfortunately miss the train or flight you will need to organise and pay for your own transport to the accommodation or back to your home.
Q: How long is journey by Train to St Ives?
A: It is approximately 5 hours from London, but with one train change and of course with with some bookings there are more than one train change which will lengthen the over all timings.
Q: When is the refund deadline?
A: The refund deadline is before 11th January 2024 and so if you cancel BY then we can offer you a full refund minus the non refundable deposit
Q: If I have to cancel my place AFTER the refund deadline of the 11th January 2024 do I get any refund?
A: No unfortunately if it is AFTER the deadline of 1st March 2024 we CANNOT give you any refund as after that date, we will be liable for the full cost for the travel and the cottage.
Q: Will I be sharing a room?
A: No not at all. Unless you want to share with a partner.
Q: I am Vegetarian - will your welcome supper cater for me?
A: The restaurant is a Fish restaurant mainly but there are vegetable curry options. We will need to check with the restaurant ahead of time.