On the Horizon: Travel Workshop to Ethiopia

It's not too soon to start getting excited about The Art League's travel workshop this spring in Ethiopia. We spoke to instructor and photographer Andargé Asfaw, who was born in Ethiopia and called the land "a paradise" for photographers and other artists.

Inside Abune Aron Church by Andargé Asfaw

Each day of the workshop will start with the morning light, following a schedule of shooting locations to follow the light during the day. Students can expect to cover ground in the historical, Northern part of Ethiopia and see such natural wonders as the Simien Mountains.

Andargé has been to these locations before, and says each trip gets better as the logistics and the roads improve.

A photo taken in Kenya by Andargé Asfaw

The sites, cultural and natural, create a wide world of opportunities for photographers — and artists in other media: Andargé stressed the workshop is open to others.

"You’re in paradise," he says. "Everything is there for you. You’ve got culture; you've got architecture; you've got faces, animals — I don’t think you can ask for a better place than that."

Roadside Market in the Fog, Kombolcha by Andargé Asfaw

The trip also includes professional, English-speaking guides and an expert instructor, Andargé, who has experience in the area and is with students all day to answer questions.

Details of the trip, including the exact dates, are being finalized. Check back here, and on The Art League School website, for news as it develops.

Andargé has released a book, Ethiopia from the Heart, and started a nonprofit, Canopy Ethiopia, to promote trees in Ethiopia. His work is also featured in an exhibit in Richmond this month.

Gate Keeper of Zege Kidane Mihiret Monastery by Andargé Asfaw