PROGRAM INFO

About ARTIS Group Leader Judy Slattum

Judy Slattum received her MFA in Theater from University of Oklahoma, and taught theater and design at the University of Maryland, Cabrillo College, and Monterey Peninsula College. She has been organizing and leading study tours to Bali for 18 years after first visiting the island on sabbatical to study mask dance in 1978. Six months later she returned with the first of many unique travel/learning experiences. Judy has published many articles on Balinese culture and her book, Masks of Bali; Spirits of an Ancient Drama was released by Chronicle Books in 1992. It was reprinted last year, has been featured in Time Magazine, and sold over 15,000 copies. Her museum exhibition on Balinese Masks toured the USA as part of the Festival of Indonesia for three years, and has returned to Bali for exhibit. Her husband, guest lecturer Madé Surya, BS, the son of a Bali Hindu priest, has been dancing at temple festivals since he was eight years old and is currently performing and teaching mask dance in Northern California. Surya has worked with several film and video crews as translator and advisor. Judy and Surya were married in Bali twelve years ago and presently work together to acquaint travelers with Bali’s fascinating and rich culture.

More About Bali

Bali is only one of more than 3,000 islands in Indonesia--the fifth most populous nation in the world. But this island, currently enjoying an Artistic Renaissance, must be one of the world's loveliest, rich in dramatic scenery, ancient temples, and graceful people. It is a paradise for the fortunate photographer.

An immense nation covering a total land area of 741,000 square miles, Indonesia is still growing. One-fourth of its 400 volcanoes- two of them in Bali- are still active, changing the country's contours to new scenes spectacular in their contrasts.

Bali remains one of the few places in the world where the traveler can explore and discover untouched places and witness exotic rituals that have not diminished with the passing of time. Every back road is a gateway to the heart of the Balinese people.

One of Bali's most important festivals, Galungan, is celebrated once every 210 days. During the 10 day long festival, the ancestors are invited back to earth to join their relatives in the family temples. There will be beautiful decorations and wonderful processions and festivals.