Florence, Italy April 18 thru 21, 2005
Fifteen very lucky members will be going to Florence, Italy for the 3rd annual RIA Fine Arts Restoration Seminar held at Istituto per l'Arte e il Restauro, Palazzo Spinelli, RIA's partner in Italy. This year the seminar is 20 hours of class spread over 4 days. When the students aren't in class, they will be touring the museums, laboratories and art restoration workshops. This year we've planned a very special visit to the Uffizi Gallery. As in past years, there will be ample opportunity to sample the food and wine and become part of our growing friendships with the faculty at the Istituto per l'Arte e il Restauro at Palazzo Spinelli. If you've wanted to go to this marvelous seminar, this is the year to do it. It may be a few years until we get back to Italy. The class is limited to 15 students, and continuing education credits will be issued toward maintenance of CR or WLS certifications.

Australia and New Zealand in 2006
We are well along in the planning of a 15-day seminar in Australia and New Zealand for the Spring of 2006. The seminar will focus on wool and the wool industry. Students will be traveling throughout both Australia and New Zealand and will be exposed to the unique ways our members do cleaning and restoraton work 'down under'. This seminar got started with a core of members who wanted to know more about wool production, and most seats have already been filled. However, there are a few seats left and we will create a waiting list in case there are cancellations. Continuing education credits will be issued for students needing CRS and CFS credits. If you are interested, please call Larry Jacobson at RIA Headquarters.

Turkey and Navajo, France and beyond
In past years we did a few rug seminars in Turkey and also on the Navajo lands in the US Southwest. Even though there has been interest in going back to Turkey we think it prudent to postpone until world uncertainties stabilize. If there is interest in another Navajo seminar we will consider one for 2006.

France, Monaco, Belgium and Spain
We have also received some interest to do textile seminars in the South of France, Belgium and Barcelona. Avignon/Monte Carlo offers the rich tapestries of several moneteries located not far from the Mediterranean. Bruges and Antwerp offer fine rugs and linen. Barcelona offers a broad range of architecture and art restoration. If there is sufficient interest we will pursue academic seminars in these locations.

As with all RIA seminars, credit is given toward continuing education for the maintenance of RIA certifications. Class attendance is mandatory. Although there is academic rigor, we still have ample time to get to know our local hosts, enjoy the local food and wine and visit cultural sites.