Renaissance Village

Renaissance Village GW XXX

The Renaissance Village is a Gulf Wars department and class area where we explore the Renaissance period through an immersive environment dedicated to history across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. The Renaissance Village at Gulf Wars aims to foster scholarship within the various avenues of study within the Renaissance era which found its humble beginnings in 12th-century Italy and ignited again in the 14th-century before spreading northward through western Europe revolutionizing life and culture into the 16th-century and paving the way for the later Enlightenment period. The Village offers a wide array of classes ranging from health/medicine, hygiene, cosmetics, fashion, music, political history, social history, material culture, gender roles, economic science, martial arts, and military history as well as hosting special events and artisan demos.

In short, the Renaissance Village is a collection of period pavilions where artisans & scholars can demonstrate, share, and teach their particular skills & knowledge. We invite everyone to come by and see what’s happening any day – visitors, observers, and questions are always welcome!

OUR VILLAGE

The Renaissance Village hosts an immersive A&S experience and is located on Laurel Lane across from the Theatre. Formerly known as Ca’ d’Oro Salon, the Renaissance Village offer a variety of classes and demos focused on Renaissance life across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In addition to offering classes, we host a period Apothecary, dedicated period cooking area, Interkingdom Bocce Ball Tournament, Lacemaking pavilion, an Eastern Salon, the Renaissance Italian Salon, a French area, Spanish area, Rapier Tournament, Bardic Circles, and an Enchanted Ground. There will be bocce ball and socializing at the main pavilion daily, a musician’s solar, dances, and an Italian Personae Social on Friday from 6–9 PM.

The Ca’ d’Oro Italian Salon is still located in the Renaissance Village class area at Gulf Wars. It is based on the historical salon concept, specifically the 15th-century Italian Salon where artists, poets, musicians, philosophers, nobility, and courtiers would have gathered to pass the time away from the scrutiny of church or state. We emulate those “unsupervised intellectuals” at our living history Salon, and we celebrate all the “Renaissances” of history.

STAFF GW XXX (2021)

Department Head: Aislinge Mac Cuithein

Department Deputy: Emma Grey

Class Deputy: Dianora di Cellini

Apothecary Deputy: TBD

Cooking Deputy: Sandro dei Strozzi da Montefeltro

Dance Deputy: TBD

Fine Arts Deputy: TBD

Event Pavilion Deputy: TBD

Far East Deputy: TBD

Music Ambassador: TBD

Land Deputy: TBD

Due to limited Attendance of Instructors, not all activities will be available. If you would like to volunteer your time and abilities to help out, please contact the Department Deputy.

Renaissance Village Classes & Demos

Go to the Gulf Wars app for the schedule which will be updated daily at Gulf Wars:

Online Class Schedule

Gulf Wars Website Class Schedule

Our classes, demos, socials, and other activities will run on the following tracks located in dedicated areas of the Renaissance Village Department:

Ca’ d’Oro salon Regent Paviion – Daily socializing Italian style and department information

Find Arts Pavilion – Lacemaking and more

Far East Salon – Teatime, period games, and library hours

Period Apothecary Pavilion – Demos and classes

Outdoor Period Cooking Area – Demos and classes

Ca’Beret Event Tent 30×30

  • Socials
  • Balls
  • Musical Concerts
  • Italian Personae Social
  • Bardic Circles
  • Spanish Area
  • English Area
  • French Area

Bocce Ball Court & Dayshade – Interkingdom Bocce Ball Tournament & Populace Bocce Ball Tournament plus open place opportunities all week

Renaissance Village Schedule Highlights

Monday

10:30-12 Gulf War Choir-
We will focus on songs in the Tudor/Elizabethen period. Rounds, duets, and trio voice pieces will be taught. Several pieces would be appropriate for Bardic CIrcles. The ability to read music is always a help. but not required. 
Italian Salon Lady  Catriona of Castle Doune
1-2 pmJapanese Dining Rituals and Traditions    
Exploring the dining culture of period Japan and how it relates to modern Japanese food culture.
Far East PavilionWeylyn de Fabor
2-3 pmFingerloop Braiding for Advanced Practitioners 
This class aims to enhance Fingerloop Braiding techniques with/for Advanced Practitioners. 
Fine Arts PavilionMaestra Masina Da Ferrara
2-5 pmIkebana Class
Ikebana, the living art. Come learn the history and technique of this Japanese floral design. Class space for 5, $10 materials fee. Students will leave with an arrangement to display in their camp.
Far East PavilionMistress Amelia van Hemessen
4-5 pmFlemish Manuscripts of the15th & 16th CE  
Manuscripts had been illuminated in Flander for centuries before the signature Flemish style appeared in the 15th CE and made Flanders a  powerhouse in manuscript illumination. But how did Flanders go from being a little distinguished creator of manuscripts to exporting manuscripts across Europe? This class will discuss the history of Flemish manuscripts, what makes manuscripts distinctly “Flemish”, and the tools of the trade. 
German/Low Countries Pavilion Soo Yun
8-9 pmJapanese Ghost Stories   
Exploring the supernatural side of medieval Japan. Bring a light
Far East Pavilion   THL Abe Atsuko

Tuesday

11am – 1 pmEgg Dance  
A dance of foolishness and skill, it’s a dance and a game, come learn its history, the winner gets a basket of eggs.
German/Low Countries PavilionMistress Amelia van Hemessen
1-2 pmRock Stars of the Middle Ages
Courtly Love and the Rock Stars of the Middle Ages: The Troubadours and Troubaritz (Female Troubadours)
German/Low Countries Pavilion Lady Sorcha Inghean Domhnall
and Lord Seamus Mac Fergus
1pm-2pmTocha: The Tea Contests
Exploring the tōcha tea competition of Japan. 
Far East Pavilion  THL Abe Atsuko
2pm-3pmThe Use and History of Chopsticks
Learn how to use chopsticks, including practicing while in class. (gluten free option will be available). Class will also discuss a brief history of chopsticks from archaeology to modern environmental issues.
Far East Pavilion Lady Beatrix of Thanet
2pm-3:30Academie de Demoiselles and Courtiers
 Learn how to be the perfect courtier/demoiselle,                        including info from Castiglione’s The Way of the Courtier and learning the language of the fan. Practice the art of flattery on your classmates or(extra credit) your Headmistress! Bring a fan.
Italian Salon Maitresse Melissent Jaquelinne la Chanteresse
4pm-5pm Accessorizing in Three Kingdoms: the Korean Peninsula – (57 BC – 668 AD)
 If you were transported to Three Kingdoms Era Korean Peninsula, what accessories would people be using to denote status and show their wealth? And as an artist, what techniques would you use to 
make those accessories? This class will explore the accessories found in tomb goods and murals across the Three Kingdoms.
Far East PavilionSoo Yun

Wednesday

10:30-12 Gulf War Choir-
We will focus on songs in the Tudor/Elizabethen period. Rounds, duets, and trio voice pieces will be taught. Several pieces would be appropriate for Bardic CIrcles. The ability to read music is always a help. but not required.
Italian SalonLady  Catriona of Castle Doune
11am-12pmLate Period Loose Fitting Gown  
Who wore them, how they were made, what fabrics were used, how they were embellished, etc. Based on Patterns of Fashion Vol. 3.
Fine Arts PavilionTHL Eachna of Clonmakate
11am-12pmGenius or Idiot? A Look at Fools, Jesters and  Applicable Jokers
A brief discussion of jesters, their roles in society, what made them unique and other surprising facts.
German/Low CountriesLord Singe Du Coffre
12pm-2pm  Performing Arts Salon
Bring your performing arts piece and receive feedback from your peers to help refine your performance. 
Italian SalonWeylyn de Fabor
1pm-3pmJapanese Orihon (Accordian style) Book binding
 In this hands-on class you will learn to make a traditional “Orihon”, or accordion-style book. You will leave with a unique book that has many possibilities.  – Due to slight safety concerns this class is not suitable for children under the age of 13. – $2 for supplies and handout – class size limit 
of 15
Far East Pavilion Sensei Kojin and Mistress Marsali
2pm-3pmTraining 3 balls to stay in the air.
Learn to juggle, its a great relaxing activity. This is a beginners class. No experience needed. I will have equipment to use.
German/Low Countries Baron Tristrum de Kerjean
2pm-3pmThe 15th Century Sericulture in Italy (Lecture)
This is a lecture class of “Sericulture” or silk production is an industry that is characterized by a two-step process: 1) the cultivation of mulberry trees and 2) the rearing of silkworms on mulberry leaves to produce cocoons. 
Italian SalonMaestra Masina Da Ferrara 
3pm-4pm History 
The History of Tea is the history of civilization,  both Asian and European. For those who never tried Tea, this is a great way to try out different types. For those who already love Tea, come learn more. And for anyone who loves history, please join us and have fun! Please bring a mug. There will be a $5 fee.
 Far East Pavilion   Lord Kenwrec FitzRaymund
4pm-5pmContact Juggling
Contact juggling is the art of making a single ball seem to float in the air
German/Low CountriesBaron Tristrum de Kerjean

Thursday

10am-12Introduction to Bobbin Lace
Learn the basics of making bobbin lace! We will cover common stitches and crossings.  Students will learn a simple lace pattern and have the option of purchasing the supplies for $30 or just borrowing.
Fine Arts PavilionMistress Aislinge MacCuithein
1pm-2pm Rock Stars of the Middle Ages
Courtly Love and the Rock Stars of the Middle Ages: The Troubadours and Troubaritz (Female Troubadours)
German/Low Countries Pavilion Lady Sorcha Inghean Domhnall and Lord Seamus Mac Fergus 
1pm-3pm  Intermediate Bobbin Lace 
We will be learning about picots, more crossings tallies and more! Bring your bobbin lace supplies if you have them or borrow some from me.
Fine Arts Pavilion   Mistress Aislinge MacCuithein
1pm-3pm Traditional JapaneseLimp-Bound Book Making
 In this hands-on class you will learn to make a traditional “stab binding” or limp-bound book, using the “koki toji” (noble binding) stitching pattern. You will leave with a beautiful and useful mini journal. Due to slight safety concerns this class is not suitable for children under the age of 13. – $2 for supplies and handout – class size limit of 15   
Far East PavilionSensei Kojin and Mistress Marsali

Friday

1pm-2pmAccessorizing in Three Kingdoms: the Korean Peninsula – (57 BC – 668 AD)
If you were transported to Three Kingdoms Era Korean Peninsula, what accessories would people be using to denote status and show their wealth?  And as an artist, what techniques would you use to make those accessories? This class will explore the accessories found in tomb goods and murals across the Three Kingdoms.
Far East Pavilion Soo Yun
10:30am -12pm Gulf War Choir
We will focus on songs in the Tudor/Elizabethen period. Rounds, duets, and trio voice pieces will be taught. Several pieces would be appropriate for Bardic CIrcles. The ability to read music is always a help. but not required.
Italian Salon  Lady Catriona of Castle Doune
2pm-3pmFlemish Manuscripts of the15th & 16th CE
Manuscripts had been illuminated in Flanders for centuries before the signature Flemish style appeared in the 15th CE and made Flanders a powerhouse in manuscript illumination. But how did Flanders go from being a little distinguished creator of manuscripts to exporting manuscripts across Europe? This class will discuss the history of Flemish manuscripts, what makes manuscripts distinctly “Flemish”, and the tools of the trade.
German/Low Countries Pavilion Soo Yun
3-4pmTraditional Japanese Limp Bound Book Making
In this hands-on class you will learn to make a traditional “stab binding” or limp-bound book, using the “koki toji” (noble binding) stitching pattern. You will leave with a beautiful and useful mini journal. Due to slight safety concerns this class is not suitable for children under the age of 13. – $2 for supplies and handout – class size limit of 15   
Far East Pavilion   Sensei Kojin and Mistress Marsali