Prague to Paris to London

A long, peaceful sleep feels so grand after a seven-hour time change. I know this is a repeat, but it’s really sound advice. I enjoy a couple of cocktails soon after our departure, followed by two Tylenol PM (there are plenty of other options), and then sleep soundly for several hours on the flight. Once we land, we immediately switch to the new time zone—no naps—and stay up until the local bedtime. Finally, we take another sleep aid to ensure a full night’s rest. It all works.

Our first adventure was an in-depth look at how Karen and Steven create and produce her work. Their process is intricate and constantly evolving, full of experimentation and collaboration. They continue to learn from scientists—studying everything from how a cloud forms to where its energy comes from—as well as from companies like Corning Glass and their various fabricators in glass, ceramic, and metal. The complexity and detail of their methods are remarkable.

The results are these beautiful, clothed female forms and figures. They often explore a theme—such as kimonos—first inspired by their residency in Japan. There are versions in ceramic, glass, and metal (bronze and steel), most created in small editions. Her newest work is a series of clouds, again in all those materials. She’s even produced a few prints of coats and dresses. Both couples are captivated by her work—the challenge is deciding which pieces.

After a couple of hours in her studio, we headed to lunch at a pub that’s part of the monastery. Even I joined the group for my first beer in years—it was delicious. After sharing appetizers, I was already full, but then came the next round: a huge pig’s knuckle with a very crisp, hard crust. In fact, all the food was delicious.

Our guide, a young woman in her 40s, then took us to the world-famous Strahov Library. We were the only group allowed inside. I’ve never seen anything like it. Photos can capture the beauty and scale, but nothing compares to the feeling of being surrounded by those magnificent books, frescoes, and furnishings. Absolutely incredible.

We have an artist friend, Mickey Smith, who photographs book bindings. Both the Duncans and the LeBarons own her work. Back in our room, I edited today’s photos and began sharing them with Mickey—she’s already planning a visit.

We enjoyed our last dinner in Prague at a restaurant specializing in duck, just around the corner from our hotel. We said goodbye to Karen and Steven until February 2026, when they’ll join us in Puerto Vallarta for the Duncan/LeBaron artist residency. We’ve found two more wonderful friends!

Robert

A special note from our tour guide Tereza:

Dear Karen and Robert,

What a delight to share the Strahov Library with you on Monday. I also read about the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum and watched your interview—so inspiring. Thank you for all you do for art around the world. You—and the LeBarons—are extraordinary bridge builders, weaving connections that bring people and ideas closer together. That means so much…and so much more in todays disjointed world.

Gratefully,Tereza