Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Happy Holidays To My Art & Soul Family!


It's the most wonderful time of the year... again! Although, when I think about it, when you have the ability to make new kinds of art, spread your creative wings, and try something outside your crafty comfort zone... it's the kind of wonderful you can have all year long! And having run Art & Soul for over a decade, that creative spirit is what I think about... pretty much on a daily basis.


So I just wanted to pop in... between your shopping and baking and festive preparations to wish you a Merry Christmas! I hope that you get to spend it... creatively of course... with friends, family and the ones you love most. I hope that you get lots of fun art supplies, books, and other sources of imaginative inspiration. Let's keep those creative fires burning all year long!

Happy Holidays to my entire Art & Soul Family!
Glenny
xoxo


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!


Hello! I just wanted to pop in and say Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite peeps! No matter how you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day. I hope you are surrounded by friends and family... and good food.

And during this time of thanks, I wish to thank all of you for coming to our events, being courageous enough to leave the world behind for a few days and explore your creativity. Without all of you, we wouldn't have an Art & Soul. You may think that you're just having fun and making art while you're at our events, but you're also enabling me to continue doing something I love... put smiles on all your lovely faces!

So thank you, thank you, thank you! Have a great holiday!

Much Love,
Glenny
xoxo

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Virginia Beach Classes Are Up! Registration Starts This Friday!


Will you come join us next Fall for our Art & Soul Mixed Media Retreat in Virginia Beach? Yay! We're so happy to have you. As always we've got dozens of full day and evening workshops to stretch your creativity, lots of fun events, an on-site store that's to dye for, a Vendor Extravaganza for all your hard to find knick knacks and amazing original art, and so much more!

We've put a preview of our classes online... you can check them out here. Registration goes live on November 20th and we have a very special EARLY BIRD OFFER for you! If you sign up by January 1, 2016, all of your full day workshops will be $135 and your registration fee will be $35! That's a $15 savings on both! It all adds up.... or should we say... subtracts!

Virginia Beach Art & Soul
September 26 - October 1, 2016
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

So visit our website and get more information about our Virginia Beach Event... our relaxing beachfront Hotel... the creative Workshops we have to offer... and our fabulous Instructors!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Introducing... Our 2016 Theme!

 
We are so very delighted to bring you our new Art & Soul
theme and logo for 2016...
  
In The Enchanted Forest

We always try to think of a creative theme for each year and this one just conjured up all kinds of lovely into-the-woods visuals! Evoking images from fairy tales and magic, to tiny stone cottages and friendly forest foragers, we thought you'd enjoy it too.

This whimsical woodland artwork was created by longtime Art & Soul Instructor Leslie Brier. Well-known for her inventive (and often steampunk style) mixed media art and jewelry, Leslie also has a playful side that definitely came through in this logo design.

So put on your thinking caps my little mixed-media mavens! I can't wait to see what imaginative things you come up with for trades, swaps, themed clothing and oodles of ephemera to bring along to our Art & Soul Retreats this year. I'm sure we'll be enchanted!

And in the meantime, check out the amazing selection of mixed-media classes we have to offer in 2016! With 3 inspirational locations to choose from... Portland, Minneapolis and Virginia Beach, there's an exciting retreat event near you!

Monday, November 2, 2015

Virginia Beach Wrap Up!

Well... we wrapped up the year with Art & Soul Virginia Beach... and I just can't help but think how blessed I am to still be doing these events after all these years. I got a little nostalgic at our most recent retreat and started to reflect a little bit about what a great time we have at every individual event. So here's me waxing nostalgic about Virginia Beach...


Virginia Beach just gets better and better.  It is so delightful to return to a warm & cozy hotel with employees who remember us with a smile.  They almost anticipate what we may need before we do!  That is one advantage in staying at the same location each year. Virginia Beach has its own charm and even though we were in the midst of a storm, it was wonderful to see happy and talented faces each day.  Our attendees continue to amaze me with their creative energy and ideas.  And the camaraderie of pajama parties and impromptu gatherings warms my heart.

The Amazing Julie Haymaker Thompson!

If we were an art bootcamp (as some have called us in the past, lol), we'd have lots of "decorated" Sergeants that we consider our long-time teachers. We are blessed to have a selection of “faculty” with us at each event. These incredible instructors continue to offer new and innovative techniques attracting beginners and die-hard attendees alike. They have made a commitment to teach and I can always count on them — a very special attribute for our retreats. Our new instructors round out the retreat experience by offering something new.  This makes them very special and exciting in our program as we strive to offer all types of mixed media throughout all of our events.


At our retreats, we have plenty of special events, pop up parties, demos, vendor night frenzies and other activities of note. As much as we all love to create... we also love to play, be silly and let off some steam. After all, we're on playcation! And in true Art & Soul form, two of our attendees — Julie Armstrong and Sandy Lupton — organized a Pajama Party. It was a hoot and we have decided to make it an annual event.  There was lots of fun, revelry, laughter... and hey... I think even some art was created! 

Students from Gina Rossi Armfeld's No Excuses Watercolor Class

As for me, I have some favorite things as the event organizer. Having the opportunity to meet up with and catch up with old friends is always wonderful. I feel like I have so much "family" at these events. My other favorite love is watching new people find the joy and empowerment of Art & Soul. When people who had the courage enough to push their boundaries come out of the classrooms at the end of the day with giant smiles on their faces, well... that just makes my heart go pitter-patter.

A student's project from Jean VanBrederode's Family Jewels workshop

And we have even more excitement in store for our 2016 events! We're bringing in new instructors to delight and entice our mixed media crowd. We're creating confirmation packets again – one of my long-time passions. We've got a brand new Midwest location with our Minneapolis event! And, of course, we're finding NEW attendees and getting them hooked on the mixed media bug.

So thanks to everyone who makes this all possible... my right-hand chicks, our teachers, the adventurous students, our on-site store and staff, vendor night artists, the hotel crew, and everyone else. Together we've made something pretty special... and we've made it last. We must be doing something right!

Glenny
xoxo

photos courtesy of Jean VanBrederode, Julie Armstrong, Gina Rossi Armfeld. 


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Minneapolis Special Offer... Midwest Madness!!

Alternative Approaches to the Self Portrait, David Molder & Eric Scott

We've already shared with you how very excited we are about our newest location for Art & Soul Minneapolis! And that our dream of hosting an event in that exact town has finally come true. Now, we want to pass some excitement on to you by reminding you about the special offer we're having. Read on...

Enameled Memory Booklet Necklace with Jean VanBrederode

Until November 1st, we'll have reduced pricing for full day classes and 30% off your registration fee! Through the end of October, we've reduced our full day, 6-hour classes from $150 to $135, and our regular $50 registration is now only $35!



So check out the amazing teachers and creative classes we have to offer in our brand new Midwest location! With mixed media categories like painting, journaling, sculpting, collage, assemblage, fabric, fiber arts, art doll making, jewelry, and so much more... you'll have lots to choose from at this brand new event!

May 23-29, 2016
Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites - MSP Airport/Mall of America! 
Bloomington, MN

Thread Doodling with Lulu Murakami

So if you haven't signed up already, go wander around our website. You can view our class offerings by workshop dates, talented instructors, or by project sample photos. And once you register, don't forget to make your hotel reservations at the gorgeous Crowne Plaza, just a stone's throw from the colossal Mall of America! We're really looking forward to this new venue and see YOU there!!

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Virginia Art & Soul is Almost Here!

Collage My Way with Suzi Dennis

Perhaps you've been busy getting the kids back to school. Are you just now packing up from your summer activities? Maybe you're still recovering from that fabulous Labor Day party. Whatever kept you busy lately.... we just wanted to remind you that it's time for YOU to go back to school! Yup, that's right. You've got classes to attend... and we don't want you to miss out on the creative adult school we like to call Art & Soul!

Bloomin Copper Bracelet with Roxan O'Brien

Our Virginia Beach mixed media retreat is right around the corner and we've still got a few spots left in some of your favorite workshops! You'll find classes in journaling, painting, collage, assemblage, dollmaking, jewelry, sewing, quilting, color theory and more!

Journal Obscura with Ingrid Dijkers

And... in addition to our always amazing selection of mixed media workshops, we've got lots of special offers for you this year including... $25 mini workshops, a free lunch deal, and an awesome giveaway that'll leave you with no excuses for not making art! All this wrapped up in a gorgeous seaside location, right on the sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay!

September 28 - October 4, 2015
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

So if you haven't signed up yet... register today! Then come join us for an amazingly inspiring mixed media art retreat, in an amazingly inspiring location. For more information and to register for our Virginia Beach 2015 event, visit our website www.ArtAndSoulRetreat.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

No More Excuses for Not Making Art!


I don't have time. I don't have a space to work. I'm not sure I have all the right supplies. It's not something I've done before. I can't keep the momentum going. I don't know what to make. Do any of these sound familiar? All too familiar for some of us, I'm sure! Well, thanks to Gina Rossi Armfield, you can toss those excuses in the trash!

No Excuses Art and your very own Art and Soul are going to be hosting an awesome giveaway contest — at our Virginia Beach Retreat — for those who take the PLEDGE to give up their excuses when it comes to making art! The prize includes an amazingly handy 85-well spinning palette, exclusive No Excuses books and DVDs, a free Art & Soul class and more!

September 28 - October 4, 2015
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

Look for details when you sign in at the registration desk, at our Virginia Beach event! You won't want to miss this one! (No excuses!)

Monday, August 17, 2015

Feed Your Soul (and Your Belly) in Virginia!


Boy, oh, boy... have we got a nifty offer for you!  Not only will we provide nourishment for your soul, but also for your belly! Arts and eats! A nice little treat! Some provisions while you envision!

What the heck are we talking about? Well, we've got a special deal going on right now...

When you sign up for 3 or more full-day classes, your lunch will be included on those days! How cool is that? A $15 value, your midday meals will be our treat! It's like getting a $15 credit on your class, and free food to top it off. Awesome!

So jump on the bandwagon, or hop on the buffet line and sign up for classes today, or add a class or two to qualify. Lunch is on us!

September 28 - October 4, 2015
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

Join us for an amazingly inspiring mixed media art retreat, in an amazingly inspirational location. For more information and to register for our Virginia Beach 2015 event, visit our website www.ArtAndSoulRetreat.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Virginia Art & Soul'ers - Got Time for a Quickie?

But I Can't Throw My Scraps Away! with Suzi Dennis

Hey Virginia Beach attendees — and those who are contemplating attending our southeastern Art & Soul Retreat —  have we got an exciting new program for you!

Several of our instructors have developed short sample classes so they can introduce you to their fabulous tips and techniques.  The classes are less than an hour in length... they include all the supplies you'll need... and these mini workshops cost only $25!!  How cool is that?

In addition, if you sign up for one of these classes before Sept 1, 2015, you'll also receive a voucher for a free beverage of your choice.  Here's just a sampling of these special classes...

Bird Dreams with Helen Shafer Garcia


Imagery Bunting with Catherine Anderson


Heavenly Image Transfers with Ingrid Dijkers


Enameled Earring with Jean VanBrederode


Alcohol Ink Blossoms with Cathy Taylor


And that's just a few of the amazing mini workshops we have to offer. So if you've ever wanted to try out a new technique, or see what one of our amazing instructors had to offer, now's your chance to do it in a short, jam-packed session! Check out our website for a complete listing of all our Virginia Beach quickie classes and sign up today! Space is limited.

September 28 - October 4, 2015
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

So if you haven't signed up yet, come join us for an amazingly inspiring mixed media art retreat, in an amazingly inspiring location. For more information and to register for our Virginia Beach 2015 event, visit our website www.ArtAndSoulRetreat.com

Thursday, July 23, 2015

One Week Left... to Save on Portland 2016 Classes!


Just wanted to pop by and let you know that there's only one week left to take advantage of our Early Bird Special for 2016 Portland Art & Soul! As a sweet summer treat, we kicked off registration with an awesome sale!! If you sign up during this early bird special, Event Registration will be $35 (instead of $50) and all Full Day Classes will be $135 (instead of $150)! And I wanted to remind you that July 31st is the last day to get these special savings, so take advantage of this discount offer to make sure you get the classes and teachers that you wanted!


So check out the incredible lineup of classes we have in store for Portland 2016! With all types of mixed media disciplines like collage, assemblage, journaling, bookmaking, painting, sculpting, fabric and fiber arts, digital manipulation, jewelry and so much more... we have something for everyone!

Art & Soul Portland 2016
February 29th - March 6th

Don't delay! Sign up today! The last day to save with our Early Bird Special is July 31st!

Monday, July 13, 2015

It's Summertime, So... Be Cool!

The heat is on! Mid-Summer sun is shining brightly, and strong! So what's a girl to do to escape the heat? How about going for a hike in the beautiful Oregon nature with your granddaughter? That'll work!


Me, Abby and a friend of hers took a jaunt through the woods surrounding the amazingly gorgeous Punch Bowl Falls. Abby and friend took a dip in the crystal clear water. Doesn't that just look so refreshing? I wanted to, however....


To get into the "swimming pool" you had to jump off from the top of the waterfall!! Do you see all those rocks jutting out? So, alas... I stayed on dry land, enjoyed the shade and watched the girls play and have fun.


The entire park surrounding the falls was simply stunning... like something you would see in the movies. In fact, Punch Bowl falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Northwest. I can understand why. It was great to immerse myself in the gorgeous greenery and serenity of nature after a long, long winter!


And during the dog days of Summer, what else are you supposed to do? Wash your horse, of course! Here's Jack gettin' a cooling sponge bath. Mmmmm... feels so good!

Oh, and did I mention my well is broken? Nope, that's not a metaphor hinting that my creative juices have dried up. My well is actually broken! So, we've temporarily got a tank on site to provide us with clean water until we can get the repairs done. So any ideas on how to stay cool during these warm Summer months would be greatly appreciated!

What's your favorite tip for cooling off?

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Brand New Location.... Art & Soul is Headed For Minneapolis!

Give 'Em The Bird - Doris Arndt

We are so very excited to announce our newest location for Art & Soul Mixed Media Retreats… drumroll, please… at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites – Mall of America! Our dream of hosting an event in the Minneapolis area has finally come true. Now you can play all day and shop til you drop, in one amazing place. 

Mindy Lacefield's - Bookboard Journal workshop

You can get a sneak peek at the workshops we're offering on our website now, and registration will begin August 15th. And, we have a special offer for those of you who sign up early! Between August 15th and November 1st, we'll have reduced pricing for full day classes and 30% off your registration fee!


Light Up My Heart Bracelet - Julie Haymaker Thompson

So check out the amazing teachers and creative classes we have to offer in our brand new Midwest location! With mixed media categories like painting, journaling, sculpting, collage, assemblage, fabric, fiber arts, art doll making, jewelry, and so much more... you'll have lots to choose from at this brand new event!


May 23-29, 2016
Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites - MSP Airport - Mall of America! 

Liz Kettle's - No More Blank Pages - Visual Journaling class

So grab a drink and a tasty snack and wander around our website.... you can view our class offerings by workshop dates, talented instructors, or by project sample photos. Happy browsing!

Monday, June 1, 2015

Portland 2016 Classes Open For Registration... Today!

Laurie Mika's Sacred Tin Hearts workshop

Just a quick reminder that as of today, registration for our Portland 2016 Art & Soul Retreat is now open! A couple weeks ago we gave you a sneak peek of some amazing workshops we've got lined up and told you about our special class pricing.

Art & Soul Portland 2016
February 29th - March 6th
[special introductory sale ends August 1st]

Hopefully, you've had some time to look around, pick out your favorite classes (I know... it's hard!) and you're ready to sign up today. If you haven't gotten a chance to peruse the amazingly creative offerings we have, you can visit our website and browse by instructors, our daily schedule, or by project example photos. As always, we look forward to being your destination for creative play!

Glenny
xoxo

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Don't Miss This Amazing Offer!

David Molder & Eric Scott - Alternative Approaches to the Self Portrait

Wow, wow, wowie, wow! Can you tell I'm excited about the new lineup for our 2016 Portland Art & Soul? I'm thrilled to let you know that classes for this event are now online and ready for you to browse! AND.... we're kicking off open registration June 1st with an awesome sale!! If you sign up during this early bird special, Event Registration will be $35 (instead of $50) and all Full Day Classes will be $135 (instead of $150)! The sale ends August 1st, so take advantage of this discount offer and insure you get the classes and teachers that you wanted!

Oh, and besides the savings we have for you... check out some of the incredible lineup of classes we have in store for Portland 2016!


Ingrid Dijkers has turned journaling on its head — or should I say YOUR head — with her Crown Chronicles workshop! And seriously... what better way to share your favorite affirmations, quotes or journaled random thoughts than on your head with a crown?


Lulu Moonwood Murakami is going to take you on a tale of a journey in her Fabric Collage Storybook Dolls class. Love mixing fabric patterns and colors? So does LuLu! Get funky creating whimsical storybook characters with fabric collage and some wild machine stitching in her workshop.


Create your own polymer clay "bunting" with Laurie Mika in this Heraldic Clay Banner workshop! This is a perfect class to explore a number of techniques using polymer clay because each triangle provides an opportunity to try out a new way of embellishing the surface. Swoon!


And OMG! Are these Needle Felted Cakes taught by LeBrie Rich just the most adorable things you've ever seen? You'll create beautiful and intricate desserts inspired by Japanese felt master Rio Fukuda. This class is a good introduction to needle felting: you’ll learn to make many basic shapes and will be prepared to create anything on your own at home! Sweet!


Ever want to try your hand at Precious Metal Clay? Well now you can and come out looking like an expert in Ruth Greening's Intro to PMC Silver workshop! You'll fall in love with the versatility and beauty of this workable, forgiving medium that lends itself to so many different crafts.

So that's just a small sample of the amazing lineup we have for you at Portland next year! With all types of mixed media disciplines like collage, assemblage, journaling, bookmaking, painting, sculpting, fabric and fiber arts, digital manipulation, jewelry and so much more... we have something for everyone!

Art & Soul Portland 2016
February 29th - March 6th
[special introductory sale ends August 1st]

Happy Browsing!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Kansas City... Fun and Play and An Arrest on the Way?


Well, another successful Retreat at Art & Soul Kansas City. Our venue — the Elms Hotel & Spa — just made it even more spectacular, with it's rich history, decor, and just the whole feel of the place.


We had so many happy students, making beautiful mixed media works of art, learning new techniques, stretching their creative boundaries.


To our attendees, work is play, just like play is work. But it's the kind of work you could do every day! When I walk into a classroom and everyone is silent... that's when I know they're in the zone!


As usual the projects that came out of our workshops were simply spectacular, as were the grins on the faces of the makers. I know I sound like a broken record, but that really is one of my favorite parts of doing these retreats. When someone creates something they never thought they could, and feels great about it! Boy, am I the proud mama.


The teachers we had lined up for this event were just spectacular. With degrees in Art, Life, and doctorates in Patience.... they really do help our students shine!


There were such a variety of classes available, that everyone found something to push their creative boundaries. Jewelry, fabric, collage, assemblage, bookmaking, sculpting, and so much more!


It was a pleasure to watch all these different techniques unfold through all the different projects taught at this retreat. ALTHOUGH... when the police arrived, we were all wondering how such a low-key creative retreat could have brought the boys in blue!


We're still not sure WHY the local police arrived (including the Captain who happily put on a steampunk hat) but we had them laughing and enjoying our festivities. And it was a fun ending to a great week with a few of our hororary attendees. 


And THEN, we were sure the ghost had placed a body in the pool – and were amused to learn that it was an attendee who just left our foolishness and was soaking and floating around!

Just more proof that you never know what will happen at one of our Art & Soul Retreats... whether it's art imitating life... or life imitating art (or a scene from CSI!) a good time and good laughs are always had by all!

See you next time in Virginia!

Glenny & the Crew
xoxo

© photos courtesy of Glenny Moir, Jean Van Brederode, Erin Keck, Mindy Lacefield, Seth Apter, Blue Twig Studio