Minneapolis... A Retreat On Repeat!

Felted Flower Rings by Susan Rossiter

Our new midwest location was such a happy success that we're doing it again next year! Woohoo! Yup, that's right kiddies... Art & Soul will be back in Minneapolis in 2017 and we've already got a great lineup of mixed media workshops for you taught by so many talented instructors. Here is just a sneak peek at what we have in store...

With the growing popularity of mandalas lately — and the zen that comes along with them — it's no wonder they've made their way into the mixed media world. And what better way to unwind and relax than to spend a day creating Mixed Media Mandalas  using fabric and paper with Rebekah Meier. Breathe in.... breathe out... cut and paste.... ahhhhhhh. Doesn't that feel good!

OMGoddess! Release your inner goddess while being gently guided in techniques of beading and fringe with Doris Arndt in a glorious workshop where basically everything is provided for you. Just bring your inner divinity!

What about learning this amazing technique on how to Cut, Stencil & Stitch From Scratch and create your very own multi-layered garment with Patti Calande? You'll learn about cutting fabric, stenciling, stitches, techniques, and construction, and you will gain key hands-on experience to complete this and other beautiful, heirloom hand stitched projects!

Or try your hand at metal etching and leather tooling in Erin Keck's workshop, The Shoe Cobbler's Journal. Under Erin's expert guidance, you'll construct a unique steampunk-esque journal made from shoe sole leather, learn dyeing techniques, metal etching, hinge creation and leave with a finished journal and a wealth of knowledge!

Carol Sphon's Cruising for a Rooster workshop.

And that's just a small sampling of what we have in store for you! Registration for next year's Minneapolis Retreat opens on August 1st — which isn't that far away! And we've got a Special Offer for all you early birds... Sign up by October 31st and get $15 dollars off your registration fee and $15 off each full day class!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

April 26th - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel

Minneapolis, MN

So grab yourself a drink and a snack, make sure your printer has plenty of paper and ink, and start planning your dream mixed media playcation!

Painting A Portrait of Portland...

Wow! What a whirlwind of creativity, courage, and cameraderie we experienced at Art & Soul Portland this year. Tons of artistic attendees learning new and interesting mixed media techniques. Students pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. And so many souls of like mind coming together and forming new friendships and fostering those of years past. This is why we do these events! There aren't too many things better than having a front row seat to the innovation, ingenuity and individuality of our lovely attendees and talented instructors!

So let me paint that portrait of our Portland event for you. Our students are enamored with the genre of mixed media and well... I have to say they make a great impression!

They love to stretch and grow and build layer upon layer of creativity into their repertoire...

I see many thinking outside the box... figuratively and literally!

And we love our tools! Yes, there are paintbrushes and pens... but our mixed media retreats created generations of students that shop for their art supplies at the hardware store!

Time flies here at our events, and people really get in gear...

And sometimes our attendees have dog days... but of course it's always by choice!

And in most cases, we can just throw them a bone... and that makes them happy!

So... all-in-all everybody had a great time in Portland, made amazing stuff, and learned lots of new things. And just as that event has ended, it's time for us to ramp up for our Kansas City, MO Art & Soul retreat! Who wants to come play?

See you soon,
Glenny
xoxo

© photos by Ingrid Dijkers, Erin Keck, Ruth Krening, Rebekah Meier and Jean Van Brederode

New Instructor Added to Portland! Introducing Rebekah Meier...

We are so very excited to announce the addition of one very talented instructor to our Portland Art & Soul roster... Rebekah Meier!

Rebekah is an established author, designer, and teacher in the mixed-media and fabric collage community. Her books, magazine features, and product development exemplify her signature style of combining fabrics and fibers into beautiful collage assemblages. Rebekah is the author of the best selling books, Fabric Art Collage, 40+ Mixed Media Techniques and More Fabric Art Collage. 

Here's what she's offering this Spring at our 2015 Portland event. Check out these lovely layered cloth and paper creations!

Collage Fabric Painting - Friday, March 6th 

Students will learn techniques to create their own custom designed fabric. Layering the applications of color, texture, design will be covered. Instruction will also be given on how to create foam stamps and using found objects for printing. The one of a kind designed fabric will then be used to create a no-sew wallet.

Ripped, Peeled, and Dripped Paper Relic Collage - Saturday, March 7th

Students will create a canvas wall art collage. Techniques will be step by step, allowing students to build up textures and interesting designs. If you like ripping, peeling back layers, and random application of paint, then this class is for you.

Fiber Art Tapestry - Sunday, March 8th

Students will learn a layering technique that incorporates both fabric and paper. Each student will go home with a small sampler incorporating embroidery and lots of texture.

Pretty awesome stuff, huh!

Registration is now open for Portland Art & Soul 2015, as well as all of our 2015 events! For information and registration, visit our website at www.artandsoulretreat.com.