A Great New Class... We Ain't Lion!

Need to fill your Friday afternoon in Minneapolis? Well... Erin Keck has a brand new class she's offering... Trash To Treasures - Creating Vintage Collage Jewelry. In this half-day workshop, you'll learn how to take scraps of broken vintage jewelry along with other embellishments and turn them into unique modern-day statement pieces. You can bring jewelry bits and bobs of your own, or Erin will have a treasure chest of junky jewels to sift through.

Trash To Treasures

Creating Vintage Collage Jewelry

Minneapolis Art & Soul

Friday, April 28th, 1:30-4:30

Come join us for this fun, laid-back and informative workshop! You'll leave with your own personal wearable art piece that's unlike any other. For more information on Minneapolis Art & Soul, visit our website and check out all we have to offer...

How Do You Spell MINNEAPOLIS?

Our newest Minneapolis Art & Soul event will be going on it's second year this Spring, and like our other long-running events, there's no lack of amazing attributes to this Midwest retreat. So we'd like to spell it out for you, and tell you how this marvelous mixed-media meetup will thrill and delight all levels of creative individuals...

M is for Making Amazing Art
Whether you like drawing, painting, collage, assemblage, dolls, fabric, fiber, jewelry, journaling, bookmaking, and the like... you're going to make some amazing art here. 

I is for Inspiration
There's no lack of inspiration at Art & Soul! Whether it's the instructors, your fellow attendees, seeing other students' work, our amazing on-site store filled with goodies, new products to try, demonstrations to watch, or finding just the right thing-a-ma-bob at our pop up Vendor Extravaganza, you'll be inspired beyond measure.

N is for New Friends
When you are gathered amongst like-minded souls, kindred spirits and creative individuals, there's just something that clicks. Friendships that are made in a moment, last a lifetime. These are the kinds of friends you'll make in Minneapolis. And now with social media, it's easier than ever to keep up the conversations and creative sharing.

the other N is for  Newfound Courage
Sometimes it's hard to go outside your comfort zone and try something new, but at Art & Soul we'll help guide you through that process. By taking that first step and showing up for a few new classes, you'll open up something inside of yourself that will make new possibilities (in art and your life) seem exciting and engaging.

E is for Engaging
And speaking of engaging... boy will these workshops accomplish that! As I make my daily rounds, without fail, I will walk into classrooms that are completely silent. What's going on you might ask? The entire class is completely and totally engaged in what they are doing. They are in a state where nothing else but the tools and materials in front of them are inspiring so many new thoughts and ideas that they have to be quiet so they can hear their muse.

A is for An Experience
You're not just attending a retreat in Minneapolis, you're having an experience. A real live, interactive creative excursion that will engage all your senses. That's why these retreats are etched in your memory for the rest of your life. All the reasons above and below come together to make this the playcation you've always dreamed of. And when you leave, you'll take a part of it home with you. You'll never be the same.

P is for Projects
Wow, projects! There is just no end to the type and diversity of the projects we're offering you.  With workshops that show you how to make finished drawings, paintings, embroidery, sculptures, rings, necklaces, handbags, chimes, journals, tin can dolls and so much more... you'll be hard pressed to even choose which classes to take!

O is for Opportunities
Besides our full day and evening classes, there are so many other opportunities for you to get creative in Minneapolis! We have an opening night party, our on-site store to peruse and try out new products, our Vendor Extravaganza where you can pick up hard-to-find mixed media supplies, and we've been known to have a late night pajama party or two as well as other impromptu gatherings. And like a small ant colony, our attendees are constantly navigating the hallways between classes and bumping into other creatives who want to share a bite to eat or get a nibble and chat. You won't be bored!

L is for Learning
We have so many opportunities to learn new techniques, work with new tools, try new products, and expand your creative repertoire. Your head will be spinning with all the information you'll get from taking our unique classes.... in a good way!

I is for Instructors
Our instructors are hand-picked just for you. Plucked right out of your favorite magazines, art and craft books, and popular websites, these talented and professional artists will teach and guide you in a caring, supportive way. They'll take you under their wing and help make you soar to new creative heights!

...and S is for Support
We're here for you. Our staff, our store, our teachers, our students. We are a family. The Art & Soul family. And we support each other and lift each other up. You are not alone. You'll be amongst a tribe of like-minded people who carry themselves in a positive manner and make sure you are taken care of. So come join the family!!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

April 26th - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America Hotel

Minneapolis, MN

This year's Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat will knock your creative socks off. Chock full of mixed media workshops just ripe for the picking, taught by our very talented instructors. We have so much to offer... we'd love to have you as part of the family. Come join us!

Refer-A-Friend & Save in Minneapolis...

What's better than going to our Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat? Going with a friend! And right now, if you refer a friend to join us for at least one 6-hour, full day class... we'll give you a $25 credit! That's right... all you have to do is encourage, persuade, motivate, coax or influence one of your best buds to go, and we'll give you a little bonus.

So go ahead, regale your friends with tales of Art & Soul's past, bring some of your amazing projects over to show off, and send them over to our website so they can check out all the amazing classes we have in Minneapolis this year. And when you find out that they were totally convinced to go, and how could they have passed up on an opportunity to play and create like this... just send us an e-mail and let us know. And you'll be $25 richer! That's like paying for a class kit fee, or some new art supplies in our on-site store, or a little treat for yourself on Vendor Night.

Minneapolis Art & Soul

April 26 - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America

Thanks a bunch and we look forward to seeing you and your friends in Minneapolis this Spring!

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

Teacher Spotlight... Helen Garcia!

This is just one of Helen Garcia's amazing projects from the amazing workshops she'll be teaching at our Kansas City, MO Art & Soul Retreat! We got to experience this class — Crinkly Iridescent Vestiges Quilt — in Portland and it was... amazing!  This paper quilt is loaded with colorful crinkly textures. The paint and ink flowed into the crevices giving the papers a wonderful aged look. Students got to experiment with this special watermedia batik-like technique on Masa rice paper. They used an acrylic ink technique to make marks and paint with watercolor, letting the colors blend and fuse together naturally. Simply stunning!

Helen Shafer Garcia is a painter, mixed media artist and award winning illustrator. Her whimsical style shows a love for living creatively with a studio filled to the brim with found objects! She’s currently working with watercolor, pastel and mixed media creating contemporary images on paper along with a series of Icon folklore triptychs with wood, watermedia and found object construction.

For the past 20 years, Helen’s watercolor illustrations have graced the cover brochures, garden articles and advertisements of numerous International resorts and magazines. Awards include four San Diego Press Club First Place Awards of Excellence in Illustration for San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine. Helen holds a BA degree in Fine Arts and currently teaches college level Watercolor and Acrylic painting, Book Arts, and Pastel.

Here's a sneak peek of what Helen will be teaching at our 2015 Kansas City retreat, which is just around the corner I might add!

Poured Painted Surfaces

Tuesday Evening, April 28

Block Collage Prints

Wednesday Evening, April 29

Inky Prints Folded Book

Thursday, April 30

Crinkly Iridescent Vestiges Quilt

Friday, May 1

Such colorful and graphic workshops Helen has to offer! So why not come play with us and make something beautiful?

Kansas City Art & Soul

Mixed Media Art Retreat

April 27 - May 1, 2015

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

For more information on Art & Soul or to register for any of our events, visit us at www.ArtAndSoulRetreat.com

See you soon!

Right Around the Corner... Kansas City Art & Soul!

Whew! Time sure does fly when you're thinking about attending an Art & Soul retreat. So I wanted to drop in with a friendly little reminder that registration For our Kansas City Retreat is nearing the end. With the event only about a month away, if you haven't signed up for your favorite mixed media classes... now's the time!

There are still a few spots left in some amazing workshops, with some terrific teachers! And our venue — The Elms Hotel & Spa — is out of this world. This historic hotel exudes a certain quaint and cozy charm like none other. So don't delay... our special Art & Soul hotel rates are only available until April 11th!

Kansas City Art & Soul

April 27-May1, 2015

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Excelsior Springs, MO

So stop what you're doing (we won't tell your boss!) and peruse our selection of Kansas City workshops, then sign up today! It's just the creative playcation you need, to give your creativity a kick-start for Spring! Here's a look back at last year's event. What a wonderful time we all had. Come join us for this inspirational event!

Art & Soul... Dates for 2014!

Well, folks... after two amazing events in a row — a first time retreat in our new Kansas City location and a bayside creative respite in our Virginia Beach location — I've finally been able to hash out dates for our 2014 Art & Soul Retreats. We're changing things up a bit this year... not only to avoid overlapping with many of the new retreats out there, but also so that we can bring you the best rates possible at each of the venues. So mark your calendars and start dreaming up what types of classes you'd like to take!

And, if you are an instructor of the mixed-media kind and would like to teach at our retreats, send us your workshop proposals by June 15th!

Here we go!!!

Kansas City, MO
The Elms Hotel
March 20-23, 2014

Portland, OR
Red Lion on the River
April 9-13, 2014

Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel
October 1-5, 2014

Can't wait for another exciting year with all of you!

Hugs,
Glenny

Virginia Beach - Creativity at its Finest!

Wowie! We had such a marvelous time on the bay — good weather, bad weather. It didn't matter because we were too busy laughing and creating. It is so much fun to see our east coast friends each year - and NONE of us grows a bit older! Isn't that amazing??? How you manage to take classes all day and night and STILL have energy for a pajama party is beyond me - but you did it! And I know there were "spin off" parties each evening in various locations...ahem. How fun was that??!!

I cannot begin to thank our wonderful group of instructors for once again providing us with stellar classes and techniques. The work being accomplished was amazing - and you did it! A big thanks to Sally and her crew at The Bead Goes On for our Opening Night Party. Don't miss it next year! And to Ken Oliver for all his demo's on the Spellbinder. FUN! Judy and her gang in our fabulous store! And, of course, our Energizer Bunny - Marie. She keeps us on time, on target and is a jewel.

I'll be posting a recap of Kansas City and Virginia Beach on the blog shortly... after I catch my breath! I will also be sending a newsletter with the dates for 2014 in the next few weeks. As you may or may not know, we are changing things up a bit. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me personally at glenny@artandsoulretreat.com.  

Thank you so very much for being a part of our A&S family!!

Many hugs,
Glenny

Art & Soul Radio... Tune in for Seek Your Course Takes A Turn with Jess Greene, Mon., April 29

 

Jess Greene is a Creativity Advocate, Dream Amplifier, and Curator of Transformational Opportunities. As the founder of Seek Your Course — a digital media platform for the promotion of creative classes all over the planet — Jess inspires adults worldwide to engage the creativity inside their minds and craft-inspired lives. 

 

Her Creative Ease classes and consulting services enable artists to master the current technologies that can take their endeavors to the next level. Give your creativity permission and potential by seeing what she has to offer, and keep up with the latest updates on creative classes by signing up for the Seek Your Course mailing list.

And listen to our inspirational chat this Monday...

Art & Soul Radio featuring Jess Greene
with Lesley Riley
Monday, April 29
7:00pm EST
blogtalkradio.com/art-and-soul-radio

Something for You... Something for Me.

Got junk? How about stuff? Have some UFOs (Un-Finished Objects)? Art supplies? Surfaces? Bits and pieces? Remnants? Vintage whatnot? And you know that you're probably not going to use it? But you don't want to toss it. Well then... bring it with you to the Virginia Beach Art & Soul and donate it to our Swap Table!

We'll have a table set up for all those little things that are taking up valuable space in your craft room... so you can exchange it for other stuff you can use! Just bring your things to the on-site store/registration area and drop it off any time. And if you see something you'd like... take it home! It's just that simple.

So check your drawers, plastic bins, shelves and boxes. I know you've got some stuff you'd like to get rid of and make room for new goodies! Here's a list of some things that would be great for donating...

• fabric, lace, ribbon
• paints, pastels, inks, pens, pencils
• rubber stamps and ink pads
• ephemera of all kinds
• vintage books and magazines
• jewelry bits, findings, beads, charms
• scrapbook papers
• old toys, game pieces
• yarn, thread, sewing notions
• art and craft tools
• unused clay
• cigar boxes 
• old photos
• craft and project books 
• interesting found objects 
• antique anything
• dolls and doll parts (yup! we love 'em all)
• stuff you only used once
• things you don't know what to do with
• and anything else you can think of!

Can't wait to see you in Virginia Beach... can you believe it's just one week away!!

Kansas City... Inspiration at its Finest!

After a little help packing... we're finally at our newest venue in Kansas City, MO! The Elms is such an amazing place that it's hard not to be inspired here.

We're having a blast and I'll catch up with you when we get back... and tell you all about our midwest Art & Soul experience!

TTFN,
Glenny
xoxo

Art & Soul Radio.. Tune in for The Muse is In with Jill Badonsky, Monday, April 1

Jill Badonsky is an illustrator, humorist, nationally recognized seminar leader and creativity consultant. As the founder of Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching, Jill consults with filmmakers, comedians, artists, writers, business leaders and anyone who is experiencing procrastination and other blocks to positive change. She is the author of The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard) and The Awe-Manac and now her newest book, The Muse is In: An Owners Manual to Your Creativity.

If you ever felt stuck in nurturing your creativity, you'll love Jill's realistic suggestions and whimsical style to help guide you on jump starting your creative spirit again! So please join us for this inspirational chat...

Art & Soul Radio featuring Jill Badonsky
with Lesley Riley
Monday, April 1
7:00pm EST
blogtalkradio.com/art-and-soul-radio




And don't forget, Art & Soul Radio's interviews are also available on demand, to listen to at your leisure. Check out what other mixed-media artists are doing and how they're living their lives with passion any time!

Toto... I Don't Think We're in Kansas... (but we ARE in Kansas City!!)

That's right all my little mid-western mixed-media mavens.... Art & Soul is coming to Kansas City in April 2013! Woohoo! We're totally going to change the meaning of "The Show Me State" as we add this new location to our selection of nationwide art retreats.

Our gracious host will be The Elms Hotel & Spa — a wonderfully historic property that is going to offer us the intimate surroundings that we absolutely love for our retreats. I must say that I am so ecstatic about this inspirational location that I just cannot contain myself!! The staff has already made me feel welcome as a part of their family. I can hardly wait!

Here are just some of the highlights of this awesome property...

• Seasonal culinary delights! Our experienced culinary team prepares fresh all meals from scratch featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
• Largest spa between Chicago and Dallas! Our full service spa features a private grotto, Eucalyptus saunas and a wide variety of treatments.
• Enjoy Keurig coffee makers in every guest room, stocked with Elms blend coffee prepared by the Roasterie.
• Fitness center featuring Precor equipment
• Indoor European lap pool with hot and cold tubs, open year round
• Outdoor pool, hot tub and cabanas are available seasonally
• Vintage lawn games, bicycles and guided historic and ghost tours 
• Complimentary wi-fi in guest rooms and all public spaces

So mark your calendars and get ready to relax, recharge, and rediscover your creative side at our brand new location!!

Art & Soul Kansas City

April 3-7, 2013

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Classes will be online by October 15. Check the website now for hotel information and all the exciting new info!!

Virginia Registration Now Open!!

view from the balcony of the hotel room!

I hope you had time to browse through our Virginia Beach classes for 2013 because... registration is now open!! This year we enjoyed our new shore location and it was a blast. So get ready and come join us for another creatively inspirational week of classes with talented instructors! You won't want to miss out!

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

April 24th - 28th, 2013

www.artandsoulretreat.com