Colorado Art & Soul... Two Weeks From Today!

Oh, joy of joys! My dream realized — an Art & Soul event in Colorado — is happening two weeks from today! I truly and sincerely can't believe it's actually here already. I'm so excited and I hope you are too! One of the very special things about having our retreat in Colorado Springs, well... it's not just the absolutely gorgeous location, it's also that this area allows our event to become a fully immersive experience.

Art & Soul Colorado Springs, CO

May 29 - June 3, 2018

at the Hotel Eleganté

Of course we have a fabulous lineup of mixed media workshops in all your favorite categories... collage, assemblage, painting, sculpting, bookmaking, journaling, jewerly, fabric & fiber arts, Zentangle... but there's so much more!

The Hotel Eleganté itself is glorious. The rooms are large and comfortable with plenty of space to lay out your supplies for nighttime art-making and impromptu get-togethers. In addition to an inviting full service restaurant and lounge, they have an outdoor patio with an amazing view, a Sweet Shop that includes a bakery, ice cream parlor and a Starbucks. They've got indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, a full-service spa and more.

Then there's our kickoff party, the well-stocked on-site store, our unique Vendor Night Extravaganza (open to the public for all you locals!), pop-up parties, restaurants to gather with friends and share your experiences. It's a non-stop gathering of your tribe from morning to night, and it's so much fun to be around like minded souls. 

In your down-time, there's so much to see and do in Colorado Springs. You can go hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, and horseback riding. Visit a castle, historic towns and villages, old west museums, or go see a rodeo. There's even railroad tours of the mountains and surrounding areas. And really there's so much more! If your week isn't filled with classes and even if it is, there's tons of reasons to explore the area.

And our Colorado location brings with it some unique local opportunities. We'll be working with Cottonwood Center for the Arts — a two story arts complex inside a refurbished office building in downtown Colorado Springs. They'll be hosting a First Friday Art Show, featuring gallery shows and open studios for you to explore and meet local artists. We're also working with the Textiles West Innovation Lab who'll be facilitating Peggy Dlugos' Eco Dying class. This center has the capability of allowing students to utilize all kinds of space, amenities and specialized equipment used in the art of fabric printing.

So, as you can see, there's a whole lot of reasons to join Art & Soul in Colorado Springs. If you haven't signed up for classes yet, some of your favorite workshops are still available. You can check out our Colorado Retreat online or contact us directly with any last minute questions you may have. We're looking forward to seeing you there and making this a permanent location in our retreat lineup!

© some images courtesy of The Hotel Eleganté, Cottonwood Center for the Arts

Last Chance for Portland Early Bird Pricing!

We know the one about how the early bird catches the worm... but how about the one where the early bird catches the best Art & Soul classes, taught by their favorite instructors, and at a special discount, but only available through this Friday, June 30th?!

Well, we just wanted to give a little reminder about how you can save $15-$20 on all full-day classes and $10 off your registration fee! That's just $135-$140 for daytime workshops and $40 to register. When June ends class prices will be at their regular price of $150-$160 and registration will be $50. We love to encourage you to make your selections early as classes fill up quickly, but hey... we'd love for you to save a little dough so you can buy more supplies too!

 

Art & Soul Portland 2018

February 11-18, 2018

Portland Airport Sheridan Hotel

Did you know that Art & Soul is the longest running mixed media art retreat in the United States, and we're still going strong for a reason. There's nothing like being amongst like-minded souls, learning new techniques, creating amazing things, and making memories that last a lifetime. So, check out our Portand offerings, register today, and save yourself a bit of hard-earned cash! You can look through our workshops in 3 ways... by workshop dates, your favorite instructors, and by photos of all our example projects. Once you register, don't forget to make your hotel reservations too. The Sheraton has given us an unbeatable rate that includes lots of extras. Can't wait to see which classes you pick!

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

Register Here!

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

The Delightfully Creative Julie Thompson...

If you've never taken an Art & Soul workshop with Julie Thompson... well... you should! If you have taken one of her classes, then you know what a sweet, nurturing soul she is. Her whimsical take on art... and life... make her a joy to learn from.

Julie attended Kendall School of Design and got a degree in illustration she then moved to Kansas City and worked for Hallmark Cards as a greeting card designer for 10 years . Wanting to live in the southwest she left Hallmark and moved to Santa Fe she continued to freelance illustrate for the next 12 years. But during that time period she shared her living between California, New Mexico and Maui. While in California she attended California College of Arts and studied fine metalsmithing and ceramics. After 22 years of illustration she switched to mixed media, selling  her work and teaching around the country. She now lives in Bisbee a small mining town In southern Arizona where she owns small art boutique named Blissbee where she sells her finished art, mixed media supplies and teaches classes.    

Julie is teaching 5 workshops at our upcoming Art & Soul, Virginia Beach retreat — taking place this Sept. 29 - Oct. 5, 2014. Take a look at the fun and exciting projects she has in store for you!

 Objects of My Affections - Friday - Oct 3   

A Certain Hour - Fri Eve  - Oct 3

Skinny Winnie and little Minnie - Sunday - Oct 5   

 Tassels in the Air - Thur Eve - Oct 2 

Full Metal Jacket - Saturday - Oct 4  

In addition, Julie will also be teaching at our Kansas City retreat — which takes place April 27 - May 1, 2015. So check out Julie Thompson's amazing classes and take a playcation with us. You deserve it!

For more information on Art & Soul event dates, workshops and registration, visit our website at www.artandsoulretreat.com.

Love Is In The Air... In Portland!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it got me wondering.... Oh, Portland Art & Soul... why do we love you so?

Is it the breathtaking view from our venue at the Red Lion Hotel right on the Columbia River?

Maybe it's the spacious classrooms that give you plenty of room to spread out and play.

Perhaps it's our amazing staff! Working tirelessly in every aspect of the event. Always with a kind smile and a helping hand.

Maybe it's the individual attention you get from our extremely talented workshop instructors!

Or quite possibly... it's the ability to make those artsy messes you just can't make at home?

It might be the amazing array of classes — in all types of mixed media — that we are able to offer.

Perhaps it's the pride in a finished piece of art... that you had no idea you were capable of creating!

Or maybe it's the feeling of being part of this creative tribe of adventurous spirits? And making friendships that last a lifetime!

It might be the feeding frenzy we love to call our Vendor Extravaganza! A veritable smorgasbord of mixed media trinkets, ephemera, supplies and finished goods. 

Whatever the reason, we absolutely love having you here! So please... come join us at Art & Soul Portland this year, April 7th through the 14th. We'll welcome yo with open arms... and show you a good time!

Love,
Glenny
xoxo

Portland Early Bird Special Extended!

Art & Soul Portland 2014 registration is hopping and classes are filling up quickly. So we've decided to give you some pre-holiday inspiration to sign up today... before you get too busy with turkey dinners and holiday shopping. So here's the deal...

If you register for our Portland 2014 Art & Soul before November 25, 2013, your classes will be the 2007 price of $135!!  So don't hesitate. Register today to make certain you reserve a spot in all your favorite classes. With our easy payment plan and different payment options, it makes Art & Soul the most affordable retreat for you. And don't forget... we offer gift certificates too! Why not tell that special someone this is exactly what you wanted for a holiday gift!

Art & Soul Mixed Media Retreat

Portland 2014

April 7-13, 2014

Check out our website for additional information on our Portland 2014 event! You can browse by workshop instructors, class listings, or by project samples. Either way you look at it... it's going to be tough to decide! Happy browsing!

Fondly,
Glenny and the Crew

Remembering Mom - a Tender Tribute from Cindy Kovack

Our very own instructor, Cindy Kovack was recently published in the April 2013 issue of Somerset Memories Magazine! A heartfelt tribute to her mother is the foundation of this lovely project and the basis for one of Cindy's Portland Art & Soul workshops. Here is a little bit of the published article, sharing the inspiration behind her creation...

This piece was created to honor my mother, Frances, shortly after her death. I come from a large family of 8, and 7 of us are girls. I was the only artist in the family.  My parents marveled at my artwork, wondered out loud where I had ever acquired the talent.

My mother did not see me as I watched her hands tear apart dresses and creatively spin a design from the fabric. So meticulous, so well made. I was always pleased with the results — as were my sisters — and we often had people marvel at her craftsmanship. Without realizing it, she had directed me onto my creative path in life.

I remember all those cold winter months in Ohio, when my sisters and I were bored to tears, with nothing to do. She’d prod us to embroider, crochet, sew... anything creative. Who remembers Pot Holder Kits, Paint-by-Number and mastering French Knots?

In her late 70’s she visited me one day while I was creating in my home. She told me she had been envious of my art ability, and what I had accomplished in my life. She admired my spirit, creative nature and independence, and said I had lived a life she wanted for her own. Admitting this fact helped us both have a much closer relationship, until her death at age 84.

She wanted that creative life for herself, but a woman from the 40’s and 50’s, having 8 children, and little education, could only have dreamed of a life as I have today. She never complimented me openly on my art, though she loved receiving gifts that were my original work, knowing I created each piece lovingly, especially for her. 

Many years later, relatives and friends told me she bragged often about my creative ventures and art ability. This was very heartwarming to hear and I appreciated hearing this from them. Creating this piece helped me to grieve her loss, using my art as a form of therapy to get through this difficult time.  I used a photograph of me as a child, holding my first dog, Buttons. I’ve incorporated several mementos from my childhood, all of them with special meaning to me. All of these pieces tie my work together for a very heartwarming memory of her. She has been missed, but is still an inspiration to me today.

Cindy Kovack will be teaching several workshops this October at Art & Soul in Portland Oregon, including Tenderly where you'll learn how to create these elaborate found object necklaces, Whimsical Flight making a painted, embellished bird, and Poker Face where you will make a unique playing card assemblages.

© 2013 article reprinted with permission of the author, Cindy Kovack and the publisher, Stampington & Company

Springtime Brings... Happy Harpies!

It's Springtime, yayyy! So I want you to stretch your arms way up in the air like a tree and then I want you to stretch your imagination and think.... Harpy! Why? Because our amazingly creative workshop instructor Clarissa Callesen will be teaching  Happy Harpies in just a few weeks at Art and Soul in Virginia Beach ...and there are still spots left in the class!!  Come play and make your very own Harpy — or maybe we should start calling them Bird Goddesses. Take a look at what her class is all about. Take it away Clarissa....

I seem to be kind of obsessed with the image of a woman’s face on a bird body or a Harpy.  But Mythologically speaking or in modern slang, the Harpy’s reputation is not a pretty one.

HARPY
–noun, plural -pies.
1. Classical Mythology. a ravenous, filthy monster having a woman's head and a bird's body.
2. (lowercase) a scolding, nagging, bad-tempered woman; shrew.
3. (lowercase) a greedy, predatory person.

However in earlier Greek mythology, Harpies were described as beautiful, winged  maidens. So what happened? I have some feminist theories about what happen, but alas this blog is actually about art. I have been making lots of Harpies lately and it has been an image that has been in my sketch books for years.
 

No matter what materials you start with, these magical creatures always end up with very distinct personalities. One of the many reasons I love creating them! 

 Assemblage Harpy made with a porcelain doll head on a fake crow body, made this past Spring.  

This one's made from a vintage composite doll head with eyes that blink,
on a tacky Christmas bird decoration  

A slightly scarier Harpy made of a composite Virgin Mary head,
with wings made out of gut stretched over wire. 
  

  And my Geisha Harpy made from a doll head that I had from my childhood.

Wow! Thanks, Clarissa! Pretty cool stuff, huh? My mind has taken flight, thinking of all the wonderful objects I can repurpose into a fascinating bird assemblage! So be sure and check out Clarissa's Happy Harpies workshop, as well as the other amazing classes she'll be teaching at Virginia Beach Art & Soul... and then sign up to play! Hurry... the deadline for registration is April 22nd, and this event takes place April 24th-28th! Tweet! Tweet! 

Las Vegas Art & Soul... Is Now Open For Registration!

I know, I know! It seems like we just posted the 2012 Las Vegas classes for your perusal (because we did!) So hopefully, you’ve scoured your favorite workshops, looked through the talented list of instructors, and fallen in love with some of those example projects featuring so many amazingly creative pieces! And now it’s time to choose.

You’ll the information for the Vegas, June 14-18, 2012 event on our Art & Soul website now! So pick your lucky numbers, place your bets, and let those creative wheels start spinning… Woohoo!