What's Your New Year's Art Resolution?

Okay... I've given you a few weeks to settle in, clean up the house from holidays and family visits, put away the decorations, and gently glide into 2019. So what I really want to know is... what's YOUR New Year's art resolution?

Are you going to MAKE MORE ART? That certainly is at the top of the list for many Art & Soul'ers. We love to make. It's in our blood. And the more we spend time making, the better we feel! So what is it that you need to make more art? More supplies? More time? More knowledge? More workshops? We can help you with that!

Perhaps you're going to TRY SOMETHING NEW? Art & Soul'ers, as a tribe, tend to be the kind that love going outside their creative comfort zone to expand their artistic horizons. Is that your goal this year? What is it that you'd like to try? Watercolor. Zentangle. Bookmaking. Art dolls. Jewelry. Painting. Drawing. Journaling. Collage. Assemblage. We've got classes for that!

Maybe you've promised to STRAIGHTEN UP THE STUDIO? I know that after awhile I can't even think straight if all my wonderful art tools and projects are all over the place... piled on top of each other, out of reach, or lost in the mess. Cleaning up and re-organizing always brings about a fresh perspective on things. A clean slate from which to start anew. Is that on your list for the new year? What do you need to help you be better organized?

Or perhaps this year you're going to take a giant leap and SELL YOUR ART? Do you have lots of experience under your belt (your crafty tool belt, that is) and a whole arsenal of amazing items that you're just itching to share with the world? Good for you! Let us know what type of wonderful wares you'll be peddling in the art and craft world. We all succeed when we support each other!

Maybe you've decided to TEACH ART in some way or fashion? Whether locally at small venues, going on the road, or sharing your knowledge at retreats or even online... that's an exciting step to make in your life. We'd love to know what you're doing, and we're always looking for new teachers too (hint, hint)!

Whatever it is that you've decided to do for your art practice, we'd love to hear about it. And remember... it's a gift you are giving to yourself. And the art you're going to make.... well, that's a gift to the world. So keep making it. Keep showing up. And maybe I'll see you at our next retreat! And you can tell me all about what you're up to in person!

Happy New Year!
Hugs, Glenny xo

Goodnight, Virginia...

Wow! Look at all these amazing instructors we had at our Virginia Beach retreat for another uplifting, creative, soul-soothing week of mixed media workshops at one of our all-time favorite locations. So much talent in one room! Our time alongside the Chesapeake Bay was delightful as always, although it was also bittersweet... but we'll get to that in a minute. Let's talk about all the fun we had first...

As always, there were a fantastic array of classes on how to make mixed media jewelry, assemblage, dolls, painting, books, metal etching, sewing, collage and so much more at our event this year. The wide range of offerings brings in an even wider range of attendees, who are always up for going outside their comfort zone to learn something new. One of the things I absolutely love about our Art & Soul tribe!

Take those brave and willing students and combine them with dozens upon dozens of the most talented, patient and nurturing instructors and what you get is some gorgeous artwork. I absolutely love to see what each of the attendees creates, because every one of them brings their own personal tastes and experiences to the projects being taught. It's kind of mind blowing! And also very rewarding. It makes my heArt sing!

The overall vibe at Virginia Beach this year was filled with the usual camaraderie of friends and love for the sacred time we all take to feed our creative souls. But this time together was a bit more precious than in previous years. You see... the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel — that we've called home for a week each year — has been sold and will be completely refurbished. An endeavor that may take almost 2 years. At that time, it will become part of the Marriott franchise.

The hotel was beloved by so many of us. It was old, quirky and, eventually became in need of renovation, but it was also a quaint beach resort. A little hideaway small enough that we didn’t overlap with many guests and pretty much had the entire facility to ourselves. The staff became family to us and took excellent care of Art & Soul. Even with much of the hotel in a state of inevitable pre-closing repairs and limited staff (as their jobs would be over at the end of our stay), we all had a remarkable event. We relished our time together and grew in so many ways that week. I cannot even begin to thank all of those who joined us for that cherished time together.

Boy, not only will we miss the hotel, but how about this gorgeous view? But it's time to say goodnight, Virginia... at least for now. Once the new hotel is up and running, whether they will be willing or able to accommodate Art & Soul is an unknown. But fret not! We have done our homework and found another seaside location for you in Ocean City, Maryland...

That's right! We are so fortunate to have contracted the next 2 years with the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort Hotel. They are so excited to have Art & Soul, and have already connected us with The Ocean City Center for the Arts, who will be hosting an open house one night during the retreat next October. It's really a remarkable location and I hope that many of you can join us there! We are currently working on the final details, class information and schedule and hope to have our inaugural Maryland retreat live on the website mid-November. If you want to stay up-to-the-minute on all the details, be sure to get on our mailing list so you can receive our newsletters.

And once again, a huge hug of gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us in Virginia recently, or any other year for that matter. We know your time is precious and that you choose to spend it with us speaks volumes! We look forward to seeing you in Portland, Colorado Springs and Ocean City in 2019!

Glenny
xo

photos courtesy of Lynne Suprock, Jen Crossley, Jacqueline Sullivan, Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort Hotel.