Virginia Beach... Registration is Now Open!

Make a Soldered Charm Palooza bracelet with Lynne Suprock.

Wow! Our Virginia Beach Art & Soul workshops are finally up and registration for our event is now open... and have we got some amazing things in store for you! We've got talented new instructors, along with our Art & Soul alumni, and even some returning favorites! We have lots of unique new projects, in every mixed media category you can think of...

Roben-Marie Smith and her Snippets Wax Canvas Trio

Drawing, painting, collage, assemblage, jewelry, fabric and fiber, wax, bookmaking, journaling, and so much more! We have an Opening Night Party where you can mix and mingle with fellow attendees and meet your instructors. We've got a pop-up shopping event we like to call our Vendor Extravaganza... where you can buy all kinds of unique mixed media supplies and original art from our instructors. And let's not forget our On-Site Store that's open all week long, with tons of supplies you'll absolutely need to add to your arsenal of goodies! And then there's just the heartfelt camaraderie that comes with creative play at an in-person retreat with your tribe. It's pretty awesome!

Let's Face It! We're so excited to welcome Cat Kerr to our lineup.

Our workshops just went live and we have a very special Pre-Registration Discount for you! If you sign up by February 1st, you'll receive 10% off all of your class fees if they total $250 or more, and are paid in full when you register. Simply enter code VA18 for your Early Bird savings! So be sure and take advantage of this special discount, and get in on your favorite classes before they fill up.

Anni Schwabe's Mindful Offerings workshop.

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 1-6, 2018

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

Visit our website to get more information about our Virginia Beach Event... our relaxing beachfront Hotel... the creative Workshops we have to offer... and our fabulous Instructors! Sign up today and give yourself the playcation you deserve, amidst like-minded creative souls. You'll make some amazing art and friendships too.

Get Out From Behind Your Computer & Come Make Art With Us in Virginia Beach!

In this modern day and age of the interwebs, it's easy to take advantage of the creative offerings available that allow you to participate in the convenience of your own home. But there's nothing like being amongst your tribe of like-minded souls, having a teacher right in front of you to answer questions as they arise, walking around a classroom to see what others are doing, rummaging through mixed media treasures with your hands, and actually LOL'ing because you're having so much fun, feeling light and playful since all the distractions of home have fallen away.

THIS is what Art & Soul is for!

And so we thought we'd share a bit more of the unique offerings we have for our Virginia Beach Retreat, to entice you into joining us in-person!

The title of this workshop with Debbie Rijns says it all. It's called Awwww Sweet, and it gives you the chance to create a silver pendant from a child's drawing. Now, really.... how sweet is that?!

Got quilt skills? Well, after this amazing class with Judy Gula, you'll have a plethora of knowledge on how to make your very own special Batik Panel Art Quilt. Overcome your quilting fears and join Judy for this informative class. And if you're traveling by air, no worries... Bernina has graciously furnished us with extra sewing machines for you to use. How cool is that?!

Mama always said if you keep making that face it's going to stay that way! Well, not in this Luscious Layered Portraits workshop with Nicole Austin. You'll create juicy layers upon layers in your art journals that form the basis of these intriguing one-of-a-kind faces. No two will be alike!

Want to light up your life... or maybe your child's bedroom? Let Leslie Blackford be your guide as you make a night light using transparent polymer clay creations. Then learn to sculpt simple animals that adorn these Creative Character Lamps. What a bright idea!

And how about trying your hand at these adorable Felted Flower Rings you can make in this evening class taught by Susan Rossiter? Now that summer is here and all the flowers are blooming, it really makes sense to create a colorful adornment that lets you enjoy them all year long

So, as you can see, we've got lots to offer in Virginia Beach, and this isn't even scratching the surface! We have an amazing group of instructors who are all artists themselves, many of them published in the pages of your favorite mixed media magazines and authors of their own how-to books. We kick off the week with an opening night party and have lots of fun events, contests and gatherings throughout the week. We've got an on-site store that'll knock your socks off, and a Vendor Extravaganza featuring peddlers with hard to find goodies from ephemera to assemblage components and amazing original art by your very own instructors! We have pop-up parties, show-and-tell, make-and-takes, a designated play area, an amazing staff, all taking place at a hotel on the beach... and there's just so much more to experience in person!

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 2-8, 2017

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! Sign up today and give yourself the playtime you deserve, amidst like-minded souls... you'll make some amazing art and lasting friendships too.

Last Chance for Virginia Early Bird Pricing!

Carol Spohn's workshop, Baby It's Cold Outside

The early bird catches the best classes at Art & Soul retreats! Isn't that how the saying goes? Well this mama bird sure would love it if you joined us this fall for our Mixed Media Retreat in Virginia Beach, and got to take advantage of our special Early Bird pricing. If you sign up by April 1st, your registration fee will only be $35 and all of your full day workshops will be just $135. That's a $15 savings on both! So be sure and take advantage of this special discount, and getting in on your favorite classes before they fill up.

Sculpt blackbirds, ravens and crows with Leslie Blackford

As always we've got dozens of full day and evening workshops in collage, assemblage, jewelry, drawing, painting, journaling, sculpting, fabric, fiber & stitching, bookmaking, and so much more... all geared to stretch your creativity.

Susan Rossiter's class, Chicken Painting for the Soul

We've got amazing instructors who are all artists themselves, many of them published in the pages of your favorite mixed media magazines and authors of their own how-to books.  We kick off the week with an opening night party and have lots of fun events, contests and gatherings throughout the week. We've got an on-site store that'll knock your socks off, and a Vendor Extravaganza featuring peddlers with hard to find goodies from ephemera to assemblage components and amazing original art by your very own instructors!

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 2-8, 2017

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! Sign up today and give yourself the playtime you deserve, amidst like-minded souls... you'll make some amazing art and friendships too.

Dip Your Toes in the Water... at VA Beach!

Hey Virginia Beach Art & Soul'ers we've got a little treat for you at our southeastern retreat! A chance to dip your toes in the water, so to speak....

A few of our instructors have created short Mini Workshops to provide a short burst of creative fun and introduce you to their fabulous tips and techniques. The classes are 45 minutes long... they include all the supplies you'll need... and these quickie classes cost only $25!!  How cool is that? Here's a sneak peek at a few of these special offerings...

Feeling wired? Perfect! You can take Hammered Wire Rings with Ruth Greening!

Try your hand at an accessory for your hair in African Hair Pins with Debbie Rijns.

Get hammered with Erin Keck in her Creative Techniques with Metal - Texturizing workshop. 

Erin is actually teaching 4 mini classes on manipulating metal, and if you take them all, you'll have a finished bracelet at the end!

Those are just a few of the inspirational mini workshops we have to offer. So if you've ever wanted to dip your toes in the water and try out a new technique, or just fill up your time in Virginia with an extra dash of creativity... now's your chance to do it in a mini, 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.

Art & Soul Virginia Beach, VA

September 26 - October 1, 2016

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

And... 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

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!

Art & Soul Virginia Beach, VA

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

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!

Art & Soul Virginia Beach, VA

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

Arndt We Lucky!

We're so excited that we've finally convinced one of our favorite Art & Soul instructors — Doris Arndt — to travel all the way from Washington state to teach at our Virginia Beach location!

 

Known for her whimsical style, Doris has shared her love of books and other media throughout the country, teaching workshops for over 15 years.   Her non-traditional approach and innovative bindings have earned her loyal student followings. Her work has been seen in The Studio, Somerset Studio, The Rubber Stamper, Rubberstampmadness and in several books as well as on the Carol Duvall show and at shows nationwide.   

Take a look at the workshops Doris will be offering at Art & Soul Virginia Beach in 2014. Pretty darn cool if you ask me!

Memory Keeper Journal - this workshop is jam packed full of information and ideas! You'll get to re-purpose and gut a used book, replacing the inside with your own pages... learn to age fabric for the cover... make pages that fold out with unique add-ons and enclosures... and so much more! This journal will truly be a reflection of you.

Brown Bag It Baby - you'll create magic with simple brown bags in this playful workshop. Through the alchemy of paint, text and imagery, the bags are transformed with metallic hues, enhanced with re-purposed encyclopedia pages and images into decorative pages that unfold to reveal pockets. Embellished covers and a no sew accordion spine make this a unique journal.

Can Do Journal - in this class, you'll take aluminum cans to a whole new level! Learn to cut and weave metal and create a totally new look. With its simple techniques and sublime results, you'll definitely want to take this class... I know you can do it!

The World Traveler Book - this book is the perfect companion on your personal safari. A tome fit to hold your scribbles, doodles and ephemera from your travels. The World Traveler Book combines variations of the secret Belgium binding and an over-the-cord binding to create a totally unique spine. 

Mask Pins of the Orient - in keeping with our theme for next year — On The Orient Express — Doris is showing you how to make these mask pins of the Orient. Bright and bold or in more natural colors, these masks are conversation pieces. Easily created with a few supplies and simple techniques, they will charm you with their versatility. Fun and funky they can dress up any outfit. Use them as a pin or fashion a unique pendant.

So, thanks a bunch Doris, for deciding to join us at this relaxing bayside retreat in 2014. I know our students will be so happy you've joined us on the east coast!

For more information on Art & Soul Virginia Beach — September 30 through October 5, 2014 — visit our website.

Heads Up! Virginia Beach Classes Are Online!

Heads Up! workshop with Deborah Petrino

On the heels of a fabulous Portland event, we are so excited to present the Art & Soul line-up for Virginia Beach 2014! There are dozens and dozens of unique classes to choose from in all your favorite mixed media categories. So check out our lineup for this amazing event! But don't delay...

Registration begins today, Friday, Oct 11, at noon Pacific time! You'll want to be sure and sign up for your favorite classes before they get filled. If you're a veteran Art & Soul'er... you remember those days (back before better technology) when we'd crash the server the minute registration went live! Whew, thank goodness for bigger, better website servers.

And... if you register between Oct 11 and Dec 15, 2013, classes will be reduced to $135 and reg fee is $40.  After Dec 15, classes will be $145 and the reg fee will be $50.  So don't hesitate — sign up today!

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

September 29 - October 5, 2014

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

Virginia Beach, VA

For more information on workshops, you can browse our website by workshop instructors, individual classes, or even by project photos. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage and have a look around.

Portland Excitement! We're Almost There!

Are you ready to get messy... be creative... learn something new... get inspired... and hang out with like-minded souls? Yeah, us too! Portland Art & Soul is literally right around the corner and my heart is skipping beats already. We've got lots of exciting activities planned for you... so here's a sneak peek to get you excited.

Art & Soul Portland

Red Lion on the River

September 30 - October 6th, 2013

The Opening Night Party — sponsored by Spellbinders — will be on Sunday, September 29th from 6:00-9:00pm. Many of our instructors will be available to chat with, autograph books, and even take an up close and personal look at their class samples! Everyone will also receive tickets for a complimentary beverage and scrumptious snacks.

Every day during the event, we'll have Demos and Make-n-Takes in the hotel lobby — you can't miss us! This area will also be available for you to work on your project, visit with friends (and make some new ones!), and enjoy an evening cocktail... or two.

Wednesday evening, October 2nd, Patti Haltom from Stamp-a-dee-do-dah will have a special book Make-n-Take. This session is limited to 20 students so be sure to sign up in the office when you arrive.

Thursday evening, October 3rd, Spellbinders is sponsoring another night of Make-n-Takes and demos from 5:30-8:30pm. Come join the fun!

Friday evening, October 4th, artist and editor extraordinaire Jenny Doh will have a book signing and wine sampling event. Join her from 6:00-6:30pm (right before her Keys to Publishing workshop), for this intimate gathering.

Throughout the event, we'll have lots of giveaways and you'll finally get to see the "special objects" decorated by our wonderfully creative students for this year's On Safari theme! And maybe we'll have a few surprises for you too. You never know what impromptu get-togethers will pop up with this crowd!

And of course, our Vendor Extravaganza — Saturday, October 5th from 6:00-9:00pm — is free to registered attendees and is open to the public for only $5 at the door. We will have dozens of vendors and your favorite workshop instructors offering finished artwork as well as art supplies, vintage findings, fabrics, jewelry, collage items, assemblage — something for everyone! A no-host bar will also be available to enhance your evening. So come shop you little mixed media heart out!

We're looking forward to seeing you at our Portland event!!

Portlanders... Special Evening Class by Jenny Doh!

Just in case you live under a rock — I'm sure it's made of paper maché, and painted with glitter and such — you've probably heard of, seen, or read a book published by the incredibly creative Jenny Doh.

For 6 years she held the title of Editor-in-Chief and Director of Publishing for magazines like Somerset Studio, Belle Armoire, Altered Couture, Haute Handbags, Somerset Life, Apronology, and their many sister publications... producing artful crafting how-to magazines that we all cherish in our collections.

Most recently, Jenny founded crescendoh.com — an online site featuring creative content from artists and crafters, coupled with their stories that highlight the power of art. If you've ever heard of the Art Saves movement... well, that's Jenny Doh!

In addition, Jenny has written or co-authored at least 14 creative books in the past 3 years alone!

• Stitch Studio (Coming in 2014)
• Serge It!* (Coming in 2014)
• Washi Wonderful (Coming in 2014)
• Stylish Weddings (Coming in 2014)
• Crochet Love (2013)
• Print Collective (2013)
• Craft-a-Doodle (2013)
• Stamp It! (2013)
• Creative Lettering (2013)
• Journal It! (2012)
• We Make Dolls (2012)
• Hand in Hand (2012)
• Signature Styles (2011)
• Where Women Create: Book of Inspiration* (2010)

*Co-author

So it goes without saying — although we're going to say it anyway — how excited we are to have Jenny as a guest teacher at our Portland 2013 event! She'll be teaching a class called The Keys to Publishing, where you'll get to learn the nuts and bolts of publishing, as well as exploring your concepts, intent and proposals... directly from an inside source! If you've ever thought of publishing an art or craft book, this is the class for you.

The Keys to Publishing

Jenny Doh

Friday, October 4, 2013

6:30pm - 9:30pm

Art & Soul Portland

Red Lion on the River

Sign up today and start your foray into publishing with the most talented editor in crafting! And whether or not you're taking her workshop, join Jenny Doh before class — from 6:00 to 6:30 — for a wine sampling and book signing event! 

For more information on our Portland Art & Soul mixed media retreat, visit our website artandsoulretreat.com

Last Chance for Portland Special Pricing!

Portland Art & Soul
September 30th-October 6th, 2013

Just a friendly reminder that this is your last chance to get our rollback pricing for this year's Portland Art & Soul! This offer is only available through July first. After that, you can still register for classes, but the new pricing will be in effect. In case you forgot the details, check out the info from our announcement post below...
 

Special Pricing for Portland 2013!

We are going to ROLL BACK class pricing to 2004 listings!!  That's right -- all day classes will only be $135!  These special prices will only be available until July 1, 2013. So do not hesitate.  Sign up NOW to make certain you reserve your spot in your favorite classes.  With our payment plan and different payment options, it makes Art & Soul the most affordable retreat for you.

Many of you know that Art & Soul was "born" in Portland and I'm excited to announce that this will be our 12th year.  Can you believe it?  The years have passed in a blink of an eye. This particular event is like my first born child, and I am blessed to have incredible instructors, volunteers and attendees who have offered countless hours of support, innovation and research to make the event the most outstanding art retreat in the country.  The friendships that have been made will last a lifetime and it warms my heart to see the reunions each year.  If you have never attended — join us and connect with like-minded souls! And if you are returning — we cannot wait to see you!

Find out more about this year's workshops, instructors and lodging at... www.artandsoulretreat.com
 

One more special! There is a one-time registration fee per person, per event of $40.  This $10 savings is only available until July 1, 2013.  After that date, it will be $50.

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

Lizard Licks, Cat's Tongues & Dragons... Oh My!

Have you ever wanted to dabble (pun intended) in watercolors, but got a bit confused when it came to all the different brushes available? Well fear not! Our talented and passionate instructor, Gina Armfeld is going to show you a plethora of options and demonstrate each one in this detailed video.

She'll be teaching 2 workshops at our Portland Art & Soul Retreat this year, and... if you ever wanted to learn watercolors or just "brush up" on your skills, Gina will gently guide you through fun and easy techniques that will have you "dyeing" to get into your journals and paint. Check out her workshop offerings today!

No Excuses Art Journaling - Making Time For Creativity
Tuesday eve, October 1 & Wednesday day, October 2
You'll get to create a journal that will carry you through the year so that you can incorporate art into your daily life in a quick, easy and fun way!

The Collecter's Almanac
Full day class, Monday, September 30th
Inspired by vintage illustrations of old you'll use a moleskine notebook to document your collections while you learn pen and ink and watercolor skills.

Art & Soul Radio... Tune in for Christine Mason Miller: Desire to Inspire, Oct 22nd

Christine Mason Miller is a Santa Barbara-based writer and artist who has been creating, writing and exploring ever since she was a little girl.  Her mission to inspire has provided the foundation for all of her creative work. The desire to encourage others to pursue their passions and create a meaningful life is the common thread throughout an expansive body of work that includes mixed media collage, commercial illustration, photography, writing, teaching and speaking. 

I discovered Christine years ago through her self-published book, Ordinary Sparkling Moments and she is now celebrating her latest book Desire to Inspire: Using Creative Passion to Transform the World.

So please join us for this inspirational chat...

Art & Soul Radio featuring Christine Mason Miller

with Lesley Riley
Monday, October 22nd
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!

Portland: Now that's reFRESHing!

You know how it is... the same thing gets boring.... times change... we want something more. And so it is with Art & Soul Retreats. We want to keep making your experiences better and better. So we thought a little recap of some of our favorite new things would be in order. Let's go!

So how about our new Portland Art & Soul venue — the Red Lion on the River in Jantzen Beach. Imagine the serenity of being right on the Columbia River... with spectacular views of the waterway right outside your room, the restaurants, and even the classrooms! This resort-style property is the perfect location for letting go of the everyday doldrums and diving into your creative adventure!

Besides the scenic location, one of the great advantages to this venue is that everything will be in one place! No more waking up early to catch a shuttle to that workshop in the other hotel. You don't even have to leave the Red Lion if you don't want to!

Wanna shop 'til you drop for one-of-a-kind mixed media supplies and gorgeous pieces of finished art & jewelry? Of course you do (silly me)! Well, our Portland Vendor Night has become Vendor Afternoon/Evening! Join us from 4pm until 8pm in the Red Lion's Ballroom and shop your heART out. As always, this shopping extravaganza is free to registered attendees and open to the public for a fee of $10 at the door. We'll have about 60 vendors offering finished artwork, art supplies, vintage findings, fabrics, jewelry, collage items, assemblage--something for everyone! And a no-host bar will also be available to "enhance" your evening (hee-hee). Please join us!



And perhaps you've noticed all fantastic new videos on our site to accompany the class descriptions? I mean... how great is it to "meet" your instructors before you even get to class. And heck... having a little extra sneak peek at what you'll be doing, well... we think it makes it a whole lot easier to decide what workshops you'd like to take.



We've got a bunch of new videos sprinkled throughout the individual workshop description pages, so browse through your favorite classes and you may get a virtual surprise preview!

I hope you enjoy and are able to take advantage of some of these exciting new changes. Portland is just around the corner... so I'll see you there!

P.S. It's not too late to register so give in to your creative urges today!