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

Virginia Teacher Spotlight: Susan Shaffer

We're so excited to have Susan Shaffer — the owner of Joyful Arts Studio — teaching at our Virginia Beach retreat. She firmly believes that art transformed her life, allowing her to reveal herself to the world. Susan also believes that creativity is within each of us and it's her goal to help others discover how to find it and use it. She wants others to have the same opportunity she did, and to explore their own creativity to find which art form they most enjoy. Susan is a nationally exhibited and decorated artist and is passionate about the power behind the creative process. She hopes to inspire wellness through art within each of her students. Here's what Susan has in store for you at Virginia Beach...

Perfection Is Overrated
Join Susan for a day of fun therapeutic art exercises as she talks through ways to overcome that pesky perfectionism, which can negatively affect our art and life. She'll encourage you to concentrate on the creative process and how it feeds your soul. In class, you'll have fun sloshing around in paint with brushes, fingers, plastic gift cards, water spray, lace, onion bags and who knows what else! You'll create layers and layers of acrylic paint using lots of surprising techniques. We'll leave the perfectionist behind as we practice painting without rules! Everyone will leave with their own unique, one-of-a-kind painting, reflecting their own personality.

Creating Your Way To Joy
In this class you'll experience a day of fun that's all about letting go, giving up control, laughing, collaborating, camaraderie and learning to follow your intuition. Like Susan's Perfection class, you'll be sloshing around in acrylic paint with brushes, your fingers, plastic gift cards, water spray, lace, onion bags and lots of other items for unique and interesting techniques. This loose style of painting will force you to go with your gut instinct, and you'll have a blast creating a work of art that is distinctly you!

Cardinal In The Snow, Watercolor Batik
In this workshop, you'll get to discover the combination of watercolor and hot wax resist on rice paper. You will paint a vibrant red cardinal hunkered down in a snow covered Juniper tree, using multiple layers of watercolor paint and hot wax. You may also try your hand at using watercolor crayons and pastel pencils too. Susan will gently guide you through all the tips, tricks and techniques to creating this wintery masterpiece and you will be thrilled with the end result!

We're so excited that Susan is here to not only teach you creative techniques but to make sure your heart and soul are involved in the process. No matter what level of art experience you have, you will surely be uplifted and changed after one of her classes! For more information on Susan Shaffer, her classes and our Virginia retreat, visit our website...

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 1-6, 2018

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel  

In addition to having nearly 30 years of experience as an art instructor, Susan is a former health care informatics professional, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art/Studio Art, with a concentration in Watercolor, a bachelor’s in Business Management with a concentration in Information Systems and a minor in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Wilson College.

Highland Fling... What's Your Thing?

If you've ever been to an Art & Soul retreat, you know that every year we have a specific theme for our retreats, and for 2018 it's Highland Fling! We love to carry that theme throughout each event in lots of creative ways... our event programs, class tickets, opening night party, dressing up, trades, and even some of our classes and vendors feature projects and products based on that year's theme. We really go full tilt! Or should I say... full kilt!

There were so many reasons to choose the Highland Fling theme.... ummm... being Outlander fanatics was probably high on the list. We love the struggles and triumphs of this land and it's people, the amazing costumes from that time period, and the lush landscape of Scotland. But it's so much more than that too. Scotland is rife with a magic and lore all it's own, which is why shows like Outlander are even made. From the gorgeous stone castles, the significance of tartan garb, kilts and clans, to myths of mystical fairies, legends of giant sea creatures, and how an indiginous thistle plant could stop an entire invasion, well... there's so much to love about this highland country.

So what we want to know is... What's your thing with this Highland Fling? Are you an Outlander fan? What do you love about Scotland? Have you ever visited the country? And if you've been to any of our retreats this year, how did you express your Highland self? We'd love to hear your stories!

Virginia Teacher Spotlight: Libby Williamson

Growing up with creative, artsy parents, Libby Williamson’s childhood was a world of fabric scraps and yarn, pins and needles, paint, Elmer’s Glue, and a whole lot of Scotch Tape. At any given time, there was always needlework projects in the works, time spent fashioning doll clothes from remnants, embroidering on anything that could hold a stitch, and learning the art of patchwork quilting. As an art major in college, Libby focused on printmaking but still found time for knitting and fiber arts. Her printmaking background led to a passion in surface design on fabric, which is reflected in her current work. She is a proud hoarder of all things “fiber” and thrives in a world of stitch and sew.

What that means for us is that Libby is one diversely creative soul, with a unique mix of classes to offer our Virginia attendees this year. Having such an inventive childhood, combined with formal training in the arts, she is constantly thinking outside the box, which you can see by what she's planning to teach at our Virginia Beach Art & Soul Retreat this fall. Check it out!

Paint-Collage-Stitch-Magic
In this full day class of Libby's you'll explore a variety of painting techniques as you create a stash of luscious papers that are enhanced with delightful textures and patterns. You'll work on unique substrates such as... deli food wrap, vintage ledger pages, old maps, phone book sheets, and a wide selection of paper ephemera, altering them with gelatin plate printing, stamping and stenciling. Then you'll use your custom papers to create collages onto fabric. You'll get to enhance those magical images and bring them to life with the addition of free-motion machine sewing. Your finished piece can be made into a journal cover or hung as wall art.

Tea Bag Revival
Oh, the sadly neglected, used tea bag... fret not! It will be resurrected for all it's glory in this full day workshop! When dried and emptied, tea bags become the foundation for a precious piece of art that you get to create. Each tea bag will be enhanced with a collage of hand-dyed fabrics and specialty papers. And with the added detail of free-motion machine and hand stitching, it will unify your collection of tiny tea bags. You'll leave class with a wondrous miniature art quilt!

Paint Brush Palooza
In this Tuesday evening class, you will deconstruct a paint brush and then perform a make-over with a riot of color and texture. Yarns, ribbons, shredded fabrics, wire & beads, ephemera, and found objects will replace boring bristles, transforming the brush into a whimsical showpiece. Hidden treasures can be added to complement your personal style.

 
Vintage Bedspring Christmas Tree
If you're looking for a fun evening mixed-media workshop, this is the one! Using a rusty, vintage mattress coil as the foundation, you'll transform an unlikely substrate into a magical, whimsical Christmas treasure. Easy, wonky, bead wrapping will convert sparkly beads and baubles into ornaments, and an old fashioned star tops the tree with a feathered friend along for the ride.

So, as you can see, Libby has a quite an array of unique workshops to offer at this year's Virginia Beach event. For more information about her classes and our Virginia Beach retreat, visit our website...

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 1-6, 2018

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel  

Libby Williamson's current focus is in the making of art quilts using layers of hand-painted and dyed fabrics, appliquéd layers of free-motion stitched components and embedded found objects. She teaches art quilting and sewing to students of all ages in her studio in Orange, CA and at destination retreats. In her world, not much can trump paint caked beneath her fingernails, needles and thread, and a bowl of vanilla ice cream. You can find out more about Libby Williamson by visiting her blog.

Here We Go Again... Colorado Springs 2019!

Erin Keck's workshop, Adornments with Found Objects

Well, our inaugural Art & Soul Retreat in Colorado Springs was a smashing success! Not only was it a dream of mine finally fully realized, but for the attendees it was a much needed respite in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Our teachers flourished in this creative town. And our temporary home for the week —The Hotel Eleganté — was just as happy to have us, as we were to be there. It definitely showed in the way we and our students were taken care of. So, we're going to do it again!

Watercolor Travel Journaling with Helen Shafer Garcia

That's right... Art & Soul will be going back to Colorado Springs in 2019! And not only that, but we've gathered up dozens of talented instructors, with fantastic mixed media classes to offer, and we've already put them online for you!

A beautiful Spool Journal from Ingrid Dijkers

We have 86 full day and evening classes to choose from in painting, drawing, doodling, journaling, bookmaking, collage, assemblage, sculpting, jewelry, fabric, fiber arts, sewing and more! Then there's the 26 talented and professional instructors teaching them! Plus we're offering you an Early Bird Special... sign up before September 1st and you'll get 50% off the registration fee. Usually $50 per retreat, you'll only pay $25. Just a little incentive to register now, before your favorite classes fill up.

Fabric Collage Prayer flags you can make with Liz Kettle

So, if you joined us the first time, we hope you'll come again. And if you didn't get to create in Colorado Springs yet, we hope you'll consider attending our next mixed media retreat in the Rockies. The camaraderie and excitement that you get to experience at our in-person retreats... well, we think you'll really love it!

Art & Soul Colorado 2019

May 28 - June 2, 2019

at The Hotel Elegante

Colorado Springs, CO

We know summer days and weekends can get pretty busy, so take a little break... grab yourself a cool beverage... and browse our website to pick your favorite workshops. You can browse our selections by class descriptions, by individual instructors, and even by example project photos. Sign up today to get in on our Early Bird special. Happy Browsing!

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

Colorado Spotlight... Jacqueline Sullivan!

This year Jacqueline Sullivan will be teaching 4 workshops at Art & Soul Colorado Springs... Deli-collage, On The Horizon, Paper Pizazz and Acrylic Textural Painting. These workshops are designed for all levels of student from the experienced artist seeking a creative instructional opportunity to the person wishing to explore new techniques! Take a look at these fun and creative classes she's offering...

Deli-Collage
Thursday, May 31, 2018
6:30pm - 9:30pm

Deli paper - we've all tried it! But you've probably never done the things with it that we will do in this class. We will use all sorts of textural and acrylic media on our deli papers, creating a huge pile of collage papers! We will then choose our favorites and build a frame-able abstract collage. You'll learn a lot about acrylic paints and mediums in the process and go home with a lot of papers for future use!

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

  

On The Horizon
Friday, June 1, 2018
9am - 4:30pm

Imposing order in a chaotic abstract work can often be difficult. Remembering the rule of thirds is always helpful when analyzing our work. Within that rule, there are several techniques that we can use to define a horizon line. Whether a low or high horizon line this technique helps to convey a sense of atmosphere and place in abstract works. We will begin our paintings working with fluid acrylics. Then we'll learn some mark-making techniques, using high flow acrylics to define the horizon lines in the painting. We will make our paintings on watercolor paper then crop/cut them into 5" x 5" squares and mount them onto cradled boards to stand on a mantle or shelf or hang on a wall.

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

Paper Pizazz
Saturday, June 2, 2018
6:30pm - 9:30pm

Many people have tried paste papers but are not satisfied with the results. This class will help you to learn the proper techniques for making paste papers with a beautiful, smooth velvety finish. These papers are wonderful for binding books, making boxes, backgrounds for stamping and collages. Because we are using a methyl-cellulose paste the surface is great for writing on – making them good for calligraphy projects or beautiful journal pages! Students will work with a limited palette and simple color theories to keep their papers brilliant and beautiful. There will be lots of tools on hand for making various patterns and images in the paste!

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

Acrylic Textural Painting
Sunday, June 3, 2018
9:00am - 4:30pm

This class is about building a painting layer by layer. Students will start painting with thin glazes of acrylic paint and then begin adding additional layers of textures and paint. Texture will be formed in many ways including use of miscellaneous acrylic media and various household items. Together these ingredients create a richly textured painting. Jacqueline will use her knowledge gained in her training as a Certified Artist Educator for Golden paints to help students develop an understanding of how to make many different acrylic mediums work better for them in their art work. Design qualities of an Abstract Painting is an integral part of the class. There will be a short discussion on color theory. Each student will receive extensive handouts with instructions and color photos for the various techniques that are covered in the class. Students will receive individual attention from the instructor, guaranteeing that their painting is a unique work of art.

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

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You are invited to contact Jacqueline directly to discuss details of any of her Art & Soul Workshops or the retreat experience in Colorado Springs.

Art & Soul Colorado Springs
An Inspirational Mixed Media Retreat
May 29 - June 3, 2018
Hotel Eleganté Conference and Event Center
Colorado Springs, CO 

Set on seven acres of land just a few miles outside of downtown Colorado Springs, the Hotel Eleganté Conference & Event Center provides the perfect setting for business travel, family vacations and romantic escapes. Elegant, pet-friendly rooms and suites provide everything you need to relax, refresh and be productive, including pillow top bedding and FREE Wi-Fi access. Enjoy a meal at one of our on-site restaurants. Take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool - enjoy!

Unable to join Jacqueline in Colorado Springs? She will also be teaching at the Art & Soul Retreat ~ Virginia Beach ~ October 1-6, 2018. Complete Retreat information HERE

Jacqueline Sullivan is a mixed media, acrylic and calligraphic artist. She is well known for her pieces that experiment with texture, layers, paint, unusual materials, calligraphic marks and words. Jacqueline’s work has been shown nationwide in galleries and juried art fairs. She is a GOLDEN ARTIST Educator and has a degree in graphic design working for many years as a publication and advertising designer. Jacqueline has also recently joined the teaching artist group with MARABU North America. For over 30 years Jacqueline has also been a teaching artist and currently travels throughout the US and Canada teaching artists of all levels to stay in touch with their creative selves. She has a special interest in healing, both physically and emotionally, through creative practice.  More of her work can be viewed at www.jacquelinesullivan.com

© all images courtesy of Jacqueline Sullivan

Portland 2019 Registration Now Open!

A Colorful Palate with Jacqueline Newbold

Oh boy do we have some colorful classes for Art & Soul Portland 2019! We're thrilled to be able to offer you 155 mixed-media workshops, taught by 49 individually talented artists, over 8 days of complete and total creative bliss!!

Ruth Chandler's workshop Artiste Tool Bag & Tole

No matter what type of mixed media art you enjoy making, or what level you're at, we have something for everyone in Portland. Choose from workshops in collage, asssemblage, painting, doodling, drawing, journaling, bookmaking, sewing, fabric and fiber arts, jewelry making, metal working, sculpting, dollmaking and techniques so new that we don't even have names for them yet.... We've got all of it!

Nicole Austin's "She Three" Collage Portraits

And of course with all our events we have so much more than classes at all of our events including a fabulous Opening Night Party, an amazing on-site store, our pop-up Vendor Night shopping event, DIY play areas, and impromptu gatherings with your Art & Soul'mates! There's certainly nothing like some creative playtime with your tribe.

Portland Art & Soul

March 10-17, 2019

Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel

Portland, Oregon

 

Make felted birds & nests with LeBrie Rich in Welcome Spring!

 

So that's just a little taste of what we have in store, so go ahead and grab a beverage and a snack check out our Portland offerings! You can peruse them on our website in 3 ways... by workshops and their dates, your favorite instructors, and by photos of all our example projects. Once you register, don't forget to make your hotel reservations too. Happy browsing!

Welcome to the Hotel... Colorado!

On a dark desert highway, taxi driver needs his fare

Small panic (did I bring enough supplies?), rising up through the air

Up ahead in the distance, I saw a marvelous sight

There were voices shouting, "look what we made!"

I had to stop for the night!

Welcome to the Hotel Eleganté! It's a lovely place

And we need your lovely face... 

to join us there!

Art & Soul Colorado Springs, CO

May 29 - June 3, 2018

at the Hotel Eleganté

As you all know by now, Colorado Springs Art & Soul is a long time dream of mine, not just because of the amazingly gorgeous location — compliments of Mother Nature— but because this area allows our event to become a fully immersive experience where we can make Art and feed our Soul. Allow me to elaborate...

Let's start with the Hotel Eleganté, which is the central hub of it all, and staying there brings a whole new dynamic to your time at Art & Soul Retreat. The kickoff party, our amazing classes, the well-stocked on-site store, our unique Vendor Night sale, pop-up parties, restaurants to get together with friends and share your experiences... all take place in the Hotel. 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. We want to be sure you can make the most of your playcation, so be sure and register for classes and book your stay right away, as our discounted block of rooms is filling up fast! The reduced rate ends April 1st, so don't delay!

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 gatherings. 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 (oh, yeah!). They've got indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, a full-service spa and more. We had a wonderful time getting to know the place for classes and fun.

In your down-time, there's so much to see and do in Colorado Springs, within a short distance from the Hotel. 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 still tons of reasons to stick around and see the area.

And our Colorado Springs location brings with it some additional unique opportunities. We are thrilled to be working in tandem with a couple of art centers nearby. Cottonwood Center for the Arts, is a two story arts complex, located within a refurbished office building in downtown Colorado Springs. They'll be hosting a First Friday event, featuring gallery shows and open studios for you to explore and meet local artists.

And we're also working in tandem with the Textiles West Innovation Lab where they'll be facilitating  Peggy Dlugos' Eco Dying class. This location has the capability of allowing students to utilize vats of dye, sinks and heat steaming processes that are used in the art of fabric printing. We certainly can't do that at the hotel, LOL!

As you can see, there's a whole lot of reasons to join Art & Soul in Colorado Springs. So, grab yourself a beverage and a snack, and visit our website to get more information about our newest event, the relaxing spa Hotel, the creative Workshops we have to offer... and our fabulous Instructors. We're looking forward to seeing you there and making this a permanent location in our retreat lineup!

© images courtesy of The Hotel Eleganté, Cottonwood Center for the Arts, and Textiles West

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.

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!

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.