Merry Craftmas & Happy Glue Year!

When the hustle and bustle of retail extravaganzas and big box store bonanzas has become the new norm, handmade gifts and cards sometimes get lost in the shuffle. But not here in the creative realm of Art & Souler's, I bet! I'm sure you crafted a darling little card, or hand made some gifts this year. Maybe you prepared an amazing table setting for guests, or decorated the house with extra flair. No matter how you expressed your creativity this season — be proud of yourself for keeping the true spirit of art and individuality in the Holidays! 

And thank you all so much for your support of Art & Soul Retreats. Each and every one of you! Students and teachers alike. Taking time out to replenish your soul in a creative way is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity!  And I appreciate you choosing to play and have fun with us year after year. You are part of our success and I wish you the Happiest of Holidays and the Most Creative New Year Ever!

~ Glenny xo

A Creative Christmas Season...

So... the Christmas tree is up and the holiday spirit is taking me over. My festive faux fir is adorned with monchromatic touches of red and white... speckled with icicles, flora & fauna, and a few of my favorite stuffed animals tucked between the branches. Decorating the tree may seem like a simple tradition, but perfectly placing each ornament — as I thoughtfully ponder where each and every one came from (don't we all!) — reminds me how precious family and loved ones are. How precious life is. And how lucky we are to have extended families... like our Art & Soul family!

Like a winter fire, my extended retreat family truly warms my soul. I think back to my first event — over a decade ago — and some of you are still with me, still by my side. And many of you have become the closest of friends. Some of the Art & Soul attendees I've just met, but it's like we've known each other for years. That's what happens when like-minded people, linked by the most precious of gifts — the ability to let go and be free — meet for the first time. And all of my dear, dear retreat goers and teachers from all the years in between... I just cannot believe how lucky I am to have you all in my life. It reminds me how precious life really is.

The day-to-day grind is what it is. Work. Eat. Sleep. Clean the house. But the holidays remind us that those in-between moments are the ones that count. And to be able to fill them with creativity is such a blessing. We are fortunate to have our art that connects us and make us stronger. A bond that is created in one moment, yet lasts a lifetime. We are a tribe of artists... leaning on each other for support, encouragement and inspiration! It reminds me the importance of friendships, not just around the holidays, but every day.

So this holiday season I'd like to thank you all for daring to experience something greater for yourself. The bravery it took to come along on this creative adventure with me. And the heartfelt connections we have made over art. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life and I hope that your holiday season is filled with the love of family, friends, and perhaps a few random moments of creativity.

Blessings,
Glenny
xoxo

Give the Gift of Creativity for the Holidays!

Looking for that perfect holiday gift for a creative friend? Does your husband keep asking what you want for Christmas? Are you a long-time Art & Souler who's always wanted to take so-and-so along with you (but she was a little short on funds)? Well, an Art & Soul gift certificate — that can be used toward workshops at any of our Mixed Media Art Retreats — makes a great present for your friends and family! It's a creative way to artfully thank someone this holiday.

You can make your gift for any denomination. Just e-mail Glenny at glenny@artandsoulretreat.com and she'll get you taken care of right away!

Button Up & Enjoy Some Alcohol...

Just wanted to pop in and show you some virtual eye candy of the wonderful classes we have at our upcoming Kansas City, MO retreat. Event though it doesn't start until March 19th of 2014 — it'll be here before you know it!


Jean Van Brederode has outdone herself again with this gorgeous Button Up! workshop. In it, you'll create a charming necklace of buttons, buckles, and bling! Upcycle those favorite glass, bone, shell, metal, or plastic buttons as you form a delightful mixed media necklace by encasing and attaching single and groups of buttons in attractive and unusual combinations. You'll get to explore many useful yet simple soldering and connecting techniques, and you will leave with a complete and fanciful ready-to-wear creation!


And Cathy Taylor takes you out of this world with her workshop on Creating Magic With Alcohol Inks. Ohhhh, those bright, beautiful, luscious, yummy alcohol inks. I love it so much, I think I'm going to have to go to Alcohol Inks Anonymous! You'll be enchanted with the amazing new techniques presented in this fun filled, experimental workshop. Using alcohol inks and some weird and wonderful tools, you will create incredible artwork even if you don’t have a background in painting. Quirky, unexpected, and surprising results every time you create. You'll love learning how to go with the flow!

Check out all of our fabulous Kansas City classes for 2014 on our website. Or you can browse by instructor, take a look at our example project photos, or view more of our instructor videos. Any way you look at it, we'd love for you to join us!

Cyber Monday Sale!

Hey, we'd love to give you a break this holiday shopping season and an opportunity to expand your creative souls! Since all of our registration takes place online, we've decided to offer a Cyber Monday Sale for 24 hours — this Monday, December 2nd! So, from 12am until 11:59pm you can get 10% off all the classes you sign up for! Kansas City. Portland. Virginia Beach. They're all included! Just type in the code CYBERSALE to take advantage of this virtual shopping opportunity!

Kansas City, MO  •  March 19 - 23, 2014

Portland, OR  •  April 7 - 14, 2014

Virgina Beach, VA  •  September 29 - October 5, 2014

For registration and more information, visit our website at www.artandsoulretreat.com!

Thanks For Giving...

If you've kept up with me on this blog or on Facebook, you know it's been kind of a rough year. But when holidays like Thanksgiving come around, well... you really can't hide from that word — Thanks! It seems like all the tough situations I've been in this year have brought me closer to the people in my life and made me realize how important the connections of family and friends really are. I mean — when all is said and done, when there are no more "things" left — what have you got? You've got the love of family and friends. That's what!

And through this year, I've fondly thought of all of you — my Art & Soul family. And all the love and support you have given me. I typically don't see myself that way — on the receiving end, that is. I'm usually the one trying to put on these events for your enjoyment and creative growth. But you turned the tables when you filled up my heart to overflowing this year — with all the love you sent my way when I needed it the most.

So, I just wanted to say on this very special holiday... thanks for giving!

Big Giant Hugs to You All,
Glenny xoxo

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.

All Aboard The Orient Express!

We are so excited to introduce our new theme and logo for Art & Soul's 2014 season...

On the Orient Express

This lovely visual interpretation was created by Vicky Lynn Weeks, who was inspired by the Art Deco style. I'm sure your wheels are turning, thinking of all the creative ways you can use this idea for trades, projects, clothing and that special thing-a-ma-jig to decorate!

Vicky took her muse and incorporated lavish ornamental motifs into the wheels of the train and throughout the graphic. She hand lettered and then digitized the "Art & Soul" text, then thoughtfully selected a font that matched the style of the original Orient Express logo. Even though she claimed not to have as much mixed media experience as the wonderfully talented teachers and students with Art & Soul, she felt like this project lit a spark! She merged the digital design with hand drawn elements and lettering to create the feeling of mixed media.

Although Vicky always had a passion for art, her first experience as a paid artist was creating illustrations for a children's magazine in the 90's. She received her AAS in Multimedia Graphic Design at Pikes Peak and she's currently finishing her BFA at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. She balances her studies between fine art and graphic/web design, but her focus is on graphic design and sculpture. 

Vicky loves to experiment with a variety of mediums, but her favorite are paper and textile art. She confesses that being curious really helps foster her creativity and has become a sort of therapy for her. I'm sure many of you Art & Soul attendees can relate!

Proud to be part of the Cottonwood Center for the Arts family, Vicky enjoys being involved with other artists. Cottonwood is located in scenic Colorado Springs, Colorado and is home to so many skilled artists and craftsman. Cottonwood is also home to Liz Kettle, one of our favorite Art & Soul instructors! Vicky says Liz is a constant inspiration and that with her feedback and support, Vicky recently won Best in Show at the Dia de los Muertos show at Cottonwood Gallery. Now that's the ticket!

So thanks again to Vicky for the wonderful logo design, and we hope you're all aboard our Orient Express for this upcoming 2014 season. For information on all our Art & Soul retreats, visit our website.

Q7 Creative Co. is the name of Vicky Lynn Weeks' design studio. You can visit her facebook page for more about her artistic adventures. 

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

Welcoming Encaustic Artist Linda Lenart McNulty to Portland 2014!

We are so very pleased and excited to announce the addition of Linda Lenart McNulty to our Portland 2014 lineup! Linda is an Encaustic and Figurative Artist that teaches Encaustic Painting, Encaustic Jewelry and Encaustic Casting, along with workshops in Polymer Sculpting, Casting and Assemblage of Santos. She received her A.A. in Fine Art and her B.F.A. in Modern Dance/Teaching at Columbia College, Chicago. Linda is pioneering a new field in Encaustic Jewelry and has created a series of Encaustic Jewelry Kits and Luminous Encaustic Wax Blox™ to give artists the support they need as they venture into this new land of Encaustic Art! 

With a background in dance, it was her love of movement that led Linda to follow a passion for sculpting the human form. And it was the sculpting that led her to carve in wax, which led her to Encaustic Painting and visual mixed media art.

And, yes... in case you were wondering if Linda Lenart McNulty was related to one of our longtime, favorite mixed media jewelry teachers — Susan Lenart Kazmer — you are absolutely correct. They're sisters!

Linda will be teaching 3 classes with us in Portland next year. Here's a look at the gorgeous mixed media creations she has in store for you. Check out the links to read more about these intriguing workshops... 
 

Wearable Encaustic Shrine - Thursday,  April 10   

Encaustic Daguerreotype Paintings - Friday, April 11 

Luminous Layering in Encaustic Painting - Saturday, April 12 

Want to learn more about this talented artist? Visit Linda's website, luminousencaustics.com or check out her blog about the creative process. She loves talking with students of art and life, for that’s what we all are! 

For more information on our Portland Art & Soul retreat, check out our website and sign up today!

Portland Rocked!

Oh my gosh — what a fabulous Art & Soul this year at the Red Lion on the River in Portland! This venue is just so inspirational in itself. Imagine waking up to this in the morning.

Or this! Every day was a unique painting on a brand new canvas, thanks to Mother Nature.

And I'm sure you all know by now — that seeing what everybody gets to create at Art & Soul is my favorite part of this whole retreat. From gorgeous fabric collages...

...to dainty dolls, upcycled from vintage tins, porcelain beauties, jewelry bits and baubles.

From gorgeous Gelli Plate madness with tons of juicy layers and vibrant colors...

...to clever collages made with ephemera, magazine pages and such.

Or this unique handcrafted kelp basket...

...and all of our excited students who stopped by for Show & Tell in the office. You all rocked it out this year!

Our meeting space in the lobby was PERFECT for introductions, playing and whatever! We certainly made a wonderful mess.

Vendor night was fun and frenzied as usual, with mixed media supplies galore and finished goods by our favorite instructors as well. It's fun to see everyone when they don't have their faces buried in a project. 

Many thanks to everyone who made the event a success. Our dedicated staff and tireless helpers. All of our amazing instructors. Judy and the staff in the store for bringing tons more stuff than we needed. And our dear Energizer Bunny, Marie. Without whom the event would collapse.

And all of you who attended this year... including a most hearty welcome to all the newbies who attended. By all appearances, you were having a ball. Our A&S family rocks!


I can't begin to thank all of you for your enthusiasm, generosity, and kindness. I came away from the retreat so very energized and totally excited about next year.

Our year "On Safari" was truly an adventure... not only in pushing the creative boundaries, but also in digging deeper into the depths of our souls.

Hugs to everyone,
Glenny

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.

Dog Tired

What a fabulous week we had at Portland Art & Soul... even Miss Katie-dog! One night, after classes were done... after the office was closed... after the socializing was over... we got back to the room... she went upside-down... and was asleep immediately. Me too!

Can't wait to catch you up on all the amazing times we had in Portland at the Red Lion on the River. Just... gotta... rest...

Portland Opening Party A Smash Hit!

 

Well, Portland Art & Soul is in full swing. We had a fabulous time at the opening night party... seeing new students and alumni and everybody getting to schmooze with each other and many of our class instructors at the Meet-n-Greet. It was a perfect opportunity to showcase their classes and talent! This was a fabulous start to a great week! Here are a few of them who stood still long enough for a photo op!!

Andrew Dyrdahl

Erin Keck

Kari McKnight & Jen Crossley

Ingrid Dijkers

Jean VanBrederode

Liz Kettle

Jill Berry

...and Mark Crossley with my Katie-girl!

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate and kick off our week-long event. I can't wait to see what all of you create while you're here!

Glenny

xoxo

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!!