Ain't She A Doll... One Of Our Own!

I was so excited to hear that our very own Graphic Designer, Michelle Bernard, had recently begun concentrating on her Art Dolls — and that more than 15 of them were accepted for two different exhibits at Torche' Galerie! She even sold 3 of her dolls at the first Opening Night! How awesome is that?

Michelle is no stranger to Art & Soul, having attended our event for years, taught a couple of opening night classes, and then became our Graphic Designer — creating ads, logos, marketing material, and the like to promote our retreat.

She's dabbled in collage, assemblage, journaling, painting, bookmaking, jewelry, dolls, and lots of other mixed media stuff! And, by her own admission, much of her artwork today was inspired by classes she took at Art & Soul! Oh, yes... such a proud Mama I am.

And it wasn't that Michelle didn't enjoy dabbling in collage, assemblage, journaling, painting, bookmaking, jewelry, dolls, and lots of other mixed media stuff! But this year she wanted to focus on one main genre of creativity. And Art Dolls allowed her to utilize her sculpting, painting, fabric, craft, jewelry and mixed media expertise — all on one piece!

Her little folk art characters have a modern twist and are sometimes a bit twisted (Michelle says that's a compliment!). I just love their facial expressions. And I know that a lot of heart and soul went into these. I've seen Michelle at work during the retreats. Her brain is always thinking of new and clever ways to do things, but at the same time letting her true style emerge. Sheesh, am I gushing or what?

To see more of Michelle's Art Dolls, you can check out her Artist's Page on the Torche' Galerie website. And you can also see more of her mixed media creations on her website YesterdaysTrashArt.com. As for her Graphic Design work? Well, you can just open up an issue of Somerset Studio or Where Women Create, among others, to find her handiwork on the glossy pages of our favorite publications!

So congratulations, Michelle. We're so proud of you. It's been an amazing journey getting to know you, seeing you grow creatively at our retreats, and to see where it's taken you! Bravo my dear!

A Private Creative Getaway! October 12-16, 2014

Dog chewing on your art supplies? Kids screaming? Husband wanting to know what's all this stuff on the dining room table? Well, perhaps you'd like to join us for a unique artistic experience on the Oregon Coast. A time to get away with your art supplies, breathe the ocean air and mingle with friends. At this special retreat, it's not about taking classes. It's about offering you a creative space... for you to bring unfinished projects or new inspirations. We'll create among like-minded souls, gleaning new "techniques" from our arty friends and experience "demos" in the spontaneity of the moment. Food "magically" appears — you leave our work stations as it arrives and either return to your spots, take a walk on the beach, go to town, or just hang out. The time is yours to enjoy.

We will be staying at the luxurious Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City, OR. Oregon's only resort hotel built right on the beach. Each of the Inn's 120 oceanfront rooms has floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed ocean views. Most rooms have balconies and many have full kitchens. Miles of sandy beach and tide pools are just an elevator ride away. 

Beach Haven Art Retreat Getaway Includes: 
4 nights ocean front lodging

12 delicious meals 

Your personal creative space for 4 days
Printers and a copier will be available, as well as many art supplies to share
 

Single Bedroom - $875

Dbl Occupancy Studio - $675 each person

Dbl Occupancy Suite - $800 each person

For information and registration, e-mail glennymoir@gmail.com   Space is limited to 25 people. So sign up early!

Award Winning Instructor at Art & Soul!

Meet Judy Porter! She's our newest instructor, a Diamond Award Industry Choice Winner... and she's teaching at Art & Soul Virginia Beach this Fall, as well as our Kansas City and Portland venues next Spring.

Judy lives out in the sticks with cows, several barn cats, a big farm dog name Barkley and a little art mascot PomPoo named Doodles. Oh and a wonderful hubby of 32 years. He won't like being mentioned after the dogs.

For 28 years she has worked professionally as a caricature artist. Eight years ago she took her portrait, caricature work into 3D  polymer clay doing commissioned work — ball jointed dolls.  Her work has been published in several trade magazines, one book, plus she was commissioned for a 50 doll exclusive for a doll convention.

She continues to do event caricatures for several entertainment agencies along with her  doll sculpting. Judy says.. "My love for all things art began in my earliest memories and continues to be happiest moments. Nothing gives me more joy than to bring someone happiness through art."

Her doll Annie, (pictured above) just won the prestigious Diamond Award Industry Choice Winner. The doll is a 17 inch ball jointed doll sculpted by the artist in polymer clay then cast in resin.  Awards are presented by Dolls Magazine judged by professionals in the doll industry.  Each joint is sculpted to create a doll with 16 points of articulation.  Congratulations Judy.  We are so proud of what you have accomplished.

You have an incredible opportunity to take a class from this very talented artist.  Join Judy at any one of our three events.  Her classes include a kit that has EVERYTHING you need.  What could be better??!!  The only thing you'll need to bring is your imagination!

Woodland Whimsies

Judy Porter

Virginia Beach, VA workshop

Portland, OR workshops

Kansas City, MO workshop

Sculpt your own fairy, elf or troll in polymer clay. Learn to sculpt the head, hands and feet , attach it to a wire armature to make your little creature pose in several ways. The body is needle sculpted adding torn fabric, steampunk or other embellishments. You'll use glass eyes to give your little creature it's life like sparkle. There will be lots of goodies provided to make your little forest fantasy creature unique.

These are great little creatures to find in your inside greenery, shadow boxes or just hanging around in your kitchen window. Sit one in a doll chair, hang one from a curtain or build a little forest scene shadow box. Smiles are guaranteed!

For more information and to register for Art & Soul visit our website. We hope to see you there in-person!