Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Virginia Classes Are Up! Registration Is OPEN!

Susan Lenart Kazmer's Altered Surface Talisman Jewelry

Will you come join us next Fall for our Art & Soul Mixed Media Retreat in Virginia Beach? Hooray! We'll be so happy to have you. 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. 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 and gatherings throughout the week. We've got an on-site store that's to dye for, 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!

Beautiful Fabulous Scarves by Kathie George

Registration just went live and we have a very special EARLY BIRD OFFER for you! 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.

Journal Fodder Junkies with David Molder & Eric Scott

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.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

'Tis the Season... for "Presents"!


When the Christmas tree goes up, that's when the holiday spirit takes me over. I get to dress up my festive snow-dusted faux fir with a monochromatic theme 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 of my extended family... our Art & Soul family! At every event, I could walk into any class and find an entire room of students contemplating where to perfectly place their next mark, stitch, stamping, found object, bead, bauble, piece of ephemera, and the like. Just totally immersed in what they are doing.


In that way, our mixed media workshops are very much like decorating the tree. I'm just totally immersed in what I am doing. And the holidays remind me what a great pleasure it is to be in the moment. I guess that's why they call it the "present". It gives me even greater pleasure to be able to give the gift of present moments to our Art & Soul family. With the hurried rush of our everyday lives we all need equally fun and relaxing times to balance it out. To be able to fill them up with creativity is such a blessing.


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.


If you would like to share that gift of creativity with someone, we offer gift certificates in any denomination, that can be used toward workshops at any of our Mixed Media Art Retreats. It's a creative way to artfully thank someone this holiday. Simply e-mail Glenny today and she'll get you taken care of right away!

I hope you have an amazing holiday and a new year filled with creative adventures!

Blessings,
Glenny
xoxo

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

How About [Thanks]Giving Next Tuesday?

"You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift-buying and donate what they can to charity." ~Bill Gates


Next Tuesday, November 29, 2016, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving.


Anyone, anywhere can get involved in Giving Tuesday and give back in a way that is meaningful to them. From fundraising to volunteering to offering your services for free, Giving Tuesday is a great way to become a part of a larger worldwide movement that promotes generosity.


You are the most important part of making this movement a reality. You don’t have to be a world leader or a billionaire to give back. Giving Tuesday is about ordinary people coming together doing extraordinary things. Can you imagine what we can accomplish when we all give... together.

Have a wonderful ThanksGiving all, and let's keep that spirit going next Tuesday and all throughout the year.

Glenny
xoxo

photos by: Pixabay and Freepik

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Ahoy, Mixed Media Mateys!



Well shiver me timbers! It's time for introducin' our new theme and logo for Arrrrt & Soul twenty-seventeen. And if you lasses and lads haven't yet guessed what we have goin' on thar...

it's Treasure Island, yar!

You know, mateys... we arrrr always lookin' for somethin' fun that arrrr great, grand instructors and arrrr adventurous attendees can use in their arrrt... if that's what they be so choosin'. And with a big, bad, bloomin' new Pirates of the Caribbean soon bein' released, me and me heartys were shoutin'  about what a ruckus it was, bein all this time to watch Jonny Depp and Keith Richards as they play up their piratey movin' picture roles. We scallywags just be wantin' to laugh and have a jolly good time.

So we made arrrr very own graphic design lass, Miss Michelle Bernard, walk the plank unless and until she came up with a hearty version of arrrr ship with a special treasure map hidden behind. And aye, she made it through the rough seas and earned arrrr respect. We owe her a good cup o' grog til she's loaded to the gunwhales, yo-ho-ho!

And we knowst that y'all will be makin' some sweet trades and boastin' the finest costumes at arrrr events that be takin' place next year. You creative types will be haulin' in the best booty around. Whether you're a sprog or a seasoned swashbuckler, who's been ridin' the high seas of Arrrt & Soul with us for times and times now... you're sure to have a jolly good time here.

So dust off your hats, and pull your boots on, as we go sailin' into another grand year of fine craftery that be worth more than all the doubloons hidden in the sea. You want to be checkin' out all the arrrt we be offerin' for the makin' at arrrr events here and let's get arrr swaggy on! Ahoy!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Virginia Beach... One Colorful Event!

Wow, wow, wowie, wow! What a colorful event Virginia Beach Art & Soul was! Everywhere I turned there was bold color and striking patterns in all kinds of mixed media projects created in our amazing workshops. Like this gorgeous enamel pendant made by one of Jean Van Brederode's students... it looks like it was made by Mother Nature herself!

These Alcohol Ink backgrounds created in Cathy Taylor's class just blew me away. And, in case you didn't already know, she IS the Queen of Alcohol Inks. She has so many techniques that produce so many different results, it's always a pleasure to peek in and see what her students are creating.

And how about these magnificent copper bracelets made in Eva Sherman's class! They look like they're painted with Alcohol Inks, but they're actually painted with fire! A beautiful and sophisticated cuff with texture and color made from a flame. Wow!

We love seeing happy students showing off their colorful projects, like this hand made journal from Doris Arndt & Judy Gula's Printed and Bound workshop.

How about layers and layers and layers of color and patterns to create a basis for some awesome sea creature paintings, made in Kitty Miller's class. Such richness and depth!

Our on site store, hosted by Judy Gula of Artistic Artifacts is always a colorful place to stop in and shop in. She so graciously carries everything you could possibly need (and more) for the many different workshops we offer. It's a partnership made in mixed-media heaven!

And of course, we absolutely adore our colorful attendees... dressing the part... as unique and creative as the events we host... they are the epitome of the fun, lightheartedness and whimsy we strive to embody at all our retreats!!

In addition to all the wonderful work that comes out of Art & Soul, we really appreciate where it's all made... and take full advantage of the very, very, very spacious classrooms at Virginia Beach! It creates the perfect environment to stretch your mind, and your legs... and to spread out all your goodies, set up workstations and have all the room you need to create until your heart's content.

As always our professional, nurturing instructors enjoyed guiding our students through every facet of the creative process. Our teachers absolutely love sharing their knowledge with you, and it shows. They've been so inspirational for so many people, it just warms my heart.

And what's an Art & Soul retreat without a little showing off... like your new hooters... from Erin Keck's workshop of the same name, of course. What were you thinking?

These ladies were so proud to show off their tunics made in Ruth Chandler's sewing class, made with vintage fabrics. It was a fabulous way to take the old and make it new again! We are thrilled to be able to offer unbelievable sewing classes, thanks to Bernina providing us with all the machines we need.

And our Virginia Beach retreat would not be complete without Mother Nature showing off! We were so lucky to catch a glipse of these dolphins playing and feeding right off shore during our week on the Chesapeake Bay! What a delight to watch.


So, in case you couldn't tell by now, we had a great time in Virginia. We LOVE the beach! The opening party continues to be a smash hit. Big thanks to Sally Roesler and Beadniks for hosting an open house – complete with special music provided by Dennis Webb. Our students continue to astound me with their adventurous spirits and fearlessness when it comes to trying something new. Our instructors have become family and as they nurture you I watch in awe at the creativity they bring out in all of you! Our Vendor Night, our hotel staff, our rooms with balconies to soak in this amazing shoreline... I am blessed to be a part of it all. So thank you, thank you, thank you... from the bottom of my heart... and soul.

Glenny
xoxo

Monday, September 12, 2016

Virginia Beach... Last Call!


Well hello all my mixed media mavens! I hope you had a fantastic summer and are ready to dive back in to being creative... because... can you believe our Virginia Beach Art & Soul Retreat is only two weeks away! 

Virginia Beach Art & Soul
September 26 - October 1, 2016
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel



We have so many exciting classes, teachers, activities, events, and lots of creative adventurers will be there to learn new things and meet like-minded souls. Will you be one of them?


In case you were thinking of joining us for this event... you'd better hurry! Several of our classes are already filled, but we still have plenty of workshops available in collage, assemblage, drawing, painting, sewing, jewelry, fabric, fiber, sculpting, bookmaking and so much more!
 

Most of our teachers are already starting to make up class kits and pack their supplies, getting ready and make the journey to the east coast... but they'd love to add you to their roster! So don't delay... this is last call folks.


Visit our website for more information on this year's Virginia Beach Event... our relaxing beachfront hotel... the creative workshops we have to offer... and our fabulous instructors! Then sign up today... and we'll see you in two weeks. Hooray!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

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.

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

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Minneapolis Registration Is OPEN!


Yes, folks... a couple of birdies told me we're returning to Minneapolis, and we are so delighted to bring to you another retweet... oh, I mean retreat! And I'm just flying in to let you know that registration is now open. Woohoo!


Our newest midwest location was so well received that we're doing it again in twenty seventeen! Art & Soul will be back in Minneapolis and we've got a great lineup of mixed media workshops just ripe for the picking, taught by our very talented instructors. We've got classes in drawing, doodling, collage, assemblage, dyeing, painting, bookmaking, journaling, fabric & fiber art, sewing, dollmaking, jewelry and more!

April 26th - May 1, 2017
Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America Hotel
Minneapolis, MN

We're coming up on the dog days of summer, and I know it's hot out there... so grab yourself a cool drink, turn on the air conditioning, browse our website and pick out your Minneapolis workshops. And don't forget, we've got a Special Offer for all you early birds... Sign up by October 31st and get $15 off your registration fee and $15 off each full day class! And as always, sign up for 3 or more full day (6 hour) classes and you'll receive our custom theme tote filled with all kinds of artsy goodies. Sign up today to make sure you don't miss out on any of your favorite classes!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

A Tale of Two Kittys...

Endangered Encaustics
We've got some meow-velous news that we'd like to share with you!

We've added Kitty Miller to our lineup of Virginia Beach Art & Soul instructors, and she'll be teaching 3 classes at our upcoming retreat! Kitty Miller is a mixed media artist that specializes in vivid portraits of animals, people and birds. She uses layers and layers of dreamy fluid acrylic paints almost like water colors and then uses them as boldly as palette paint. She's been making art since childhood, so she's had years of practice! People loved what she did so much that teaching was just a natural progression for her. We are delighted to have her in Virgina this fall. Here's what she has in store for you...

In Endangered Encaustics you'll collage, paint, and layer with tons of supplies and techniques and encaustic wax. You'll create 2 stunning pieces that are both beautiful and educational.

You'll get skills that will carry over into everything you paint in Kitty's Birds of a Feather workshop. Use book pages, papers, paint, stencils, stamps, tissue paper and more to create your base and learn the techniques to paint a realistic bird over top of your mixed media masterpiece.

One Fish, Two Fish, An Ode To Whimsey

In One Fish Two Fish, you'll experience cheerful creativity with Kitty's nod to whimsy as you jump into the underwater world of fun. Using her favorite collage and painting techniques, you'll get to create a vibrant and beautiful background and paint some fun fish and friends to inhabit it.

So be sure and check out these fun, inspirational, creative classes Kitty Miller has to offer, and peruse our entire lineup of workshops for Art & Soul Virginia Beach 2016. It's a little over 6 weeks away!!


Agnes
So that takes care of one Kitty... but what's the rest of this tale about? Well, you know how we have friends that do wonderful things because they have such big hearts. And you know how sometimes, you see what they are doing and you just wish you could help out even just a little bit, but you're not always sure how you can help or what you can do to make a difference. Then, dang-it, something happens and you know exactly how you can help and what you can do, but it wasn't something you were planning on?

Louie
Well, that's how Agnes and Louie walked right into my heart. Yup... these two adorable-beyond-belief Persians were rescued from a cat hoarder and found their forever home with yours truly. Agnes is very sweet-natured and Louie is quite the adventurous explorer (hence the name, after Lewis from Lewis & Clark). Both are a welcome addition to my house and my life. We shall see in the coming months who rescued who!

And that's how the story goes. We got Kitty and I got kitties. So I'll be seein' ya... in Virginia Beach, or at the pet store loading up on bags of food...in case you'd forgotten about my other rescues...

Wilson on the left and Victoria at the wheel

Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who? Wilson, the poodle is a craigslist rescue. A long, not so happy story that I will spare you the details of. But he is goofy and sweet and I'm thrilled to have him.  Victoria, was a rescue from a breeder. She is a national champion, but did not give them puppies - and therefore does not make them money. Lucky for me as she is a dear companion.

Enjoy the rest of the summer kids!

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Minneapolis... A Retreat On Repeat!

Felted Flower Rings by Susan Rossiter

Our new midwest location was such a happy success that we're doing it again next year! Woohoo! Yup, that's right kiddies... Art & Soul will be back in Minneapolis in 2017 and we've already got a great lineup of mixed media workshops for you taught by so many talented instructors. Here is just a sneak peek at what we have in store...


With the growing popularity of mandalas lately — and the zen that comes along with them — it's no wonder they've made their way into the mixed media world. And what better way to unwind and relax than to spend a day creating Mixed Media Mandalas  using fabric and paper with Rebekah Meier. Breathe in.... breathe out... cut and paste.... ahhhhhhh. Doesn't that feel good!


OMGoddess! Release your inner goddess while being gently guided in techniques of beading and fringe with Doris Arndt in a glorious workshop where basically everything is provided for you. Just bring your inner divinity!


What about learning this amazing technique on how to Cut, Stencil & Stitch From Scratch and create your very own multi-layered garment with Patti Calande? You'll learn about cutting fabric, stenciling, stitches, techniques, and construction, and you will gain key hands-on experience to complete this and other beautiful, heirloom hand stitched projects!


Or try your hand at metal etching and leather tooling in Erin Keck's workshop, The Shoe Cobbler's Journal. Under Erin's expert guidance, you'll construct a unique steampunk-esque journal made from shoe sole leather, learn dyeing techniques, metal etching, hinge creation and leave with a finished journal and a wealth of knowledge!

Carol Sphon's Cruising for a Rooster workshop.

And that's just a small sampling of what we have in store for you! Registration for next year's Minneapolis Retreat opens on August 1st — which isn't that far away! And we've got a Special Offer for all you early birds... Sign up by October 31st and get $15 dollars off your registration fee and $15 off each full day class!

April 26th - May 1, 2017
Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel
Minneapolis, MN

So grab yourself a drink and a snack, make sure your printer has plenty of paper and ink, and start planning your dream mixed media playcation!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Great Opportunities For Fiber & Fabric Artists!


Hello my little frenzied fiber and fabric fans! We came across some unique opportunities and wanted to pass them on to you. Fiber Art Now — one of the magazines we advertise our events in — has a bunch of ways you can get your work featured in magazines and exhibits and win some valuable prizes. So check out what they've got going on...



The Emerging Artist Showcase is an opportunity for emerging artists to get their work shown in the fall issue of Fiber Art Now. We are eager to see  the latest techniques and ideas from emerging fiber artists and show them to the world. Find out more here.   
Deadline is August 1, 2016




The 20th Biennial of Quilt National!

All artists who submit their work will receive thank-you gifts worth $75! As a thank you for submitting your work to this historic event, the Dairy Barn Arts Center & Quilt National have partnered with Fiber Art Now magazine to give:

• Free membership to the Dairy Barn Arts Center
• Discounted subscription to Fiber Art Now
• Free Eco Dye eBook Resource (Eco Dye: Traditional Dye Work through a Contemporary Lens)

Find out more about the Quilt National here. 
Deadline is September 1, 2016


 

Yes, Excellence in Fibers is a juried exhibition in print, but this year we're also having a full exhibition! Selected works will be shown at the New Bedford Art Museum, New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 1/25/17-3/19/17.

FIVE CATEGORIES:
Wall/Floor Works | Sculptural Works | Vessel Forms/Basketry | Installation Works | Wearables

NEW FOR 2016
• Twice as many works will be selected and shown
• There will be five categories, a prize in each category ($300), and a Best in Show prize ($600)
• Selected works will be shown at the New Bedford Art Museum

Find out more about the Excellence in Fibers Exhibiiton here.
Deadline is October 1, 2016




And, Fiber Art Now has generously set up a DEEP discount on subscriptions! Click here for the New Subscriber Discount, and if you're already a subscriber, check out their Renewal Discount! And be sure and check out Art & Soul's ad while you're perusing their amazing publication.

Good luck and let us know if you get published or exhibited... we'll do a feature about you on our blog!