Let's Wrap It Up!

Well, what better time to finally get around to wrapping up October's Portland Art & Soul than the last day of 2012... right? As many of you know, I practically went right from the event to a hospital bed where I had gastric bypass surgery done. However, I did not want to "bypass" talking about our amazing new venue and what a great time it was. So here goes...

The Red Lion Hotel located right on the Columbia River was just a spectacularly inspirational location. I mean... imagine having this view to begin your day! Fire in the sky... mountains in the background... surrounded by water... ahhhhhhh. I can just feel my body relaxing just remembering this! The hotel staff were the epitome of hospitality, and the food was great. And there were lots of great restaurants and shopping all within walking distance.

The classrooms were spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows — many having views of the river — letting in the natural light. Perfect for making art! And it was really nice to have all the classrooms in one location, inside the hotel. No more waking up to catch a shuttle. Woohoo!

But the things that define Art & Soul did not change. We still had an amazing and diverse selection of classes for all levels of attendees. Whether you like to be meticulous in your craft, like Suzanne McNeill's class where you get to carefully and thoughtfully Zentangle on a gourd...

...or maybe you like to throw caution to the wind... create a mess... and actually be the mess, like the students in Jesse Reno's classes! There was definitely something for everybody.

And our teachers. I just cannot say enough about them. They are all amazingly talented individuals who have been hand picked for our retreats. Some have been with us for a very long time and others are visionaries on the cutting edge of today's newest techniques. But all of them take the time to give our students individual attention on projects, gently guide them every step of the way, and they even double as psychologists!

You see... sometimes, going outside our comfort zone in art makes those pesky little insecurities come up. But our instructors are all so good at helping you not only discover a new technique... but also helping you feel comfortable with who you are and how you express yourself. It's actually pretty amazing to see these connections — between your art and your soul, as well as those between teacher and student — take place!

And then there was Vendor Night! It's always a feast for the senses... and the credit cards! I kind of like to do a once-over and then go back to pick up my favorite finished pieces and supplies. But there's always those one or two items I must buy on-the-spot, for fear someone else will like it as much as I. But really the level of jewelry, collage, assemblage, dolls, as well as the amazingly unique ephemera, findings and antiques that the instructors and other vendors bring to this night make it a most delightful shopping experience for attendees and the general public!

Art & Soul Portland was the first major art event that I made happen. It's like my first born. And although it has grown up a lot over the years, and gone through some changes, and even had some growing pains... I love my baby.... and all of you that make it happen. All my attendees... my instructors.. my helpers... the local vendors... the on-site store owners... the hotel staff... and on and on and on. I couldn't do Portland — or any other venue — without all of you. And now that this year is coming to a close, I'm getting a little teary eyed as I think about all that I have to be grateful for.

Have a Happy and Creative New Year! See you in Twenty-thirteen!

Glenny
xoxo

Art & Soul Radio... Tune in for Vikki Pignatelli, Nurturing Your Creative Spirit, Dec. 17

Vikki Pignatelli is a self-taught artist who entered the world of quilting in 1991 at the urging of her sister. A non-sewer at the time, Vikki attended a beginner's class and quickly fell in love with the art of quilting. Now a full-time professional quilt-artist, designer, international teacher, lecturer and author, Vikki and her quilts have been featured in many books, national publications and exhibitions. She has won 32 awards in national and international competitions and exhibitions including a first place award at the International Quilt Festival at Houston and Best Color and Design for Passages of the Spirit in the 2002 NQA annual show

She is the author of two quilting books, Quilting Curves and Quilting By Improvisation  and numerous “how-to” articles for quilt magazines. 

Vikki also founded Sacred Threads Quilt Exhibitions and has now self-published Nurture Your Creative Spirit which we will be talking about Monday.

So please join us for this inspirational chat...

Art & Soul Radio featuring Vikki Pignatelli
with Lesley Riley
Monday, December 17th
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!

Give (or get) the Gift of Creativity!

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 makes a great present for all these scenarios and more! 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!

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!

Art & Soul Radio... Tune in for Orly Avineri: One Artist Journal, August 27th

Orly Avineri journals. But erase what comes to mind when you think journal. Orly’s journals are exquisite, stand-alone works of art. The cover blurb on her self-published book, One Artist Journal explains that journaling is Orly’s attempt to “unify the self by expressing the intricacies of the nature within and around her, through seamless blending of fine art, graphic design and written language.” And seamless it is. Rich, inviting, and my favorite term, drool-worthy art. I’m excited to talk with Orly today, both about journaling and her self-publishing experience.


So please join us for an inspirational chat...


Art & Soul Radio featuring Orly Avineri
with Lesley Riley
Monday, August 27th
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!

A Special Offer for Portland!

Hey all you loyal blog followers... we're offering a special END OF SUMMER promotion.  From August 15-31 you'll get 20% off of any full day/6 hour workshop that you select at our 2012 Portland Art & Soul event! When you are ready to check out on the website, enter the coupon code listed below and the discount will be reflected in your total immediately.

Coupon Code: PSP1

Hurry! This offer expires August 31st, 2012.

In Living Color....

Hey! Did you ever want to take a Jesse Reno workshop? Well, you might after watching this really awesome video about the artist — and long-time Art & Soul instructor extraordinaire — to discover more about his background and very unique style of art!

And speaking of videos, we're introducing them on our Art & Soul website. Sort of a little how-do-you-do from the instructors, telling you a little bit about themselves, the workshops they offer and showcasing their individual styles. Moving forward we're going to have more and more videos as a really cool, interactive, face-to-face addition to the project photos for our workshop pages. We thought it would be nice to get to know your instructors or class projects more in-depth while you sit at the computer and contemplate which workshops to take!

Want to see some more videos? Check out this amazingly orchestrated one for Lana Guerra's Misfit Dolls class and this heavenly preview of Serena Barton's Landscape of Dreams class. Just scroll down the workshop page to watch!

Puttin' on the Ritz with Dennis & the Ditz's

Want to join us for some fun, silliness, frivolity and revelry to kick off your week at Art & Soul Portland? Awesome! Then check out our opening night kickoff celebration and come play along. Let's get ditzy!

Portland Opening Night Party

Sunday Sept 30   

Festivities begin at 6:30 pm 

Your $25 ticket includes:

• An evening of lively entertainment provided by

 Dennis and The Ditz's 

  a.k.a Dennis Webb and his Lovely Ladies of Luscious Libations! 

• Sing a long – lyrics provided

• Your very own tiara

• A ticket for beverage of choice

• Decorate your own special Glitz apron - prizes awarded for categories:

   -Most Original

   -Most Matching the Glitz Theme

Find more information on our Portland Activities Page and to sign up, visit our  Special Events Page on the Art & Soul Website.

Art & Soul Vegas 2012... Gettin' Lucky!

Once again we had an incredible time at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, NV for our annual Las Vegas retreat. The hotel is amazing in its grandeur and pomp, but look out when Art & Soulers take it over! Woohoo!

A great big thanks — and a round of hearty applause — for all the instructors who gave us such fabulous classes. I am always in awe of your creativity and the projects you come up with for workshops. And guess what? So are the students! Those beaming smiles they have at the end of class are simply priceless. And speaking of students, we had a ton of new attendees at this venue! You have just dipped your toes into the Art & Soul pool — but now you are family! We hope to see you again soon.

Hooray! for Deb and Blue Twig Studio! It was great to have you and your goodies in our onsite store for Vegas! The fun thing about perusing your wares is that no attendee can do it just once. Multiple visits are the norm — you know, just in case you missed something. There's always something else you need! I hope you enjoyed your initiation Deb! We enjoyed having you.

Oh, Marie — my trusty sidekick. The Shirley to my Laverne. The Betty to my Wilma. The Ethel to my Lucy. What would I do without you and your amazing ability to be everywhere at once? Your constant enthusiasm and boundless energy raise Art & Soul to a whole new level. I thank you from the bottom of my mixed-media heart!

I must say that the June heat in Vegas (yes, it's a dry heat!) is not fit for man or beast! Which is why it's the perfect time to stay indoors and make some creatures of your own — like this one from Ty and Marcia Schultz' Big Birdz class!

Oh, wait! We interrupt this blog post for the one beast who I think does like the Vegas Summer Heat! We found him in the courtyard and he was really interested in taking a class.

There were so many wonderful classes to take in a variety of media. Here's one of our long time Art & Soulers Ann, just starting her project in Serena Barton's Wabi Sabi class. Look at all those yummy wax colors!

And everybody's projects turned out so beautifully!

An interesting thing about Art & Soul is that sometimes the teachers turn into students! Like one of our favorite instructors Liz Kettle, who came to Vegas to have fun as a birthday celebration for herself.

And you know what's even more amazing? When those projects turn into gifts for moi. It actually happens quite often, and if you've ever seen me in the moment I receive such a selfless gesture, I get all choked up and blubbery. Because I'm the lucky one!

See you in Portland!
Glenny xoxox

Make Room... Time is Running Out!

Just wanted to pop in for a friendly reminder about Vegas...

The last day to make reservations and get the Art & Soul rate at the Green Valley Ranch is May 22. So if you have not reserved your room for our Las Vegas Retreat at this gorgeous venue — give them a call NOW!!!

Green Valley Ranch Resort
2300 Paseo Verde Parkway
Henderson, NV 89052
702-617-7777

See you in the sun,
Glenny xoxo


© photo courtesy of Green Valley Ranch Resort

An Event Planner's Gotta Play Too!

What better respite for myself and my trusty sidekick Marie Kennedy, than to attend ArtFest, which takes place in Port Townsend, Washington, at an old military base. We got to meetup with old friends, make some new friends, and play, play, play! A much needed distraction after our very successful Virginia Beach event.

We got to take a class with Mindy Lacefield called All A-Flutter. She'll be teaching at our Portland event later this year, so it was exciting to actually be in a class of hers as a student! I just love Mindy's whimsical style and her childlike approach to art. Remember when we weren't afraid to try anything?

We got to spend some real quality time with friends and seasoned Art & Soul instructors Ty and Marcia Schultz. They are such dear friends and to be with them in such a relaxed and playful setting, well... it does this girl's heart good. Here's Ty passing the time with a bit of journaling... always up to something creative.

And hello, dolly! Or should I say... goodbye, dolly? Marie took a class called Steampunk Sally with Clarissa Callesen. This is a picture of her doll before and after... what a difference! Looks like she spent weeks on it. Too much fun.

We ran into Andrew Drydahl, who will also be making his Art & Soul teaching debut at our Portland event. He'll be teaching how to make these whimsical rag dolls and some gorgeous steampunk journals. It was great to have some time to get to know a new instructor. It's not very often that we get the opportunity to do so. Typically it's lots of e-mails and phone calls and paperwork going back and forth. So some real face time (and what an adorable face it is!) was a welcome change.

So, needless to say we had an amazing time here. It was a little bittersweet though as, after Artfest's 13 year run... this was their last event. The talented and artistic duo that put on this retreat — Teesha and Tracey Moore — are moving on to something new. It was time for them. But as we all learn together when we attend these wonderfully inspirational creative retreats... there's always something new to learn and discover about ourselves. Cheers to that!

Glenny
xoxo

© photos by Marie Kennedy

Art & Soul Virginia Beach 2012...Wrap it up!

Wow, wow, wowie, wow! Now that we've all caught our breath from Art & Soul Virginia Beach, I wanted to highlight some more of the amazing fun that was had at this seaside venue! It's hard to whittle down which photos to share, as there were so many facets of this event that made it really special.

I know I sound like a broken record when i say this, but I think this was the best Art & Soul yet. So many new instructors — including Jen Crossley here, who came all the way from Australia to teach — added to the mix of interesting mixed media workshops we had to offer. New friendships were formed. Old friendships were rekindled. Lots of laughing and camaraderie. And a bunch of new jewelry was acquired! All the important things.

The buzz of excitement about the workshops we offered and the talented instructors who taught them were palpable. Imagine walking into your class and the teacher's table looked like this! Cindy Yost French left no stone unturned with her Bead Embroidery Meets Steampunk Necklace workshop. And the students did such a fine job of coming up with their own twist on this hot new trend.

Want to go out with a bang (or should we say a bangle?), then Sally Jean Alexander's Buckle Up and Bangle Down is the place to be! She never runs short of new ideas on how to combine beautiful, professional-looking soldering with a whimsical style and thoughtful composition. You know you're studying with a master when your student's projects look as lovely as this!

And whether it's hair for little dolls....

Or hair for big dolls (wink, wink), Lana Guerra's wit and wisdom always shines through in the unique workshops she teaches. Her Misfit Doll Making yields tiny Tim Burton-like puppets with giant hearts... while her Let's Wig Out class showcases her 17 years of experience as a hair designer making big, far out, whimsical, high fashion looks. Now that alot of hair!

Look at this piece from Jenni Horne's American Still Life class. Is that not the cutest thing you've ever seen? Her childlike views on painting really shone through in the student's work. Makes me long for those simpler times.

Annie Lockhart taught a workshop entitled, Hang With Me - A Magical Mobile and just look at the results!! I love all these weathered bits and bobs on this students mobile. Everybody's work was great in this class... like they'd been making mobiles forever. So well though out and visually balanced. Fun!

And then there was Suzanne McNeil's Spirit Doll class. Look at all these gourd-geous ladies and their unique dolls!

Kari McNight's Stamp & Stencils Journal workshop was a big hit. Students were passing around their journals at the dinner table that night, and everyone had something uniquely their own. That's one of the things I love most about Art & Soul... how each student's work is so different from the next.

Oh, and I also love my amazing assistant, (doesn't that just sound magical? well, she is!) Marie Kennedy, as well as the generous giving souls like Kat Allison. It just doesn't get any better than this folks!

And then there's down-time.... or is there? My roomate Margaret's hands just about keep up with all the ideas in her head... and she's got such great ideas! But like with so many, the creativity doesn't stop when the class is over.

The sand and sea air did such wonderful things for our spirits, but Art & Soul and everyone involved did so much for our creative souls. Thanks so much to all of you who made this possible and for coming along on this artful journey.

~ Glenny xoxo

© photos courtesy of Marie Kennedy

Place Your Bets On Vegas & Get 10% Off Today!!

Come one, come all.... boy these palm trees are tall!!

It's time to think about VEGAS! Or rather, Henderson. The Green Valley Ranch Resort is a quiet 20 minutes from the famed Vegas Strip. The Resort offers everything "Vegas" — casino, entertainment, FOOD, shopping -- but in a more relaxed, elegant atmosphere. 

Win some extra money for Vendor Night... Woohoo!

And they have a shuttle that runs to the main casinos every day so that you can take in a special show or join the craziness that is Vegas. There's also plenty of places for downtime like amazing restaurants, pools, and a retail shopping village.

Ummm... is this some inspiration or what!!

And just to entice you to join us at this awe-inspiring venue...

We are offering a one month special!

Sign up for 2 or more classes now through April 10
and receive 10% off your class fees!! 

The refund will be credited back to your Pay Pal account - or if you are paying by check. We will figure out the amount you owe before you put it in the mail. For more information and registration, visit the Las Vegas section of our website! See you there!!

© photos courtesy of Green Valley Ranch Resort