Aye Aye! Minneapolis... A Real Treasure!

Well Mateys... we have another fine voyage into the realms of art and creativity under our pirate belts, Yo Ho! Our Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat was a real blast. Our attendees were in all their glory as they ventured into new realms of artistic discovery and buried treasures...

...and made lots of fantastic projects like these amazing copper etched journals, each of them unique to the individual who created them. Wonder if I could hornswaggle one of these fine tomes away from these lovely lasses. Avast ye... Methinks probably not.

How about these adorable steampunk hooters! So many uses for all our found objects and treasures we've collected over the years. A pirate's booty worth it's weight in gold... Blimey!

What's all the scuttlebut going on in our sewing rooms? Well, there be some journals made of woven cloths. As bright and colorful and imaginative as our students!

And happy students they were! With spacious classrooms and individual attention from our talented and nurturing instructors, it was unanimous that they want us to come back again and again. So, Minneapolis, you better batten down the hatches in twenty eighteen... cuz we'll be seein' ya again!

Our on-site store was miles and aisles of goodies for the fetching! Look at all these amazing treasures. And speaking of treasures, a hearty pirate hats-off to my Blue Twig Studio and Deb Prewitt for an amazing selection of pirate booty and of course, to my Second Mates, Marie and Phoenix... these ladies kept a tight ship and made this captain one happy lass.

And now it's time to set course for Virginia Beach, Mateys! It's a yonder way off, but it'll be here before this old salt can raise the flag and swab the deck. Hope to see you on board!

Until we landlubbers meet again...

Glenny
xoxo

Tactile Textures To Tempt You In Minneapolis...

Wow! Art & Soul Minneapolis is just around the corner...in fact it's less than 2 weeks away and there are still a few spots left in some amazing classes. Whether you're already registered or were thinking about joining us... we'd love to be able to squeeze you in!

Now that we've got your attention, we'd like to tempt and titilate you with some tactile textures you can create in some of our unique mixed media workshops. For example, take a look at Ruth Chandler's sew and stitch class Vintage & Romantic Woven Quilt. Remember weaving strips of construction paper when you were a kid? In this class you'll get to revisit that childhood technique using fabric, lace, and ribbons, to create a wonderful woven piece that you'll stitch little extras onto for a sweetly romantic look.

Ruth grew up in Japan where the vibrant color and texture of Japanese fabric and the simplicity of Japanese design caught her attention... so she knows a thing or two (or three or four, and more!) about creating visually tactile designs. She's also the owner of Blue Twig Studio, our on-site store and sponsor for the Minneapolis event. Ruth will be teaching 4 fabric-centric workshops at this event. Check out what else she has to offer!

Look at all the gorgeous color and pattern in this example from Susan Rossiter's meditative and relaxing Watercolor Fish Zone evening workshop! Using micro paintbrushes, you'll create small designs, add tiny details with ink and watercolor, then get lost in the joy of repetition. Whether you've been drawing all your life, or this is your first time, this class is lots of fun.

Susan has been creating art, teaching and learning for 30 years. Heavily influenced by her original art family in Pennsylvania, her paintings and creations have always included mixed media before she knew the term. She is particularly fascinated with helping people get past the fear of a blank canvas and creative camaraderie, so Art & Soul is the perfect place for her to shine! See all the workshops Susan will be teaching in Minneapolis.

Remember tin ceilings and how gorgeous and intricate those designs were? Well, if you take the Rusty Tin Tile Book workshop with Janice Richie, you won't have to "look up" to appreciate them! In this class you'll create an 8" x 8" book using rusty tin tiles for covers, learn how to bind with coptic stitching, and fill your book with new and old papers, stickers and stampings for the ultimate charming little journal.

Janice Richie has always been artistic. Whether she was doing Macramé, stained glass, sewing all her clothes, knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery, or her own style of mixed media... art helped her keep her sanity and provided a great deal of satisfaction. She loves to teach, and she can't wait to show you some new skills. Jan is teaching 2 workshops in Minneapolis, check them out here.

How about this gorgeous Bezel Set Stone Ring you can make with Nancy Sacco, our jeweler extraordinaire! Making jewelry has been a passion of hers for years, and over time she discovered she loved working with sterling and fine silver and beautiful gemstones. Nancy has so many fancy things to make (that's probably why she calls her work Nancy's Fancies Jewelry), and she's bringing her expertise to Art & Soul! Her work is very textural and visually exciting to look at and fun to create. You'll get to use all kinds of unique techniques and tools to make your own jewelry. Nancy will be hosting 5 workshops in Minneapolis including classes on making a swirly cuff, de-vine bracelet, a swirly pendant, spinner ring and the bezel ring.

And check out all this juicy texture you can create with acrylics in Caitlin Dundon's Spontaneous Painting workshop! Are you feeling brave? Do you want to learn how to listen to your inner voice? Well, whether you're new to acrylic painting or need to break through your artist’s block, this workshop will help you fill page after page with color, brushstroke and mark making, and learn lots of interesting techniques as you allow spontaneity to be your muse.

Caitlin is a mixed media artist and professional calligrapher with over 20 years of experience. Her artwork has been featured in well-known mixed media magazines and books, and she teaches at multiple venues all over the United States. We're so happy to have her teaching 3 classes at Minneapolis Art & Soul.

Minneapolis Art & Soul

April 26 - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America Hotel

So, I hope we tantalized you with a taste of the amazing workshops you can still take at our Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat. And we still have more classes available in collage, assemblage, painting, journaling, fiber and fabric, jewelry, sculpture, dolls and more taught by a hand-picked group of inspirational instructors. We’ve also got on-site shopping, a Vendor Extravaganza and lots of fun activities. But don't delay, sign up today.... it's really only a few days away!! Visit our website for more info and to register.

See you soon!

A Great New Class... We Ain't Lion!

Need to fill your Friday afternoon in Minneapolis? Well... Erin Keck has a brand new class she's offering... Trash To Treasures - Creating Vintage Collage Jewelry. In this half-day workshop, you'll learn how to take scraps of broken vintage jewelry along with other embellishments and turn them into unique modern-day statement pieces. You can bring jewelry bits and bobs of your own, or Erin will have a treasure chest of junky jewels to sift through.

Trash To Treasures

Creating Vintage Collage Jewelry

Minneapolis Art & Soul

Friday, April 28th, 1:30-4:30

Come join us for this fun, laid-back and informative workshop! You'll leave with your own personal wearable art piece that's unlike any other. For more information on Minneapolis Art & Soul, visit our website and check out all we have to offer...

How Do You Spell MINNEAPOLIS?

Our newest Minneapolis Art & Soul event will be going on it's second year this Spring, and like our other long-running events, there's no lack of amazing attributes to this Midwest retreat. So we'd like to spell it out for you, and tell you how this marvelous mixed-media meetup will thrill and delight all levels of creative individuals...

M is for Making Amazing Art
Whether you like drawing, painting, collage, assemblage, dolls, fabric, fiber, jewelry, journaling, bookmaking, and the like... you're going to make some amazing art here. 

I is for Inspiration
There's no lack of inspiration at Art & Soul! Whether it's the instructors, your fellow attendees, seeing other students' work, our amazing on-site store filled with goodies, new products to try, demonstrations to watch, or finding just the right thing-a-ma-bob at our pop up Vendor Extravaganza, you'll be inspired beyond measure.

N is for New Friends
When you are gathered amongst like-minded souls, kindred spirits and creative individuals, there's just something that clicks. Friendships that are made in a moment, last a lifetime. These are the kinds of friends you'll make in Minneapolis. And now with social media, it's easier than ever to keep up the conversations and creative sharing.

the other N is for  Newfound Courage
Sometimes it's hard to go outside your comfort zone and try something new, but at Art & Soul we'll help guide you through that process. By taking that first step and showing up for a few new classes, you'll open up something inside of yourself that will make new possibilities (in art and your life) seem exciting and engaging.

E is for Engaging
And speaking of engaging... boy will these workshops accomplish that! As I make my daily rounds, without fail, I will walk into classrooms that are completely silent. What's going on you might ask? The entire class is completely and totally engaged in what they are doing. They are in a state where nothing else but the tools and materials in front of them are inspiring so many new thoughts and ideas that they have to be quiet so they can hear their muse.

A is for An Experience
You're not just attending a retreat in Minneapolis, you're having an experience. A real live, interactive creative excursion that will engage all your senses. That's why these retreats are etched in your memory for the rest of your life. All the reasons above and below come together to make this the playcation you've always dreamed of. And when you leave, you'll take a part of it home with you. You'll never be the same.

P is for Projects
Wow, projects! There is just no end to the type and diversity of the projects we're offering you.  With workshops that show you how to make finished drawings, paintings, embroidery, sculptures, rings, necklaces, handbags, chimes, journals, tin can dolls and so much more... you'll be hard pressed to even choose which classes to take!

O is for Opportunities
Besides our full day and evening classes, there are so many other opportunities for you to get creative in Minneapolis! We have an opening night party, our on-site store to peruse and try out new products, our Vendor Extravaganza where you can pick up hard-to-find mixed media supplies, and we've been known to have a late night pajama party or two as well as other impromptu gatherings. And like a small ant colony, our attendees are constantly navigating the hallways between classes and bumping into other creatives who want to share a bite to eat or get a nibble and chat. You won't be bored!

L is for Learning
We have so many opportunities to learn new techniques, work with new tools, try new products, and expand your creative repertoire. Your head will be spinning with all the information you'll get from taking our unique classes.... in a good way!

I is for Instructors
Our instructors are hand-picked just for you. Plucked right out of your favorite magazines, art and craft books, and popular websites, these talented and professional artists will teach and guide you in a caring, supportive way. They'll take you under their wing and help make you soar to new creative heights!

...and S is for Support
We're here for you. Our staff, our store, our teachers, our students. We are a family. The Art & Soul family. And we support each other and lift each other up. You are not alone. You'll be amongst a tribe of like-minded people who carry themselves in a positive manner and make sure you are taken care of. So come join the family!!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

April 26th - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America Hotel

Minneapolis, MN

This year's Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat will knock your creative socks off. Chock full of mixed media workshops just ripe for the picking, taught by our very talented instructors. We have so much to offer... we'd love to have you as part of the family. Come join us!

Refer-A-Friend & Save in Minneapolis...

What's better than going to our Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat? Going with a friend! And right now, if you refer a friend to join us for at least one 6-hour, full day class... we'll give you a $25 credit! That's right... all you have to do is encourage, persuade, motivate, coax or influence one of your best buds to go, and we'll give you a little bonus.

So go ahead, regale your friends with tales of Art & Soul's past, bring some of your amazing projects over to show off, and send them over to our website so they can check out all the amazing classes we have in Minneapolis this year. And when you find out that they were totally convinced to go, and how could they have passed up on an opportunity to play and create like this... just send us an e-mail and let us know. And you'll be $25 richer! That's like paying for a class kit fee, or some new art supplies in our on-site store, or a little treat for yourself on Vendor Night.

Minneapolis Art & Soul

April 26 - May 1, 2017

Crowne Plaza Aire Mall of America

Thanks a bunch and we look forward to seeing you and your friends in Minneapolis this Spring!

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!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

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!

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!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

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!

Happiness is a Retreat in Minneapolis!

Well, our Minneapolis Art & Soul event was fabulous! The attendees exceeded our expectations and we exceeded theirs. And if I had to choose one word to describe our first Minneapolis retreat, happy would be the one that makes it to the top of the list! We had happy students...

...who loved their classes and enjoyed time away from home and the craft studio (or dining room table!) to delve into their artistic selves, create something new, and have fun in the process!

The extremely talented Carol Spohn in her Watercolor Workshop.

We had happy teachers! And I must say it takes a special group of people to teach. People who love watching people learn new things and enjoy the process of seeing their students shine.

Mindy Lacefield teaching students how to paint like their 7-year old selves.

Our instructors are just such people... with big beautiful hearts, and we are so lucky to have them as a part of our Art & Soul family. That makes me happy!

Happy colors! Man, oh, man... were there some fantastically colorful student projects at this event. Just look at all these yummy scraps of fabric from Liz Kettle's Voyage to India class.

And the drippy goodness of colorful Alcohol Inks used to make these stunning designs in Kathy Taylor's workshop.

And, well, it wouldn't be Art & Soul if Doris Arndt didn't give everyone the bird in her class of the same name. Now if that ain't colorful, I don't know what is!

Happy pattern-making! We had so many opportunities at the Minneapolis retreat to create pieces and parts to use in projects and to use pieces and parts to create new projects! Like these decorative components made in Caidtlin Dundon's Translucent Triptych workshop.

Some folks enjoyed making patterns on metal that would be turned into wonderful new pieces of jewelry in Jean VanBrederode's Manipulating Metal class.

And speaking of metal... can you believe all these deliciously rusty metal parts....

...made these amazing patterned fabrics in Chad Alice Hagen's Resist Dyeing workshop?

And just look at these pretty patterned examples of fabric made using torn collaged papers in Suzi Dennis' class. The ladies in this class were in the zone!

Happy shoppers! Our on-site store, Blue Twig Studio, had everything a mixed media maven could possibly want... and more! Not only did Deb bring everything and the kitchen sink, but she made shopping for class supplies — before and during the event — so much easier for our attendees.

Our Vendor Night pop up art and supply shopping event was a veritable cabinet of curiosities with a most important ingredient... curiosity seekers! With original mixed media artwork from our very own teachers to one-of-a kind bits and bobs, and lots of fun goodies and supplies to use in our next project... it was an enchanted evening all-around!

Well, what can we say except the I's have it (or... the eyes have it!), our first Minneapolis event was a smashing success! Tons and tons of thank you's to Marie, Karen, Liz and Deb who worked their hearts out before, during and after this event. And a big thanks to our amazingly talented instructors and all of you who joined us in this new location! Thanks to everyone... WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR! May 3rd-8th. Mark your calendars! We made lots of connections with lots of key people in all facets of this event that will allow us to enhance your experience even further for 2017! Woot! Woot!

Hugs,
Glenny xoxo

Hurry...Hurry...Step Right Up! To Minneapolis!

OMG! Our Minneapolis Art & Soul Retreat starts in less than one week!! But it's not too late to join us in our newest location. We want to make a huge SPLASH so invite your friends and family to come be a part of the Art & Soul tribe. Our retreats will empower you at the soul level and fill your days with creativity and friendship.

And don't worry about having to shop all over in order to hunt down the supplies for those last minute classes you want to take... Deb at Blue Twig Studio can provide pretty much everything you could possibly need. Email her your lists and she can have your supplies ready and waiting when you arrive. How cool is that!

So go ahead... check out the amazing teachers and creative classes we have to offer in our brand new Midwest location! With mixed media categories like painting, journaling, sculpting, collage, assemblage, fabric, fiber arts, art doll making, jewelry, and so much more... you'll have lots to choose from at this brand new event!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

May 23-29, 2016

Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites - MSP Airport/Mall of America! 
Bloomington, MN

We are over the moon about this new location, and we're super excited to see YOU there!!

Minneapolis Special Offer... Midwest Madness!!

Alternative Approaches to the Self Portrait, David Molder & Eric Scott

We've already shared with you how very excited we are about our newest location for Art & Soul Minneapolis! And that our dream of hosting an event in that exact town has finally come true. Now, we want to pass some excitement on to you by reminding you about the special offer we're having. Read on...

Enameled Memory Booklet Necklace with Jean VanBrederode

Until November 1st, we'll have reduced pricing for full day classes and 30% off your registration fee! Through the end of October, we've reduced our full day, 6-hour classes from $150 to $135, and our regular $50 registration is now only $35!

So check out the amazing teachers and creative classes we have to offer in our brand new Midwest location! With mixed media categories like painting, journaling, sculpting, collage, assemblage, fabric, fiber arts, art doll making, jewelry, and so much more... you'll have lots to choose from at this brand new event!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

May 23-29, 2016

Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites - MSP Airport/Mall of America! 
Bloomington, MN

Thread Doodling with Lulu Murakami

So if you haven't signed up already, go wander around our website. You can view our class offerings by workshop dates, talented instructors, or by project sample photos. And once you register, don't forget to make your hotel reservations at the gorgeous Crowne Plaza, just a stone's throw from the colossal Mall of America! We're really looking forward to this new venue and see YOU there!!

Brand New Location.... Art & Soul is Headed For Minneapolis!

Give 'Em The Bird - Doris Arndt

We are so very excited to announce our newest location for Art & Soul Mixed Media Retreats… drumroll, please… at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites – Mall of America! Our dream of hosting an event in the Minneapolis area has finally come true. Now you can play all day and shop til you drop, in one amazing place. 

Mindy Lacefield's - Bookboard Journal workshop

You can get a sneak peek at the workshops we're offering on our website now, and registration will begin August 15th. And, we have a special offer for those of you who sign up early! Between August 15th and November 1st, we'll have reduced pricing for full day classes and 30% off your registration fee!

Light Up My Heart Bracelet - Julie Haymaker Thompson

So check out the amazing teachers and creative classes we have to offer in our brand new Midwest location! With mixed media categories like painting, journaling, sculpting, collage, assemblage, fabric, fiber arts, art doll making, jewelry, and so much more... you'll have lots to choose from at this brand new event!

Art & Soul Minneapolis

May 23-29, 2016

Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites - MSP Airport - Mall of America! 

Liz Kettle's - No More Blank Pages - Visual Journaling class

So grab a drink and a tasty snack and wander around our website.... you can view our class offerings by workshop dates, talented instructors, or by project sample photos. Happy browsing!