Get Out From Behind Your Computer & Come Make Art With Us in Virginia Beach!

In this modern day and age of the interwebs, it's easy to take advantage of the creative offerings available that allow you to participate in the convenience of your own home. But there's nothing like being amongst your tribe of like-minded souls, having a teacher right in front of you to answer questions as they arise, walking around a classroom to see what others are doing, rummaging through mixed media treasures with your hands, and actually LOL'ing because you're having so much fun, feeling light and playful since all the distractions of home have fallen away.

THIS is what Art & Soul is for!

And so we thought we'd share a bit more of the unique offerings we have for our Virginia Beach Retreat, to entice you into joining us in-person!

The title of this workshop with Debbie Rijns says it all. It's called Awwww Sweet, and it gives you the chance to create a silver pendant from a child's drawing. Now, really.... how sweet is that?!

Got quilt skills? Well, after this amazing class with Judy Gula, you'll have a plethora of knowledge on how to make your very own special Batik Panel Art Quilt. Overcome your quilting fears and join Judy for this informative class. And if you're traveling by air, no worries... Bernina has graciously furnished us with extra sewing machines for you to use. How cool is that?!

Mama always said if you keep making that face it's going to stay that way! Well, not in this Luscious Layered Portraits workshop with Nicole Austin. You'll create juicy layers upon layers in your art journals that form the basis of these intriguing one-of-a-kind faces. No two will be alike!

Want to light up your life... or maybe your child's bedroom? Let Leslie Blackford be your guide as you make a night light using transparent polymer clay creations. Then learn to sculpt simple animals that adorn these Creative Character Lamps. What a bright idea!

And how about trying your hand at these adorable Felted Flower Rings you can make in this evening class taught by Susan Rossiter? Now that summer is here and all the flowers are blooming, it really makes sense to create a colorful adornment that lets you enjoy them all year long

So, as you can see, we've got lots to offer in Virginia Beach, and this isn't even scratching the surface! We have an amazing group of 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, contests and gatherings throughout the week. We've got an on-site store that'll knock your socks off, 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! We have pop-up parties, show-and-tell, make-and-takes, a designated play area, an amazing staff, all taking place at a hotel on the beach... and there's just so much more to experience in person!

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 lasting friendships too.

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!

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!

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!!

If You Take 3 or More... Here's What's In Store!

Okay, okay, so we may be using Serena Barton's Ceracolor Woman to hypnotize you into signing up for another class or two (or three or four!). But we just wanted to make sure you get the picture (ha-ha), so here's what we wanted to let you know...

Sign up for 3 or more full-day classes at our Portland Art & Soul Retreat and get lots of extra goodies! Register for at least three 6-hour workshops at our Oregon Event, here's what you'll receive:

By popular demand, we're bringing back our Themed Confirmation Packets! Yup, you'll get a real, hand-bound Enchanted Forest booklet with event info, one-of-a-kind artwork, pocketed pages that house specialized class passes, bits of ephemera and more fun surprises!

How about our 2016 Themed Tote Bag, filled with tons of creative goodies? That's right — a high-quality, reusable bag that's professionally silkscreened with our 2016 Enchanted Forest logo. And, well, we don't like to name drop (or maybe we do), but with previous sponsors like Clearsnap, 7 Gypsies, Strathmore, Golden, Faber-Castell, and a whole bunch of others well known in the craft industry — you know you're bag will be brimming with creative goodness. 

Our kickoff festivities are always a good time, as you'll get to meet many of our instructors, peruse class samples and watch live demos, but you'll also get join us as we kick start the Enchanted Forest celebrations by Making Your Own Fairy House at the Opening Night Party. All the supplies will be included, and all you have to do is create and have fun.

And you get an exclusive invitation to join us for a Sip & Paint with Jane Davies on Wednesday from 5:00-6:00pm! You'll spend a fun and relaxing hour painting to music as you sip a complimentary beverage of your choice. Jane will guide you through short creative exercises as you paint intuitively, connecting with the materials in your own creative way. You will work individually, but also in pairs in groups, forming “paint conversations” and collaborations. Learn fun and easy ways to loosen up with paint! But be sure to sign up by e-mailing glenny@artandsoulretreat.com, as space is limited and offered only to those who have registered for 3 or more all-day classes.

Art & Soul Portland, Oregon

February 29 - March 6, 2016

Sheraton Airport Hotel

So, if you're thinking about registering for Portland Art & Soul, sign up for 3 or more full-day workshops and get all this and more! If you've already registered for a full-day class or two, then just add a couple more to take advantage of our free offers. And if you've already registered for at least 3 full-day classes, then all this is already yours! Just remember to register for the Paint & Sip (see above) so you don't miss out. And we'll see you all in a month!!

Portland Mini Workshops at Mini Prices!

Hey Portland attendees — and those who are contemplating attending our Northwest Art & Soul Retreat — have we got an exciting offering for you!

Several of our instructors have developed short sample classes so they can introduce you to their fabulous projects, tips and techniques.  The classes are less than an hour in length... most include all the supplies you'll need... and these mini workshops are only $25!!  How cool is that?

Here's just a sampling of these special classes...

Beach Shirt Mini Class with Jean VanBrederode

 

Love that Lettering taught by Caitlin Dundon

Create Portal Pages in Your Art Journal with Catherine Anderson

And that's just a few of the amazing mini workshops we have for you. So if you've ever wanted to try out a new technique, or see what one of our amazing instructors had to offer, now's your chance to do it in a short, creatively jam-packed session! Check out our website for a complete listing of all our Portland mini classes and sign up today! Space is limited.

Art & Soul Portland, Oregon

February 29 - March 6, 2016

Sheraton Airport Hotel

So if you haven't signed up yet, come join us for an amazingly inspiring mixed media art retreat. For more information and to register for our Portland 2016 event, visit us at www.ArtAndSoulRetreat.com

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!!

Virginia Art & Soul'ers - Got Time for a Quickie?

But I Can't Throw My Scraps Away! with Suzi Dennis

Hey Virginia Beach attendees — and those who are contemplating attending our southeastern Art & Soul Retreat —  have we got an exciting new program for you!

Several of our instructors have developed short sample classes so they can introduce you to their fabulous tips and techniques.  The classes are less than an hour in length... they include all the supplies you'll need... and these mini workshops cost only $25!!  How cool is that?

In addition, if you sign up for one of these classes before Sept 1, 2015, you'll also receive a voucher for a free beverage of your choice.  Here's just a sampling of these special classes...

Bird Dreams with Helen Shafer Garcia

Imagery Bunting with Catherine Anderson

Heavenly Image Transfers with Ingrid Dijkers

Enameled Earring with Jean VanBrederode

Alcohol Ink Blossoms with Cathy Taylor

And that's just a few of the amazing mini workshops we have to offer. So if you've ever wanted to try out a new technique, or see what one of our amazing instructors had to offer, now's your chance to do it in a short, 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.

Art & Soul Virginia Beach, VA

September 28 - October 4, 2015

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

So 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

One Week Left... to Save on Portland 2016 Classes!

Just wanted to pop by and let you know that there's only one week left to take advantage of our Early Bird Special for 2016 Portland Art & Soul! As a sweet summer treat, we kicked off registration with an awesome sale!! If you sign up during this early bird special, Event Registration will be $35 (instead of $50) and all Full Day Classes will be $135 (instead of $150)! And I wanted to remind you that July 31st is the last day to get these special savings, so take advantage of this discount offer to make sure you get the classes and teachers that you wanted!

So check out the incredible lineup of classes we have in store for Portland 2016! With all types of mixed media disciplines like collage, assemblage, journaling, bookmaking, painting, sculpting, fabric and fiber arts, digital manipulation, jewelry and so much more... we have something for everyone!

Art & Soul Portland 2016

February 29th - March 6th

Register Here!

Don't delay! Sign up today! The last day to save with our Early Bird Special is July 31st!

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!

Kansas City... Fun and Play and An Arrest on the Way?

Well, another successful Retreat at Art & Soul Kansas City. Our venue — the Elms Hotel & Spa — just made it even more spectacular, with it's rich history, decor, and just the whole feel of the place.

We had so many happy students, making beautiful mixed media works of art, learning new techniques, stretching their creative boundaries.

To our attendees, work is play, just like play is work. But it's the kind of work you could do every day! When I walk into a classroom and everyone is silent... that's when I know they're in the zone!

As usual the projects that came out of our workshops were simply spectacular, as were the grins on the faces of the makers. I know I sound like a broken record, but that really is one of my favorite parts of doing these retreats. When someone creates something they never thought they could, and feels great about it! Boy, am I the proud mama.

The teachers we had lined up for this event were just spectacular. With degrees in Art, Life, and doctorates in Patience.... they really do help our students shine!

There were such a variety of classes available, that everyone found something to push their creative boundaries. Jewelry, fabric, collage, assemblage, bookmaking, sculpting, and so much more!

It was a pleasure to watch all these different techniques unfold through all the different projects taught at this retreat. ALTHOUGH... when the police arrived, we were all wondering how such a low-key creative retreat could have brought the boys in blue!

We're still not sure WHY the local police arrived (including the Captain who happily put on a steampunk hat) but we had them laughing and enjoying our festivities. And it was a fun ending to a great week with a few of our hororary attendees. 

And THEN, we were sure the ghost had placed a body in the pool – and were amused to learn that it was an attendee who just left our foolishness and was soaking and floating around!

Just more proof that you never know what will happen at one of our Art & Soul Retreats... whether it's art imitating life... or life imitating art (or a scene from CSI!) a good time and good laughs are always had by all!

See you next time in Virginia!

Glenny & the Crew
xoxo

© photos courtesy of Glenny Moir, Jean Van Brederode, Erin Keck, Mindy Lacefield, Seth Apter, Blue Twig Studio

Painting A Portrait of Portland...

Wow! What a whirlwind of creativity, courage, and cameraderie we experienced at Art & Soul Portland this year. Tons of artistic attendees learning new and interesting mixed media techniques. Students pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. And so many souls of like mind coming together and forming new friendships and fostering those of years past. This is why we do these events! There aren't too many things better than having a front row seat to the innovation, ingenuity and individuality of our lovely attendees and talented instructors!

So let me paint that portrait of our Portland event for you. Our students are enamored with the genre of mixed media and well... I have to say they make a great impression!

They love to stretch and grow and build layer upon layer of creativity into their repertoire...

I see many thinking outside the box... figuratively and literally!

And we love our tools! Yes, there are paintbrushes and pens... but our mixed media retreats created generations of students that shop for their art supplies at the hardware store!

Time flies here at our events, and people really get in gear...

And sometimes our attendees have dog days... but of course it's always by choice!

And in most cases, we can just throw them a bone... and that makes them happy!

So... all-in-all everybody had a great time in Portland, made amazing stuff, and learned lots of new things. And just as that event has ended, it's time for us to ramp up for our Kansas City, MO Art & Soul retreat! Who wants to come play?

See you soon,
Glenny
xoxo

© photos by Ingrid Dijkers, Erin Keck, Ruth Krening, Rebekah Meier and Jean Van Brederode