Virginia Teacher Spotlight: Libby Williamson

Growing up with creative, artsy parents, Libby Williamson’s childhood was a world of fabric scraps and yarn, pins and needles, paint, Elmer’s Glue, and a whole lot of Scotch Tape. At any given time, there was always needlework projects in the works, time spent fashioning doll clothes from remnants, embroidering on anything that could hold a stitch, and learning the art of patchwork quilting. As an art major in college, Libby focused on printmaking but still found time for knitting and fiber arts. Her printmaking background led to a passion in surface design on fabric, which is reflected in her current work. She is a proud hoarder of all things “fiber” and thrives in a world of stitch and sew.

What that means for us is that Libby is one diversely creative soul, with a unique mix of classes to offer our Virginia attendees this year. Having such an inventive childhood, combined with formal training in the arts, she is constantly thinking outside the box, which you can see by what she's planning to teach at our Virginia Beach Art & Soul Retreat this fall. Check it out!

Paint-Collage-Stitch-Magic
In this full day class of Libby's you'll explore a variety of painting techniques as you create a stash of luscious papers that are enhanced with delightful textures and patterns. You'll work on unique substrates such as... deli food wrap, vintage ledger pages, old maps, phone book sheets, and a wide selection of paper ephemera, altering them with gelatin plate printing, stamping and stenciling. Then you'll use your custom papers to create collages onto fabric. You'll get to enhance those magical images and bring them to life with the addition of free-motion machine sewing. Your finished piece can be made into a journal cover or hung as wall art.

Tea Bag Revival
Oh, the sadly neglected, used tea bag... fret not! It will be resurrected for all it's glory in this full day workshop! When dried and emptied, tea bags become the foundation for a precious piece of art that you get to create. Each tea bag will be enhanced with a collage of hand-dyed fabrics and specialty papers. And with the added detail of free-motion machine and hand stitching, it will unify your collection of tiny tea bags. You'll leave class with a wondrous miniature art quilt!

Paint Brush Palooza
In this Tuesday evening class, you will deconstruct a paint brush and then perform a make-over with a riot of color and texture. Yarns, ribbons, shredded fabrics, wire & beads, ephemera, and found objects will replace boring bristles, transforming the brush into a whimsical showpiece. Hidden treasures can be added to complement your personal style.

 
Vintage Bedspring Christmas Tree
If you're looking for a fun evening mixed-media workshop, this is the one! Using a rusty, vintage mattress coil as the foundation, you'll transform an unlikely substrate into a magical, whimsical Christmas treasure. Easy, wonky, bead wrapping will convert sparkly beads and baubles into ornaments, and an old fashioned star tops the tree with a feathered friend along for the ride.

So, as you can see, Libby has a quite an array of unique workshops to offer at this year's Virginia Beach event. For more information about her classes and our Virginia Beach retreat, visit our website...

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 1-6, 2018

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel  

Libby Williamson's current focus is in the making of art quilts using layers of hand-painted and dyed fabrics, appliquéd layers of free-motion stitched components and embedded found objects. She teaches art quilting and sewing to students of all ages in her studio in Orange, CA and at destination retreats. In her world, not much can trump paint caked beneath her fingernails, needles and thread, and a bowl of vanilla ice cream. You can find out more about Libby Williamson by visiting her blog.

Colorado Art & Soul... Two Weeks From Today!

Oh, joy of joys! My dream realized — an Art & Soul event in Colorado — is happening two weeks from today! I truly and sincerely can't believe it's actually here already. I'm so excited and I hope you are too! One of the very special things about having our retreat in Colorado Springs, well... it's not just the absolutely gorgeous location, it's also that this area allows our event to become a fully immersive experience.

Art & Soul Colorado Springs, CO

May 29 - June 3, 2018

at the Hotel Eleganté

Of course we have a fabulous lineup of mixed media workshops in all your favorite categories... collage, assemblage, painting, sculpting, bookmaking, journaling, jewerly, fabric & fiber arts, Zentangle... but there's so much more!

The Hotel Eleganté itself is glorious. The rooms are large and comfortable with plenty of space to lay out your supplies for nighttime art-making and impromptu get-togethers. In addition to an inviting full service restaurant and lounge, they have an outdoor patio with an amazing view, a Sweet Shop that includes a bakery, ice cream parlor and a Starbucks. They've got indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, a full-service spa and more.

Then there's our kickoff party, the well-stocked on-site store, our unique Vendor Night Extravaganza (open to the public for all you locals!), pop-up parties, restaurants to gather with friends and share your experiences. It's a non-stop gathering of your tribe from morning to night, and it's so much fun to be around like minded souls. 

In your down-time, there's so much to see and do in Colorado Springs. You can go hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, and horseback riding. Visit a castle, historic towns and villages, old west museums, or go see a rodeo. There's even railroad tours of the mountains and surrounding areas. And really there's so much more! If your week isn't filled with classes and even if it is, there's tons of reasons to explore the area.

And our Colorado location brings with it some unique local opportunities. We'll be working with Cottonwood Center for the Arts — a two story arts complex inside a refurbished office building in downtown Colorado Springs. They'll be hosting a First Friday Art Show, featuring gallery shows and open studios for you to explore and meet local artists. We're also working with the Textiles West Innovation Lab who'll be facilitating Peggy Dlugos' Eco Dying class. This center has the capability of allowing students to utilize all kinds of space, amenities and specialized equipment used in the art of fabric printing.

So, as you can see, there's a whole lot of reasons to join Art & Soul in Colorado Springs. If you haven't signed up for classes yet, some of your favorite workshops are still available. You can check out our Colorado Retreat online or contact us directly with any last minute questions you may have. We're looking forward to seeing you there and making this a permanent location in our retreat lineup!

© some images courtesy of The Hotel Eleganté, Cottonwood Center for the Arts

Colorado Spotlight... Jacqueline Sullivan!

This year Jacqueline Sullivan will be teaching 4 workshops at Art & Soul Colorado Springs... Deli-collage, On The Horizon, Paper Pizazz and Acrylic Textural Painting. These workshops are designed for all levels of student from the experienced artist seeking a creative instructional opportunity to the person wishing to explore new techniques! Take a look at these fun and creative classes she's offering...

Deli-Collage
Thursday, May 31, 2018
6:30pm - 9:30pm

Deli paper - we've all tried it! But you've probably never done the things with it that we will do in this class. We will use all sorts of textural and acrylic media on our deli papers, creating a huge pile of collage papers! We will then choose our favorites and build a frame-able abstract collage. You'll learn a lot about acrylic paints and mediums in the process and go home with a lot of papers for future use!

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

  

On The Horizon
Friday, June 1, 2018
9am - 4:30pm

Imposing order in a chaotic abstract work can often be difficult. Remembering the rule of thirds is always helpful when analyzing our work. Within that rule, there are several techniques that we can use to define a horizon line. Whether a low or high horizon line this technique helps to convey a sense of atmosphere and place in abstract works. We will begin our paintings working with fluid acrylics. Then we'll learn some mark-making techniques, using high flow acrylics to define the horizon lines in the painting. We will make our paintings on watercolor paper then crop/cut them into 5" x 5" squares and mount them onto cradled boards to stand on a mantle or shelf or hang on a wall.

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

Paper Pizazz
Saturday, June 2, 2018
6:30pm - 9:30pm

Many people have tried paste papers but are not satisfied with the results. This class will help you to learn the proper techniques for making paste papers with a beautiful, smooth velvety finish. These papers are wonderful for binding books, making boxes, backgrounds for stamping and collages. Because we are using a methyl-cellulose paste the surface is great for writing on – making them good for calligraphy projects or beautiful journal pages! Students will work with a limited palette and simple color theories to keep their papers brilliant and beautiful. There will be lots of tools on hand for making various patterns and images in the paste!

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

Acrylic Textural Painting
Sunday, June 3, 2018
9:00am - 4:30pm

This class is about building a painting layer by layer. Students will start painting with thin glazes of acrylic paint and then begin adding additional layers of textures and paint. Texture will be formed in many ways including use of miscellaneous acrylic media and various household items. Together these ingredients create a richly textured painting. Jacqueline will use her knowledge gained in her training as a Certified Artist Educator for Golden paints to help students develop an understanding of how to make many different acrylic mediums work better for them in their art work. Design qualities of an Abstract Painting is an integral part of the class. There will be a short discussion on color theory. Each student will receive extensive handouts with instructions and color photos for the various techniques that are covered in the class. Students will receive individual attention from the instructor, guaranteeing that their painting is a unique work of art.

Workshop Information:
See course page HERE for supply list, materials included, an opportunity to pre-order a kit from Blue Twig Studio, and to register for this class.

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You are invited to contact Jacqueline directly to discuss details of any of her Art & Soul Workshops or the retreat experience in Colorado Springs.

Art & Soul Colorado Springs
An Inspirational Mixed Media Retreat
May 29 - June 3, 2018
Hotel Eleganté Conference and Event Center
Colorado Springs, CO 

Set on seven acres of land just a few miles outside of downtown Colorado Springs, the Hotel Eleganté Conference & Event Center provides the perfect setting for business travel, family vacations and romantic escapes. Elegant, pet-friendly rooms and suites provide everything you need to relax, refresh and be productive, including pillow top bedding and FREE Wi-Fi access. Enjoy a meal at one of our on-site restaurants. Take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool - enjoy!

Unable to join Jacqueline in Colorado Springs? She will also be teaching at the Art & Soul Retreat ~ Virginia Beach ~ October 1-6, 2018. Complete Retreat information HERE

Jacqueline Sullivan is a mixed media, acrylic and calligraphic artist. She is well known for her pieces that experiment with texture, layers, paint, unusual materials, calligraphic marks and words. Jacqueline’s work has been shown nationwide in galleries and juried art fairs. She is a GOLDEN ARTIST Educator and has a degree in graphic design working for many years as a publication and advertising designer. Jacqueline has also recently joined the teaching artist group with MARABU North America. For over 30 years Jacqueline has also been a teaching artist and currently travels throughout the US and Canada teaching artists of all levels to stay in touch with their creative selves. She has a special interest in healing, both physically and emotionally, through creative practice.  More of her work can be viewed at www.jacquelinesullivan.com

© all images courtesy of Jacqueline Sullivan

Portland... a High(land) Time for Everyone!

Oh my gosh... what a fantastic time we all had at our Portland Art & Soul event! With more than 200 new attendees we had a total of over 400 who joined us! It makes my little Highland Heart go pitter patter. Especially because this means that creative souls are realizing that they really do love to learn new things and make art in-person with their tribe. It's the face-to-face connections and just being in the presence of like-minded people that makes us truly happy!

And happy we were! We had a bagpiper and highland dancers both Opening Night and Vendor Night to celebrate our Highland Fling theme. The dancers were young High School girls who practice 4 days a week. They were darling. Prior to dancing for us Saturday night, they had competed in a competition and had placed first and second. The performance brought tears both nights. It was probably the highlight of my 20 years of producing events!

And yes, we were all a bunch of giddy schoolgirls, hanging out with Outlander actor Jamie Fraser at the Opening Night Party. What do you mean he looks like a cutout? He took time out to bake these amazing Valentine cookies for us!

Students produced breathtaking art pieces and their excitement was over the moon throughout the whole event. There really was a renewed sense of joy exuding from our attendees this year, and the pieces they made were just proof of how much fun they were having.

With classes in every genre, there was something for every person in every category at every level of experience.

Our seasoned teachers — many of whom have graced the pages of your favorite mixed media magazines and how-to books — made sure to guide students through the process of making, whether they were brand new or already had a clue.

They literally take you under their wing and show you the ropes...

...or the stitches! That's why we have the teachers we do. They love to teach and it shows. They love to foster creativity in others and they've already figured out what works and what doesn't. They've done the homework for us.

And that makes for tons of fun in our workshops, as well as a whole lot of happy students who feel such a sense of pride. Just like I do when I see them filter out of the classrooms at the end of the day, gorgeous projects in hand, just beaming. It's really why I do this!

Am I gushing? You bet! These amazing instructors really took it to the next level this year. I'm so grateful to have such a great group of teachers and students. I feel like one big, happy family.

And let's not forget about Collage, our amazing on-site store. Like, seriously? This place was like Nirvana. Everything you could possibly ever need or want, and lots of things that you didn't even know you wanted but had to have. Yup, we all went home with more than we came with.

And Vendor Night was no exception. Mixed media art supplies, ephemera, metal, wood and plastic objects from days gone by, embellishments, original art from our instructors and so much more. And the bagpiper and dancers just made it extra special. I love the hustle and bustle of this pop-up

shopping event.

But really, the whole retreat was crazy busy and absolutely wonderful all at the same time. It passed in a flash, but most fun things do. I couldn't do this without my right-hand chicks and I must give a shout out to the hotel staff, who were exceptional in all aspects of working with us. We cannot compliment them enough for all they do to help make the event a success.

So thank you all for making this such a memorable retreat! See you in Colorado...

Glenny,
xoxo

photos courtesy of: Edens Canvas, Tamara James; Sally Wilson; Janet Wilson; Erin Keck; Roxanne Evans Stout; Liz Kettle; Kittania Miller; Susan Rossiter

Colorado Here We Come!

I am tickled pink... and blue... and yellow... and purple... that Art & Soul will be hosting a brand new event in Colorado Springs, beginning next May! We have an amazing lineup of mixed-media workshops in store for you, featuring lots of new talented instructors and unique projects.

Learn all about the Birds & Beeswax with Nicole Austin

Whether you are new to making something creative on your own, or you just want to push the boundaries of your artistic knowledge, we have classes in all your favorite categories! Do you want to try your hand at working with beeswax, fiddle with fabric, apply layers and layers of juicy bits of papers to make a collage? Or maybe you want to work with clay, shrink plastic or enamels to create a one-of-a-kind piece or jewelry? We've got that!

Make Vintage Town & Country Animal Jewelry with Leslie Blackford

How about creating and assembling your own journal, practicing the zen art of zentangle doodling, working with watercolor pencils, or trying your hand at photo transfers? We've got that too!

Lisa Chin's gorgeous Sunless Printing fabric creations

Or maybe you want to sew something, dye fabrics, manipulate metal or try making abstract art for the first time? Well, we've got that too! And all in one place, for a jam-packed week of complete and total creative bliss. So come join us amongst the beautiful red rocks of Colorado, hang out with your art tribe, and replenish your soul with some well-deserved play time!

Art & Soul Colorado

May 29-June 3, 2018

Hotel Elegante
Colorado Springs, CO 

Registration is now open... and we have a special offer for you! Register for classes before December 15th and receive 10% off your total order of $250 or more. Simply enter the code COSPRINGS at checkout to get your early registration discount.

Zentangle with Deb Prewitt

I know fall days and the hustle and bustle of holidays can get pretty busy, so take a little break, grab yourself a warm beverage and browse our website to pick out your favorite Colorado Springs workshops. You can browse our selections by class descriptions, by individual instructors, and even by example project photos. Sign up today to make sure you don't miss out on any of your favorite classes!

Last Chance for Portland Early Bird Pricing!

We know the one about how the early bird catches the worm... but how about the one where the early bird catches the best Art & Soul classes, taught by their favorite instructors, and at a special discount, but only available through this Friday, June 30th?!

Well, we just wanted to give a little reminder about how you can save $15-$20 on all full-day classes and $10 off your registration fee! That's just $135-$140 for daytime workshops and $40 to register. When June ends class prices will be at their regular price of $150-$160 and registration will be $50. We love to encourage you to make your selections early as classes fill up quickly, but hey... we'd love for you to save a little dough so you can buy more supplies too!

 

Art & Soul Portland 2018

February 11-18, 2018

Portland Airport Sheridan Hotel

Did you know that Art & Soul is the longest running mixed media art retreat in the United States, and we're still going strong for a reason. There's nothing like being amongst like-minded souls, learning new techniques, creating amazing things, and making memories that last a lifetime. So, check out our Portand offerings, register today, and save yourself a bit of hard-earned cash! You can look through our workshops in 3 ways... by workshop dates, your favorite instructors, and by photos of all our example projects. Once you register, don't forget to make your hotel reservations too. The Sheraton has given us an unbeatable rate that includes lots of extras. Can't wait to see which classes you pick!

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!

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