What's Your New Year's Art Resolution?

Okay... I've given you a few weeks to settle in, clean up the house from holidays and family visits, put away the decorations, and gently glide into 2019. So what I really want to know is... what's YOUR New Year's art resolution?

Are you going to MAKE MORE ART? That certainly is at the top of the list for many Art & Soul'ers. We love to make. It's in our blood. And the more we spend time making, the better we feel! So what is it that you need to make more art? More supplies? More time? More knowledge? More workshops? We can help you with that!

Perhaps you're going to TRY SOMETHING NEW? Art & Soul'ers, as a tribe, tend to be the kind that love going outside their creative comfort zone to expand their artistic horizons. Is that your goal this year? What is it that you'd like to try? Watercolor. Zentangle. Bookmaking. Art dolls. Jewelry. Painting. Drawing. Journaling. Collage. Assemblage. We've got classes for that!

Maybe you've promised to STRAIGHTEN UP THE STUDIO? I know that after awhile I can't even think straight if all my wonderful art tools and projects are all over the place... piled on top of each other, out of reach, or lost in the mess. Cleaning up and re-organizing always brings about a fresh perspective on things. A clean slate from which to start anew. Is that on your list for the new year? What do you need to help you be better organized?

Or perhaps this year you're going to take a giant leap and SELL YOUR ART? Do you have lots of experience under your belt (your crafty tool belt, that is) and a whole arsenal of amazing items that you're just itching to share with the world? Good for you! Let us know what type of wonderful wares you'll be peddling in the art and craft world. We all succeed when we support each other!

Maybe you've decided to TEACH ART in some way or fashion? Whether locally at small venues, going on the road, or sharing your knowledge at retreats or even online... that's an exciting step to make in your life. We'd love to know what you're doing, and we're always looking for new teachers too (hint, hint)!

Whatever it is that you've decided to do for your art practice, we'd love to hear about it. And remember... it's a gift you are giving to yourself. And the art you're going to make.... well, that's a gift to the world. So keep making it. Keep showing up. And maybe I'll see you at our next retreat! And you can tell me all about what you're up to in person!

Happy New Year!
Hugs, Glenny xo

Virginia Teacher Spotlight: Lisa Chin

We're so happy to have Lisa Chin as a member of our Art & Soul Virginia Beach family! Lisa has been an artist and maker — of one kind or another — for her entire life. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Art from the University of Utah and has explored many art forms through both formal training and self-taught opportunities. After being introduced to fabric dyeing in 2005, she quickly became obsessed with surface design and discovered a multitude of fun and interesting ways to accomplish her visions. And at Virginia Beach, she's going to show you how to bump up your game when it comes to custom mark-making on surfaces! Take a look at what she has to offer this October...

Basic Stamp Carving
In this Monday evening workshop, you'll learn the secrets of stamp carving, which will allow you to create one of kind stamps for use in all of your paper and fabric art. Knowing how to carve your own stamps is a skill you'll be able to use forever. There is nothing better than being able to use your own images in your artwork again and again!

Hand Carving Repeat Patterns
Motifs arranged in a regular pattern are often used as a background, filler, or the main focus in our art, collage and other mixed media projects. In this full day class, you'll take your stamp carving to the next level by learning to draw and then carve a repeat pattern stamp to be used on paper, fabric or clay. Lisa will guide you through all the nuances of making your patterns look consistent for absolutely stunning results.

Mixed Media Travel Dumpling
For those who have sewing experience, in this all-day workshop you'll create a mixed media travel dumpling (is that just not the cutest and most appropriate name for this kind of mini travel bag?!). You'll start by collaging your favorite paper ephemera using stamps, stencils, paint and markers to create a lovely piece of "fabric". Then you'll sew your collages to create your very own dumpling. The finished bag will be a one-of-a-kind mixed media masterpiece and it's the perfect size to store your miscellaneous art supplies, or any other small items you need to corral on your travels. So adore-able!

 
SunLess Printing
Creating sun printed fabric is an easy and beautiful surface design technique, but has it’s limits. In this Thursday evening workshop, Lisa will show you an easy way to “sun print” in any type of weather, and at any time of day. The results are just as fabulous, and you'll gain one more rainy day activity!

So, as you can see, Lisa has some great workshops to offer at this year's Virginia Beach event. What I love about the classes she's offering is that for every single one of them, not only can you use what you've made over and over in your artwork, but you can take what you've learned to create an unlimited array of mark-making tools for yourself. The possibilities are endless! And that's what we love about our Art & Soul workshops... they're not just a one time thing. You can take this knowlege home with you and take your art to the next level. So, go ahead and check out Lisa's classes... and for more information about our Virginia Beach retreat, visit our website...

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 1-6, 2018

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel  

 
Lisa has been a guest on Quilting Arts TV, taught classes on Craft University, had her art published in several books and written many articles for magazines such as Quilting Arts and Modern Patchwork.

Virginia Teacher Spotlight: Eric Scott

We love having Eric Scott teaching at our events! He is one half of the Journal Fodder Junkies, and he's dedicated to helping people discover their artistic potential and cultivate their creativity. He is a mixed media artist, an educator, and an author. He provides workshops, presentations, and seminars all across North America on the visual journal and mixed media art.

For Eric, the visual journal is vital to his mixed media art. As a place to explore and experiment, to document and reflect... he sees the journal as a testing ground for ideas, techniques, and imagery. All of these ideas and notions ferment in the journal before they begin making their way into separate pieces of art. Eric is an expert guide into the unknown, and he'll make you feel comfortable and free there! Check out what he has planned for you at Art & Soul Virginia this year...

Luminous Liquid Layers
In this full day workshop, you'll be pushing your creativity as you delve into the world of liquid acrylics. You'll explore a multitude of exciting techniques as you paint, drip, scrape, splatter, and stamp. Sure, that may sound like the basics, but you’ll also learn to use a wide range of unconventional tools and materials to create exciting textures and luminous layers. You can even throw in some of your favorite images and personal ephemera to add a mixed media flair to your work, or you can simply focus on building your painting skills. Either way, you’ll learn to open yourself to a new painting process as you build texture, embrace color, and develop rich layers. You'll definitely get to see how easy it is to develop dynamic images as you work, and you'll walk away with vivid pieces of art ready to hang on the wall.

Monster Maker Workshop
Eric's 3-hour evening class will help you unleash your mad scientist. You'll bring a variety of creatures of the imagination to life in this fun mixed media workshop! You will learn how to conceptualize and create cute & cuddly, or scary & menacing monsters with pencil, ink, paint, and collage. Build your creations from stock parts or invent your own. Customize your monsters with a variety of details, textures, and accessories, and walk away with your own menagerie of little beasts. Evil laugh is optional. Muah-ha-ha-ha!


Stencil Savvy
Stencils have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and we all look forward to the latest releases by our favorite mixed-media artists. But what if we could design and make our own? What if we could use our art, our handwriting, and our photographs to make personally meaningful stencils?

In this hands-on evening workshop, you’ll see just how easy it is to create your own distinctive stencils and templates. You’ll start the day by working with simple shapes and designs, and wrap up with using more complex artwork and photographs. You will leave with a variety of unique stencils and templates ready to be used in all of your mixed-media endeavors. That's pretty awesome!


So whether you love journaling, stamping, painting, drawing, stenciling, or just want to be brave and try something new, Eric has something for everyone. The great part is that everything you learn can translate to your own mixed media practice. What a great way to uplevel your art! For more information about Eric's classes and our Virginia Beach retreat, visit our website...

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

October 1-6, 2018

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel

As a former public school art educator, Eric Scott frequently travels and provides workshops on the power of art and the visual journal to schools and education organizations. In 2005 he officially teamed up with friend and artistic accomplice David Modler to present at a variety of venues, conferences, and retreats on visual journaling and the importance of authenticity in art education. Eric is coauthor of the bestselling books, The Journal Junkies Workshop (2010) and Journal Fodder 365 (2012), both released by North Light Books. He lives in Purcellville, Virginia with his wife and their menagerie of animals. You can find out more about Eric by visiting the Journal Fodder Junkies website.

Keeler Winery at Portland Vendor Night...

We are thrilled to have Keeler Estate Vineyards with us once again for private wine tasting and sales during our Vendor Night shopping event. Located in Amity, Oregon, Keeler is a truly magical place consisting of a thriving biodynamic vineyard, gardens, forest, lakes, streams, and acres of gorgeous landscaping. Their fruits grow in the sedimentary, shallow soils of an ancient ocean bed and are kissed by the sun and blessed with the cooling afternoon ocean winds during the warm ripening season. Their wines are an exquisite reflection of the ecosystem they are grown in and the Keeler's love of and dedication to the beauty of nature and all of it's processes.

Also at our Vendor Night event, we're going to have a special Highland-inspired surprise for those who attend. We can't tell you what it is, but you'll definitely want to come and stay for awhile!

 Art & Soul Portland —Vendor Night

Friday, February 16, 2018
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Sheraton Airport Hotel

As always, our Vendor Night shopping event is an eclectic selection of flea market style found objects, vintage findings, mixed media art supplies, fabrics, jewelry, collage items, ephemera, and finished art by your favorite instructors and local talent. There's something for everyone! And of course it's free for registered attendees and is open to the public for a fee of $5 at the door, so be sure and tell your friends to come browse this one night only pop-up shopportunity. 

See you soon!

Glenny

xoxo

Virginia Beach... Faces, Flowers, Fire, Fingers, Friendships & So Much More!

Let's face it... the Virginia Beach Art & Soul event is always an amazing time in a breathtaking location with lots of happy, adventurous, artistic souls!

This retreat is flowered with all different kinds of folk, of all ages, from all walks of life, who love taking time out of their busy lives to treat themselves to some well-deserved play time.

I mean, really... our attendees are full of fire! It takes a certain type of soul to know how important it is to keep learning and growing by adding new, creative experiences to their lives. Okay, I'm getting choked up now...

Because to get to be the purveyor of such things makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. Like this lovely enamel pendant must've felt as it was being forged in Jean Van Brederode's workshop. But seriously, in this day and age, to be able to bring people together in common interest and that interest is treating themselves to a good time... well, I'm so very lucky. It touches me to my very core.

Like Neil Diamond sings... Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you! That describes what we do here at Art & Soul. Many hands together make up what we do, from our staff, the planning of it all, the execution, the hotel personnel, the students, the teachers... everybody! We all have a hand in creating this marvelous event, where we use our hands to make things... even rings to put on our fingers.

And the friendships forged at our events, well I can't even begin to tell you how many have been started at this very location. Because when you gather these kind of artistic souls together, it just can't be helped. And these friendships last a lifetime.

So whether you like to get your hands dirty, or keep them clean... we had workshops for that. Fun with fabric, playing with clay, drawing from scratch, molding, folding, sewing, gluing... so much for your hands to do!

There aren't too many in-person retreats left that allow you to show up with real live teachers, in real live classrooms (with lots of plastic covering the floors, LOL), inside a gorgeous hotel, with a view of the beach, and I'm just so ecstatic that Art & Soul is still a part of that movement. Maybe we can move more people out from behind their computers and get back into the real world, huh?

At Virginia Beach, there's always magic that happens. It's in the air! Maybe it's the salt air, which gently blows through the sliding glass doors of our oceanfront rooms? But in addition to our own event, this time we were witness to all kinds of enchantment...

Like the beach wedding that took place right outside our hotel on the sandy shores of the Chesapeake Bay!

Or the multitudes of frolicking dolphins we encountered swimming our way!

And although sometimes the ones we leave at home may get a little mopey... while we get to play and have fun... it's all worth the time we invest in ourselves. Don't you agree?!

So from the bottom of my heArt, thank you all for such a wonderful retreat! I look forward to seeing you next year!

Hugs,
Glenny
xoxo

Play, Plunder & Pirates In Portland!

Ahoy, Landlubbers! Well what can I say? We just wrapped up an amazing Art & Soul event in Portland!

The energy was at an all-time high and everybody seemed to embrace the spirit of play and adventure even more than usual this year.

There's just something about getting out of the house, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, putting chores on hold for a few days, and dipping your toes (and fingers, of course) in the creative waters here at our mixed media retreats!

And speaking of waters... although it wasn't necessary to make anyone walk the plank, we did have our usual round of suspects!

Who managed to stay out of and get into trouble in ways we never even thought possible! (wink).

Our Treasure Island theme for this year was absolutely infectious! From pirate themed goody bags, filled with lots of plunder and booty...

...to our guest of honor Jack Sparrow, being admired by some lovely lasses during our opening night festivities...

....to the hotel staff and our resident bartender who even joined in on the fun, creating signature drinks for the attendees. Aaarrrrgggh! Avast ye seadogs.... I'll be servin' up the grog and makin' sure no scallywags get three sheets to the wind!

A whole bunch of art was made.

We found our inner spirit.

We embraced our inner weirdness.

And we learned lots of new, interesting stuff, made kindred connections, and some really creative projects that will live on beyond our time here.

So I'd like to give a big giant thanks-so-much to all who attended! With special appreciation to my team... Marie Kennedy, Karen Rosselli, and Phoenix Sagen for helping out in every way possible so I could get some much needed behind-the-scenes stuff taken care of. My gals did a fabulous job. I can't even imagine an event without them!

And a happy welcome to Maria and Collage as our onsite store. She's always there with a smile and a fountain of knowledge about art supplies of all kinds. She had great demos and make-n-takes throughout the retreat and it added a special touch to our event.

Well, I gotta go... Minneapolis starts in a week and boy do I have stuff to get done!

Hope to see you there!
Glenny
xoxo

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...

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!

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 Beach... Wowzers! All This And More?

Liz Kettle's Magical Stitches workshop

Hello all my mixed media mavens! I hope you are enjoying the summer season and getting your art on. I just wanted to pop in and remind you to sign up for our Virginia Beach Art & Soul Retreat coming up this fall. Woot! It's jam packed with tons of exciting classes, teachers, activities, events, and lots of happy people from your soul tribe will be there. Here's just a little bit of a perspective on how grand this event will be...

Susan Lenart Kazmer demonstrates transparent layers in resin

We have 25 amazingly talented instructors, who between all of them probably have been published in more art magazines and books than we've read in our entire life! Many of our instructors have even published their own books, so you know they've got some incredible things to teach you and help expand your creative repertoire.

Mindy Lacefield's Inner Radiant Child workshop

This year in Virginia Beach, we are offering 96 unique workshops during 6 gloriously artistic days! Choose from full, half day and evening classes... it's all up to you. Choose as many or as few as you like. Choose something you're familiar with or something that's totally outside your comfort zone!

Learn Ribbed Forms of Expression with Nancy Prichard

What type of media do you like to work with? Well, we've got classes that work with metal, PMC, fabric, fiber, acrylics, watercolors, natural & found objects, paper, ephemera, clay, inks and dyes, enamels, wax, resin, tools, stencils, photos and images, and even the business side of art. Whew!

Kitty Miller and her class Endangered Encaustics

And if that didn't seem like enough of a variety, here are the types of projects you'll be making with all that stuff... You can try your hand at jewelry, collage, assemblage, dollmaking, sculpture, home decor items, clothing, quilting, sewing, stitching, painting, journaling, bookmaking, symbolism, encaustics, cold connections, soldering and brazing, stamping, image transfers, and how to sell your art online! Whew, again!

Ruth Chandler helps you Wrap It Up with a custom carryall

And if that wasn't enough, we've got an Opening Night Party, impromptu pajama parties, our mixed media Vendor Night shopping extravaganza, trades, swaps, demos, play stations, an on-site store and much, much more!!

Virginia Beach Art & Soul

September 26 - October 1, 2016

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! Then sign up today!

I hope you'll come join us this Fall for our Art & Soul Mixed Media Retreat. We'd be so happy to have you. It's time for a creative playcation... you deserve it.