Artist Retreat

Greetings to All,

Having spent a week at an art workshop each year over the past three years, I have felt that one of the best parts of those times away was the time away - to just contemplate and immerse myself in my artwork. Doing that together with some of you made it outstanding!

After some wishful conversations with some of you, I wondered - could we just get together and have a three-to-five-day art retreat, without the cost and directed program of a workshop? The idea would be to have focused art time away from the everyday affairs of home, some time in the off-season. I thought spring, because fall is such a busy time, with studios and classes starting up, the show season not yet complete, and the holidays on the horizon.

Initially I was thinking of it as a paint-out, but knowing how the off-season can be, I wanted a place where we could work inside on days when the weather is not suitable. As I explored online, I found good, affordable lodging for as many as half a dozen people, but to accommodate a larger group and get access to sheltered space in a nice environment is more complicated. Add to that the need to buy and prepare food and clean up - or eat out... The idea stalled.

As many of you know, Judy and I spent a week at the Landgrove Inn in Vermont at a workshop in June. I know some others of you also have participated in and loved art workshops at Landgrove. They have first class accommodations, an extraordinary kitchen, a great staff with wonderful attitude, a spunky little dog, and – best of all - a bright, clean, spacious, heated studio that can accommodate at least 20 artists at two person tables and is accessible 24-hours a day. It has plenty of flexibility for those of us who might want to bring our own easels and stand to paint. And for those who are itching to get outside to paint, if the weather cooperates, that too!

The inn is located on a quiet dirt road that makes for a good walk to clear the cobwebs and get the blood moving. Farms and charming homesteads abound, some within walking distance, and quaint villages are not far afield. The inn has comfortable lounges, where one can either sit alone to relax or read or join together to socialize.

For a minimum of 10 people, they have quoted us a cost of $130/person/night (double occupancy), or $160 for singles, which includes the room, three (varied and excellent) meals each day, all taxes and service charges, and use of the studio. Any spouse or partner who is willing to tolerate camping out with a bunch of artists also would be welcome (double occupancy rate). The only costs not included would be beverages and tips for people who make up the rooms. To obtain these rates and make it worthwhile for them to open the kitchen, we need to guarantee a minimum of ten people. But to have plenty of lively interaction, in the studio, in the field, and in the inn, I am hoping for a group of 20. First priority will go to CTSA members, but if we do not get 20 people, we will open it to artists from other groups.

The Inn has written us in for the week of May 4, 2015, with check-in on Sunday evening before dinner and check-out on Friday after lunch. I'm seeing this as a kick-off event for our 2015 season.

At this point I would like to get a sense of how many of you would be interested. Please tell me:  a) interested but not able to commit at this time;  b) Not interested, too expensive, or not good dates;  c)  Need to know more;  d)  Sign me up.

I will make the general arrangements with the inn, but each of us would make our own reservations and pay the inn directly. You can learn about the inn’s accommodations, typical menus, cancellation policies and more from their website.

I look forward to hearing from you.

/j