Our Creative Riches
Facilitators: Laurel Izard and Sandy Shelenberger
Speakers: Sandy Shelenberger & Deborah Griffing
Hands-on projects directed by Laurel Izard
April 27-29, 2023
Hampton Inn & Suites
Columbus University Area
3160 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH
During the Spring Retreat we will examine how the world around us enriches the artwork we create and how as artists we make an impact on our friends, peers, and communities. The intention of this retreat is to dig a little deeper each day. Together we will discover aspects of our creative life that we may not have even realized play an important role in our personal practice and in the communities we work, teach, and exhibit in.
Thursday evening Sandy Shelenberger will talk to us about her trip to Kenya and the impact the country and its wildlife had on her.
Friday’s theme is influences from the world around us. We will have a hands-on project facilitated by Laurel to make prayer flags for endangered animals. Supplies for this project will be provided, as well as many photographs of animals you can use for inspiration.

Flags at the Art Barn School of Art
After lunch we will go to the Columbus Museum of Art. While there we will have a list of tasks to accomplish including looking at the kinds of works that influence what we make, and to identify some art works that could suggest new directions in our work. Each of us will be invited to identify and discuss artwork that we like and don’t like, and how that could possibly suggest new directions for our art making.
Friday evening Deborah Griffing will do a member’s presentation of her multilayered and multimedia artworks.

Deborah Griffing, The Tree Between
Saturday, after a short hands-on project, we will talk about our AQN community and ways our art making plays a role in the wider world.
What to bring: Sketchbook/journal (museum visit), pens, markers, pencils, water colors etc. We will be using watercolors, markers and oil pastels on Friday morning so you may wish to bring an apron. If you forgot something or ran out of space in your suitcase some art supplies will be provided. Of course bring your latest project to work on as we sit and share with each other.
Don’t forget your member share! We look forward to seeing what you have been up to in the past months.
Registration for the Retreat will open in March.