Our Creative Riches
Watering hole Nairobi National Park
Facilitators: Laurel Izard and Sandy Shelenberger
Speakers: Sandy Shelenberger & Deborah Griffing
Hands-on projects: directed by Laurel Izard
Registrars and Meals Coordinators: Kate Gorman & Gwen Surratt
Yoga Breaks: Gwen Surratt
Speakers: Sandy Shelenberger & Deborah Griffing
April 27-29, 2023
Hampton Inn & Suites
Columbus University Area
3160 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH
Pink Sea, Deborah Griffing
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 we will focus on what feeds us as artists. We will talk in small groups and create a visual map about what kinds of we look at regularly, how the materials we use make a difference, and what we do when it feels as if our creative juices have dried up. We will hang up our visuals and discuss our work with the whole group.
Thursday evening Sandy Shelenberger will talk to us about her trip to Kenya organized by Craftours and the many influences the experience will have on her artist practice.
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. Feel free to bring any images or other materials that you would like to use in your creative efforts.
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 don’t like, and how that could possibly suggest new directions for our art making.
While at the Museum please bring a notebook or sketchbook, and have your phone or camera with you to record anything that inspires you.
Friday evening Deborah Griffing will do a member’s presentation of her amazing and multilayered works of art.
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.
We look forward to seeing many of you there. Kate Gorman and Gwen Surratt are hard at work organizing delicious meals for you during the retreat. Registration materials with greater detail will come out in March so look for them in your email.
Any questions contact Sandy Shelenberger, sandyshelenberger@gmail.com or Laurel Izard, bluedreamingbear@gmail.com.
