Feel free to read the story anyway though.....
I have told this story before, so feel free to skip ahead if you are bored.....
Anyhoo, many moons ago, I was invited to teach at Squam. It was a big honor for me, I hadn't taught at very many places back then and I knew hardly anyone. I traveled to New Hampshire by myself, yep, I drove there, in some crazy need to manage my supplies by hand (ie, not shipping them). I arrived to find a fabulous setting where it seemed like lots of the people already knew one another. Naturally I knew not one soul. I felt like a kid dropped off at camp. Ahem. That's just me being a baby in case you are wondering.
I went to my cabin, found my assigned room/bed and unpacked my things. I was pondering my next move, hmmmm, what to do, where to go, how will I fit in here.....I walked out of my room, still slightly dazed and smacked (uh, yeah, pretty much literally) into Jenny Doh. Like some sort of starstruck teenage, I said, uh, hi! You're Jenny Doh. As if she might not have realized that.
And so we met. And kinda hung out a little bit, went to dinner, walked to the after dinner gig where she was giving a Keynote speech, attended the Jonatha Brooke bonfire event. Oh my was I ever smitten. Cause Jenny is so Smart. Adorable. Talented. Genius......well, you already know those things. What you might not know is that she is also very genuine. Authentic. Compassionate. Real. Kind.
When she asked me to participate in her book, it was a no brainer.
The book, Creative Pilgrimage, is out now and I got my copy a few weeks ago.
WowWowWow, this is really a nice book. If I hadn't been given a copy I would buy this book. Seriously. There are wonderful pictures and great stories about a number of retreats (pilgrimages) that have become near and dear to my heart - Squam, Valley Ridge (only 2 spots left in my class, this being a quick salespitch digression), and of course Artfest, the place where it all began for me. I knew all this would be in the book. What I didn't realize is there would be such cool projects.
I mean these projects really rock. Artists such as Tracie Lyn Huskamp (soon to be a designer with StencilGirl, her stencils being cut literally as we speak!), Carla Sonheim, Alisa Burke, Flora Bowley and more.
Jenny has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book!!
So, here's what you need to do to enter.......just leave me a quick comment about the idea of Creative Pilgrimage - if you've been to a retreat, tell me where and how it affected you. If not, let me know where you reallyreallyreally wanna go and why.
I will have my grandkids make the drawing on Wednesday night at 6pm CST.
And Pssssstttt........pass it on......just click a link below to Tweet, Facebook or what have you. If we get a lot of entries, I will throw in a copy of my book too!! How's that for fun!
The first retreat I went to was the first Art and Soul in Portland. I met some wonderful women who are still part of my life.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary Beth, I've never been on a Creative Pilgrimage before. But I consider my first trip to Valley Ridge in April as my first very very much needed creative pilgrimage. I think its a great way to reconnect to yourself, and come back renewed. I'd be very excited,to have a book by Jenny Doh. Yeah Jenny!!
ReplyDeleteDeb
I am honored to leave the first comment! I have not been to any of the retreats BUT this year I will go to ArtFest and take your lovely class. I am soooo excited to soak it all in! I would love to win this book! Thank you!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary Beth!
ReplyDeleteWell, I do think my life is a creative pilgrimage, as are the lives of all artists. I fell in love with art on my first trip to Italy which felt like a pilgrimage to discover what I really wanted to do with my life. I'd love to give and/ or take workshops at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in magical Taos, N.M.
oh mary beth, i would love to win this book! i have been to art and soul in las vegas twice, and have learned so much! i am a very visual person, so being taught in "real life"! is something i need! i am going to artfest in march and can't wait! i guess i would love to attend any workshop. they all sound amazing and would just be grateful to go. thank you so much! carlanda xo
ReplyDeleteI try to get together with my arty friends in Maine every other year or so. It's not an organized retreat -- but it's a very special time and I always leave re-energized about both my creative life and my every-day life.
ReplyDeletePS -- I remember the first time Jenny Doh called me. She was getting ready to publish a piece of my art in Somerset Studio and she had trouble reaching me by email, so she called. I gasped when she said, "Hi. This is Jenny Doh."
I did the art unraveled a few years back and it changed me in so many little ways and now want to attend them all!
ReplyDeleteWould love a chance to own this book!
Wow I'd love to have this book-and I can live my dreams of one day going to a retreat thru these pages! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary Beth! I would love to win this book as it is one I haven't been able to get yet. I was so inspired by your class at Create last year, I've been painting up a storm since (well, for me it's a storm). And the pieces I did in your class that I made a matching clock to, is going to be on display in our library for six weeks!
ReplyDeleteI've been on a creative pilgrimage right here in my little studio for almost a year now... learning so much. If money was no issue and I'd actually go on a Creative Pilgrimage I would love to go to Squam because I have heard so many stories of kind support, lovely settings and inspiring people. One day!
ReplyDeletea creative retreat is where you meet yourself, your artist spirit, and like-minded souls that become your best friends...it's where your creative pilgrimage begins and ends.
ReplyDeleteLinda Esterley
I have never been on an art retreat. I am most interested in going to San Miguel de allende during Holy Week with rebecca at recuerdo mi corazon. Rebecca is a charming woman with a deep soul. If I could go there I know it would create a spark in me.
ReplyDeleteI went to AF 3 times, Artfiberfest once and Artwerx (here in BC) once. The best thing about attending these events was being with people who just "get it". They don't think you're weird.
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVe to win this book. I haven't see it on the shelves here in BC yet.
I'm tweeting this! :)
do i dare brag here and tell people i'm a friend of yours, that i stalked you for a few years, that i've had dinner with you more then once, that i've met your husband, been in your studio, taken your class.....etc.
ReplyDeleteNO WAY....otherwise they will scream RIGGED if i win.
so i'll just say i've been to squam, valley ridge too many times to count and i own some of your original pieces of art.
i'll also say that i don't know jenny AND i really don;t and would love her book....
whew.....okay time for a nap after all that. sheesh, i'm getting old.
xoxo
I have never been to a retreat because I have a young child and not able to get away. But some day I would love to go to my friend Lori's Art Camp for Women!
ReplyDeleteI would love to go on creative anything ...Something about being around like minded creative people is so inspirational...and maybe i will win the Book contest Thanx Delene
ReplyDeleteJournalFest was a great retreat. I was at the last one, and the town, the classrooms, the learning experience were all wonderful. I met such great people at that retreat.
ReplyDeleteI've taught at Jenny's studio so I would love to win her book!
I love art retreats-formal ones like ARTFEST, and informal ones with a group of friends in a beach cabin. Making art with no distractions, laughing, and connecting. Ahhhhh.....
ReplyDeleteHi! This is great! No i have not had a chance because I live here in the Philippines but I've been buying books because I am so interested in these retreats. Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks
Am taking a retreat in Boulder this April where I will meet Jenny Doh. Would be so cool if I could have her sign her book for me!!! Check out my blog, where I posted a painting where I used some of your techniques. I hooked on painting with pastels. You rock!
ReplyDeleteI went to Valley Ridge a few years ago and it was positively life changing. I would go again in a heartbeat! Unfortunately I am the sole caregiver to a handicapped husband so cannot get away. But I have had the privilege of continuing my pilgrimage and journey with online classes from favorite artists. A great alternative if travel is not an option. Love your blog and book. Going to add you to my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to a retreat yet, but they sound like fun and I'd love to go.
ReplyDeleteI live in Sweden and have yet to attend a mixed media class or retreat of any kind, but I would die to go to journalfest or something similar.
ReplyDeleteThanks for info on the book, looks yummy!
Hi MB ~ The Squam session you just described was my first art retreat as well. And, your Geometric Abstractions class was the first of the trip. What a great experience overall. Had never done such a thing. Loved every single minute ~ so much so that I have returned for a total of three Squam fall sessions. I've been to a few weekend workshops here and there, and would love to find a new experience ~ not sure I haven't been spoiled, though! XO ~ Beej
ReplyDeleteMy first retreat was to Valley Ridge for your very first class there! I fell in love with the space, the people, and with the whole idea of expanding my art. It was not only the learning that enthralled me, but the whole atmosphere. Each time I've gone there, I've come away with new perspectives.
ReplyDeleteMarge
Well I've been to Inspired two times and Art n'Soul two times and have to say that I will not be going to anymore retreats. Just feel like they are so over-rated. Everyone is real nice and friendly while you are there but then you soon loose contact with them. Also I travel with my hubby and so many women do not and I find it sad and yet they treat me like I'm the odd woman out. Oh well to each his own. I prefer on-line classes where I can work at my own pace and not have to feel like I need to "make connections" in order to make art. Tired of the art and blogging cliques...feels like high school...with everyone comparing one another and I simply don't care if I fit in ;} That and the finding/carting of supplies for classes that are not what you expect and over priced. Also many artists are just not teachers and when in front of you they tend to talk about themselves non-stop and how they "found" their artistic selves...enough already. When I'm paying over $500 dollars for a retreat...I want to come away feeling like I learned "something" besides how you got to stand in front of me. Sorry...I know this sounds negative...but perhaps it will help those who do teach for their future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteHi MaryBeth - Thanks for this great opportunity (and also to Jenny). I have not been on a retreat yet but I would love to attend and participate in Art Unraveled. Since it's in the city where I live, I hope to make that a reality soon but we are usually travelling during AU. I would also like to attend a smallish retreat, just 6-10 women, giving me an opportunity to develop a few close art relationships.
ReplyDeleteThanks again! *keeps my fingers crossed that I'll win*
I have heard of this retreat via whoever tweets on Twitter for Squam. What a wonderful place to have a retreat. We took a vacation to that area years ago and I've wanted to go back for a long time. Back then I knew very little about art. Now I can appreciate how a beautiful setting can inspire some amazing stuff!!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks like it's full of all kinds of inspiration. I do not know who Jenny Doh is so looks like I better find out. : )
NOW I know who Jenny is...I was just on Crescendoh's site last week. Duh.
ReplyDeleteI attribute this to premenopause. LOL. : )
So great that you have a part in her book. Very inspiring. I have only been painting two years and I feel like the new kid in the class who is from another country. I have so so much to learn.
I have yet to attend a retreat that has both writing and art. That is a dream of mine. Somewhere on a lake would be beautiful. With time to reflect and take in all the inspiration, creativity, beauty and new friends.
ReplyDeletei wanna win.
ReplyDeletefirstly i wanted to thank you for the nice words about my painting. i didn't know how else to reply but i wanted to come over and tell you how much that meant to me. thank you. it's nice to hear sincere words.
anyway. i have never been to a retreat, which is a drag, but i simply do not have the money to attend. HOWEVER a month ago, while it was not a retreat i got to go to my very first In Real Life art class ever with my cool friend stephanie. I drove all damn day to get there and was so tired, but i think it was the funnest day i'd ever had. really. in fact, i don't think i thanked her enough for it.
funnest. day. ever. making art with artists and just talking about artjunk.
wait. what am i supposed to be talking about to win the book?
xxa
I loved a retreat at Cheerio with calligrapher extraordinaire John Stevens. Fabulous setting very conducive to good work. Wonderful food. Lovely lodging. A+ Would love to go back!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have access to a cabin on the west side of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY...with food taken care of & no one to bother me, with a canoe available for meditative paddling.
ReplyDelete-jane
Hi, Mary Beth. The only art retreats that I have gone to are right here in southern Illinois, about an hour away from St. Louis. The last one that I attended was a three-day workshop on drawing the figure with a live model. It has inspired me to take figure drawing and painting at Southern Illinois University. If anyone wants to hear about the local workshops, I can give you contact information.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Sandy
My first ever retreat was the Believe in Yourself retreat in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. After that retreat, I took an online workshop with Misty Mawn. From there, to Italy with Misty. I've only been painting for two years and the funny thing is, Jenny Doh was my first artist friend on Facebook. I was probably her 2,000th, but she was my first!!! Would love to go anywhere inspiring to be with fellow artists and create!
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my wishlist. The first time I picked it up and flipped thru it I felt myself there. I wanted to live within the pages. I know that one day I would love to attend something like this. I could only imagine how exciting that would truly be.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Art and Soul in Virginia three times. This year it's in my hometown of Virginia Beach, but sadly, I moved to California 7 months ago. I had an amazing time each time I attended. The first time I didn't stay at the hotel, and commuted back and forth to classes ( 40 mins each way). The second time I stayed the whole time and shared a room with three other people. The last time I only went for a few days and shared a room with two people.Each time I was changed in a different way. This year I plan to attend a different retreat, but I'm still in the planning stages. I haven't decided where I want to go yet or what I want to get from my journey!
ReplyDeleteMy first pilgrimage was to Art Continuum in Cleveland years ago. I attended for a few years. I've also been to ArtFest in Pt Townsend a couple years and D'Asling had Celebrate Art ? in Orlando one year. Each time I learned from instructors who left me with so many memories (techs, laughs, friendship) that have survived over the years. If you can go, do so.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI am new to this. I purchsed Wood Ice and stencils and made my first portrait. An Owl. I had fun! I went to an artist retreat as a teenager and will never forget the experience. Being with creative people help bring on the creative juices.
Your grandchildren are picking the winner, so I close with this: Shiny objects, pet chickens, Ipod 4, cats, horror movies, the color black.
Debra
debwinstew@aol.com
Love the concept of this book! I've never been to an art retreat, as such, although as a cloth doll maker in my former life, I've been to several. There's nothing like the atmosphere of a retreat to recharge your batteries! I hope to attend one of the art retreats in the next couple of years.
ReplyDeleteI began a blog on January 1, 2012 where I'm recording my own art pilgrimage this year. Each day I am creating a small canvas and then writing a blog post about it. In just 52 days, my life has changed. I never imagined that as a wonderful side-effect. :-)
I would love to take a creative cruise, if it wasn't so expensive...
ReplyDeleteNow I settle for a weekend out with a group of 35 creative friends. I went for the first time last year and said if something ever happened to my family I would find a big house and start living together with a group of creative souls! :)
I don't know this book but would love to see what it's like! :)
I've been on weekend artclases two one with Tim Holtz and the other with Claudine Hellmuth. Other than that only Christian retreats and college for Fine Art for four yrs but I'd hardly call that a retreat! LOL! I always thought it would be fun to own a huge ranch and give retreats. One with art, horse back riding, yoga, dance, music and spa treatments! Plus smallish portions of exquisit gormet food so we would stay slightly hungry for our true passion which would be art and God and God in our art! Is that answer good enough? I am going on vacation soon with two of my art friends to a wonderful cottage where we will three be making art together and spoiling ourselves with hiking and food and movies and girl chat! THAT COUNTS! I would always love to go to where Flora Bowly is or where Tracey Verdigo teaches beautiful places, though I have also drooled over a few retreats in Italy too! Oh so much art to make and so little life to make it in.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity MB! I think the wood paste worked for finally sealing that crak in my wall I been trying to seel for like 15 yrs. I am using it on a few canvases too currently in progress! Hugs, Sanna
I've never been to a retreat. I would go to any if it were local and resonably priced ;o)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary Beth-I've never been to an artist retreat, but Artfest is high on my list of things to do. I am so excited for Jenny to get her book published and would love a copy! Thanks for having this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have this book because I don't know when I can make it to a retreat! It's on my "bucket list"! So, thank you for the chance to win it!
ReplyDeleteI went to Artiology years ago...hmmm, possibly 2002? 2004? and then Life intervened and for years I said "Next year". Well in 2011 I stopped saying "next year" and went to ArtIsYou in Stampford, CT. WOOOOOOW!
ReplyDeleteThere is NOTHING like an in-person art retreat/workshop. First and foremost is the oppotunity to learn new art techniques and make glorious projects with the BEST. The instructors are proficient in a variety of mix media fields but they all share the talent(s) of wanting to teach, being encouraging, inspiring and generous....among other things!
Second spending time with other like-minded souls is fantastic.
Having time "out" and away from the cares and stresses of real life is phenomenal. Did I mention the EXCITEMENT? FUN? Comradery?Nonstop ideas? Reenergized muse?
Yep, all that and MORE!!
Mary Beth, how exciting to be included in Jenny's book. She recognizes talent and after reading your book, it is obvious she made a good choice.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a copy of Jenny's book. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks for thinking of our Mixed Media Trends members.
Carolyn
I've never been on a creative pilgrimage, but I've been dying to make a pilgrimage to your store in Chesterfield Mall - my sister lives in St. Charles, so we might just make it one of these days, soon!
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a creative pilgrimage ( too costly) but the few retreats I have gone on for quilting ( no I don't quilt)were great with a real bonding element that is hard to explain. I would love to go the art retreat in Phoenix as I used to live there before such a thing existed and would love going back.
ReplyDelete