Destination Creativity : the Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat

327 Pages·2011·13.09 MB·English

by  Freeman-Zachery

DESTINATION CREATIVITY © 2011 by Ricë Freeman-Zachery.
Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means
including information storage and retrieval systems without permission
in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote a
brief passage in review. Published by North Light Books, an imprint of
F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236.
[phone]. First edition.
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Ricë, Tonia, and The Ever-Gorgeous Earl, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Editor: Tonia Davenport
Designer: Geoff Raker
Production Coordinator: Greg Nock
Photographers: Earl Zachery
and Ric Deliantoni
Dedication
To Earl: I really, truly could not have done this one without you.
Acknowledgments
Writers always say they couldn’t have completed their books without
help. It’s absolutely true. Without the artists and retreat organizers and
contributors, and without my editor, Tonia, and my
photographer/husband/driver/voice of sanity, Earl, I wouldn’t have
even dreamed of doing this book.
Thanks go first to my five artists, Daniel Essig, Melissa Manley, Deryn
Mentock, Jesse Reno, and Carla Sonheim. Without the generosity of
mixed-media artists sharing what they’ve learned through years of
developing their skills, there wouldn’t be a mixed-media community at
all. These are the best, and working with them is a joy.
Our adventure was made possible by the fabulous retreat organizers:
Jeri Aaron, Glenny Densem-Moir, Katherine Engen, Teesha Moore, and
Linda Young. They’re the ones who dreamed these retreats into being.
For this project, they granted us complete access to their retreats,
providing rooms and meals and encouragement, and their generosity
made a financially daunting project a reality. Thanks to Marlene Vail of
Bead&Button and Rhianna White of Quilts, Inc., also, for their kind
assistance.
Special thanks to the teachers and students who allowed us to come
into their workshops and ask nosy questions and take photos and video
and try out tools and supplies and oh, my–just be a part of the
excitement. We had a blast with y’all, and we thank you so very much
for your hospitality.
My wonderful editor, Tonia Davenport, was an integral part of this
book from start to finish. Decades ago, Earl and I talked about how
much fun it would be to someday collaborate on a book–I’d do the
words; he’d take the photographs. Tonia made that dream come true for
us when she suggested this project, and we’re both so very grateful. It
was icing on the cake that we got to hang out with her in Milwaukee
and Phoenix, never mind the little difficulties we had actually–ahem–
finding the restaurants she remembered. She’s worth nearly starving to
death any day!
And, as always, there’s Earl. He has been hugely supportive of every
project, but this one depended on him completely. Not only did he take
the photographs that bring the retreats to life, but he drove every mile of
the way, scouted out classes for me, remembered people’s names, fed
me, and made sure I didn’t run screaming into the wilderness when we
checked into some of the less savory motels along the way.
I’m incredibly lucky to get to do what I do, and I thank you, dear
reader, for being a part of the adventure. My hope is that you find
inspiration between these covers.

CONTENTS
Introduction
Meet the Instructors
Creating on the Strip: Art & Soul, Las Vegas
Las Vegas Drawing Extravaganza: with Carla Sonheim
Expect the Unexpected: Adorn Me!, Houston
Neptune’s Necklace: with Melissa Manley
Room with a View: Artfest, Port Townsend
Free to Create: with Jesse Reno
A Down Home Good Time: Artful Texas!, Salado
Wrapped-in-Silk Bangle Bracelet: with Deryn Mentock
Into the Rabbit Hole Art & Soul, Hampton
Getting the Star Treatment: Valley Ridge Art Studio, Muscoda
Centipede Stitch: with Daniel Essig
Bring on the Bling!: Bead&Button Show, Milwaukee
Heart of the Desert Art Unraveled, Phoenix
Inspiring Stitches: International Quilt Festival, Houston
Conclusion
Featured Retreats
Quoted Contributors
Index
About Ricë
About Earl