Artist Retreat
Contributed by Martha Happs, Valley Fine Arts Association
Do you need a mini vacation not far from home? Somewhere quiet and peaceful—a beautiful location that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with comfortable lodgings for an overnight stay. A place surrounded by creative artists, new friends, old friends, and the energy of making art.
Come join the fun at Valley Fine Arts’ 10th Annual Fall Artists Retreat in Willow, Alaska, on August 15–17. Just far enough away on the back side of Hatcher Pass to feel like a vacation, the retreat will be held at North Star Bible Camp, just outside of Willow on 17 Mile Lake.
There will be lots to do. VFAA will be offering a variety of classes to sign up for. Friday, August 15, morning session (9:30–12:30): Nature Journaling with Barbara Johnson—Barbara will show you how to capture what you see in a journal form, sharing her own small sketchbooks from years of nature journaling; Multi-Media with Renee Morhain—learn how to incorporate paints, pens, markers and more onto canvas to create truly unique pieces; Multi-Media is a popular category at the Alaska State Fair.
Friday, August 15, afternoon session (1:30–4:30): Pet Portraits in Pastels or Oils with Gina Murrow—Gina has been a professional artist for over 40 years and will teach you how to capture your pet’s personality; Acrylic Skins with Renee Morhain—learn to create thin, flexible acrylic layers and apply them to artwork.
Saturday, August 16, morning session (9:30–12:30): Painting Paper for Collage with Chris Zafren—create color, shape, and pattern with tissue paper, stencils and textures to later tear and collage; Acrylic Mediums with Renee Morhain—learn the differences and benefits of acrylic gels and pastes and how to use them in your art.
Saturday, August 16, afternoon session (1:30–4:30): “The Eyes Have It” with Gina Murrow—study the eye shapes, colors, and depths unique to animals and make a series of small portraits to enliven larger works; Collage Demo and Making with Chris Zafren—use your painted papers to collage a finished piece, with techniques and tips from Chris; Acrylic Landscapes with Renee Morhain—focus on creating natural colors, perspective, and composition.
Sunday, August 17, morning session (10:30–1:30): Travel Journaling with Gina Murrow—cover everything from Plein Air painting and travel sketching to flying with art supplies, packing wet paintings, and crossing borders; Silk Scarf Painting with Gina Murrow—paint an 11" x 60" silk scarf using silk paints; once ironed, it’s ready to wear. Everything is provided with class sign-up.
It’s going to be a fun retreat. If you don’t want to take a class, that’s fine—just come paint your own project. Evening bonfires and prize events will feature giveaways from sponsors including Blaines Art in Anchorage, Michaels in Wasilla, Stillman & Birn, Winsor & Newton, M. Graham and Ampersand.
More info and registration at valleyfinearts.org