Visual Record. Art as Artifact. 5-Day Retreat in California

This 5-day retreat led by instructors Lisa Pressman and Susan Stover will immerse participants in an exploration of art as artifact on the Central Coast in California. Art serves as an artifact that represents a specific time, place, and culture. Participants will employ visual elements, photographs, or mementos that hold personal meaning or memory, exploring the concept of time and real or imagined experiences using a range of techniques and materials. The workshop will include daily presentations, demonstrations, dedicated work time, and one-on-one guidance. Discussions will cover record-keeping, storytelling, and creating narrative in one's work, with presentations on calendars, seasons, cultural artifacts, altars, and memories. Mediums used will include surface treatments, deconstruction and distressing, painting, mixed media, fabric, stitching, burning, and rust and tea staining.

The retreat takes place at Willow Pond SLO, a 14-acre property located at the south end of Edna Valley, bordering San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande, California. The studio is 2,000 square feet of light-filled space. The workshop fee of $1,484 includes lunch daily prepared on-site by a local chef and covers instructor fees and studio usage. It does not include airfare, transport, or accommodation. Willow Pond House has limited accommodation that is sold out for this workshop. A list of local affordable Airbnbs and VRBOs is available at www.willowpondslo.com on the Guest Room page. The local airport is San Luis Obispo, a 10-minute drive from Willow Pond SLO.

This workshop is open to artists 21 years and older with intermediate to advanced experience. No work samples are required to attend. The entry deadline is July 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.