i’m getting so excited to return to the Makerie in April! i had such an amazing time last year, but — as with many events where i have a super awesome time and take a zillion pics — i never managed to get a blog post up, because i wanted to really do it justice. story of my life! argh. here we are 10 months later, and it’s coming ’round again in just 2 months. i am so honored to have been invited to teach there again!
as another year of teaching and traveling begins, i’m vowing to be better about sharing the stories and magic of art retreats. people often ask me how to choose the right one for them. as a teacher, my perspective is slightly different than it would be as an attendee, but it also means that i’ve been to a variety of crafty gatherings around the country, so i may be able to offer some guidance. to me there are many attributes that make up each unique retreat, among them location, workshops/teachers, flavor, and details. i’m sure there are more, but those are at the top of my own list…
let’s start with location: the Makerie takes place at the Colorado Chautauqua, in Boulder (though this year there’s also another incarnation, the Sweet Paul Makerie, happening in NYC in March). what a place! i am fascinated by the history of the Chautauqua Movement (so in line with our new breed of creative getaways!) but was mostly struck by the stunning landscape and adorably cozy cottages of this picturesque compound. it is set literally at the foot of Boulder’s Flatiron Mountains, and i now completely understand why people from out West scoff and say “those aren’t real mountains” when they see the small rounded mountains we have in New York.
the day i arrived there was an unseasonable and incredibly gorgeous snowstorm blanketing Boulder…
…so pretty! by the next day, temps were in the 50’s and everything was melting. over the course of the weekend sunshine and Spring buds were appearing, and it was just glorious. you know it’s true beauty when even I feel compelled to get up at 6am on a Sunday to go for a mountain hike!
location can be a factor in a few ways, aside from providing a spectacular backdrop. if you’re within driving distance, and especially if you can carpool with a friend (or make one by traveling together!), expenses can be reduced significantly. on the other hand, if you’ve been drawn to visit (or re-visit) an area far from where you live, a retreat can offer an ideal reason. i know of several pairs of sisters, and groups of friends, who use retreats as an excuse to get together and have creative together time, away from family and responsibilities.
it’s not too late to join us this year! registration is open, and there are full and local packages available.
