Well ~ Art Retreat at The Prairie - Spring 2012 is all over, and it was a huge success!
 |
| Here’s a photo of Diane (left), Deryn (right) and myself (center) at The Prairie! We look fresh and eager to begin, don’t we?!? |
The location was a perfect setting to hold the retreat ~ The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell was charming and quaint and very inspirational for the students who attended.
The weather was perfect. Not too hot for this part of Texas this time of year!
The instructors were oh-so-good! Deryn and Diane are ultimate professional artists and designers and have the added gift of being able to teach in an effective style. They came prepared - both in instructional content and supplies for sharing. No detail was unattended ~ and there wasn’t a question that went unanswered and demonstrated for all to learn from.
 |
| Diane with a few of her students |
 |
| Deryn teaching |
And, the students ~ oh my lovely students! What can I say about this wonderfully creative and caring and fun group of women?!? They were marvelous! They came prepared to learn and ready to share themselves with each other in friendship. There were all levels of experience ~ several newbies to jewelry design and several professional designers who make and sell jewelry for a living. No one felt left-out because no one bragged about themselves. Everyone was equal and on-a-par with everyone else. We laughed and joked and shared stories about ourselves, and each person had a chance to listen and be heard. We bonded in ways beyond my wildest expectations! Remember that this is one of my goals for the retreats ~ that, not only is there good instruction from gifted and talented designer/instructors, but also plenty of opportunities for friendships to be forged ~ friendships that will last a lifetime.  |
| Diane’s Crystal Confetti class! |
 |
| Deryn’s Wax-On class! |
Everyone left with a promise to return as soon as possible. Some wanted to sign up immediately for the fall classes back at The Prairie! All agreed that this was a charmed and blessed event and that they want to be a part of it again and again in the near future.
Over the next days, I will share details and photos of the retreat. I hope that you will get a sense of what all experienced from my words and pictures. I encourage you to sign up for the next retreat ~ in Coronado, California in June...or in Round Top, Texas again in September. You will be treated to a weekend that you will remember for a lifetime. You’ll make forever-friends that will become loving, artful sisters. It will be well-worth it ~ I promise you that!
Hugs!
Barb
aka Vivi Magoo!!!
