Last year, my dear artist friend, Sheila Atchley, raved about Bellagio, Italy and the Art and Faith Retreat. When she learned Laura was doing an Art and Faith Retreat in Vermont, she highly encouraged me to consider going. Sheila knows my heart for faith and creative gatherings. Though she was to be the guest artist at this event also, she gave no clue what the retreat would hold.
So I signed up.
If you’ve not been before, Vermont in October is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous! Fall was at its peak arrayed in crimson, fiery orange, apricot, plum, and gold. Plus, autumn decor delighted our eyes at every turn.
We stayed at and attended the Art and Faith Creative Retreat workshops at the picturesque Woodstock Inn and Resort. The Inn is located within easy walking or driving distance to the charming village, delightful shops, and to local attractions. Its welcoming lobby area with ample seating and fireplace, game room, restaurants, and daily coffee, tea, and cookie time were always a big hit during our free time.
Laura Hogue McCollough, artist and owner of Art and Faith Creative Retreats, began the retreat with a welcome reception followed by dinner. I had only “met” her via text and email prior to the retreat and didn’t know what to expect. Thankfully, Laura has a gift of putting everyone at ease from the start allowing all to warm up at our own pace. She is fun, sincere, and gracious. The room buzzed with excited anticipation as we met the other participants.
The retreat experience.
Art and Faith Creative Retreats are exactly what the name implies. There is an ideal blend of faith, creative, and touristy elements. Laura put on encouraging music from Christian artists as she led her workshops. We created multi-media art, collages, and learned about travel journaling. She gave us a devotional booklet which she wrote and from which she shared during our God-kissed devotion times. In addition, Laura included a weekly planner, and blank booklet for note taking in our class materials.
Furthermore, Laura blessed each of us with the most delicious leather journal cover and tassel, handmade in Bellagio, Italy. Ahh…can you tell I really like the smell and feel of real leather? Another thoughtful gift was a unique leather cuff with the word, ABIDE – the retreat theme – handmade by artist, Christa Parodi. If you ask me, I got the most beautiful one! 😉
In addition to the creative workshops, Laura set up a wide variety of local dining experiences and excursions. Here are some of the highlights of our travels:
Glass blown pumpkins and menu from Simon Pearce
Covered Bridges in Vermont: Cheryl on Middle Bridge, the interior of Middle Bridge, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, and the Taftsville Bridge.
Guest Artist.
Laura chose Sheila Atchley, artist and owner of Sheila Atchley Designs, as her guest artist. Sheila’s easy going style led us through making original loom art. Using local or Tennessee nature items, pieces of cloth, yarn, and ribbon, and meaningful words, we wove our unique masterpieces. She played the mellow and relaxing instrumental music of “Autumn in New England” as we worked on our projects.
Afterwards, in our second class, Sheila taught us how to draw a covered bridge. As she demonstrated patiently, we followed along with our own drawings. Sheila gifted us with serene watercolor renditions of gold and light cranberry trees, a variety of covered bridges, and dark green evergreens she had painted. She also provided us with generous materials for our loom and a memento booklet for journaling and to use as a class guide.
Sheila makes art fun and do-able especially for us “certain” women. She has a true heart for women in the middle years of life. As a result, time spent creating art was not only fun, but also deeply refreshing.
As Sheila led and taught, the atmosphere teemed with a sense of release. We listened with our hearts and did some soul searching. There was a stirring toward new creative and personal adventures when we told of our current artistic expressions and those hoped for in the future. Sheila lead us through a word well exercise. It is eye opening and freeing. Sheila is wise, and I am honored to say, my dear friend.
If you get the chance to take a class, go on a retreat, or be taught by these women, do it!
Looking back.
What inspired me most about both of these women is their love of Jesus and prayerful obedience to the Holy Spirit. Everything came together as a cohesive whole with Laura’s planning, troubleshooting rainy weather, and the continuity of both women’s devotions and workshops. What an amazing, and I do mean amazing, experience I shared with all the ladies at this retreat! We connected as creative women and became friends within a matter of hours. This time was a rare gift and we all felt deeply grateful.
I am sure my memories about this delightful getaway will be among my most treasured. I made some wonderful new friends, learned some art, and was encouraged. Art retreats are amazing, and I hope you will choose to go to one (or more!) Meanwhile, take time to get outside and enjoy nature’s beauty. Pick up a pen, a paintbrush, or your yarn crafts. Be creative–you are made in the image of The Creator–you know. 😉 Find your niche and dedicate time to make art and play.
Always Yours,
