Find your artistic inspiration this spring at SMAC’s 2018 Artist Retreat

REGISTER HERE

Click here to see detailed schedule of workshops

Click here to see the mailed brochure (can also be printed out and mailed in)

Danebod Folk School in Tyler, MN

Join artists from across Southwest Minnesota on May 4 & 5 for SMAC’s annual Artist Retreat, a day and a half of arts inspiration and networking held at Danebod Folk School in Tyler, MN.

This year the retreat will include afternoon workshops on Friday, along with a full day on Saturday. You may choose to attend just Friday, just Saturday, or join us for the entire event along with overnight lodging at the historic Danebod Folk School.

Workshop sessions have been created to appeal to artists of all disciplines. You’ll be able to customize your retreat by choosing from two options for each session.

Here are some of the opportunities and activities planned for the weekend:

(Click here to see detailed schedule of workshops)

Marbling techniques

Marbling Technique with Acrylics
Explore shaving cream art using acrylic and watercolor paints to create more depth and textures in your paintings. Led by Bonita Van Moorlehem

Creating an Artist Resume / Portfolio Kit
Your portfolio is the core of your promotional materials and professional calling card. In this session we will focus on the essential elements: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples. Bring a copy of your current artist resume. Led by Nicole DeBoer (SMAC)

Chip Carving

Wood/Chip Carving
Chip carving involves taking small chips out of a flat piece of wood to make a geometric design, and is one of the easiest forms of woodcarving for beginners to try. In this class, you will learn principles of knife sharpening, work on a practice wood or EZ Board to learn basic chip carving cuts, and have the opportunity to finish a coaster with a geometric rosette design to take home. Led by Joe Hauger

Letter Press Printing (TWO SESSIONS)
Explore the convergence of word and image with the 500-year-old tradition of letterpress printing. We will be setting up a pop-up print studio with multiple presses, movable type cases, and image layers. You will be given the chance to experiment with color and composition while expressing your creative voice by making posters and single sheet book forms. No matter how much printmaking experience you may have, there is something for you here in this collaborative hands-on workshop. Led by Jason Yoh

One Person Theatre: Making it Work
What’s it like to perform a one person theatre performance? Even more… what’s it like to produce, direct AND act in a one person show? Led by Kurt Schulz

Difference between oil, acrylic & water paints
Join this fun hands on activity and learn all about it. Led by Bobbie Alsgaard-Lien

Kyle ‘Guante’ Myhre

Slam Poetry
Spoken word poetry is simultaneously one of the oldest modes of artistic expression practiced by human beings, and a very current, dynamic literary movement spreading through schools, coffee shops, the internet, and beyond. Join longtime practitioner (and two-time National Poetry Slam champion) Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre for an interactive performance and dialogue exploring spoken word’s history, aesthetics, stereotypes, and place in the broader arts landscape. Led by Kyle ‘Guante’ Myhre

Foster Johns

Owning the Brogue: Elements of and Approaches to Accents and Dialects
This workshop will explore a deeper understanding of accented speech and how the performer can go about preparing an accent and dialect for performance. Through exercises and discourse, participants will learn about various aspects of accent work, such as sound substitution, rhythm & intonation, placement, vocal posture and direction; and how to gain a stronger command of these elements. Participants will also learn useful process steps of accent work such as physical work toward articulatory flexibility and how to identify and engage with legitimate resources. Led by Foster Johns

Felting with Linda Canton

Fiber Art Activity
From whimsical to practical, come play with wool an a felting needle to create a sculpture, a picture, an ornament, or whatever you imagination brings. Led by Linda Canton (Iowa, formerly Minneota).

Lacey Louwagie

The Benefits of Writing for Mental Health
So often, the focus of writing is on the end product rather than the process of getting there. Is what you’ve written any good? Will it be published? Will it make money? This session asks you to set those aspects of the writing life aside for now. That’s because people who write regularly in a journal sleep better at night, have healthier immune systems, and are more satisfied with their relationships. In other words, the process of writing itself is valuable regardless of the product.

Whether you already write regularly or are hoping to integrate writing into your creative life, this session will introduce you to writing practices and techniques that can help you get out of a writing slump, connect with your inner voice, and find new ways to use old tools. All skill levels welcome; bring paper and something to write with. Led by Lacey Louwagie

Anna DeGraff (left)

Opera on the Prairie with performance
Experience the vocal excellence of Anna DeGraff, mezzo soprano and learn about her background and music career, and the original compositions she has initiated. Led by Anna DeGraff

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Click here to see detailed schedule of workshops

Friday, May 4
12:00-1:00 pm Arrive/Check in/Light Lunch
1:00 pm Session I
3:00 pm Break
3:30 pm Session II
5:30 pm Supper
7:00 pm Kurt Schulz performance of “Old Herbaceous” (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

Saturday, May 5
8:00–9:00 am Registration/Breakfast
9:00 am Day Two Welcome
9:15 am Session I
10:45 am Break
11:00am Session II
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Session III
3:00 pm Break
3:30 pm Session IV
5:00 pm Retreat Conclusion