Beaver Island, Michigan
Coordinator: Helen Kleczynski
Dates: June 22 – June 29, 2019
Class fee: $550 for a shared room and $750 for a private room.
Early bird registration special available through January15th:
50% discount for a traveling companion sharing a twin bed room.
Contact: Helen at helenkleczynski@yahoo.com or (269)598-1198 for more information.
For a printable form and information page, click here.
Artists of all levels and their traveling companions will enjoy this week-long retreat. Participants may attend art related group activities, one-on-one critiques and mentorship sessions, or spend all of their time on their own projects. Beaver island is beautiful place to paint and sketch outdoors and collect reference materials. Natural beaches, woodlands and marshes inspire nature-lovers, while others enjoy the quaint buildings, old boats, cranes and other artifacts along the harbor. Optional demonstrations or art-related activities will be offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, with group painting outings in the afternoon. Tuesday and Thursday will be free for painting, but artists are welcome to plan outings on these days. Artists may sign up for additional group activities during the week. Artists are welcome to work in any medium that they feel comfortable with. Shopping opportunities are minimal, but there are several art galleries and artist’s studios open to the public. Non artists will have the opportunity to hike, kayak, or just relax along the shore.
Lodging is at the Convent, which is located in the town of St. James, and directly across the street from the beach. Shared rooms have two twin beds. Private rooms have a full bed. The bathrooms are shared, but each room has a sink. Non-painting companions will pay the same rate as artists. Participants may prepare meals at the Convent or eat at one of the nearby restaurants.
Travel to Beaver Island by taking the Beaver Island Ferry from Charlevoix, Michigan. You may leave Charlevoix on the 2:30 p.m. ferry on Saturday June 22nd. The following Saturday (June 29th), you will return to Charlevoix on the 11:20 a.m. ferry. You must purchase your passenger ferry ticket the day you travel to Beaver Island. You will not need a car to participate in the group activities, but you may wish to have one available for your free time. If you wish to bring a car to the island, you will also need to reserve a ferry ticket for your vehicle by contacting Beaver Island Boat Company (www.bibco.com or 231-547-2311) as soon as possible. They begin taking vehicle reservations on January 14th. You may also rent vehicles on the island. All participants will be given a contact list for car-pooling opportunities.
Payment: $350 is due upon registration, the remainder is due March 15th. Cancellation policy: Because the Convent is reserved for participating artists and non-artist companions, no refunds will be made. If you cannot attend, you are welcome to find someone to take your place.
