Faux Retreat - spring

[Kathy Boyd]

Just getting ready for our first Faux Retreat. 5 days of classes with 2 instructors and jam packed with other activities. The retreat will be offered twice this year and plan on 4 of them for 2010.

If you are already signed up to go to the retreat or just thinking about it, feel free to jump in and contribute to the blog.

A “Real” Working Retreat

Experience a new way of learning the decorative arts, mixed with fun, relaxation, and a beautiful setting in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Faux Retreat was created for artisans like you to learn and share your craft in a unique environment that will recharge you both physically and creatively.

The Spring Faux Retreat will be held on May 4-8, 2009 (a fall retreat is also being planned for late September) at a secluded site surrounded by 170 acres of woods and a private lake near Spooner, Wis.

While communing with nature, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from two of the industry’s most creative and innovative instructors:

• Kathy Carroll, owner of the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes and Faux by Kathy, will bring inspiration, motivation, and a fresh approach to the endless possibilities of 10 different finishes. You’ll leave with a class book complete with all your recipes, product sheets, and information that will become a lifelong resource. Products used will be from a variety of manufacturers, including: Golden Proceed Line, Bella Product Line, Blue Pearl and Perfetto, Oikos, Modern Masters, Adicolor, and Briste Group.

• Mindy Harrell, owner of Murals by Mindy and Faux Assured Studio, will lead a course in “Modern World Finishes” that is designed to build upon your existing skills and expand your knowledge of product usage, design concepts, and "art-inspired" techniques. You’ll learn how to embellish your work and use multi-medium mixing to maximize the creative process. Plus, you’ll leave with a comprehensive technical binder detailing the finishes and 10 samples utilizing favorites from the silver and gold label line by Faux Effects International.

“Faux Retreats are designed to reflect the style of the traditional atelier of old European painters where students lived together sharing the expertise of an artist while experiencing a connection and unique form of guidance,” explains Kathy Boyd, creator of Faux Retreats.

Your five-day Faux Retreat will include:

Welcome reception and dinner
Communal style accommodations (limited private or semi-private rooms available for an additional fee)
Daily continental breakfast, daily lunch, and dinner served 3 nights
4 days of hands-on instruction – 2 days with each instructor
Snacks and beverages available throughout the day
Evening guest speaker
Late night challenge/painting party
Firepit discussion: Getting, maintaining, and marketing a Web presence with Kathy Boyd
On-site extras may include yoga, massage, product demos, etc.
Use of lake, boats, and other amenities (sauna, Jacuzzi, etc.) on the property
Free time to explore the town on your own
This all-inclusive retreat is priced at just $1,895 – comparable to other classes that do not include the costs of accommodations, meals, and other activities. Retreat size is limited, so make your reservations today.

For more information or to download a reservation form, visit www.fauxretreat.com. You can also call 218-940-3095 or send an e-mail to [e-mail] if you have any questions.