It’s time for one last short recap of our time at Shekinah Retreat Centre near Waldheim, SK. While sorting through the images I gathered memories came flooding back. Enjoy the photos with captions and feel free to leave questions and impressions in the comment section!
The Timber Lodge (at 6 a. m. ), a picture of serenity and hospitality. Several participants were already working in the main hall while others tried hard to catch another “forty winks.”
Each morning the meadows were shrouded in mist, the sun’s angle painted the sky with pastels.
Just a few steps away from the lodge walking and running paths invite visitors to explore the wilderness.
A gentle creek crossed the path on my way to the meadow.
Along my early morning walk I discovered signs of fall reminding me of how fast summer with be moving into the next season.
I reached the meadow that reminded me of a 19th century landscape painting even with its large round bales. The mist was illuminated by the rising sun that lent an air of mystery.
The pond at early morning light – a tranquil place to visit at any time of the day, provided you wear insect repellent.
A close up of the pond’s shore, a little soupy but full of color and texture… great inspiration.
The camp sites bathed in early morning light. Three participants arrived with their portable homes. The Timber Lodge is situated just above the campsites.
A couple of young visitors who live on site dropped by on a daily basis to “inspect” everyone’s progress.
Cathy making great progress on her landscape collage of a favorite Mexican vista.
Cathy and Denise in deep discussion about their work, and how to use a wood burning tool.
Leona and Paula looking over some of the fabrics created during the week.
Alison started work on a new series incorporating some of her discharged fabrics with architectural imagery.
There were no idle hands in this group. Marilyn spent the last morning embroidering more miniature fabric collages and pendants. Her work was so popular during Tuesday night’s mini mall that she was busy creating more.
Bev and Cathy invited everyone to their temporary home for lemonade and snacks before Thursday’s dinner and the Open House.
What a happy group we were. Discussion about art and dyeing continued during the social gathering.
The night of the Open House a turkey dinner with all the trimmings was served to an appreciative group. Smiles and seconds all around…
Tuesday night was perfect for setting up the camera in the middle of the road for a couple of hours. I focused on the North Star and clicked away till the air turned chilly and my eyelids became heavy with sleep.
Here we are – a happy group after a week of total immersion in dyeing, marbling, design and creation.
My last post provided details about Sunday night and Monday’s dye and design sessions as well as the “Show & Tell” after dinner.
Tuesday saw a number of participants delve further into the dye adventure. Others decided that it was time to explore some basic design exercises in a small sub group. All the while I circulated indoors and out to ensure that participants were able to move into the direction they had chosen. After dinner it was time to bring out items for the mini-mall. Not everyone brought something to sell, those who did were well received.
Wednesday arrived much too fast. By now everyone was working with a strong focus and clear goals. It was exciting for me to observe the individual’s progress. During the day several questions were handed in for the discussion time after dinner. We began with a brief session on critiquing. Using images and actual work the discussion was lively and respectful. We continued till late into the night with questions about exhibiting, promotion, and how to stay motivated and organized. Our fabulous cook surprised the group with a tasty popcorn snack and fresh apples to sustain everyone’s energy.
Thursday morning I decided to get up early to capture the sunrise. I didn’t quite make the pre-dawn twilight. Mist was rising from the fields and the sun gently illuminated the landscape for a peaceful and magical setting. I wasn’t deterred by the mosquitoes along the way – every turn of the pathway I followed provided great photo opportunities. I made my way back for breakfast and found a flurry of activity in the classroom already. The complete immersion setting without any distractions of phones, the internet or TV had everyone work from early morning till late into the night.
The second last day was the busiest thus far. After a full day in the classroom Bev and Cathy invited everyone for refreshments at their home away from home in the campsite. We enjoyed the fresh air, sprawled out on quilts munching on snacks and a glass of lemonade in hand. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings was waiting in the lodge providing a wonderful conclusion to the delicious evening meals provided throughout the week. Soon after dinner guests arrived to explore the Open House. I had sent out a few email invitations to people in Saskatoon and Rosthern. We welcomed about 25 visitors that explored the space and connected with this year’s participants. It was so busy that I completely forgot to take pictures. You just have to take my word for it. The best proof that interest for next year exists is the sign up sheet with 18 names. Since I keep my Art Quilt Camp class small I have tentatively booked the Timberlodge for two weeks in 2014. I am working out details and will be able to provide prices and registration information by the first week of December.
Friday morning saw another flurry of activity. Everyone realized that this was the last uninterrupted block of time for focused work. Lunchtime arrived much too fast and after the meal everyone began to dismantle their work stations and pack their supplies. We said good-bye and by 3 pm the Timberlodge was shrouded in silence… ready for the next group.
If you are interested in next year’s information email me directly and I will add your name to the list. <anna@annahergert.com>. Please put “AQC 2014” in the subject line.
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
Pingback: Art Quilt Campus 2015 | Anna Hergert, Art & Design