Testimonials
Sue 2010-03-15
I heart Art-Is!!!
I hated leaving yesterday, and was sorry I didn't have the energy to do the etching class as well. I'm fairly certain I was avoiding goodbyes. I don't like those very much. :-O
You girls knocked it outta the park! Keith and Tom together = genius and I hope they both return. I overheard Tom saying that it was rare for organizers to help him pack up his stuff. It's those caring touches that make Art-Is unique and very special.
It was lovely to be with my tribe once more before October! And I met some really cool new members, too! I miss you all already.
Love to all,
Sue
xxoo
Colleen 2010-03-15
I took the same class, Found 2 Finish and I feel the same way Mary does. I feel so much more comfortable with static materials. It was so interesting to see 2 different views on techniques and thought processes and I am happy with my "Metal Muse", still have a bit more to do. I had no intention of coming home with this much done. I had really wanted to focus on technique, but it looked so much fun I just kept going!! Can everyone say Foredom k2230 Flex shaft kit?
Colleen
Mary 2010-03-15
I spent the week end attending the Found to Finish Workshop with Keith and Thomas. I was feeling a little apprehensive about a week ago and having second thoughts about the workshop, wondering what I had gotten myself into. But the apprehension soon faded and even though I was slow to start, I came away with an almost finished piece that I am happy to lay claim to. I couldn't have done it without the help (both technical and inspirational) and patience of Thomas and Keith. Thanks ellen and Sallianne for arranging for these two gifted artists to share their talents with us.
Fondly,
Mary
Missy M 2009-12-27
I loved this last year's retreat and can't wait to get my Wicked on for this years!
From: CT
Colleen 2009-11-19
I am ready to go, is it Oct yet! I am still remembering old friends and new, revisiting the memories through my trades and class projects. I wish everyone in the world could experience what an incredible retreat this is, maybe them we would have world peas!! Colleen
From: CT
Angela 2009-11-19
I have never been to a conference that months after it's over I can't stop creating! It's like going away to college and meeting old friends and making new ones. It's a unique experience of a lifetime!
From: Jersey City, New Jersey
Kristie G 2009-11-19
This was my first time at Art is You - what a great event - I came home so enriched and enlivened - and with several terrific completed projects - the teachers were great and the people so very friendly and fascinating! Iam already making my trades for next year and hope to bring some friends with me
From: Granville NY 12932
MamaGwen 2009-10-26
I am still pumped. I received so many great complements on my Felted bag this weekend in Atlantic City. I believe we have more new attendees that can't wait till next October. Thank you to all the wonderful techers and retreat attendees. Everyone made this weekend a great success
From: Mt. Vernon
David Katz 2009-10-26
Wish we could do that every weekend! Thanks to Salianne and Ellen for pulling it all together, and making it look effortless. And thanks to everyone for making a first-timer [ and gender minority :-D ] feel welcome. I came away feeling enrgized and inspired. Already making plans for next year...
From: CT
Ann 2009-10-26
I went by myself to this workshop. A scaredy cat to be sure. I was blown away by the friendlieness of everyone there. You could just sit down at a table and enter a conversation with people you didn't know yet somehow they felt like family....warm, welcoming and sincere. The energy in the workshop was crazy....alive, vibrant, fun loving and inspiring. You don't have to be picasso to enjoy yourself. Just bring who you are....you're gonna be amazed at how filled up on the inside you become. It's like a jump start for your heart and out of that your creativity will flow. Trust me. Hope to see YOU next year...there's a whole lot of family who want to meet you!
From: New York
Sue 2009-10-16
I'm having withdrawal pangs - I miss my new art pals already! What a great retreat this was! Fantastic faculty, and -if I do say so myself- a VERY talented group of attendees! : I saw really amazing pieces in all the workshops I attended. The awesome faculty attracted serious artists! Salliane and Ellen are angels in disguise. Hugs to both of you!
From: CT
Liz 2009-10-16
1st timer - I loved every minute. Thank you Salliane & Ellen - the love and care you put into every detail was so evident. The spirit of fun & generousity filled the entire experience. When can I sign up for 2010?
From: NC
Sue 2009-10-01
I have been to many art retreats before, but never have I grown so close to so many of the other people BEFORE I even got there. This will be like "Old Home Week". You are all so wonderful, friendly, sharing, and FUN people...........Ellen and Sallianne, you have assembled a grand group of teachers, classes, vendors and activities. I can't wait to meet the "Aussie Mum", to do journaling with Loretta, to bead with Annie, to learn from Lillian, to gift you all with my trades, to shop till I drop at vendor's booths, and to give big ole hugs to all of my new BFF's.
From: CA
Anne 2009-10-01
Very eager to meet all of you and experience what I know will be a powerful event filled with amazingly diverse people. I am extraordinarily grateful that all stars aligned to allow me to come on this journey with you. Anne
From: USA
Linda Willis 2009-09-15
This will be my third year attending Art is and I'm even more excited than the first two years. I'll be teaching which always makes me happy. But the anticipation has been such an inspiration for me. I have been creating like crazy. Can't wait to see old friends and meet some new ones. I feel so lucky to be a part of this gathering of men and women with the common goal of creating art. See you all soon. xoLAW
From: Peace Dale, R.I.
Julia 2009-08-16
I am not sure that you know how long it's been since I have gotten a gold star. I didn't get many in school-- so it is extremely cool to be getting one at this stage of life. Of course I believe in you and Ellen. You are visionaries who figured out what was missing in so many of our lives. We are ever greatful!! God's blessings to you and you and you and you.
Colleen 2009-08-12
What you and Ellen and everyone else have done is simply splenderifurous!! Being from the quilting world, Art Is has opened so many doors for me, and everyone has been so helpful. So THANK YOU!!! I am so excited! Colleen
From: USA
Denise Bastura 2009-07-02
Can't wait to attend! When I found out about this retreat and how it's almost in my back yard, I had to pinch myself! Only wishing I could be in about 3 workshops at the same time- How am I supposed to pick only a few?!
From: South Windsor, CT
sandee hyde 2009-03-13
I'm soooo looing forward to this. Finally, an art retreat in my own backyard! I can't wait to meet everyone...
From: Sandy Hook, CT
Carol Mania 2009-03-11
Oh Wow! Choosing is so hard!!!! I've been anxiously awaiting year three and October seems so far away!
From: Southern RI
Lorraine Reynolds 2009-03-09
So stoked on this! Can't wait!
From: Burlington, VT
JoAnnA Pierotti, Teacher 2007/8 2009-03-06
Here I am with ALL you WONDERFUL GALS. My experience at was just thee most amazing time!!!! THANK YOU DEAR SOUL SISTERS for a wonderful retreat. All of your special touches truly nurtured my soul. I feel I came back to California just filled to the brim. I am just so thankful that I met so many wonderful YOU's. I think we will be friends for life!!! I wish I lived on the EAST coast now : LOVED the vendors, the amazing art, the gallery...just all top notch. Loved teaching and my classes were filled with the BEST girls ever!!! I upload some pictures in the album. I do have a slide show on my blog of the event if you would like to see. http:www.mosshill.blogs.com and the music playing is how I feel departing from you all. I was so blessed!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! LOVE AND KISSES,
Angela H., Alumni 2007 and 2008 attendee 2009-03-06
Is it next year yet!!!!!!
Laura, Alumni 2007 2009-03-06
Ellen and Sal, Thank you for all you did for Art Is... This was the first time that I have felt fully accepted and able to be my self, yes even wearing the altered doll hat. I can't wait for next year, and yes you will receive my registration and you will do the choosing.
Judy E. Alumni 2007, 2008 registrant. 2009-03-06
I am still in awe of the terrific weekend I spent with all of you, making memorable new friends. The ideas and techniques presented and shared were greatly appreciated and I will use them again and again. Thank you to all of you, Sallianne, Ellen, and all your helpers. You did a fabulous job! Every time we entered a room there was something new to experience.
Lois P. Alumni 2007, 2008 Registrant. 2009-03-06
Just wanted to shout: THANK-YOU ALL! for an absolutely fab time! I will definitely be at all of the next event with blowtorches loaded! My kewpie girls look awesome among my plants! I'm still high from all the creativity, laughter and most of all total acceptance!! Chow!
Cheryl Strait, Vendor 2007, Teacher 2008 2009-03-06
Thank you Ellen and Sallianne for a most enjoyable weekend.Your never-ending enthusiasm was the high light of the event.
Lesley Venable, Alumni 2007, Teacher 2008 2009-03-06
1. Walking into the hotel at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday and feeling immediately inspired and empowered...even through the travel fog. 2. Finally being able to speak to and embrace the beautiful spirit that is JoAnna! I have felt like I've known her forever and I have her art beautifying my home. It was worth the trip just for that! 3. Sitting in a classroom with kindred spirits and being able to receive the gift of JoAnnA's teaching. Being a part of that moment where she let go and shared and moved through the process of blessing us all. 4. Laughter..............continuous laughter. 5. Navel Jelly..........................oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Visa thanks you too. : 6. Sharing, trading and teaching between all of us. 7. Seeing someone else with a "name tag" and sharing that smile of acceptance and sisterhood. 8. Not believing I could paint a face and finally seeing the perfection in its imperfection. 9. Being inspired by all of the "precious and darling" women in my class that have led me down a new path.....I'll let "ya'll" know when the blog is up and running. 10. Planning visits and trips and retreats with women that I've just met but that I feel like I've always known. okay....so I have 12 the women who shared my class will understand this 11. Hugging you all and saying goodbye knowing that we will meet again and the journey back has already begun. 12. Experiencing this wonderful event and each and everyone of the beautiful people behind it, involved in it, a part of it...................thank you all!!!!!
Kelly B. Alumni 2007 2009-03-06
Home and back to work. Still feeling the wonderful community that is art and fest. Top 10 is hard - there are so many memories all still stirring around. 1. Art is... 2. Sisterhood 3. Laughter - and understanding the laughter - sheer joy. 4. Beading until you wonder if even YOU have enough beads...but not to worry because everyone will share. 5. Annie Hesse 6. New friends and old friends or is it both? 7. Feeling like family and all of us the same kind of "off"... 8. The hotel staff that were wonderful and so interested and helpful. 9. Wonderful conversations and sharing of secrets and laughing...til you cry. 10. Helping a cause as important as the breast form fund and knowing that through joy, joy will return. guess I can't just do 10 either - and these are only in "how it comes out order - not importance order 11. SALLIANNE AND ELLEN two driving forces that made the whole weekend possible and who brought life into ART. Thank you for a wonderful time.
Loretta Marvel, Teacher 2007, Teacher 2008 2009-03-06
Those of you that read this month's column in Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine read about my fear and trepidations when first asked to teach at an art retreat. I had serious doubts that I knew enough about art or was talented enough to teach anyone anything about making art. But most of all, I was afraid that I would not have what it takes to be the kind of teacher that lights a fire in her students and gets their creative juices going. I learned so much about teaching art that weekend and the most important thing I learned was that students come to art retreats with all that inspiration inside them. A good teacher is just there to impart some skills, teach a few techniques, and provide a format in which the student can take the time and space to draw their art out. In short, I learned that we all have our red balloons and given a chance, our red balloons will appear as if by magic. I have had the honor of being asked back to teach this fall at Art Is, along with a roster of talented and amazing teachers. I am sure the magic will be back! Please come and join us at one of the few northeast art retreats featuring nationally known teachers at a reasonable price in a very pretty, comfortable hotel in the country in Connecticut.
Margaret A., future attendee 2009-03-06
I think you and Ellen have done a fabulous job on the new name and site and I hope this is a strong and continuing venue in future years!!! There is nothing in the Northeast like it and I'm sure it can draw many more people. I think the direction you've taken to incorporate more than art doll classes is HUGE!
Lois 2009-03-01
Put me down for the whole adventure!
annie hesse 2009-03-01
Hi all Can't wait to see you all again and meet new friends! Come on October!
From: Kentucky
patti stark 2009-02-24
this is wonderfully exciting - so glad i heard about it - it's already on my desktop for pursuance! all the artists seem passionate, and ready to leap! patti stark - fiber artist and photographer -
From: yosemite national park, california
Jan Navales 2009-02-18
This looks like the best. I am going to make a million % effort to be a part of this.. Very creative ideas and plans Jan Navales fabric artist.
From: will be in Syracuse NY .Right now Florida
