Abbey Art Works Presents Inaugural Artist’s Retreat

This August, Abbey Art Works presents its first ever four-day Artist’s Retreat, where artists of all skill levels will have the opportunity to experience the tranquility and beauty of Saint Joseph Abbey that has inspired countless others.

Held Monday, August 20th through Friday, August 24th, Abbey Art Works invites painters of any medium to four days of peaceful, quiet painting. Air-conditioned studio space will be available, and artists will be free to work outdoors, weather permitting. The cost of the retreat is $750 ($700 for Guild of St. Luke members) and includes accommodations and meals in the beautiful, newly renovated Christian Life Center just steps from the studio building. Registration is available at www.abbeyartworks.com/events/an-artists-retreat. Abbey Art Works is located at 75376 River Road in Covington. A minimum of 15 is required for the Christian Life Center.

During the retreat, artists can work at their own pace, while also enjoying free time to walk the beautiful Abbey grounds and relax along the pond, mediate in the CLC chapel, take guided tours of the murals in the church and monks’ dining room, and attend evening Vespers with the monks.

Since this retreat is for independent artistic development, no formal painting instruction will be given. Artists will set up their own ‘studio space’ and begin independent work. Easels and tables will be provided but participants are asked to bring their own painting supplies. During the retreat, artists are encouraged to meet and share their creations and ideas with others.

Open studio time will be available each day with Louisiana artist Billie Bourgeois, who has taught drawing and painting realism and abstraction for more than 30 years. Bourgeois is also an instructor at Abbey Art Works and galleries throughout the country represent her work. Visit www.billiebourgeois.com for more information.

Details on the retreat can be found at www.abbeyartworks.com/events/an-artists-retreat.