SHELLMOUTH

ART

RETREAT 2018

August 12 - 19  

 

 

 

 

ENJOY A WEEK OF CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION

WITH ARTISTS IN THE PEACEFUL AND PICTURESQUE

ASSINIBOINE RIVER VALLEY

 

    

 

HISTORY OF THE SHELLMOUTH ART RETREAT:

 

In 1985, Jan attended the Emma Lake Art Retreat in northern Saskatchewan.   This positive and life-changing experience inspired her to pursue her passion for painting.  A full-time teaching career and the demands of growing children made it difficult to attend another retreat.  As a result, she decided to create a retreat.

The first Retreat, consisting of twelve artists was held at Jan’s home on the Assiniboine River Valley in 1997. The interest shown for the retreat idea soon made it necessary to move to a larger venue.  The first Shellmouth Art Retreat was held in 1999.  Shellmouth, set on banks of the Assiniboine River Valley, ten miles north of the Layh farm, seemed the perfect spot.  The quiet little hamlet with its two quaint churches, small cottages and surrounding countryside provided the ideal surroundings to inspire creativity.  So annually, in August, the community hall is transformed into a studio space that can accommodate up to 30 artists.

The Shellmouth Retreat is a non-instructional retreat - there is no formal instruction.  However, the artists learn much from each other.   Techniques and materials are readily shared.  Artists paint in watercolour, acrylic and oil.  Photographers and sculptors also attend the retreat along with musicians and song-writers.   It is a venue for any art form.   The great value of a retreat setting is that it provides a place and a time for artists to create away from the hectic responsibilities of life.   Artists feed off each others’ energy and leave the retreat inspired and reinvigorated in their creative quests.  One of the goals of the retreat is to provide an opportunity for artists to collaborate.  Every year artists work together to create pieces of art work.  These collaborations are between two or more people in every manner of subject and media.  It is interesting and exciting participating in this process or watching artists work on a single piece bringing to the work their techniques, skills and experiences.      

Past retreats have seen artists from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba attend.  In order to minimize registration costs, artists take turns cooking meals.  The benefit is not only in minimizing the costs but in providing fabulous cuisine.   Most artists stay on site in tents and campers to minimize travel time and stay immersed in the retreat setting every hour of the day and night. It is preferable that artists attend for the entire week to properly get to know each other and to benefit from the week-long experience.

 

 

MATERIALS:

Artists are responsible for bringing their own supplies including a ground sheet to cover their floor space. 

 

COST: $150

The registration fee MUST BE PAID IN FULL by JULY 10. This fee includes daily breakfast, juice, coffee, tea and snacks.  It also includes all meals.  However . . .

meals will be prepared by the artists who attend.  Two or three artists are responsible to make one meal during the week.  The studio has a well-equipped kitchen with a freezer.  Artists will be informed of the meal schedule well ahead of time so arrangements can be made with cooking partners.

Saturday evening there is an exhibition of retreat work which is open to the public. It is an opportunity for artists and guests to enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians who have participated in the retreat.

WHERE IS SHELLMOUTH?   DIRECTIONS:

Shellmouth is located in the Assiniboine River Valley 15 minutes north of Russell, Manitoba. From Russell go North on hwy. #83. Turn West on # 482.  Continue 8 kms West. Continue west on #549 turning West on the curve) until you reach your destination. The first turn will bring you to the retreat setting.....or simply turn on your GPS!                                                                         

 

ACCOMMODATIONS:    

• On-site camping is FREE ($5/day for electricity)

• Russell:  Russell  Inn (773-2168) &  Jolly Lodger(773-2177)

• Langenburg: Country Inn Motel (306)773-2638

• Bear Creek B & B (204)564-2696

• Shellmouth B & B (204)564-2106

• Barn in the Bush B & B (204)773-0019  barninthebush@hotmail.com

 

TO REGISTER:            

 Send a cheque for $150 to:

JAN  LAYH

BOX 304,   LANGENBURG, SASK.

email: janlayh@mymts.net

Phone:  (204) 773-2814 (home)

             (306) 496-7055 (cel)

 

 

 

 

2017 RETREAT

PARTICPANTS