My recent retreat to Colleen Attara’s cottage studio offered a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stepping onto the historic farm is like entering a creative sanctuary, a place where time seems to slow down, and the worries of the world melt away. It's an opportunity to detach from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with your inner artist.

From the moment I turned onto the property, I felt myself relaxing. Surrounded by corn fields on both sides, it truly felt like I stepped back in time. I had a vision for what it would be like and it was so much more.

The Retreat Schedule

Our days were thoughtfully planned to maximize the creative experience. It began with a memorable dinner on the farm, under the twinkling lights, setting the stage for the weekend. Each day brought new opportunities for creativity, both inside and outside the studio. From a flea market field trip for treasure hunting to sharing our works and finishing our projects, the schedule was a testament to the dedication of Colleen in making this retreat extraordinary. From the homemade Pierogies to the caramel apples, Colleen made everything special.

The Power of Connection

One of the most magical aspects of the retreat is the sense of connection that forms among participants. As we gather in this serene environment, our shared passion for art and creativity brings us together in a unique way. It's not just about learning artistic techniques; it's about forging bonds with fellow creatives who become friends and cheerleaders on our artistic journey. Even if it is for just a few days, it is meaningful.

We had such a wonderful time, filled with laughter, shared stories, and deep connections. We started as strangers, but by the end of our time together, we had become fast friends. I won't mention names, but when the stuffed Lego Astronauts made their surprise appearance, it was a heartwarming sign that our bond had truly formed. 🤣

An Intimate and Transformative Gathering

The intimate nature of these retreats is a defining feature. Everyone who attends forms a deep connection, and there's a sense that a profound creative transformation occurs within each of us. It's like creating a safe haven where we're free to explore and experiment with an abundance of materials. The studio, which belongs to our gracious host, becomes an extension of ourselves.

Colleen's generosity knows no bounds as she opens her heart and shares her exquisite array of art supplies with an open hand. If there was something we needed, chances are she had it readily available. It felt like both a shopping spree and a creative odyssey rolled into one delightful experience.

The Joy of Creative Play

I experienced such joy in creative play. The emphasis on mixed media and art journaling serves as a reminder that the journey itself is often more significant than the final creation. Colleen encouraged us to “not plan” but to let things unfold intuitively.

We had high winds and erratic weather the last couple of days so I found a small little space in which to work inside the studio. Colleen told me that in all her years teaching in this space no one has ever done that:

The Magic of the Setting

The retreat's location on a 237-acre historic farm was nothing short of magical. The natural beauty that surrounded us, the fresh, invigorating air, and the quaint cottage studio all combined to create a setting where creativity truly knows no bounds. Nature's influence on our work was undeniable, and I found inspiration in every leaf that gently fell around us. In fact, I found some cool moss covered twigs that made the journey home with me.

The lovely space is surrounded by corn fields and hundreds, if not thousands of geese, put on a show for us each evening. Colleen brings the lovely feel of her studio space into the outdoors so we feel comfortable and at home inside or out.

**Some of my favorite art bits from the weekend: cyanotypes, tape transfer and stitched collages.**

A Revived Creative Spirit

As I reflect on this retreat, I can't help but feel the rekindling of my creative spirit. It served as a reminder that art isn't just about what we create but the journey we embark on, the people we meet, and the places we explore.

This October weekend was not merely a getaway; it was a soul-rejuvenating experience. I might even have some ideas for what I want to do next year for The 100 Day Project.

**Some of my favorite art bits from the weekend: cyanotypes and stitched collages.**

My journey on that historic farm has been one of self-discovery, creative expansion, and lasting connections. If you're seeking to revive your creative spirit and embrace your inner artist, Colleen’s retreats promise an experience that will stay with you long after the leaves have fallen or flowers bloom.

If you're seeking a way to discover your own creative bliss and enjoy creative play with no rules or boundaries, I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on a similar artistic adventure at Colleen’s cottage studio.

Would I go again if I had the opportunity? 100% yes!

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