Autumn Art Retreat

Art Retreat
Centre Quaker de Congénies

September 24-October 2, 2022

Kate Hale
Our retreat facilitator is Quaker volunteer Kate Hale, an established artist and teacher.
Kate works with drawing, painting, textiles, mosaic, printing, recycled materials and 3D willow. Currently, she uses multi-media to express political and social concerns, textiles, printing and painting alongside recycling clothing to create hooked fabric wall hangings. She has worked with different communities to facilitate the creation of large pieces of art for their environment, involving everyone in the design and making process. Examples include a mosaic seat, rows of flags, willow sculpture, altar cloths and totem poles. She has been an Arts Advisor and for many years trained teachers to teach art.

What’s involved?
The retreat involves five facilitated sessions focussing on art skills and experiences, followed by the chance to paint, draw or photograph “en plein air” in a variety of locations. Kate has experience of helping and encouraging people at all levels, whether absolute beginners or accomplished artists.

Introductions are followed by dinner on Saturday. The art begins on Sunday afternoon. The last facilitated session is on Thursday. Each weekday there is a trip to a local place of interest. There is the option to explore the area independently or just relax in our beautiful garden. We have bikes available and the opportunity to go swimming. In the evenings we share a three-course meal and there is an optional evening activity.

Each weekday morning there is a short Quaker meeting for worship which to which everyone is welcome. All aspects of the retreat are optional. This is your retreat so you decide what you want to do and when you just want to relax, wander or work independently.

Our guests often stay on to continue making art or to walk, cycle or go sightseeing.

The Accommodation
Our accommodations are simple and comfortable. Some rooms are en-suite, some share bathroom facilities. We have rooms available on the ground floor to ensure ease of access for guests with mobility problems and we have a shower room adapted for guests with disabilities. The meeting room has a piano which guests are welcome to play. We have a large attractive garden with many sunny and shady spaces.

The Food
We offer a buffet breakfast each morning from 8.30 am. At lunchtime the lunches generally consist of a salad, a quiche or other savoury dish, a dessert, fresh fruit and drink. In the evening there is a three-course meal with wine. Throughout the day there are a selection of teas and coffee available as well as biscuits and fruit. We can accommodate vegetarian and gluten free diets upon request.

To Book or Contact us:

Amy and Chamba Cooke, amis-residents
Email: centre.quaker.congenies@gmail.com
Phone : +33 (0)4 66 71 46 41

Maison Quaker
11, Avenue des Quakers
30111 Congénies, France

Website : http://www.maison-quaker-congenies.org/

The Cost

Facilitated Programme: 6 nights – 715€ private / 625€ shared accommodation, includes all meals, transport to local sites, accommodation
Additional Days: 92€ per day private / 68€ per day shared accommodation includes accommodation, transport to local sites, breakfasts and evening meals.
Deposit: 200€ per person, balance payable 8 weeks before arrival. You can pay by euro currency cheque or bank transfer in euro or we can take a cheque in your own currency which we will hold and return to you in exchange for euro cash when you arrive.

Deposits are refundable in the event of the retreat being cancelled by Centre Quaker or as a result of Covid-19.

Amy & Chamba Cooke,amis-résidents
Maison Quaker
11, Avenue des Quakers
30111 Congenies, France
Phone +33 (0)4 66 71 46 41
http://www.maison-quaker-congenies.org/