Spring Art Retreat

Art Retreat
Centre Quaker de
Congénies

May 28-June 3

Erik Dries
Our retreat facilitator is Erik Dries, who also facilitated the retreat in the Autumn 2021. Erik has explored watercolour, acrylic, digital, and drawing media in his life as an artist. He has transformed the children’s room at his local Quaker meetinghouse with trees and animals on the four walls and the ceiling, and has made a comic book on Quakers (translated in English and Tsjech, other translations on the way). He has also made games, calendars, postcards, and bookmarks for Quakers, Stop Fueling War, and publications.

What’s involved?
The retreat involves five facilitated sessions, followed by the chance to paint, draw or photograph “en plein air” in a variety of locations. Erik is able to help and encourage people at all levels, whether absolute beginners or accomplished artists.

Introductions are followed by dinner on Saturday. The art begins on Sunday afternoon. 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 meeting for worship which some guests like to attend.
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/

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.