Workshop Resources by Karen Schwenzer

CVWG member-artist Karen Schwenzer offers the following ideas for our Guild members to consider in arranging for external workshops. In addition, several of our member-artists offer local in-person as well as online workshops so check their offerings on our Workshops by Guild Members page.

Art Safari, LTD out of United Kingdom https://artsafari.co.uk/art-holidays/

I’ve never traveled with them before but they offer international trips (Africa, Europe) as well as UK trips. They have been around for decades. I figured I start with a springtime UK workshop, Pembrokeshire Paintbox, which was a plein airwatercolor journaling workshop in SE Wales. Housing, local travel, and some meals were included in the price. Unfortunately, the pandemic nixed this trip for me but I transferred my deposit to some of Art Safari’s four-day virtual workshops which were fantastic. This is a company I’ll keep my eye on for future
international workshops.

Coastal Maine Art Workshops out of Rockland, Maine
https://cmaworkshops.com/

This company has been around for a long time, though I’ve never painted with them. In the past, their workshops tended to fill up early. The original owner just sold the company last year and 2021 is the new owner’s attempt to keep things going. So, I see little red flags. I have seen another company disappear from the international workshop business when the new owner failed to keep things afloat. The workshops don’t officially get the go ahead until 60 days prior, so it is recommended that you be careful with nonrefundable air tickets and the like. Regardless, I reserved a spot for a September plein air watercolor workshop in
Rockland, Maine. Coastal Maine Art Workshops also runs workshops out of Belfast, Maine. Both locations have large indoor studios for inclement weather. I rented a VRBO house on the water and plan on enjoying the post-Labor Day crowds with or without the workshop taking place. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Rebecca Zdybel Studio in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
https://rebeccazartist.com/

I don’t know anything about this company other than what I can see on the website. Rebecca runs classes all year long out of her studio. However, what I’ve signed up for is a 5-day workshop with Rebecca’s guest artist, Janet Rogers, that’s being held in a ballroom at a hotel on the beach. The price is comparable to other big venue, multi-day workshops with a nationally recognized artist. I’ll keep you posted.

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Feel free to reach out to Karen Schwenzer for more information or simply to discuss your own experiences with external workshops.

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Disclaimer: While every endeavor has been made to supply accurate
information, errors and omissions may occur and the various parties may change their offerings at any time. Accordingly, CVWG and Karen Schwenzer do not accept any liability for any loss which may directly or indirectly result from any advice, opinion, information, or omission, contained in this post.