I’ve been an avid reader of nearly everything that Ricë Freeman-Zachery has written for several years simply because I like the way she writes. She writes like I think. She has a friendly “lets sit, talk and be friends” kind of voice. So I knew when I saw “Destination Creativity The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat” I just had to read it. Not only because I like Ricës way of writing but because Art Retreats have been calling out to me for a little while. 
A few things you might want to know about this book:
- Soft cover
- 143 pages
- The book is broken down in chapters based on Art Retreat with some projects scattered throughout.
- There is a Featured Retreats section as well as Quoted Contributors and an Index
- The MSRP is $24.99 (USD) and can be purchased for $15.99 at amazon.com here.
Destination Creativity is a fun adventure with Ricë and her husband Earl (the photographer) who attended many large art retreats over the span of a year. The fun part is that they bring YOU, the reader, along for the ride!
As you can see by the table of contents Ricë and Earl covered A LOT of territory. They started in February 2010 with Art & Soul, Las Vegas and ended with the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX in November.
For each retreat Ricë gives you the WHERE, WHEN, WHO RUNS IT, COST and SIZE for each retreat. She gives you the low down on accommodations, classes, what’s available in the area for down-time, and all sorts of bits of information that will make you feel like you’re suited up, ready to travel AND have a great time!
She also covers some general Art Retreat Attendance Information such as; Deciding which workshops to take, Keeping a Healthy Perspective and Expecting the Unexpected, along with asides about Hosting Art Retreats and Why Local Art Retreats Are Important.
Scattered through out the book are “artist profiles” that give you an idea of the kinds of artists and instructors you might find at an art retreat.
There are five projects in Destination Creativity all of which required more equipment or more bravery than I have on hand. They gave me an idea of some of the classes I might find at an art retreat and definitely whet my appetite to attend a retreat. I think I could muster the courage to try something new with an instructor and a room full of supportive, creative people.
Ricë includes lots of doodles, notes to the reader, a general outline of the happenings at the art retreats she attended plus lots and lots of photos. In fact, the over all impression of this book is that of a travel journal. A very informative travel journal.
So have you wanted to attend an Art Retreat? Why haven’t you? A little nervous? Not sure what to expect? Don’t worry Ricë has you covered. I recommend this to anyone who is planning to attend an upcoming art retreat (but you’d better hurry, a couple of the bigger retreats aren’t being held in 2012 due to the economy!). After reading Destination Creativity you will definitely feel more prepared for the adventure ahead!
(To learn more about Ricë visit her about me page on her blog at Notes from the Voodoo Cafe).
- Pat Catan’s Craft Stores Acquired by Michael’s - February 2, 2016
- Vicki’s CHA Trend Sightings - January 20, 2016
- Vicki’s Favorite Picks from the CHA Top 20 Products - January 10, 2016
- CHA Show 2015: Behind the Scenes with Vicki - January 30, 2015
- CHA 2015 Day 2 - January 20, 2015
- CHA Show 2015 – New Jewelry Products to Watch For - January 19, 2015
- CHA Show 2015: Yarnia - January 15, 2015
- CHA 2015: Day 1 - January 11, 2015
- Craft Product Review: Mod Podge Furniture in 3 Finishes - January 5, 2015
- Trend Report for 2014-2015 – Home Decor - November 26, 2014
I love art retreats! can’t wait to read the book,