Private Group Retreats

 

Perhaps your group is looking for a quiet, lovely place to get together. In addition to our list of Scheduled

Retreat-Workshops, we can provide a Private Retreat for your small group. Full Circle Retreat is a great place to

gather, and explore a creative interest together. Your group may choose from one of the workshops listed below

or a custom combination may be possible. Private Retreat-Workshops range in price according to content,

instructor, number of people, time of year, etc. Catering for groups is available upon request.

Please contact Kathleen@FullCircleRetreat.com to coordinate a retreat for your group.

 

Private Retreat-Workshop Options:

Art-Creativity/Spiritual

Art-Studio Arts

Traditional Crafts

Music/Writing/Movement

 

 

Art-Creativity/Spiritual

Waking Up To Spirit Through Art

Kathleen Grittner

Creativity is an inborn, natural ability available to all of us. Art-making is a way to

dip into the creative realm of the infinite and to live more fully from a place of

passion, wisdom and spirit. I will guide you in image making exercises that

facilitate the playful and spontaneous creative process. No previous art experience

is necessary.

When we make art in a spirit of non-judgmental spontaneity, we surrender to the

creative process and allow ourselves to be open and receptive to the creative energy

all around us. Experience for yourself how these practices make visible your inherent intuitive wisdom, expand

your awareness, and deepen our experience of being human.

 

 

 

Art As Spiritual Practice

Kathleen Grittner

”The heart of the spiritual path is the longing to know and to be our true and

authentic self. This has been the motivation of thousands who have gone before

you and will come after you. The true self that we long for is who you really are.”

                                                                                                       Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Many spiritual traditions teach us that the peace, happiness and love we seek is

already within us and that infinite wisdom is always amoungst us. Eckhart Tolle

describes this as "the aliveness that is all around you no matter where you are.”

One way to practice becoming more aware and open to this “aliveness” is through

the process of making art. When we approach art making as a practice of listening and receiving, we invite an

experience of the fullness of the present moment.---True prayer is listening.

During this retreat weekend we will practice spontanious, process-oriented art making methods, that bypass the

planning, thinking mind and the ego’s desire to control the outcome. Combined with other contemplative practices,

such as simple breathing and movement meditations, we will explore some of the ways that we can connect with

that dimention of depth within ourselves, where our authenic self lives. As we integrate these tools for expression,

meditation and exploration into our everyday ordinary life, we continue to open ourselves to greater awareness,

clarity and balance in all aspects of our lives and to all that we are. No previous art experience required.

 

 

 
Art As Medicine: Healing Mind, Body and Spirit

Kathleen Grittner

Medicine in the Native American tradition refers to “anything which brings personal

power, strength and understanding” This includes the healing of body, mind and of spirit.

Medicine is also “anything that improves one’s connection to the Great Mystery and to all

Life”. (from Medicine Cards-Jamie Sams and David Carson-Bear & Company).  Making art can be one

of the “anythings”---medicine.

Images are the language of the soul, of our right brain, of our intuitive knowing, we

naturally respond to them. Inspired by the Native American tradition of Medicine Cards,

during this workshop you will create your own personal medicine cards. This art process

helps us to become more aware of the messages and wisdom offered to us everyday as we

seek health, happiness,and wholeness. Our images reflect to us what we know and what our spirits need to learn

on this great human adventure we call life.

”Power lies in the wisdom and understanding of one’s role in the Great Mystery, and in honoring every living thing as a teacher.”

 

 

 

The Artist’s Way

Kathleen Grittner

Many of us sense that we are more creative and wish we were more creative, but are

unsure how to tap into that creativity. Many of us long to feel more free. The Artist’s Way

is a specific process designed to free your creativity, described in the book by Julia

Cameron, The Artist’s Way, A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self.

Although you can work through the program alone, doing it with others provides support

and encouragement for this exhilarating, challenging, playful, rewarding work.

At The Artist’s Way retreats here at Full Circle Retreat you will have the opportunity to give

focused attention to your creative self; your true nature. Through experiential art-making and writing exercises, we

will explore many of the themes in the book. Creativity is something available to everyone, an experience that we

can intentionally invite into our lives. This retreat is an intensive, guided encounter with your own creativity.

So no matter if you have started The Artist’s Way at some point, or have never heard of it, this is an opportunity

to practice some of the specific tools and methods outlined in this process.

Join us in supporting yourself and others in “practicing the art of creative living.” “No matter what your age or your

life path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it is not too late or too egotistical or too

selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.”--A quote from Julia Cameron’s inspiring book, The Artist’s Way.

 

 

 

Visual Journaling

Kathleen Grittner

Journaling is something you do and keep for yourself. It is a kind of cross-training for

the brain that results in a more integrated thought process that facilitates clearer and

deeper understanding, useful for however you want to apply it in everyday life.

Visual journaling is a dynamic process of working with images-- the language of the

right brain, to tap into it’s often neglected gifts and abilities.--a way of knowing

beyond logic and words. This process requires no formal art or writing experience.

During this retreat we will practice some of the visual art and writing methods that

I have found beneficial. You can use them to begin or expand a journaling practice of your own. You will have

plenty of time to relax and journal.

 

 

 

Shrines and Altars: Collage/Assemblage

Kathleen Grittner

Through the process of collage and assemblage; finding, collecting and arranging, you

will create a shrine or altarpiece. The intention for your shrine will be your guide. Fill it

with things that make you happy and images that inspire you. Celebrating the beautiful

things of this earth remind us of our creator.

Images of gods and goddess can remind us of the need to stay spiritually centered and

of the qualities we aspire to. Shrines and altars are a place to give thanks, and to

honor our animal and spirit guides and those who have been important and supportive

to us on your life journey.

Transform a collection of stuff you like--personal photos, color photocopies, magazine,

pictures, objects--small figurines and statues, toys, game pieces, keys, stones, twigs, feathers, sea treasures,

embellishments--buttons, beads, ribbon, glitter, decorative papers etc.--into a beautiful personal shrine.

 

 

 

Mandalas: A Centering Practice

Kathleen Grittner

The word Mandala is from Sanskrit, the classical Indian language, translated broadly

means circle. Circles are found in all of life and nature. They symbolize continuation,

wholeness and the interconnectedness of all things.

Making a Mandala is a centering practice in which we invite the fundamental pattern

of order and wholeness, the web of life that supports and sustains us. It is a way to

create a sacred space that connects us to deeper wisdom.

This workshop offers you an opportunity to develop your own approach to using

the mandala as a tool for exploration, meditation and expression. We will create mandalas using a variety of natural

and art materials, from sticks and stones, to watercolor, oil pastels and paint. By creating your own spontaneous and

personal mandalas you will deepen your experience of this centering practice. No prior art experience is required.

“Everything belongs in the circle where we are all one, all connected. The circle teaches us to see the bigger picture. It is always moving and evolving.”-Elena Avila

 

 

 

Creating Labyrinths

Lisa Gidlow-Moriarty

This retreat-workshop offers you the opportunity to explore the ancient symbol of the

labyrinth and learn of its rich and diverse history spanning the world and thousands

of years. Lisa has studied, traveled to and designed labyrinths for many years. Her

passion for labyrinths makes her a knowledgeable and inspiring resource for learning

about traditional practices as well as contemporary uses.

Your group may also choose to experience the process of making a labyrinth by

creating a temporary outdoor labyrinth together. Lisa will also provide guidance and

materials for you to make an individual tabletop canvas labyrinth for your personal use that reflect the symbols,

colors and images of your choice.

Throughout your retreat, there will be plenty of time for contemplation and for you to walk the outdoor labyrinth near

the steam at Full Circle Retreat.

More about Lisa at: www.pathsofpeace.com

 

 

 

Drum Making and Other Ancient Circles

Lisa Gidlow-Moriarty and Kathleen Grittner

Handheld frame drums are one of the oldest musical instruments. The rituals

of the earliest known religions evolved around the beat of the frame drum.

Drumming remains a powerful spiritual experience.

In this workshop you will make a deer-skin frame drum for yourself. We will

also explore other ancient circles such as the labyrinth and the mandala, both

forms of art and centering meditation practice. You will have the opportunity

to creatively experience these ancient circles and paint your drum if you like.

There is an outdoor labyrinth near the stream at Full Circle Retreat that you may walk any time during your retreat.

Your group may also drum outdoors while walking the labyrinth or drum around a fire.

 

 

 

SoulCollage® 

Audrey Chowdhury

Explore Your Wide Inner Spaces Through SoulCollage. Let the simple art of collage and

transport you to the rich and wonderful world inside of you! Let your creativity emerge

your soul speak through imagery. No art experience or skill required. Using your intuition

and imagination, you will create 5”X 8” “card” collages, each reflecting one of the many

facets of the gem that is your True Self. The process begins with a guided imagery to

music, and is followed by selecting images and then simply arranging, cutting, and gluing

the images onto a backing. The voice of the images will be your guide.

In this fully supported, sacred space, we will access the wisdom of the SoulCollages®

through a thoughtful, guided group process that we create in community. You will leave

this weekend retreat with a new creative and spiritual practice that you can continue on

your own. Most participants find that they are hooked on the process after making their

first card! All materials supplied. Bring magazines if you wish.

SoulCollage® is a process developed by Seena Frost of Santa Cruz, CA. SoulCollage® is a unique blend of spirituality, psychotherapy, and

creativity. Audrey Chowdhury traineded with and has been certified by Seena Frost to facilitate this process.

Audrey is the only certified facilitator of SoulCollage® in Wisconsin.

 

 

 
Medicine Dolls: Making Healing Dolls

Barb Kobe

Dolls have been used for the purpose of healing in many cultures. The act of making a

doll can help you to heal at a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. When you

are physically ill, in pain, dealing with emotional issues, or challenged by a life changing

event, you can start to heal yourself with art by opening up to your inner voices, listening

to them, and allowing their messages to emerge. The essential process of healing

yourself with artmaking is one involving creating change so that you can become more

conscious and restore your connection to your intuition and your soul.

This dollmaking retreat experience will take you through a creative process toward a goal

of healing an aspect of yourself and/or your life. Your intention drives the process and

keeps you focused. Your journal becomes the record keeper and provides a place for you to dialog with your creations

and connect with your intuitive wisdom.

More about Barb and her work at: www.barbkobe.com

 

 

 

Art-Studio Arts

Art Materials: An Art Media Discovery Workshop

Kathleen Grittner

Remember the fun you had before your where “taught” how to make art? The

pure joy of making marks, doodling and trying new things just to see what

happens? This relaxing workshop is an opportunity to play around with a variety

of art materials. Tecniques will be demonstrated using different kinds of pastels,

chalks, papers and paints. You can then try them out and discover for yourself

how they work and what you can do with them. You will have lots of time to

experiment with the ones that most intrigue you and to discover what materials best suit your individual expression

 

 

 

Art For The Truly Terrified

Kathleen Grittner

Let yourself re-discover the pure fun of making marks, making a mess, playing with color and the joy of just seeing

what happens. In this relaxing workshop, we will play around with different kinds of art materials and tecniques.

You will be guided through a series of fun exercises that will allow you to experiment with a variety of art media and

re-aquaint yourself with the visual elements of art; line, shape, color, texture. Even if you think that you are not

creative and have no artistic skills, you will discover the artist in you!

 

 

 

Art Journals

Kathleen Grittner

An Art Journal can take many forms. It can be a simple notepad or sketchbook that

you carry around in your pocket or it may be bound or unbound pages of any size, or

an existing book that you alter and embellish in some way. They can serve many

purposes as well. The intent of your journal/sketchbook/notepad is entirely up to

you.  A place to record random thoughts, ideas, information, impressions, feelings,

events, projects, what you eat maybe …and/or a place to explore new ideas, old

ideas, questions, insights, possibilities, drawing, painting, songs, color, poems,

marks, art materials, circles, birds, your right brain, your dream images…

Art Journals are ultimately a place where you can explore your interests, express yourself and experiment freely with

out the pressure to make a finished, beautiful, or sellable product. What you create in your journal may end up being

artistic--or not--it doesn’t matter. The nature of a journal is that it inspires your work, the most essential work of art

being…your life.

This workshop is an opportunity for you to try out some ways of expressing yourself artistically. We will use a variety

of art materials and methods that will “jumpstart” your unique creative process. No previous art experience required.

 

 

 

Oil Painting: Landscape/Portrait Painting

Kathie Wheeler

Kathie will provide your group with classical studio art intruction in portrait

or landscape painting. The workshop will include a discussion and

demonstration of Kathie’s classical approach to painting a portrait or a landscape

as well as plenty of time to paint. You will receive instruction in composition,

color, paint application and drawing and lots of individual guidance.

All skill-levels welcome.

See Kathie’s paintings at: www.kathiewheeler.com

 

 

 

Experimental Drawing

Kay Brathol-Hostvet

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” -- Pablo Picasso

Drawing is one of the most elemental forms of communication throughout human

culture, and the foundation for all of the visual arts. This workshop is for those

who want to expand upon their drawing abilities, gain more pleasure in the

drawing process, and work at developing an individual drawing style. Kay will

challenge you to take that next step! We will explore using mixed media,

gestural and expressive mark-making, exaggeration, distortion, and co-operative

drawing. This is a process-oriented workshop where we will work both intuitively and cerebrally; come with an open

mind! Some materials will be provided by the instructor; a supply list will be sent to you.

 

 

 

Watercolor: An Exploration

Ashley Marie Rajkovic

Watercolor is an exciting medium to explore, offering a variety of approaches.

The focus of the workshop will be on “learning the language” of watercolor,

an exploration of techniques and possibilities. Join us for one, two or all

three days of this relaxing workshop. You will be guided through a series of

exercises that will allow you to experience the techniques of watercolor

painting and become comfortable with paint, paper and brushes.

Whether you are a beginner, or want to refresh your previous experience with

watercolor, come, share the enjoyment of painting and explore your personal expression. In addition to working in

the studio, you will have the opportunity to paint outdoors in this beautiful rural setting, surrounded by blooming

gardens and inspiring landscapes.

 

 

 

Traditional Crafts

Knitting Socks:

Kathleen Grittner

Kathleen will teach you how to knit those big cozy winter socks to wear after

skiing as you sit by the fire or anytime your relaxing. You will learn the

fundamentals of knitting socks by making an “Around the House” sock. Using

the bigger needles is a fun and easy way to learn the steps and techniques

involved. Then you can transfer your new skills to socks made with smaller

needles and other knitting projects.

You will need approximately 250 yards of bulky weight yarn and a set of#10

double-pointed needles. Brown Sheep Bulky wool or Wool-Ease Chunky weight yarn work well for this sock. Wood or

Bamboo needles are preferable. You will also need a sharp scissors, small ruler and a tapestry needle. The pattern

will be provided. Basic knitting skills (knit, purl, cast on) are required.

 

 

 

Rug Hooking: Hooked Mittens, Faces and Other Projects    

Tish Murphy

Tish Murphy has been rug hooking for more than 20 years and is the owner of

Tish-Kits. She can be your guide for a rug hooking retreat for groups up to 8.

Tish teaches workshops for beginners and advanced rug hookers. One of her

specialties is hooking faces. Tish-Kits can be available for you to choose from.

All you need is a hook, hooking frame or embroidery hoop, a sharp scissors

and the desire to have a pleasant, relaxing time away with friends.

More about Tish at: www.tishkits.com

 

 

 

Stamp Carving and Printing

Kathleen Grittner

Do you want to carve your own rubber stamps? In this workshop you will learn how to

create stamps that are uniquely yours. Hand-carved stamps have an unmistakable charm

and personal quality that you cannot get from commercially produced stamps. Using

simple materials you will quickly learn how easy and fun carving your own stamps is. This

versatile art form has many applications from collage projects to printing your own papers,

fabrics and furniture as well as decorative wall surfaces.

Carve stamps for yourself and experiment with the many different uses for them.

The rubber carving material, carving tools and printing supplies will be during

available the workshop.

 

 

 

Beadwork: Flat Peyote Stitch

M’Lou Wilkie

Using Japanese Delica seed beads to make a bracelet, you will learn the basic

peyote stitch. This is a technique using beads and thread without a loom.

You will learn the flat peyote stitch as well as the many variations on the

peyote stitch including, tubular peyote stitch and beaded beads. You will also

learn how to read a pattern. This class could be a starting point for many

years of beading passion!

 

 

 

Bead Loom Weaving

M’Lou Wilkie

This is a great class for beginning beaders who would like an enjoyable and relaxing way to create something.

beautiful. Using size 11 seed beads, you can create colorful and traditional beaded designs that can be used to

embellish clothing, as hatbands, or sew your beaded strips to leather and make a bracelet or choker

M’Lou can teach you the basics of bead loom weaving and you will be on your way to the joy of beading.

 

 

 

Music/Writing/Movement

Writing Retreat: Writing A Way Home

Deb Biechler

Writing is a powerful tool to discover your own wisdom, truth and beauty. When

you give yourself over to the process, your pen becomes a road that connects you

to your deepest self and to others. During this retreat, you will create a “seed

journal” of ideas to “grow” into writing. These seeds will come from your everyday

experiences and can be developed into one of the many genres or styles we will

explore during our time together.

The workshop will include instruction, time to write, time to dream, time to relax and share. This empowering

workshop will nurture and reassure beginning writers as well as refresh and inspire writers who are experienced.

A specific writing retreat can be customized for your group.

 

 

 

Musical Soul Journey: Integrative Breathwork

Deepening Into The Psyche Through Music and Art Making

Audrey Chowdhury

This is a special opportunity to experience the power of music and art to unlock your inner

wisdom and activate your heart of compassion. You will experience a "musical soul journey”

in a fully supported, sacred space followed by art making that continues, and concretizes

the experience. Most participants find that they leave the experience feeling more

authentic and connected to themselves, and better able to be effective in the world.

At the surface of our psyche we are individuals with a personal biography. At the depths

of our psyche we discover we are sacred, holistic beings, both human and divine. There are

layers in between that reveal amazing knowledge of who we are in the various dimensions

of consciousness. These dimensions of consciousness can be accessed through the musical

journeying process called Integrative Breathwork.

Integrative Breathwork is a powerful healer that opens the psyche using the breath and evocative music. The

experience removes us from our ordinary state of consciousness, where we are anchored by how we see and hear.

By altering these factors, our egos "recede” allowing us to open to healing and often inspirational experiences.

These musical journeys unveil the psyche's treasures that lead us from fragmentation to wholeness. Many who

experience this sacred group work feel they have "come home" to their True Self.

This workshop is limited to 8 participants.

 

 

 
Metaphors That Move You: A Tai Ji and Art Retreat

Lisa Schlingerman

Engage in your unique relationship to the natural rhythms of the universe with Tai Ji

and art. Experience the five elements of nature, fire, water, wood/wind, metal and earth

in a beautiful rural setting, while you practice a tranquil, informal form of Tai Ji.

Originating from Taoism, this form of Tai Ji is a slow series of graceful, dance-like

movements that imitate the five elements and symbolize the cycles of life. These

elements are moving metaphors that inspire kinesthetic awareness in the body.

Five-Elements Tai Ji complements artistic expression by inspiring us to express visually

the forces of nature within and around us. Participants will open to the universality of life,

moving and making art that describes their sensations of fire, water, wood/wind, metal

and earth. This dynamic approach of movement and art sustains the source of energy and

brings to light images that truly express the body, heart, and mind. No experience in Tai Ji or art necessary.

 

 

 

 

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