Recap: NorVA Retreat 2014

Submitted by Sarah Trevor
NorVA’s Fourth Annual Retreat  brought fresh ideas and several surprises for the nineteen participants who gathered at Bakers Narrows Lodge, August 17 – 24.
A first for our retreats came when author Maggie Siggins suggested a soiree and encouraged Myrna, Linda Sonnenberg Jackson and Sarah to read their writing.
An innovative idea of a wilderness retreat at Camp Whitney was proposed and we had a chance to travel by houseboat to see the potential of this spot. A sea-doo rescued the boat providing gas to complete the return journey, racking up the excursion’s drama.
 St Martin artist Audrey Lute captured the drama of yurt living during a night thunderstorm. Her vision of this event can be viewed at the Square Foot Canvas Auction.
 Sharing was evident throughout the week. Did Myrna need adhesive for her antique assemblages?  It appeared. A palette knife? Betty had one. NorVA’s new press came to the retreat and Winnipeg artist Pauline Braun gave Karen hands-on instruction. Pauline also provided a demo on fixing paper to canvas. Karen held a Square Foot Canvas demonstration, and children connected with the lodge, Eden and Kenneth, enjoyed four days of art experimentation, each producing batiks to be proud of.
Support is a hallmark of  NorVA. With yurts and camping in Baker’s Narrows Park and the cabins and spacious covered work area provided by Bakers Narrows Lodge, this is an encouraging and affordable event, well worth considering for a first retreat experience.