Chapter 1: It was a dark and stormy night . . .

Hi all my new artist friends!  My name is Chris Eisenberg and I am the chief imagineer of the Autumn Artist Retreat.  I wanted to introduce myself and share the motivation and inspiration that has guided me to develop the premiere jeweler's retreat in the Pacific Northwest. 

Last summer was definitely a dark and stormy time in my life, as I left my family and my job for months on end to be with my brother who was terminally ill.  My art had sustained me while I was recovering from a traumatic accident a few years prior and here too, it brought me so much peace in these difficult days with Jeff. 

my big brother Jeff and me

One day I found an ad online for a beading retreat that was being held that fall in Michigan and realized just how desperately I needed a break.  It was so exciting to visualize my time in this cozy place with like minded people learning and making beautiful things, but I eventually discovered that with all the expenses combined, I could not afford to make this happen for myself. Not one to be easily discouraged, I began researching art retreats in my home state of Washington and was shocked and disappointed to discover that there were none.  So I decided to make one!

Finding the right place was easy as there just is no other place more magical in this state than Suncadia.  I knew the amazing Inn well after having played a number of recitals there (I am actually a classically trained pianist in disguise!)  I vividly remember the soothing atmosphere of coziness and peace that emanates from every wall, and the sense of wellbeing and empowerment one feels upon waking from a good night's rest.  Walking along the miles of paths in this forested setting works wonders to refresh the spirit and motivate creativity.  Amazing food prepared by world class chefs fuels both mind and body in preparation for the adventures ahead.  I had no doubt that Suncadia was the perfect setting for our retreat!

Selecting and securing the instructors that would complement Suncadia's atmosphere and enhance the participants creative experience was considerably more difficult.  Even though the Pacific Northwest has many incredible artists that fit just that description, I definitely wanted the very best in this first year to set the standard high for all future events   I had taken a couple of Tracy Stanley's classes and was as smitten with her as a person as I was with learning her art.  In my mind, I  just had to have her on board to make this endeavor the success that I hoped it would be.  The stars aligned . . . she accepted!!!  With her acceptance I got all the wealth of her experience and contacts which allowed me to find Sarah Thompson.  I have never had the privilege to study with Sarah, but one look at her amazing work and I knew that I really wanted and needed to have her on board also.  My luck held . . . she too accepted!  With both these amazing master artists on the team, the dark and stormy night was finally subsiding and my sun began to rise! 

Now the only thing missing to make this an unforgettable event is YOU!  You, who spend countless, stolen minutes and hours practicing and perfecting your art.  This is an invitation to join us in a peaceful paradise, make new friends, eat good food and learn incredible things from amazing people.  Space is limited to the capacity of Suncadia's intimate Inn setting.  In addition to enjoying all the excitement planned for this October, participants in the inaugural event will also receive early registration privileges for next year's retreat.  Come join us for the 1st annual Autumn Artist Retreat.  It is going to be amazing and you know you deserve it!!!