That's a Wrap

Whew. We have caught our breaths. After a fantastic fall 2014 Art Retreat at the Prairie (Round Top, Texas) and a thrilling winter 2015 Art Retreat in the Desert (Tucson, Arizona), the Vivi Magoo family is ready to start planning again (Prairie November 3-11, 2015/Desert February 2016). However, we first must share all of the highlights of the events as well as our thanks to our students, instructors, and partners for making these events so special. In the near future, we will be setting up photo galleries and archived retreat information so we can all go back and relive the wonderful moments of the retreats anytime we want!

Our visit to the Prairie in November was picturesque. The scenery at The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell set the mood for relaxation, serenity, good conversations, and beautiful art. We had almost 20 classes in mixed media art, jewelry, and fabrics, 7 wonderful instructors, and around 50 talented students. We hope each one of our friends built friendships, learned new skills, and enjoyed time together. We know we did!

In February, we headed to the Tucson desert gathering 200 students for 60 outstanding classes from 16 motivating instructors. We visited the Tucson Bead and Gem Show for shopping and inspiration. We visited tasty restaurants as well as enjoyed the dining options at the Hilton Tucson East. We hope you were able to bottle up and take home the spirit and excitement that was in the air at the retreat and reminisce on it frequently. We always make so many memories with you all.

Thank you all for making VMP so rewarding, enjoyable, and inspirational. We can't wait to see everyone at our next retreat in November 2015 the Art Retreat at the Prairie and hope to meet some new guests to welcome to the family too. We will keep our VMP friends updated as we gather more information on our future events.

With love....

Just over a week now...

:Josie:

A new piece to share with you today,

and a class sample for my newest class

:Impressions:

It is just a bit over a week before we begin our 

inaugural journey at The Prairie!

This newest cuff softly whispers of of the many techniques we will be exploring in 

in this premier two day class I'll be teaching

at The Prairie.

Etching base metals, laying down of solder with our torches, 

stamping, adding texture,

various cold-join techniques,

and exploring some exciting new patina options. 

I am getting so excited and will enjoy meeting new friends 

and making new ones!

See you oh so soon~

diane

Art Retreat at The Prairie

 This is the dining room located in The Ranger Lounge

(above picture courtesy Rachel Ashwell)

at 

Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie B&B.

We will be having breakfast here each morning 

before we begin our classes 

each day.

Today it is EXACTLY three weeks, before we begin an incredible journey together,
and I can hardly believe it.

The very first of many

Art Retreat(s) at The Prairie,

Barb has put together a groovy little get-together 

for Wednesday,

April 25th from 7-8,

where we will be having a little desert & drinks.

We will be able to mingle and meet each other,

as well as visit with the instructors 

before the next FULL day of classes.

AND,

you'll also be able to tour 

The Prairie.

It is truly an amazing venue, 

one you will not want to leave once you arrive.

Just this past Monday, Barb & I got together to discuss last minute details, 

and I don't know about Barb, but I got all fluttery inside 

thinking about how close it was to the day we begin classes.

 Barb is a one of a kind lady, and I feel so blessed to be a part of her team.

Sometimes I just want to pinch myself.

And, I promise you my friends,

you will not be disappointed....

with the classes,

with the instructors,

with the venue,

AND 

most of all...with Barb Solem.
Here's a fun little tour of The Prairie, but this is just a peak.
There really is so much more.
Enjoy!

~diane

Classes at The Prairie

"Crystal Confetti"

Hi, it's Diane Cook.

I'm dropping by to invite you to hop over to The Art Retreat at The Prairie, 

where you'll see that Barb has been adding the classes we will be offering for the jewelry retreat this April.

It is there you will read the full class description for one of my newest classes called

Crystal Confetti.

In this class I will share my creative process for adding some of my favorite components together to design a one of a kind necklace.

I often will begin my designs using a perfectly chosen vintage rhinestone ear bob, 

and that is exactly what we will do in this class.

We will then be adding what I call confetti to design a necklace that you will love to wear.

"Impressions"

This is also a new class of mine, and will be my first time to teach a two day class.

Two days will allow you to have much more time to explore and perfect this technique, allowing you to finally take home a completed piece or two, 

or maybe more.

I do hope you can join me for one of these two classes.

But wait...there's more ;)

Barb is having a GIVEAWAY that you won't want to miss!  You can scroll down to the post below to see all the details, or you can just hit the link here.

All this to celebrate as she opens registration to the premier art event of the year

Art Retreat at The Prairie! 
P.S.....Be sure and follow along here at Vivi Magoo Presents,
as it is HERE where ALL the news for the upcoming retreats begin......

Just thought I’d check in and let you know what’s been happening at Vivi Magoo Presents. 

Lots of behind-the-scenes meetings and planning sessions with...

attorneys

accountants

G-men (yikes!)

Who knew that this new adventure would take so much time and attention to get it right! 

Whew! 

But, get it right I must, so I am being diligent and paying attention to all of the details that will make Vivi Magoo and all of the retreats successful! 

When really....

All I want to do is get fabulous instructors scheduled and open registration for y’all! 

Not my strongest suit when I have a vision and a plan....

Today begins the adventure called Vivi Magoo Presents along with the series of art retreats that I’ll be organizing this next year! I’m so excited ~ I think that everyone is going to LOVE the locations that I’ve chosen and the instructors that I’m lining up are beyond-fantastic!!! My goal is to provide havens where creative women (and men!) can reunite year-after-year, be inspired by others like themselves, create unique art taught by renowned instructors, and be energized by the whole experience. I hope you'll enjoy the journey with me and consider joining in one or more of the art retreats planned for the coming year!