the makerie at chautauqua

i just returned from one of the best things i've ever let myself do:  an art retreat in boulder, colorado!  as i've mentioned in earlier posts, ali dejohn runs the makerie (www.themakerie.com) and brings together fantastic, creative teachers from across the nation.  we stayed in cottages at Chautauqua, which was an adult education movement popular in the 19th and early 20th century.  i can't tell you what a treat it was for this art teacher to be an art student for a while, indulging myself in a blockprinting class (www.samantha-hirst.com) and the art of letterpress (www.birddogpress.com).  yes, the temperature ranged from approximately 14-57 while i was there, but that didn't stop the sun from warming us at the perfect moment for picnics on the lawn.  and, as much as i love portland, it was great fun to explore pearl street, rent a b-bike, and hike near the flatirons.  we were provided with delicious food, morning yoga, and a bevy of artistic company the entire time.  maybe someday i'll run a northwest version of this retreat, but for now it was just fun to attend!