This year's retreat highlights in Dahlonega

The gallery had the opportunity to partner with Angela to create our second creative retreat. Our destination was in the Appalachian mountains in North Georgia which proved to be one of the most peaceful spaces I have ever been.

Along with 8 women from around the country, we spent a weekend creating artwork with Angela and her assistant Amy. Angela started our weekend off with a morning workshop to create wooden collages in her style.

From seemingly random shapes made from wood block, each person was able to create their own piece. From flowers to eyeballs to Picasso-inspired faces, no two pieces were alike. The majority of people on the retreat were not professional artists but showed up fully open to the process and to learning and expressing themselves. It was a lovely thing to watch.

The next day’s workshop was lead by Atlanta-based artist Jessica Durrant guiding us through moody watercolor paintings. By the second day, people felt more comfortable to “go rogue” and create whatever they felt inclined to make.

Outside of making we were able to get away to a stunning winery for lunch in Dahlonega and got the chance to hike to a beautiful waterfall in a local state park. We even managed to get to the top past the sign that warned us of “175 strenuous steps.” A highlight for me was the chance to see Angela’s home in Gainesville which is truly a monument to her incredible style. Color, pattern, and really clever ideas abound throughout the space.

I am so thankful for the chance to spend four days in a gorgeous area, with incredible women while making art. It filled my cup and renewed my energy to create.

If you’d like to ever rent Angela’s riverhouse arts retreat you can find the airbnb link here. If you’d like to receive information on joining us on our next creative retreat, please send your email address to hello@lizlidgett.com and we will add you to the list when the next trip is announced.