OAKHURST — Two local nonprofit organizations have banded together in order to produce a collaborative event and the public, from near and far, is invited to join in. Registration is now open for Yosemite Western Artists (YWA) Interpreting Yosemite Artist Retreat & Creative Event at the Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO).
There are two ways to join in. In each case, participants may enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park. In one instance, they may do so while learning the art of “en plein air” from some of YWA’s best art instructors — or — participants may take the traditional and very inspiring icon painting classes from a master iconographer..
Watercolor painters will be guided by Rita Adams, and acrylic painters by Trowzers Akimbo, as students in both mediums paint the phenomenal vistas of Yosemite National Park. Icon painters will be led by iconographer Joyce Tanner.
Registration packages range from day rates to full accommodations with meals included at ECCO. Guests may enjoy a four-night, five day stay at ECCO with meals and transportation to Yosemite National Park included, as well as art instruction and a Sunday wine and cheese social.
Alternatively, there’s a reduced package for day students that includes lunch, classes and the bus transportation to Yosemite. Bus is included in all packages, and a naturalist will be on the bus to explain some of the park highlights.
Plein Air
For Plein Air painters, the first full day includes classroom style art instruction and outdoor painting on the idyllic ECCO grounds. Day two and three, guests will be transported by bus to Yosemite Valley and some of the most beautiful sites in the Sierra Nevada. These may include Sentinel Bridge, Tunnel View, and the Little Church, for example. In a safe setting, with other artists, participants may enjoy and create original works from these magnificent surroundings. Be sure to bring a camera.
Icon Painters
Icon painters will be meeting for instruction at St. Raphael’s Church at ECCO. In their bright and sunny meeting room, guests will learn the traditional art of iconography. No previous painting experience is necessary. Day two or three, participants will be included in the bus tour to Yosemite with a guided naturalist on board to provide insight into historic Yosemite National Park.
Wednesday evening, organizers plan a dinner for all full-time guests that includes an art exhibit provided by YWA members, with works created by our guests during the retreat. Day guests may enjoy dinner for an additional fee. The last day at ECCO concludes with morning checkout and lunch.
A $100 per person non-refundable deposit is required to secure a reservation by April 1, 2019. Go to Yosemite Western Artists and click on the Interpreting Yosemite Sign-up link to register or to download the PDF form.