Acadian Arts Retreats are safe and creative spaces set on the scenic Maine coast. Participants explore creative, visual, and culinary arts in small groups guided by skilled instructors. Acadia is the name given by French explorers to the north Atlantic coast.
Acadia means idyllic place or refuge in Greek.
Cadie means fertile land to the Mi' Kmaq.
When you select a retreat, you will choose to specialize in Water Color Painting or Asian Fusion Cooking. All retreats include meals, instruction and evening activities. For a complete list of retreats, including descriptions and special guests, view the
program flyer here. You will find contacts there to arrange for accommodations if you would like the fully immersive experience, though day students are welcome.
Watercolor is an exciting medium; flowing, moving, doing beautiful things. If you haven't used watercolors we'll start at the beginning. If you have, you'll learn new tips. Weather permitting, we'll go out for plein air painting of sky, water, and rocks, culminating in a finished work (or two).
Instructor Mary LauryMary Laury is an artist based in coastal Maine specializing in watercolors. She was the Executive Director of Schoodic Arts for All, a non- profit organization celebrating the arts and culture in Downeast Coastal Maine. The dynamic nature and botanical subjects of Maine are Mary’s passions. You can see her paintings exhibited at various galleries along the coast of her home state. An experienced teacher, she has taught painting, drawing and dancing both in the classroom and in the field, for many educational programs. Back in 1999, Laury signed on to teach, painting, drawing and ballroom dancing at Schoodic Arts’ inaugural arts festival. A painter whose work was carried in at least six galleries, she went on to stage the group’s first visual arts show. She was hired as the organization’s first executive director. Laury says she will continue to teach painting and drawing. Visit my website
marylaury.comCooking engages all the senses. We'll prepare great tasting lunches and hearty dinners for ourselves and fellow artists. Instruction will include selection and care of tools, history of recipes, finding, choosing and preparing ingredients, and techniques for getting great results in record time. All supplies and tools will be provided.
Instructor Chris ToyAuthor of 6 popular cookbooks, Chris cooks and teaches privately at local kitchen stores, and for several community education programs around Maine. Chris’s popular hands-on classes are built around his teaching skills and his deep appreciation for fresh, simply prepared food. Chris’ cooking incorporates straightforward methods, fresh ingredients, and combinations of unique flavors, all drawing family and friends together to enjoy great food and one another’s company. Visit me at
christoy.net