Arts District Retreat: October 2-4, 2009

“Feed Your Senses • Nourish Your Soul”

DESCRIPTION

Experience a hands-on weekend of visual, culinary and healing arts in the Oak Park Arts District.  The retreat is ideal for artists

looking to jump start their creative process, friends seeking to reinforce their bond or couples craving a weekend getaway.  Select from different arts and healing workshops, ranging from printmaking and collage to stress reduction and yoga.  This event kicks off the 10-day ArtRageous Oak Park arts celebration.

WORKSHOPS

Work with some of the area’s most talented artists and healers to stir your creative juices.  Our 3 and 6-hour classes are long enough to allow you time to immerse yourself in new artistic and wellness techniques, while brief enough to sample different activities. Strengthen existing relationships and meet new like-minded people.  No experience is required for any classes.

Class fees are $65 for 3-hour classes, and $130 for 6-hour classes, plus applicable material costs.  Additionally there is a one-time $25 non-refundable registration fee.  Purchase of multiple classes earns registrants $5 food voucher for each class purchased.  For example, buy 3 classes, and earn a $15 food voucher to be used at District restaurants: Buzz Café, Trattoria 225, Eastgate Café or Briejo. Sessions begin on Friday afternoon (1:30-4:30), and there are two sessions each on Saturday and Sunday (9-noon and 1:30-4:30).

Click to see a quick class list or download a pdf of the full brochure.

Ready to register?  Go to our registration site.

EVENTS

In addition to workshops, mingle with interesting and eclectic people at our social events.

Street Party on Harrison (Friday, 6-10) Join us at the official kick-off for both the Arts District Retreat and the entire ArtRageous Oak Park arts celebration.  You’ll hear live music, try new wines, sample delicious food, and have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring eclectic items from the artists, galleries and shops in the District.  Mix and mingle with the diverse artists, gallery and shop owners in the District.

Event entry is free; food/wine prices vary.  Hosted by Craig Charlton of Trattoria 225.

Delicious Gourmet Lunch (Saturday & Sunday, Noon-1:30) Thrill your taste buds and nourish your body with delicious lunches pre-ordered from our local District restaurants.  You can also get lunch and dinner on your own at one of five restaurants on the street.

Spa Lunch at the Buzz Café

• Saturday: Organic Butternut Squash Lasagna (vegetarian) served with a small side salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Homemade Organic Pumpkin Cookies.  Comes with your choice of drink (La Croix, San Pelligrino Limonata or Bottled Water) - $15 (+Tax & Gratuity)
  
• Sunday: Locally grown, organic roasted Fall vegetable and goat cheese Panini served with a cup of White Chicken Chili and Homemade organic Pumpkin Cookies.  Comes with your choice of drink (La Croix, San Pelligrino Limonata or Bottled Water) - $15 (+Tax & Gratuity)

Pizza Lunch from Trattoria 225

• Individual Organic Wood Fired Pizza with Choice of 2 Toppings, Side Salad of Organic Mixed Greens, Small Scoop of Seasonal Gelato & Soft Drink Or Coffee - $15 (+Tax & Gratuity)

Box Lunch from Eastgate Café

• Choice of Ham & Swiss, Marinated Chicken Breast, Smoked Turkey Breast, or Roast Beef Sandwich with Chips, Cookies and Drink - $8.50 (+Tax & Gratuity)

Passport to the Arts Event (Saturday, 5-8) Discover the wide world of the District with your Arts Passport.  Wander the entire district, getting tastings of both finger food and great art.  Fill your passport with stamps from district businesses, and earn prizes.  End your evening with live music in our restaurants.  Gallery hours:  5-8; restaurant hours vary.