Back home and playing catch up!

My April and May Art Parties were "On the Road" and I am just now playing catch up!  I took some much needed time off from my art biz the last couple of weeks to catch my breath and spend time with my family.  My main focus now is finishing the school year and preparing for my daughter's graduation!  My next art party will most likely be in July.  In the meantime, hope you enjoy these photos from the last two art parties/workshops!  Please check back often :) Feel free to email me at jackietury@gmail.com to request an art party or workshop or to be added to my mailing list. Thanks to Donna and Amanda for hosting me in their beautiful studios and thank you to all the wonderful, creative women who joined me for these artful events!

Mermaid as Muse Weekend in OBX at Deja New!

Packed and ready to head to OBX with my daughter !

Fun day teaching my "mermaid mantra" class at our Mermaid as Muse Weekend in OBX!

Great weekend creating mixed media mermaids and treasure boxes! 

Until next time...

Lotus Awakening Workshop at Mind Your Body Oasis Yoga Studio!

Beautiful space to create

Enjoyed painting and awakening new growth with our lotuses

Lovely lotus blossoms

Lotus Moon

Autumn Update--Release and Receive!

I may have been neglecting my blog lately, but I have been fully enjoying my life off-line and spending as much time with family as possible!  And that’s what it’s all about, right?  This fall has been abundant with wonderful activities and opportunities!  For me, it has been about releasing and receiving!  Here is a look at what I’ve been up to:  

My oldest daughter is a senior in high school and big surprise, is thinking of applying to art school. Earlier this month, my family enjoyed a weekend trip to NYC to check out some schools and visit my 97 year old grandmother.  What a treat to listen to my grandmother’s stories, to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, and to enjoy exploring the city!

Next, I headed to the beach for a mini-Serendipity art retreat hosted by my friend Donna Hollowell of Deja New and new friend Michelle Madden Smith of Animyst and led by one of my favorite mixed media artists, the lovely and talented Alena Hennessy.  It was just what I needed!  Usually I am the one hosting and teaching and nurturing others at Workshops and Retreats.  This time I was on the receiving end!  I released responsibility and expectation and allowed myself to relax, create, connect.  It was wonderful.  I loved our projects and all the kindred creative spirits—all such wonderful women!  And of course I loved my time by the ocean—my ultimate healer and source of inspiration.  Now that I was able to retreat and nurture myself, I am ready to nurture others again and can’t wait to host our annual Artful Awakenings Retreat at the beach this Spring! Thank you to all who contributed to make this early birthday gift possible!  I enjoyed every minute of it!

I came home from the beach with sand on my feet, a smile on my face and a starfish in my suitcase.  Not to mention new energy, new friends, and new artwork!  Next, I had a full week of fun birthday celebrations with friends and family!  Thank you everyone for making me feel so loved, appreciated, and celebrated!

Last weekend, my family and I enjoyed the spectacular display of autumn colors in Skyline Drive.  I think we hit the peak!  The views were truly gorgeous!  One of our favorite traditions!  Love soaking in the beauty and abundance of autumn!

Next up, it’s Halloween and my November art party (Dare to DREAM)!

I am super excited about my November Art Party/Workshop!  The theme is dreamcatchers.  I have been looking forward to this project for months now,  but am even more excited about this theme after returning from my mini-retreat and creating 3-d dream catchers with fellow creatives at the beach! What a great coincidence and fun experience!  The dream catchers we will be creating at my November Art Party/Workshop will be 2-d on canvas using mixed media techniques.  Of course we will have plenty of 3-d embellishments on hand to add to your masterpiece.  No art experience necessary.  Come gather in gratitude to celebrate the abundance of autumn and “Dare To DREAM!” Don’t miss this opportunity to create your own dream catcher on canvas as a visual reminder of your dreams and intentions.  To register go to: www.jackietury.blogspot.com under the "Art Party" tab and scroll down to "November!"

Artful Awakenings Beach Retreat is almost HERE!!!

In just two short days we will be gathering at the Beach to rest, relax, dream, play, create and awaken our inner mermaids!  Can't wait!!! See you there!

Artful Awakenings Beach Retreat is almost here!!!

I’m SO excited!  Our Artful Awakenings Beach Retreat is just over 2 weeks away! I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend of dreaming, playing, painting, stretching, awakening to the sites and sounds of the ocean!  Only ONE spot left to join us! See you soon!   

Only ONE spot left for our Amazing Artful Awakenings Retreat!!!

Only ONE spot left for our Amazing Artful Awakenings Retreat!!!  Will it be YOURS???
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to dream, play, create, and Awaken on the beautiful Outer Banks April 24-26th!  For full details and to register, click on "Retreats" tab.

Retreat Registration now OPEN!!!

Our Artful Awakenings Spring Retreat will be held in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina April 24-26, 2015!  Join us for a weekend full of moonlight and magic as we awaken our spirits through art, yoga, delicious healthy meals and time by the ocean!  Click "Retreat tab" for full details and registration information!

Registration Now Open—Artful Awakenings Fall Retreat!

 Join us for an amazing weekend full of art, yoga, and delicious meals--all with an ocean view!  Awaken your mind, body and spirit as you relax and recharge before the busy holidays!  Don't miss this Artful opportunity!

Please click here or on the "Retreat" Tab for full details and registration information!

Artful Awakenings Retreat was Amazing!!!!!

Dream Come True!

I could not have asked for a better experience hosting my first Retreat!  Everything worked out perfectly from beginning to end like divine intervention!  We had a wonderful group of 12 bright, brave, beautiful women all at transitional points in their lives.  It was so moving and beautiful to all come together to laugh, cry, play, stretch, dream, and create.  It was amazing the many connections we all had!  I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to nurture these nurturers who are doing great things for others out in the world.  With the beach at our doorstep, the ocean as our healer and the Kitty Hawk Life Saving Station as our sacred space we had a weekend filled with magical moments! 

Anne Marie, Leslie, Jackie (me), and Karen

Thank you to my family for your support and to my awesome retreat team for sharing your gifts this weekend!  Each person played such an important role in bringing this Retreat together and this dream to life!  I couldn’t have done it without you!  Karen, you are such a warm and loving spirit and a true yoga goddess!  Leslie your amazing meals were healthy, delicious masterpieces!  Anne Marie, your skills as a doula helped birth my dream and allowed our guests to feel loved, pampered, and supported.  I was able to guide our guests in connecting with their creativity and discovering the artist within through meaningful art projects.  Together, we were all able to experience Artful Awakenings as we move forward on our journeys with strength, purpose, awareness and intention. 

These amazing women opened their hearts and minds, stretched their bodies, and explored their creativity!

Thanks to each and every one of you!  I am in awe of you and feel blessed to have spent the weekend in your presence!

Our mornings started with yoga on the beach at sunrise--can't beat that!

From mandalas...

To mermaids...

Love how your beautiful artwork captured your spirits and sparkled in the sunshine!

Our afternoons were filled with art!

Our evenings were a time for meaningful conversation as we shared laughter, tears, dreams and fears.

All the while, feasting on healthy, delicious meals prepared by Leslie.

Let's not forget daily walks on the beach and even a polar plunge.

Our closing circle--our spirits lifted and renewed--Awakened!

Love and gratitude to all my mermaid sisters of the sea!  I love you all and miss you and the beach already!
I hope you continue to be present and awake to the possibilities within you and the opportunities that surround you!

Artful Awakenings...

Retreat Registration Now Open!

I am so happy and excited to announce that Registration for the Artful Awakenings Retreat is now open!  I hope you will join me for this wonderful weekend!  For information and to register, click the "Retreat" tab above or click the following link http://jackietury.blogspot.com/p/retreats.html

Save the Date--Beach Retreat!

Save the Date!

Spring Beach Retreat!

May 2-4, 2014

Outer Banks, NC

Join Artist, Jackie Tury and Yoga Instructor, Karen Jaynes for a fun filled weekend of creativity as we nurture mind, body and spirit by the sea! 

Details and Registration Information coming soon!

As many of you know, the beach (OBX) is my favorite place to BE!  I am most at home and most myself while by the ocean!  I love the sense of peace, energy, healing and creativity that the ocean brings me and so happy and excited to share it with you this spring!  I hope you will join me for this Artful Ocean Adventure!

Wonderful Weekend Retreat!

I recently returned from my first job as retreat facilitator!  It was a truly amazing experience and another dream come true!  About 7 years ago when I was a counselor running my personal growth group,  "Mother Nurture," friend and yoga instructor Karen Jaynes and I first talked about hosting a retreat where participants could nurture their mind, body, and spirit through yoga, art, meditation, massage, etc.  I am so happy and grateful to Karen for making it happen!

I created and taught the "Artful Affirmations for Living Your Yoga On & Off the Mat" Workshop, specifically designed for the theme of this retreat.  I chose the lotus blossom as a symbol of growth and transformation, providing inspiration for our project.

Ten beautiful souls attended my workshop.  We had a wonderful morning together sharing our journeys, playing with paint & paper, creating and expressing in a meaningful way.  Though everyone  started with a lotus flower,  each piece turned out so unique and each message was powerful and personal to the individual.  It was a truly moving experience!

Not only did I enjoy teaching my first Retreat Workshop, I enjoyed serving others, practicing yoga, going on nature hikes, eating healthful meals, attending holistic workshops, participating in a full moon bonfire ceremony, and most of all--connecting with like minded people both on and off the mat!  The only regret I have is not booking a massage when I had the chance.  Next time, I am definitely working that into my schedule!

I left the retreat feeling exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.  Though the retreat was a lot of work, it was well worth it.  I feel blessed and honored to have spent the weekend in such great company and with people sharing their gifts, their time, and their passion.  I look forward to doing it again in the near future!  We are hoping to host another retreat in Spring 2014 and will keep you posted.  Until we meet again, Namaste!