Nest & Nurture--March Art Party Registration now OPEN!

Registration is now OPEN for my March Art Party “Nest & Nurture!”

Come nurture yourself by joining us on Sunday, March 8th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. to create mixed media pieces celebrating the art of nesting and nurturing!  Cost is $45 and includes all instruction and supplies.  No previous art experience necessary.  Please bring a drink or snack to share.  Classes fill quickly, so register soon!  To register click on the “Art Parties” tab and follow to the “buy now” button.

If you are interested in nurturing your mind, body, spirit and creativity for an entire weekend, check out my Artful Awakenings Women’s Art & Yoga Retreat in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina April 24th-26th!  For full details and registration information click on the “Retreats” tab.  Register soon, only a few spots left for this amazing artful event!

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!

What Magic will YOU Create in 2015? Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year to say goodbye to 2014 and give thanks for all of the blessings it bestowed.  I am grateful that 2014 was another wonderful year full of ART and ADVENTURE!  Here is a little wrap up:

I completed my second year of developing and hosting my monthly “Power Wish Painting Parties!”  It is so rewarding to create “artful affirmations” with a wonderful group of women each month and watch our dreams and desires manifest through mixed media!  I am super excited to share that not only have my students opened themselves up to creativity, but they have made lots of positive changes big and small this year!  Many have moved to new homes, found new jobs, started new business ventures, gone on fun life adventures, had new educational opportunities, started new relationships or renewed old ones.  All have experienced new joy, energy, passion, and creativity!  

I am also happy to report the huge success of my first “Artful Awakenings” Beach Retreat featuring a long weekend full of art, yoga, gourmet food, time by the ocean nurturing our souls!  This was a magical, meaningful weekend and dream come true!  I look forward to hosting many more of these uplifting, life changing retreats!

In other Artful news, I loved showing and selling my art at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, VA; The Artful Gift Shop in Vienna, VA; the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in Manteo, NC; and the Jelly Lounge in Kitty Hawk, NC.  I also enjoyed having my own tent and display at my first big juried art festival, Art on the Avenue.  I loved taking Flora Bowley’s online class this winter and seeing her art in person this summer when we visited Portland, OR.  I am happy that I had time, energy and inspiration to create over 50 new works of art this year!  

While I wasn’t doing artful activities, I was watching my two beautiful daughters grow up way too quickly.  I also got to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday both with a rocking’ party at home and a weekend getaway to New Orleans to see Voodoo Fest! (Did I mention I got to hold hands with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters?)  Our family also enjoyed hang gliding, several trips to the beach, visits with family and friends, and a wonderful vacation to the Pacific Northwest that included lots of great food and beautiful scenery!  All in all, a very good year!  Thank you for your continued support on my creative journey!  

Now it’s time to begin again.

I love starting each new year with a clean slate and a blank canvas and seeing what unfolds!

Looking ahead to 2015, the word that comes to mind is MAGIC!  I can’t wait to see what Artful Magic 2015 has in store!  What magic will you create this year?  Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy, Magical New Year!  xxoo ~ jackie

p.s. - There are still a few spots left in January’s “Journey” themed “Power Wish Painting Party!”

Come create some magic with me on and off the canvas!  

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...