Wildacres Art Workshops provides a unique opportunity to spend a week immersed in art-making under the guidance of professional artists

(Sarasota, FL) Want to spend a week immersed in art-making? Ringling College of Art and Design’s Wildacres Art Workshops in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina may just be the answer.

“Wildacres provides a unique opportunity to spend time under the guidance of practicing professional artists in an exceptional retreat community,” says Nancy Godfrey, administrative marketing and program assistant for Ringling College’s Continuing Studies program. “The program fosters creative exploration and camaraderie in a beautiful mountaintop setting.”

Godfrey explains that during this intensive week of classes, demonstrations, lectures and critiques, students begin or advance their knowledge in studio workshops that include drawing, figure drawing, painting in oil or acrylic, plein air painting, raku clay studio, printmaking, art processes, digital photography, color, and watercolor. Wildacres Art Workshop sessions are: July 12–18; July 19–25; and October 19–25.

About an hour’s drive north of Asheville, North Carolina, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wildacres Retreat is three miles from the village of Little Switzerland. Comfortable lodging with private baths and delicious meals served family-style enhance the retreat experience. The area is home to many artists and craftspeople whose studios and galleries are nestled in the hills.

“Students are encouraged to enjoy a complete retreat experience,” says Godfrey. Aside from time spent in the studio, guests can take time to visit local artisan studios and galleries, tour the Penland School of Crafts, go horseback riding, hike to a waterfall, schedule a massage on site, and simply enjoy the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “We encourage guests to enroll a friend or spouse,” says Godfrey. “And don’t forget to bring along your musical instruments!”

For information about Wildacres Art Workshops, contact Ringing College’s Continuing Studies program at 941-955-8866 or visit www.ringling.edu/cssp.

About Ringling College of Art and Design
Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering the bachelor's degree in 14 disciplines. Located in Sarasota, FL, the College is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design [AICAD] and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design [NASAD], the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree [SACS], and by the First Professional Degree Level by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation [CIDA], formerly [FIDER].