Visual Arts 2026

Program Name:              Workshops in Visual Arts

Program Director:          Renee Balfour

Date:                              Sunday, June 7 – Friday, June 12, 2026

Location:                        Possum’s Store, Criglersville

Lodging:                        Robison River Retreat, Criglersville

Meals:                            Student meals will be prepared daily by an on-site chef.

Student Check In:          Sunday, June 7, 5:00 PM at Possum’s Store

Student Check-Out:       Friday, June 12, 7:00 PM

Overview:

This program provides visual arts students with an extraordinary opportunity for one-on-one instruction by prominent, nationally-recognized artists, guidance in portfolio development, practice in mindfulness techniques that can help them improve their focus, and public exhibition of their work.

Oil Painting Workshop

Led by Renee Balfour, this workshop will focus on use of unconventional surfaces and materials to push the artistic boundaries, opening creative possibilities outside of traditional techniques. Students will experiment with surfaces such as wood, metal, glass and found objects. The process of translating realism into a contemporary format will be emphasized, focusing on the transitional understanding of strong creative interpretation. The importance of understanding the materials and surface preparation to ensure the longevity of each piece will also be emphasized.

Stone Carving Workshop

Led by Gary Colson, students will create a piece beginning with drawings and clay models. Concepts of “working in the round” will be studied and translated into three dimensional pieces carved in Indiana Limestone. The emphasis will be on the understanding of materials and tools while translating a working drawing into a finished stone sculpture.

Watercolor Workshop

Led by Jane Skafte, students will explore both sides of the water color journey – building technical skills and embracing playful experimentation. Students will learn classic methods like washes, glazing, and layering while exploring expressive possibilities with water soluble mediums such as watercolor, pencils, crayons and inks.

Mindfulness Practices

Lori Bedotto will work onsite with the students and lead various activities such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness in relationship to the creative process, and an art and nature guided hike. Students will be coached in how to use these techniques to improve focus and creative energy.

Faculty:

Renee Balfour – Oils

Gary Colson – Stone Carving

Jane Skafte – Watercolors

Lori Bedotto – Mindfulness Practices

Exhibition:

Friends and family of the students and community supporters are invited to a reception and exhibition of the students work on Friday, June 12 at 6:00 PM at Possum’s Store.

Eligible Students:

Enrollment is open to 6 students with demonstrated artistic talent. Students will be asked to submit photographs of samples of their work as part of the enrollment process.

Student Supervision and Safety:

The Blue Ridge Center for Music and Creative Arts provides a safe, fun, and respectful environment for students where they can learn from outstanding faculty, progress at their own pace, and meet other aspiring artists in their age group. Safe and wholesome meals are provided at all programs and dietary restrictions will be accommodated. Supervision is provided by the faculty and by a designated Student Counselor who resides onsite 24 hours per day, monitors student activities, and is available to address any safety, wellness, or behavioral issues that arise. Prior to the start of the program, parents will receive further information including packing list, check-in information, registration and contact information form, photo permission form, and liability waiver.

Please contact the Executive Director, Earle Martin (earlemartin3101@gmail.com) if you have questions or need additional information.

Fees:

All costs for this program, including instruction, lodging, and meals are underwritten by the Blue Ridge Center for Music & Creative Arts with full scholarships provided for all accepted students. Donations to the Center by parents of accepted students, as well as the entire community, are encouraged and welcomed.

Registration:

To participate in the workshop, each student must submit an application. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.  Please contact us at info@blueridgecenterarts.com if you have questions.