Redux Contemporary Art Center, housed in Charleston, SC is an art studio dedicated to“fostering creativity and the cultivation of contemporary art” for the Charleston community and beyond. In addition to offering services like classes and workshops, the Art Center also hosts the Redux Art Retreat each summer and fall. The retreat takes place over the course of three separate week-long sessions at Wildacres Retreat in Little Switzerland, NC. Take classes during this week-long immersive from local artists, network, and reflect without the distractions of daily life.
Redux Art Retreat is the perfect place to get inspiration in part because of its pristine setting. Little Switzerland, inspired by (you guessed it) Switzerland is known as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway. With panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, Little Switzerland’s resemblance to the Swiss Alp foothills is uncanny.
Creating Among the Clouds
The beautiful Blue Ridge views will inspire you through classes in your chosen medium to develop further skills and complete original pieces. Sitting at 3,300 feet in elevation, Wildacres’ 1,600-acre property is a beautiful, expansive backdrop. Artists have access to teachers throughout the day. The studios are always open with meals are avilable three times a day.
Attendees select the course they want to enlist in prior to attending the retreat. These courses could be anything from exploring cold wax and oils, metalsmithing essentials, watercolor, to actor exploration and so much more. Each separate session has some variation in the courses. Within the sessions, there is an inclusive list for all different kinds of artists.
At Redux’ Wildacres retreat, there are two housing lodges, a dining hall, a library, an auditorium, a pottery and printmaking studio, a jewelry studio and lapidary, as well as classroom spaces. Participants can request roommates if they have a travel companion or romantic partner. The registration cost includes dining and lodging. All meals are family-style (that is, when pandemics are not raging).
This retreat is for experienced and burgeoning artists alike to learn or advance skills in their chosen medium. The surrounding Blue Ridge is the best place to “exercise and nourish your creative spirit,” with a weeklong artistic practice. Fall registration opens in August and will be available on the Redux Studio’s website. This retreat is much more than a place to practice art. It’s a holistic experience that creates the opportunity to observe, share, network, and connect with yourself without the distractions.
