The Nature Sketchbook
A Multi-Day Workshop with Julie Fei-Fen Balzer
April 6-9, 2025
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Monastery Gallery of Art’s surroundings as we fill a sketchbook with art and observations over four days. This class welcomes artists of all levels, from beginners to experts. We’ll engage in drawing, painting, and collage both “en plein air” and in a classroom setting. Explore color studies, object sketches, nature scenes, and abstracts. All are encouraged to join, regardless of drawing experience.
Guests will arrive at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, and depart by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. |
SUPPLY LIST
Just bring your favorite supplies on this list, everything else will be provided:
Just bring your favorite supplies on this list, everything else will be provided:
- Mechanical Pencil
- White Eraser
- Waterproof Black Pen (I like the Sakura Pigma Micron PNs)
- Small Watercolor Set
- Waterbrush
- UHU Glue Stick: https://amzn.to/3xIyqRF
- Collage Papers
- Envelope for carrying collage papers
- Scissors
- Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers
- White Pen or Marker
- Black Paint Marker
- Phone with Camera
- Water Jar & Regular Paintbrush
ABOUT JULIE FEI-FEN BALZER
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a printmaker, painter, and collage artist. Her artwork explores high-contrast visual relationships, skating along the boundaries of aesthetic cacophony. Julie employs painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, fiber arts, and craft techniques to explore visual relationships. She has had artwork and articles published in multiple magazines and books, including her book, “Carve Stamp Play.” Her artwork has appeared on the covers of Cloth Paper Scissors and I Heart Paper magazines. Julie has appeared on multiple TV shows as a guest and host, demonstrating art supplies and techniques. You can purchase the stamps she designs through Art Foamies and the stencils she designs through The Crafter’s Workshop. Julie has taught thousands of students online and in-person across the world. Find out more at www.juliebalzer.com.
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a printmaker, painter, and collage artist. Her artwork explores high-contrast visual relationships, skating along the boundaries of aesthetic cacophony. Julie employs painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, fiber arts, and craft techniques to explore visual relationships. She has had artwork and articles published in multiple magazines and books, including her book, “Carve Stamp Play.” Her artwork has appeared on the covers of Cloth Paper Scissors and I Heart Paper magazines. Julie has appeared on multiple TV shows as a guest and host, demonstrating art supplies and techniques. You can purchase the stamps she designs through Art Foamies and the stencils she designs through The Crafter’s Workshop. Julie has taught thousands of students online and in-person across the world. Find out more at www.juliebalzer.com.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
This retreat is being hosted by The Monastery Gallery of Art with space and online registration provided by Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center. Registration fees cover provided art supplies, accommodations, snacks and meals during your stay. The retreat begins on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. with an overview of planned activities followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. with a boxed lunch for the road.
The following accommodations are available, please register below by making a non-refundable deposit with the unit you would like to reserve.
Private Room with Private Bath - $ 1,545
Private Room with Hall Bath - $ 1,350
Commuter - $840
If you have any questions or special dietary/health-related requests, please contact Beth at [email protected].
This retreat is being hosted by The Monastery Gallery of Art with space and online registration provided by Holy Family Retreat & Conference Center. Registration fees cover provided art supplies, accommodations, snacks and meals during your stay. The retreat begins on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. with an overview of planned activities followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. with a boxed lunch for the road.
The following accommodations are available, please register below by making a non-refundable deposit with the unit you would like to reserve.
Private Room with Private Bath - $ 1,545
Private Room with Hall Bath - $ 1,350
Commuter - $840
If you have any questions or special dietary/health-related requests, please contact Beth at [email protected].
History of our spaceThe Monastery Gallery of Art is located on the historic grounds of Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center. The MGA occupies a space on the B floor adjacent to the Public Chapel and that was once used as a dining room by the Passionist Community. |
The Monastery Gallery of ART303 Tunxis rd.
West Hartford, CT 06107 860.760.9766 |