Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

For anyone seeking Sabbath time and exposure to an art form – no experience necessary

Choose an art form to study for the entire week, receiving intensive artistic experience under the expert guidance of a skilled artist. Balance learning with Sabbath time, in group worship and individually, for reflection, practice, and the simple enjoyment of applying what you have learned.

Part of a continuing series of workshops led by noted regional artists, these retreats at Montreat Conference Center are open to anyone interested in one of the areas being offered, regardless of experience.

Pottery: Clay as a Healing Tool
April 15-20, 2012

Clay serves as an amazing shift to handwork and tapping into our hidden creativity. As a group, we will let clay and prayer move us. We will immerse ourselves in the process of forming shapes and vessels. Working with our hands, the clay serves as a tool to unlock the recesses of creativity and healing in our minds, bodies, and souls. There will be an opportunity for both wheel work and handwork, depending on individual preferences. Materials fee: $30

Leader: Becky Garrity; Charlottesville, VA; Becky makes and sells functional pottery. She also finds inspiration and encouragement in teaching pottery to disabled adults and others in Virginia. See her work at www.garritypottery.com.

If I Had a Hammer: Basic Metalsmithing for Jewelry
April 15-20, 2012

Learn to forge, solder, form cold-connections, patina, finish, and embellish metal sheet and wire into beautiful and unique wearable art while reflecting on the parallels for ways in which God does much of the same in our lives. Materials fee: $35

Leader: Deb Guess; Laurinburg, NC; artist, wife, mom, campus minister, gardener, chocoholic, and cook. She lives in Laurinburg, NC, with her husband Deck. Deb is a firm believer that creativity is a way to get in touch with the Sacred and looks for every opportunity to connect life and creativity. She enjoys teaching AND learning and is a dabbler of the first order. While she enjoys artistic endeavors of many kinds, her favorites are book arts and jewelry.

Pottery
September 30-October 5, 2012

During this workshop we will examine the relationship between clay form and function and our own openness to Sabbath. This will be an experience of clay immersion, meaning everyone will have their hands in clay the entire workshop. We will be hand building forms, as well as working at the potters’ wheel, with particular attention to altering forms. Materials fee: $30

Leader: Ann Laird Jones; Greenville, MS; Presbyterian Church (USA) minister; has served churches in Greenville, Jacksonville, Raleigh, and Baton Rouge. She is also the Director of Arts Ministry at Montreat Conference Center.

Stained Glass Made Easy and Fun
September 30-October 5, 2012

Whether a complete beginner or improving your skills, come submerge yourself into a week of stained glass creations! If a beginner, you will learn to cut glass, apply lead or foil, and then to solder to create one-dimensional panels or tiffany stones. Persons with prior experience in working with glass will be able to create larger, more intricate panels or three-dimensional pieces such as boxes, lanterns, etc.. Everyone will leave with sensational finished pieces, improved skills, the joy of creative expression, and the resources to pursue what just might be a new found hobby. Materials fee: $50

Leader: Roger Maness; Nashville, TN; Roger began doing stained glass while searching for a new direction for his church’s arts and crafts ministry. Some 30 years later, he has taught hundreds of students the basics and intricacies of this ageless art form. Now retired from active church recreation leadership, he spends his time helping with youth sports leagues, hanging out with wife (Sophie) and yellow lab (Ellie), and continuing to share his expertise with stained glass.

Registration & Accommodations

Comprehensive Rates:

We have reserved a special room block for this conference. When you make your reservation online, you will be asked to enter the group ID “sprgart2” or “fallart2” and password “montreat” to access these rooms. If you have any questions about the registration process, please email the registrar at susana[at]montreat.org or call 800.572.2257 ext. 339.

Comprehensive rates below include discounted conference fee of $185, room in Assembly Inn or Glen Rock Inn, meals in the Galax Dining Room (Sunday supper through Friday breakfast), plus a $5 community services fee per person. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Some rooms have private baths, and some rooms have connecting baths. This rate does not include the materials fee. After March 4 / August 19, these rates will increase by $25 per person.

Comprehensive Rates for April 15-20, 2012 Program
Register for program, housing, and meals

Assembly Inn

• Double, Private Bath: $523.50 per person
• Single, Private Bath: $723.50
• Double, Connecting Bath: $486.00 per person
• Single, Connecting Bath: $648.50

Glen Rock Inn

• Single, Connecting Bath: $523.50
• Double, Connecting Bath: $423.50 per person

Comprehensive Rates for Sept 30-Oct 5, 2012 Program
Register for program, housing, and meals

Assembly Inn

• Double, Private Bath: $573.50 per person
• Single, Private Bath: $768.50
• Double, Connecting Bath: $548.50 per person
• Single, Connecting Bath: $673.50

Glen Rock Inn

• Single, Connecting Bath: $523.50
• Double, Connecting Bath: $423.50 per person

Commuter Rate:

Rate below includes conference fee of $215 plus a $5 community services fee per person. After March 4 / August 19, this rate will increase by $25 per person. This rate does not include the materials fee. When registering online, please specify workshop selection in the “comments” section. Optional meal packages for the Galax Dining Room may be requested when you register online or purchased at the front desk of Assembly Inn.

Register for commuter rate (program only) for $220 per person + materials fee

Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received by March 4 / August 19 in order to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after March 4 / August 19 but on or before April 8 / September 23 will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meal charges (if applicable) less $40. No refunds (including materials fee) will be issued after April 8 / September 23. All requests must be in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

More Information…

• Event begins: Sunday, April 15 / September 30, with registration, 3:30-5:00 pm, Assembly Inn Lobby.
• Event ends: Friday, April 20 / October 5, following morning prayers.
• Questions about registration? Email the registrar at SusanA[at]montreat.org.
• If you would like conference information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org.
• Scholarships are available for this conference.
• Child care is not provided during this conference.
• Find out more about housing options available in Montreat.

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