This year's retreat will be held IN-PERSON! We'll also have an option for off site participation vis Zoom. The retreat will be is 5 full days of teaching held over a 6 day period, with a half-day on Wednesday set aside for exploration and rest, and half-day on Saturday to end the retreat. Each day will have components of participant sharing, presentations, and demos, and working time. Depending on the day, there may be additional videos to review or prompts to work on lettering or artwork. This is not a rigid structure, and we'll allow for variation "as the spirit moves". 

As an instructor, I have always noticed the drawbacks of Zoom. Usually all participants have to be muted for larger groups, there is a lack of feedback for the instructor (who always wants to know if his jokes are working), and many times it is difficult for particpants as well. Sometimes it is hard to see the artwork, or watch a student work so any mistakes in method can be corrected.

In 2021, I found that, with a small group, I could allow all the participants to leave their microphone on. It was much more interactive, and much more enjoyable. I also found that both myself and the participants benefitted from the breaks during the day. Having a concentrated session and then being turned loose either to create artwork, practice lettering, or just rest, became a welcome rhythm for both instructor and participants.

Of course, this cannot replace an in-person retreat; however with the benefit of allowing more people to participate that might not be able to travel, and the lowered cost of studying without associated travel and hotel costs, the participants from last year almost universally agreed this was one of the best retreats we've had! I had one of the best experiences as an instructor as well, and where I usually end a week (pleasantly) exhausted, in this case I was refreshed.

So yes! Zoom, under the right circumsatnces, can be very effective.

In addition, with a fairly minor cost, a participant can set up an additional camera that would allow me to see you work from a different angle, if that is desired. This simple setup makes instruction much easier. I can send links for the equipment if that is an option for you.

Based on past experience, there probably will be a waiting list again this year. If there are enough participants to fill another session, I will add an additional retreat to the schedule. Times and dates to be determined as needed.

In order to plan properly, I'll need payment in full by September 1. If you are enrolling after that date, and there is space, payment in full is due at that time. If it is more desirable to send a check rather than pay online, that is fine with me - you'll simply need to email me at Randall@HassonStudio.com and let me know so I can reserve your spot. In addition, if you'd prefer to make a couple of payments instead of one, just let me know and I will make arrangements with you.