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Arts retreat began with Yorkton resident

Painters, poets, storytellers, tinkerers, potters, knitters, gardeners, movers-and-shakers, community builders, and artists of all disciplines gathered at Arlington Beach on the shores of Last Mountain Lake, SK because of a Yorkton resident who had a
Wonderscape Retreat
The Wonderscape Retreat at Last Mountain Lake gave artists a chance to work outdoors and get their hands dirty trying new things.

Painters, poets, storytellers, tinkerers, potters, knitters, gardeners, movers-and-shakers, community builders, and artists of all disciplines gathered at Arlington Beach on the shores of Last Mountain Lake, SK because of a Yorkton resident who had an idea. 

Tricia Friesen Reed was looking to attend an arts retreat where she could spend time outdoors, plug into her writing, and meet like-minds when she decided she would create one, herself, in Saskatchewan. While many of the retreats she had researched earlier were simply too far away, or too expensive, it became clear there was enough local talent and interest to shape an experience that would draw attendees from all across Western Canada. Thanks to the generous support from the Saskatchewan Arts Board and their community engagement grants, Reed invited professional artists to share their expertise and lead workshops. Participants got their hands dirty learning how to make tortillas with Chef Mariana Brito (Regina, SK), received vocal and ukelele instruction from musician Shannon Shakotko (Forget, SK), painted with acrylics and drywall mud under instruction from Kate Hersberger (Fort Qu-Appelle, SK) and went on a Hike n’ Write with Tricia Friesen Reed (Yorkton, SK).  A farm-to-table dinner and intimate concert with roots band, Sweet Saturday (Moose Jaw, SK) ended a full day of creating. The following day was left open for participants to spend time on their own projects and “retreat” before the final meal and artist commissioning/blessing.

The founder and facilitator of Wonderscape retreats, Reed believes that everyone is creative and, if given the space and license to engage their gifts, can enrich their community. Check out Wonderscape Retreats on Facebook or www.wonderscaperetreats.com to find out more and be a part of their next gathering.