2021 Get-Away Weekend a Success

Twenty makers (quilters, needleworkers, Zentanglers, painters, crocheters and sewists) descended on Beaver Hollow Conference Center for a rejuvenating weekend of creativity, April 22 -25, 2021. Quilts were made, art was created, projects were finished, gourmet food and drinks were consumed, and lots of fun was had. So much so, that we are looking into a repeat event the first weekend in October. Stay tuned for details.

This was our 15th Get-Away Weekend which was originally scheduled for 2020. Beaver Hollow was especially beautiful this year. The snow came as we arrived, but the remainder of the weekend was clear and inviting. Lots of participants enjoyed a few hikes and walks in the woods surrounding the lovely lake. The geese had pretty much made themselves at home. We enjoyed cocktails overlooking the grounds and lake.

Everyone had a full 6-foot or 8-foot table to themselves, so lots of room for creating. I think everyone would agree this was a long-awaited gathering and we all came home revitalized and renewed.

I have been organizing and leading weekend Get-Away retreats for the past 15 years, starting at Bristol Harbour Resort on Canandaigua Lake. For the last five years we have been returning to Beaver Hollow Conference Center in Java, New York. We have had participants come from all over western New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Colorado and Rhode Island join us. It started out as a quilt retreat, but has evolved to include makers from many various fiber arts and visual arts. What everyone seems to love most about these retreats is the creative energy that abounds.

Karen Schiely, a quilter and professional photographer, has been attending these retreats for the past ten years. She put together a video celebrating the past 15 years of this event. It highlights an original song written and performed by Connie Deming, who attend our fifth anniversary retreat and performed “Quilt Song” live for us. Thanks to everyone who attends each year and has helped to grow the retreat into a really special gathering of friends and artists.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon (maybe in October of 2021) and keeping the creative spirit alive. Creativity and art is what got me through the past year of uncertainties and makes me hopeful for the future.

Get-Away Is On For 2021

My annual Get-Away Weekend was postponed from last year to this year April 23 -25. Beaver Hollow has assured me that it is following all CDC and NYS guidelines. It has upgraded its air filtration system. No buffet meals as in the past. We will be served plated and covered meals at tables where we will be social distanced. We will still have snacks and a cash bar each night, but food and drinks will be ordered and served at our work stations. Masks will be required at all times when you are up and walking around.

And after some negotiations with Beaver Hollow, everyone attending this year will be have a single room for the price of a double (Just $599, all inclusive +$110 for optional extra night Thursday 5/22).

Of course, both Beaver Hollow and I are closely monitoring any changes to the CDC or NYS guidelines.

You don't have to be a quilter to attend. We've been joined by artisans who knit, cross-stitch, sketch, paint, make jewelry and create scrapbooks. It's all about creating an arts community. Everyone will have their own work table and the tables will be spaced for social distancing.

Beaver Hollow has many hiking trails and outdoor activities. The end of April should be starting to warm up and should be great for outdoor bonfires.

Doesn't this sound like a great way to kick off the spring? If you are interested or have any questions, email me or give me a call. You can also find more information and a sign-up brochure in the Get-Away Section of this website.

Unmasked: Self Portraits of 2021

For the third year in a row, I entered a wall hanging quilt in the annual self portrait art show at Studio 402 in the Anderson Arts Building. Nancy Valle, local artist, has hosted this self portrait show in her studio/gallery each January for the past 3 years.

This year’s self portrait show features 62 local artists. As Nancy says, “62 local artists visually represent themselves and find creativity in a challenging year. Isolation can invite introspection. From representational to abstract to conceptual – works in drawing, painting, printmaking, encaustic, mixed-media, photography, fiber art and sculpture fill the gallery.”

This year the exhibit has been extended until March 13, but by appointment only beginning later in February. You can contact her (nancy.valle@mac.com) to set up a time for a private viewing. Meanwhile, here is a video:

https://youtu.be/mAQoW12Cgdg

Invasion of the Amazons

Every day, all day long, delivery vans go up and down our street. Some neighbors get several deliveries a day. And Quilting with Margaret has jumped on the cyber bandwagon as well, with a virtual shop online.

Even though I don’t have a Quilting with Margaret van to deliver last minute gifts, yet, I am offering free, touchless pickup. Place an order at QuiltingWithMargaret.com and it will be ready for pickup within 2 hours (with exception to facemasks which are made-to-order and need 24 hours).

So if you are looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts that are handmade, and you want to shop local, check out my shop here.

I just added a bunch of new potholders, the perfect holiday gift. And only $9 each until Christmas during Potholderpalooza. They are lightweight and easy to send through the mail with a card. The loop fits easily around a bottle of Christmas cheer as a bonus gift. They fit well into Christmas stockings. And who can’t use a nice new and clean potholder without burn marks?

Choose from new happy hour designs, Buffalo Bills and other Rochester-themed designs, and some new Pop Culture designs including David from Schitt’s Creek. In my newly added potholder category “Speak Out” you will find designs featuring Dr. Fauci, several RBG designs, Biden phrases like, “Will you shut up man!”, and a couple of Nasty Woman designs.   

It’s only 5 days till Christmas. Hope you have a merry one and enjoy the intimacy of this year’s holiday. Stay safe and let’s get ready to celebrate the New Year and all of the promises of a better normal it brings.