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.