This past week I had to make a tough decision. I had to cancel the visual arts track of our Small, Slow & Beautiful Retreat.
How does it feel to cancel and event you are passionate about? Not great. Disheartening. A little rain on the old parade, to be honest.
The good news is, we do have registrations for our poetry track. Still not a lot, but enough to move forward with Small, Slow & Beautiful. Tania Runyan is still joining us to lead her poetry workshop. We are still offering our retreat option. This is happening, it’s just that there’ll be more of an emphasis on the ‘small’ part of Small, Slow & Beautiful this year.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
Today is the final day to register for our summer retreat–Small, Slow & Beautiful–before the price goes up by$100. The early bird deadline. Midnight tonight.
Small, Slow & Beautiful happens this June 29-July 2 along the Elbow River in Calgary.
This retreat is a risk for us here at Bleeding Heart Art Space. We are betting that a group of creatives are looking for a slow, beautiful space to grow their art and their faith. We are betting that you want to get better at your craft, that you desire creative community, and that you are willing to spend some time and money on these things.
We haven’t done this before, but I’m hoping this is the start of a long-standing tradition in our province. I’m hoping we gather once a year and grow a community unlike any other in the world. Because it will be you and me and some other beautiful souls.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
Paying attention is the core of all creative work. There is perhaps no better way to practice this skill than to observe and record the finest of details in the smallest of settings. If we can “see the world in a grain of sand”, what might we see in an ocean or a busy intersection?
Attention takes time and focus–both commodities in short supply in our harried, busybody lives. What if you set aside a few days to simply pay attention? To learn to observe, and then to practice that learning, in a supportive community of artists?
From June 28 to July 2, Edmonton Artist Daniel van Heyst will lead a small group of painters, sketchers and other visual artists on adventure in attention during Small, Slow & Beautiful this summer. You can join this group, with early bird pricing in effect until the end of February.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
Creative community is pretty much my favourite thing. Watching the sparks as artists bounce ideas off of one another across disciplines is invigorating. Seeing artists care for each other, offering a listening ear, wisdom and encouragement, reminds me that there is plenty of hope left in our world.
Join a small group of creatives in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies this summer for a creative sanctuary nestled along Calgary's elbow river. We'll keep it small, take it slow and make it beautiful.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
Julie Drew is no stranger to Bleeding Heart Art Space. She's been joining us for ArtLucks and other events since before we had a home. She's been encouraging artists of faith since long before that.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
This June, from 24th to the 26th, a small group of creative souls will gather in the mountains at a hidden oasis called King's Fold. There will be riverside strolls. There will be fireside chats. There will be Southern Alberta beauty in every direction, and perhaps a few wildlife sightings. There will be, I'm told, very good food.
Most importantly, there will be opportunity to explore and expand your creative soul. Vocabulary for the Soul retreats have been running for some time now and I'm honoured to join veteran leaders Julie Drew and Sam Drew for this weekend retreat to focus on the 'thin places' where faith and art interact. Perhaps dance is a better word. Or blend. Or weave. Or harmonize.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
Why do we feel guilty spending money to further our creative careers?
Why does it feel indulgent to make investments that nurture and awaken our weary souls?
Spending money on workshops, retreats and resources can be a big pill to swallow but let me assure you, it is not money spent, it is money invested. The investment often has returns you simply cannot predict.
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
I’m Dave Von Bieker, a singer-songwriter who has learned the immeasurable value of connecting my creativity to my spirituality. I’m looking forward to focussing on both this June in the mountains, and I’d like to invite you to join me
Blog for Bleeding Heart!
You have something to say–why not say it here? Email your blog post idea to dave@bleedingheartart.space and let's chat.
