Artists invited to Paget Island retreat

The Chewstick Foundation is inviting you to do just that — escape to Paget Island on an artists’ retreat.

The overnight retreat takes place on Saturday, March 19 and includes creative workshops, breakout sessions and a fireside acoustic jam, as well as an evening adventure hike and optional early morning workout.

Paget Island is home to a fully-serviced dormitory. Participants will need to bring lunch for Saturday afternoon, as well as bedding.

Co-organizer for the retreat, Deidra Bean, said: “We came up with the idea to get away for a little while, to provide an opportunity for people to get away from anything that might distract them from delving into their art.

“Bermuda’s artistic community tends to be isolated, especially in visual and performing arts, so we hope to have a good cross-section of painters to performers, and maybe they can cross-pollinate ideas.

“We want to get the whole artistic community together, away from all the other distractions of real life.”

There will be workshops by singer Joy T. Barnum, songwriter and president of Bermuda Songwriters Association; Richard Bassett; rapper KASE; artist April Branco; and poet Chris Astwood.

The Chewstick staff will also be on hand to share their knowledge.

CEO Gavin Smith will talk about graphic design and events. Communications officer Carly Lodge will do a session on creative writing, and administrations officer Deidra Bean will talk about the Brazilian martial art Capoeira and demonstrate some basic moves.

Ms Bean said: “I have been doing Capoeira for four months. Half of my workshop will be about the history and evolution of Capoeira from its beginnings as a form of resistance for slaves, its growth in Brazil, to becoming an amalgamation of different cultures. I’ll then do some basic moves and music and some Capoeira music.

“There will be lots of different types of workshops — Richard Bassett will do lyric writing, how to make a song catchy, and will probably go into a group collaborative writing session.

“Chris Astwood will talk about poetry. He has a Masters in creative writing and has been active in the convictions programme, and has run workshops with Co-Ed.

“KASE will be getting rhymes down on paper and helping you to get a flow to your whole performance.

“We are doing the whole retreat so people can get away from the stresses of everything that might distract them from their art. It is like a recovery for your creativity and a chance to collaborate with people you might not usually collaborate with.”

So far, artists who have signed up to the retreat include those interested in hip-hop, visual arts, textile printing, writing and Latin dance.

Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

All funds should be received by March 17. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.