A weekend of mostly a cappella 4-part harmony singing; of arrangements of folk songs, hymns, spirituals, gospel, seasonal songs, shape note songs and songs written by folks steeped in the oral tradition; for directors and singers in church, hospice and community choruses, and for those who simply love to sing. Singing led by Mary Cay Brass, Kathy Bullock and John Harrison.

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Our small, friendly music and dance weekend focuses on contra dancing, and also includes square, English country and couple dances. There is time to relax and explore the beautiful, historic island, including joining yoga or singing conferences, rocking on the porch or attending a chapel service. The talented caller, Lisa Greenleaf, will work with equally talented musicians.

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What does your choice in music say about you and your faith? Share and experience your faith in a community of explorers, in a place that fosters exploration and expanded horizons. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

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Wake your inner artist in an inspiring weeklong, adults-only retreat among a tribe of fellow explorers. You can draw close to sources of magic, within and around you, that will make the 2012 StarArts Conference deeply memorable and emotionally rich. You can move your body, then move your mind and soul.

That is why so many past participants and workshop leaders return year after year for workshops in art, music, theater, dance, photography, and writing. To many, this island haven is “our spirit’s home.” With meals and other needs met by a dedicated island staff, you’ll be amazed by how much you can do in a week. The range of activities — from social dancing, poetry reading, slide and art shows, chapel services, evening entertainment, and more — will delight you with memories that will linger and sustain you throughout the year.

Foghorn, dinner bell, acoustic music, seagull cry; crack of softball bat, murmur of porch talk, mingle of social hour, fragrance of beach rose, touch of timothy grass. StarArts is all about expanding your reach in whatever field of endeavor you favor in a visually exquisite and vibrantly supportive environment. We find that aptitudes in ourselves that seem dormant or impossible on the mainland come to life on-island.

So check out our lineup of workshops and activities and set your imagination free. We encourage you to join us for an extraordinary week of creativity and community.

Paula Stelzner and Richard Waring, 2012 Co-Chairs

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This small, friendly music and dance weekend focuses on contra dancing, in addition to square, English country and couple dances. There is time to relax and explore this beautiful, historic island. You may join the yoga or small group singing conferences, rock on the porch or attend a chapel service. Experienced caller: Sue Rosen. Talented musicians: Pete Sutherland, fiddle; Mark Roberts, flute and banjo; Bruce Rosen, piano.

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Professional and amateur artists alike are welcome to spend their mornings (10 to noon) in the workshop of their choice: music, writing, theatre, photography, dance or painting. Or, you can let your personal muse choose the time and pace of your inspirations during this week long, adults-only conference. Afternoon and evening options include time for refining your new and expanding skills, performances, games, shared laughter or quiet contemplation, plus evening chapels led by conference participants.

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Andy Bowen, long-time Shoaler, has brought back Star Island Melodies, a beloved songbook known to many who were on Star Island when Fred McGill was about. Andy has many fond memories of Star Island in the mid-1950s and the song book, given to him by Fred McGill, has been an important resource for Andy ever since.
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