Join us for a rousing, rejuvenating, and inspiring week of communing with the beauty of Star Island and fellow artists of all experience levels. We will share art-making, meals, discussions, supportive critiques, inspiration, a collaborative art project, Island tours, social hour constructive art critiques, evening activities, and a celebratory exhibition of our work at the end.

This year, we have two workshops, each led by dynamic watercolorists, to choose from. Both workshops focus on learning to ‘see’ in a fresh way and are open to watercolorists of all levels. There will be opportunities to watch the three instructors’ demos and participate in supportive critiques of the conference as a whole. When you register, you’ll choose a morning workshop. Registration is limited, so register early.

Workshop #1 The Practice of ‘Looking’ as an Artist with Julia Morgan

From a studio practice exploring a range of watercolor exercises designed to help us ‘see’ light to shadow gradations and color relationships, we venture out on the rocks to practice ‘intentional looking’, making sense of the ever-changing sky and seascape that Star offers.

Workshop #2  Exploring the Landscape with Maggie and Drew Clark

This Plein-air based workshop will focus on experiencing the isles close-up and in person.  Each day the group will spend time working from life (weather permitting) and exploring the vibrancy found all over Star Island.  With a free-form approach allowing people to explore and engage as desired, we will embark on a journey to find new locations, perspectives and ways of seeing.

To speak the language of the Shoals!

Lodging and board cost depends on your room selection. Boat ticket included.

The program fee is $410 and covers activities, food other than meals, insurance, supplemental art supplies and instruction. Participants are responsible for acquiring their own art supplies; a list of suggested materials will be provided in the spring. Some supplementary and back-up supplies will be provided. Registration is limited so sign up early. For questions and/or more information about the program please contact Julia Morgan, Conference Chair at julia@jmorganart.com

Instructor

Julia Morgan revels in making watercolors, drawings, oils, and multimedia works. She shares her insights through teaching college and community courses, and leads travel workshops regionally and internationally. She’s been coming to Star every summer since discovering the island in 1988 when she came out to do the illustrations for Portia Weiskel’s book, The Bear who Missed the Boat  Julia@jmorganart.com  Instagram @juliaemorgan

Maggie and Drew Clark are former Star Island staff and graduates of the Maryland Institute College of Art. They are proud Vermonters who approach their way of living as an act of art. Both experts in their chosen crafts outside of art; they bring an energy of exploration and fun to the medium of watercolor. For years they have used their love for the Isles as fuel for their creative pursuits and look forward to inviting you to see the island as they do

Program Fee

$410 per person 

Room & Board

Adults (18+) 

Standard Shared: $899| Standard Single: $1,210

Motel Shared: $1,104 | Motel Single: $1,636

Boat Schedule

Departure from Portsmouth August 25th 2:20 PM  

Departure from Star Island August 30th: 2:45 PM  

Questions?

Contact Julia Morgan at julia@jmorganart.com.