Art Monastery Spring Newsletter

The Fall and Winter of 2009 held great progress for the Art Monastery Project: the first Artmonk Retreat, the Burning Opera, and articles in Classical SingerMagazine, Lonely Planet Tuscany&Umbria.

WILD SUCCESS OF THE FIRST ARTMONK RETREAT

The first week in January 2010 we held the first Artmonk Retreat (pictured above) at the Integratron in the magical Mojave Desert in collaboration with honored teachers Joel & Michelle Levey. The results were deeply satisfying and the 21 participants used phrases like “life changing” to describe their experience. We plan to produce another Artmonk Retreat in January 2011 as well, most likely January 2 to 13. Save the date! Location to be announced! To make sure you’re aware of announcements, join the Artmonks Facebook group.

ARTMONKS IN CLASSICAL SINGER MAGAZINE

The November issue of Classical Singer features two Artmonks: Phoebe Jevtovic and Joel Fredericksen. Soprano and frequent collaborator, Phoebe Jevtovic is featured in one article, while the cover and main article featured basso profondo & lutenist Joel Fredericksen. An American based in Munich, Joel was an Artmonk-in-residence last April to prepare his new Harmonia Mundirecording project and wrote a lovely guest blogabout his stay at the Art Monastery.

ARTMONKS IN BURNING OPERA

How to Survive the Apocalypse: A Burning Opera was co-created and directed by Art Monastery co-founder Christopher Fuelling. After three weeks of sold-out shows in San Francisco, this Burning Man-inspired theatrical freak-out that combines rock opera, vaudeville, and Dionysian revival is now seeking its next venue and producer.
Also in the show were Artmonks Charles Darius, Phoebe Jevtovic, Lesley Littlefeild, Betsy McCall, David Peterson, Andrew Pulkrabek, and Nathan Rosquist. Check out the sizzle reel here.

LONELY PLANET REVIEW

Our beloved Casale Santa Brigida, Guest House and pilot home to the project, got a rave review and three cross-references in this year’sLonely Planet Tuscany&Umbria guide!

With such a fantastic track record, what is happening in 2010?

2010 PUBLIC EVENTS

Dates remain to be set for our concerts and arts programming, but between May and August the Art Monastery will produce:

• Gregorian Chant concerts
• Experiments in New Music
• Baroque concerts
• American Swing concerts
• Jazz concerts
• Living Walls – outdoor cinema accompanied by live music
• Visual Art installations

Just last Saturday night, Artmonk Julia Pond had fantastic dance performance in Rome:http://my.zero.eu/avufficiostampa/propongo/evento/11043,le-parole-fanno-poca-differenza

2010 WORKSHOPS

• April & May Weekend Spring Gardening Workshops with Art Monastery team-member Brittney Williams – $525 per person includes shared accommodation, full meal plan, and all permaculture and gardening classes.
• May 2 to 10 – Gregorian Chant Workshop with world-renowned expert Eugeen Liven D’Abelardo – $1200 per person includes shared accommodation, full meal plan, and all chant classes. Work-trade discounts available. Contact christopher@artmonastery.org.
• June 13 to 27 – Youth Empowerment Workshop coorganized with Global Partnership for Youth Empowerment – One week or two includes daytrips and arts & empowerment classes. Contact nathan@artmonastery.org.
• September 13 to 25 – Joy of Singing Workshop with acclaimed voice teacher Lauren Carley –  for more information contact Lauren: lacarley@gmail.com
• October 2 to 8 – Oil Painting Workshop with much sought after Pam Ingalls – for more information contact workshop organizer Douglas: info@italyartworkshops.com

Impressed? Inspired? Want to be a part of it?

SUPPORT
In support of these projects, we have identified key virtuosic performers to come and work with us this summer. These performers are the linchpins that make possible our full roster of summer programming. Would you be willing to make a gift that will support this programming? You can make a tax-deductible donation on your credit card through our fiscal sponsor Fractured Atlas.

FREQUENT FLYER MILES
Another powerful way to support the Art Monastery is to donate your frequent flyer miles! If you have 50,000 miles or more you could be the benefactor who made an artist residency possible! For more information, click here.

CALL FOR CHEF
The Art Monastery is seeking a visiting chef for the month of May. Previous Artmonk Chef Gabriel Tiradani says,
“Rolling out pastry dough for a plum tart to the sound of musicians and vocalist practicing for a Renaissance festival to take place in Calvi, I was transported to a timeless place, a place where music, art making and daily chores existed side by side with no separation.  It was pure inspiration.  One art carries over into the other and the lines that distinguishes each art form are blurred into oneness. Truly spiritual.”

If you, or someone you know, has professional experience cooking for groups and is interested in experiencing the magic of the Art Monastery during the month of May, please contact betsy@artmonastery.org for details.

As always, our latest updates and goings on can be found atwww.artmonastery.org.