Today, the Art Farm at Serenbe team is thrilled to announce their first annual Workshop Series featuring three separate workshops focusing on art, literature and photography. These workshops located in Serenbe will allow for exclusive access and learnings from industry leaders excelling in their respective fields.

“This series of week-long workshops led by Janisse Ray, Rachel Garceau, and Stephanie Calabrese will immerse attendees in a particular art form including writing your own story, mastering the art of iPhoneography and creating mold-made objects,” said Madalyn Mentor, Art Farm's Executive Director. “These unique offerings are the first of their kind and will provide participants with the opportunity to learn from these incredible experts in the beautiful surroundings of Serenbe.”

The Art Farm at Serenbe is rooted in creating experiences for passionate people who believe in authenticity and yearn to have a deeper understanding of the world around them. Recognizing the need for more workshops in the South connecting the arts and nature, the Art Farm at Serenbe is proud to host these intensive classes. 

Tuition for each of the workshops includes six hours of instruction Monday through Thursday with a half day on Friday, a welcome dinner in a private Serenbe home, 12 meals,  access to the classroom after dinner as well as a restorative yoga class, guided labyrinth meditation and a nature walk + sound bath. Workshop attendees will enjoy a 25% discount at The Inn at Serenbe when booked through Serenbe Inn reservations.

Here is detailed information on each available workshop:

Write Your Own Story led by Janisse Ray from February 18 – 23

Join Janisse Ray, author of the classic Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, in a memoir writing course to get your family and personal stories down on paper while having fun in the process. Your stories are your legacy. Leave a lasting legacy—wealth of a different kind—to your children and grandchildren passing along your wisdom, care, and love. In this week-long course on writing, writer Janisse Ray will guide you into putting pencil to paper in order to say what needs to be said. Topics to be covered include how to decide which stories to choose, how to write in scene, how to structure a writing practice, how to keep going, what to do when you’re stuck, and how to publish or collect the stories. 

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Inside Out & Upside Down led by Rachel Garceau from March 3 – 8, 2024

Mold-made objects can seem almost magical. Depending on preferred outcome, molds can produce objects that either conceal or emulate the evidence of the hand, but in either case the technique often mystifies viewers. Molds can be used to make one of a kind sculptures of a chosen medium, or they can be used again and again to create a series of multiples. 

Whether your goal is to make sets of utilitarian ware or components for sculpture or installation, you will learn to harness the power of the multiple through mold-making and slip-casting. Beginning with forms students have made or found, we will make plaster molds which we will cast in porcelain. We will experiment with methods of utilizing the mold itself in the application of surface design, and discuss casting other materials such as paper and plaster. 

Every participant will complete at least one working mold which they can continue to use when they return home. Students will leave with the skills to continue to make molds as well as use them. The workshop will also include an exploration of ways to remain mindful of the body in your studio practice, and how this consciousness can impact your focus and ability to solve problems.

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The Art of iPhoneography led by Stephanie Calabrese from March 17 – 22

Learn everything you need to know about shooting and editing images using a variety of powerful apps on your iPhone with award-winning photographer and filmmaker, and author of the best-selling The Art of iPhoneography: A Guide to Mobile Creativity, Stephanie Calabrese. This workshop is designed for photo enthusiasts seeking to create more compelling images and stretch your creativity. 

Through demonstration and experimentation, you will:

• Learn how to compose compelling images through your viewfinder regardless of subject matter.
• Deconstruct photographs from the masters to identify and understand the importance of composition, light, perspective, color, texture, focal point, etc.
• Understand how to adjust camera settings, shoot, manage, and share photos made with your iPhone.
• Take photo walks to shoot images based on prompts and experiment with a variety of subject matter (portrait, landscape, architecture, still life and candid documentary).
• Participate in image critique sessions to consider viewer perspectives and ultimately improve your photographs.
• Get step-by-step instruction and tips on how to use a variety of photography apps to enhance your images and stretch your creative boundaries – from simple exposure adjustments to crafting layered abstractions.
• Experiment with mobile photography equipment such as lighting and tripods to enhance your shooting experience.

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Information on Accommodations

The Inn at Serenbe Inn or within the Serenbe community: $225 - $400 per room per night with special 25% discount for workshop attendees. Rooms can be double or single occupancy. If traveling with friends, sharing a home in the community provides access to a full kitchen and other amenities. Golf carts are available to rent by day or week. A car is not essential when staying in the community. You can walk to the classroom and restaurants, or golf cart.Additionally, you may wish to book your own accommodations outside the Serenbe community in Chattahoochee Hills through AIRBnB or VRBO. You will need a car with this option.

The workshops are limited in capacity and will fill up quickly. To learn more information and sign up today, visit www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events.

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About Art Farm at Serenbe 

Art Farm at Serenbe celebrates artistic excellence with an emphasis on programming experienced in magical outdoor places. As a unique global destination for the highest caliber of entertainment, Art Farm at Serenbe creates programming for audiences to experience the arts in the south, bringing cultural experts to Chattahoochee Hills through thoughtful, heart-centric collaboration. Art Farm is an arts incubator cultivating meaningful partnerships for programming, learning and outreach while respecting the lifestyle of the greater community and with care for the natural environment. We value the perspectives and contributions of all people and are committed to being an inclusive organization that welcomes and respects everyone.

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