The Fun of "Art Retreats"

I, myself , am relatively new to "Art Retreats". Until several years ago, I had never heard of them and then when I did, I thought they were glorified scrapbooking or crafty gab sessions. Boy was I wrong!   I doubt they ever were that, but they have evolved in recent years to include much more advanced techniques and drawing high caliber instructors. Add to this mix; discounted resort hotel rates, and often complimentary food and cocktails, it is an ideal place to hook up with friends and fellow students and make new acquaintance. A lot of us do our art in the vacuum of our own studios, which is great...most of the time, but it is wonderful to learn a new technique, get feed back and see what others create given the same equipment and design criteria. During workshops I have taken I am pleasantly surprised to see the ideas of others, thinking...."that is so cool, but if I did it I would do...." which is they way we make things our own. 
I have discovered that these retreats become an annual get away to learn and meet up. Many have become good friends traveling to  get together once or twice a year at these events, shutting out the day to day obligations for a day or a week to saturate one's soul in the creative process. I recommend trying an Art Retreat, and suggest to get the full enjoyment out of it to take several workshops and stay a day or two ..or the week if you can. My first retreat experience I only took one class and did not stay at the venue. I was sorry when I had to go, I sooo wanted to stay for more and socialize, network and just plain soak it all up!   Try it! Trust me...you'll like it.