Finding arts-and-crafts workshops

CREATIVE OUTLETS

Arts retreats are held year-round, across the country and around the world. They vary in scope, size and price and offer an array of workshops and activities.

Art & Soul, (503) 512-7948, www.artandsoulretreat.com. In Portland, Ore., Oct. 1 to 6; Hampton, Va., May 1 to 5; Asilomar, Calif., April 13 to 17; and Pienza, Italy, June 1 to 7.

Artfest/ArtFiberfest, fax (253) 638-6466, www.teeshamoore.com. In Port Townsend, Wash.; Artfest, April 2 to 6; ArtFiberfest, Oct. 12 to 21.

Art Unraveled, fax (602) 944-5554, www.artunraveled.com. In Phoenix in the early fall.

Creative Palette Convention, (239) 939-0355, www.bettysstamppad.com /CP08. In St. Mary’s, Ga., Feb. 21 to 24.

Artiscape, (614) 316-3948, europeanpapers.com. Click on the Artiscape tag. In Sandusky, Ohio, April 10 to 13.

Toscana Americana Workshops, (508) 254-8265, hometown.aol.com/upcoevents/workshopintropage.html.Throughout the year in Italy, Greece, Spain and the West Indies.

Hacienda Mosaico, www.haciendamosaico.com. Throughout the year in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Arcangelo Productions, (503) 381-2433, www.arcangeloproductions.com. Throughout the year in Cortona, Italy, and Bali.

TO LEARN MORE

ShawGuides, (212) 799-6464, art.shawguides.com. Offers a comprehensive list of art and craft workshops in the U.S. and the world:

TIPS

Before registering, read the class schedule carefully. Popular classes fill up within minutes, making it difficult to switch later. Some retreats allow attendees to take as many or as few classes as they like; others offer a plan with a fixed number of classes.

If you have questions about a class project, a teacher or something on the supply list, contact the event planners first. If they can’t answer your questions, they may suggest you contact the instructor.

Most classes require no experience, but some do (it’s usually noted on the class description). Again, contact the planners to get the lowdown.

Almost all retreats have a message board -- join it. It’s a great way to meet people, find a roommate, learn about local stores, galleries, restaurants and attractions. It’s also terrific for picking up tips on packing supplies such as scissors, paint and other items.