Paige Seburn
Niagara Now/The Lake Report

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Gate Street Studio hosted a rejuvenating artist workshop retreat Saturday, offering a vibrant space for creativity and community.

The gathering, led by artist Sandra Iafrate, welcomed participants from near and far, including some from the United States, who came to explore art and relax.

Held each August, the retreat attracts both experienced and inexperienced artists who dive into a range of mediums. 

“The retreat is about addressing mind, body and soul and relating on canvas colours and gestural brushwork, which speak to each participant’s unique personality and vision,” Iafrate told The Lake Report.

This year, the day began with local expert Nancy Drope guiding a peaceful meditation, setting a tranquil tone for the creative process to unfold.

Participants then enjoyed diverse workshops, which included charcoal drawing, Dutch floral sketches and expressive painting techniques.

Working on a large 16-by-20-inch canvas, the artists experiment with mixed media, incorporating elements like newspaper, textile and personal images if they wanted to. 

This hands-on approach allowed them explore their creativity without the pressure of perfection, Iafrate said.

The community aspect of the retreat is important, she added.

“It’s just about engaging with other creative people. Learning, meeting people and spending a really nice, relaxing day in the studio,” she said. 

The retreat offered not only a chance to create but also to connect.

Iafrate said the day’s blend of artistic instruction, relaxation and community-building ensures that participants depart with new ideas, a unique art piece and a renewed sense of inspiration.