6 Artists’ Retreats in Decorah, Iowa: Make Your Art Inevitable

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6 Artists’ Retreats in Decorah, Iowa: Make Your Art Inevitable

B&B Buzz

The objective isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable. – Robert Henri, American artist & educator

Finding the time and space for art is a gift and a necessity in life. Nestled among the rivers and limestone bluffs of the Driftless region, Decorah, Iowa, offers the perfect setting to relax and enjoy making art alone or in collaboration with friends and family. Whether you’re a painter, potter, or wannabe bartender, there’s something for every creative in Decorah.

The B&B on Broadway offers discounts to artists—the professional or the just passionate. Plan your weekend (or a week) away to take a class, enjoy private lessons, or reserve space for your group to create:

1. Arthaus

Whether it’s painting, pottery, ceramics (sip and paint), macramé, sewing, stained glass, drawing, printmaking, wood burning, welding, jewelry making, or anything else you can imagine, you’ll find it at ArtHaus. They offer classes, private lessons, open studio time and space for private parties.

https://arthausdecorah.org/  (563) 382-5440

2. Vesterheim

This National Norwegian-American Museum hosts a collection of 33,000 artifacts, a Heritage Park of 12 historic buildings, and an impressive Folk Art School for anyone looking to connect to Norwegian roots through art.

https://vesterheim.org/exhibit/2024-in-person-class-preview/   (563) 382-9681

3. South Bear School

This artist collective and school mission teaches the life skills of fine arts, in connection with community and nature’s beauty. https://southbearschool.org/home.html       Info@southbearschool.org

4. Blue Heron Knittery

Whether you just need a yarn fix, some friends to knit/crochet/spin with, or guidance from experts, Blue Heron has you covered.

https://www.blueheronknittery.com/   (563) 517-1059

5. Red Roxy Quilting

This sewing, quilting, and embroidery shop holds a plethora of fabrics, threads, and tools to inspire you. They also offer classes and events for seasoned artisan and budding enthusiast.

https://www.redroxyquiltco.com/  (563) 382-4646

6. Backwater Spirits

A unique liquor store where you can learn how to craft cocktails in classes that help you hone your bartender skills.

https://www.facebook.com/backwaterspirits/   (563) 419-8049

Enjoy the art all around you in Decorah with theatre, music, artists’ exhibitions, and architecture. Check the Decorah Events calendar for local events. Stroll through Decorah’s historic district to admire homes built in the 1800s and early 1900s. Plaques placed around the neighborhood share the history of the buildings and the people who lived in these works of art.

For the full artist retreat experience, stay at the B&B on Broadway, designed and built in 1910 by two artistic entrepreneurs who immigrated from Norway: Hartvig and Thea Engbretson. Each of the five rooms en suite celebrates the life and work of an artist and/or entrepreneur. Plus the light and cozy nooks in the Inspiration Suite offers ample space to gather and create.

Book your stay at the B&B on Broadway. Call (563) 382-1420 for the artist’s discount!

 

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