Come to a hidden getaway for artists and photographers where Florida's best beaches and freshwater fishing
are just minutes away at the River of Grass Artists Retreat in the heart of Jupiter.

      

The story of the River of Grass Artists' Retreat

Garden View at the River of Grass Artists' Retreat

The River of Grass Artists' Retreat, named for the natural wetlands it borders, is a place where artists and photographers can come to create in a beautiful natural setting bordering the protected Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area. The grounds provide wonderful visual opportunities for painting, photography and other forms of art.

For the past 7 years, I have taught oil and acrylic painting to adults in my studio in Wellington, Florida. I have met wonderful artists, from all over the world. Many have become my good friends. Some of the artists that I have taught were quite accomplished and others were beginners. Now quite a few have blossomed to become serious professional artists, showing and selling their paintings, winning awards and publishing their work.

Workshops, painting classes and studio space is now available at the River of Grass Artists' Retreat. Painting workshops where you can stay at the house and paint every day are now available. Just check out the schedule. Local classes are available on an ongoing weekly basis. And, for local professional or aspiring artists that need a place to work, studio space is available.

The retreat is adjacent to the Loxahatchee Slough (pronounced "slew") Natural Area. There is an unobstructed view of the park from the property. It is the largest and most diverse natural area in Palm Beach County encompassing over 11,000 acres. It is a small remnant of the "river of grass" that covered much of South Florida before it was developed. All year round wading birds such as wood stork, sand hill crane, little blue heron, tricolored heron, snowy egret and white ibis, to name a few, populate these wetlands. The Loxahatchee Slough is the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, and actually flows 250 days a year providing high-quality freshwater fishing for largemouth bass and other sport fish such as bluegill and redear sunfish. Plein aire painters and photographers can see the Natural Area from the back windows of the home and shortly from the two-story roost that is in the planning stages.

Pathway to Loxahatchee Slough at the River of Grass Artists' Retreat

This is a converted home which allows artists and photographers a place to stay and work. This intimate setting enables a small group of artists to create and exchange ideas. The retreat provides a painting studio for approximately 6-8 students. Skylights flood the studio with light for indoor painting. Oil and Acrylic painting instruction is provided here and also on the lovely grounds when weather permits.

A full media center is also being planned with six computer stations, wireless access, audio/visual equipment, etc., available to make the artist's stay more creative, comfortable, easy and fun. Adobe Photoshop will be provided at the computer stations to aid artists and photographers in their creative endeavors. Separate individual instruction in these and other programs can be provided. Of course, the latest wireless internet access will also be provided.

The retreat is located just 5 minutes from Abacoa, a new urban community in Jupiter, Florida, and is minutes from I-95. Abacoa encompasses Roger Dean Stadium, home to the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. Florida Atlantic University's Honors College also graces the this community. And, just recently, The Scripps Research Institute, one of the country's largest, private, non-profit research organizations, has become a part of this town with its new buildings sprouting is into the sky. Abacoa also features a great little town center which provides fine dining and shopping. Jupiter's beaches are some of the most beautiful in Florida and they are 15 minutes away!

We will be welcoming artists and teachers to this wonderful setting. Feel free to call or write to me and we can discuss your needs.

Professional teaching artists are also welcome at the River of Grass Artists' Retreat and may contact me to find out more at info@riverofgrassartistsretreat.com