It turns out there’s a little secret in the world of artists: art collabs. They take place all over the world, typically by invitation, with word of mouth as the main way to be “in the know.”
These in-person intensive events are several days – usually with onsite meals and lodging that adds to an “adult art camp” vibe. Some make a point of having internationally known artists to anchor the event, with participation across media and levels of expertise. Different artists are invited each time, to allow for new creative sparks and connections.
Here in the Northwest, we are lucky enough to have “Frogwood Collab”. Started in 2008, the event now happens in person at Camp Colton (Colton, Oregon) every other year.
While you can learn more about Frogwood on the website or via social media, but the best way to get a sense of it is to visit.
On Thursday, May 8, the event is open to the public between 2 – 4 p.m. Visitors must be accompanied and scheduled in order to maintain site safety (what with the power tools and blacksmithing forge, among other potential hazards!).
If you’d like to come see the collab in action, sign up with Leslie Crist.
Other collabs around the world include:
EMMA Collaboration in Saskatchewan, Canada
CollaboratioNZ in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Hawai’i Artist Collab, Hawai’i
Echo Lake in Newtown, Pennsylvania
Several PNWS artists have attending these events. This newsletter article from 2022 shares additional thoughts on these unique learning opportunities.