We will be embracing the beautiful change of season in picturesque Glastonbury, Ct. at The Connecticut River Valley Inn and Artists Rising Creativity Retreats. Join us for 5 days of artful nourishment, chef prepared meals on our beautiful historic property in the historic town of Glastonbury, CT with direct river access.  Guests will have 24/7 access to the studio and the grounds, with opportunities to kayak, bike, paddleboards and add-on excursions. Enjoy unlimited laughter and friendship with kindred spirits while we learn Toned Down from Sue Spargo.

The Toned-Down Circle Sampler is a monochromatic study with a modern pop that explores the application of embroidery to achieve textural depth and dimension utilizing Perle Cottons #8, 5, 3, Razzle & Dazzle. Once you're finished stitching, turn your Toned-Down Sampler into a wall hanging, pillow, bag, or whatever your imagination comes up with! 

Southern Africa had a considerable influence on my life and creativity. I was born in Zambia and educated in South Africa, where I also trained to be a nurse. I soon moved to England. This shift between two very different environments and cultures has inspired many of my designs. The stark contrasts between the arid beige and browns of the African bushveld and the lush greens of the rolling hills of Southern England have continued to be a rich source of ideas. I am influenced especially by the energy and color of traditional African designs. All of these early experiences combined to stir my love of “primitive” arts and crafts and grew into my focus on contemporary folk-art. Throughout my early life, the United States beckoned and in 1989 that dream was fulfilled when I moved to Connecticut and subsequently to Tennessee, Utah and finally settling in Ohio. Each new State presented sharp contrasts and stirred new ideas. With each move I met many new and wonderful quilt enthusiasts and through them added abundantly to my knowledge and creativity. Quilt makers are special people and I thank them for their warmth and companionship.

5pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with appetizers and refreshments.

Room check ins begin at 3pm

All-day workshop starting at 9am and lunch

Art Studio available 24/7

Optional yoga, walking, biking  in the morning Workshop from 9-4 (breakfast & lunch included)

Art Studio available 24/7

Optional yoga, walking, biking in the morning Workshop from 9 - noon (breakfast included)

Excursion to one of the 169 small towns in Connecticut for touring and lunch and a visit to one of the gardens designed by historic landscape designer, Beatrix Farrand, among the first women to practice landscape architecture in the United States. “A garden, large or small, must be treated in the Impressionist manner,” she once wrote. “Plants are to the gardener what her palette is to the painter.” Farewell Dinner together in Glastonbury 

Art Studio available 24/7

Breakfast in the morning Studio work in the morning, sketching and 

Checkout by 1PM