Artists Retreat to Lord Howe Island

This October, art and nature-lovers will gather at the inaugural Arajilla Artists Retreats Programme on spectacular Lord Howe Island–a World Heritage site 600 kms east of mainland Australia cited for its “rare collection of plants, birds, marine life and exceptional natural beauty.”  Besides the stunning surroundings, guests will be able to enjoy a long weekend painting with Archibald prize-winning artists, including this years winner, Guy Maestri, famous for his painting of Indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. The annual Archibald Prize for portraiture is one of Australia’s oldest and best-known visual arts awards. The Prize was first awarded in 1921 and is now worth AU$50,000. At the Arajilla Retreats guests can sketch and paint with the artist-in-residence in both the studio and outdoors at breathtakingly beautiful Lord Howe locations.

The crescent shaped main island is only 11 km (6 miles) from north to south and just under 3 km wide with very few inhabitants to distract from the glorious topography (there are only 300 residents). Dominating the vista to the south are the spectacular mounts of Gower (875 meters/2,800 feet) and Lidgbird (777 meters/2,500 feet). Giant Banyan trees and Kentia palm forests sweep across the island to a pretty coral reef on the south-western side, which embraces a calm turquoise lagoon. To the north are steep hills culminating in extensive sea cliffs, perfect for painting panoramic landscapes. In the evenings, everyone gathers for drinks, dinner, art lectures, discussions, and films. Garry Shead, along with fellow artist Adam Rish, will lead Arajilla Artist Retreats in October 2009 and March 2010. Internationally acclaimed artists Richard Allen and Peter Hickey will conduct a retreat in December 2009 whilst Guy Maestri will lead a group at Arajilla in June 2010. Arajilla accepts a maximum of 10 participants only, so you can be sure to get plenty of attention, guidance and support from both the teacher and the staff at this luxurious retreat.

Rates: 4 day / 3 night all inclusive package from AU$1,905 per person double occupancy. For more information call 1 800 063 928 or email:  info@arajilla.com.au