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Ad Lib 2006: The Annual Retreat
For Literary, Visual, & Performing Arts
September 21 - September 24, 2006
Saint Malo Retreat & Conference Center
Allenspark, CO
Registration Information: Click Here
*JUST ANNOUNCED: Call for Entries: Click Here
Retreat begins: Thursday at 5:00 p.m. (Registration)
Retreat ends: Sunday at noon.
This year's theme:
Art as An Act of Worship
Ad Lib is about Sabbath. This is the foundation of our ministry, the basis of our program each fall. We explore all dimensions of art and life and discipleship with this viewpoint in mind. Proclaiming the need for God's sustaining Grace, as the focus of our practice in the arts and as the essential balance point of our lives, is intrinsic to our theme this year: Art as An Act of Worship.
Ad Lib '06 will be worship-centered, in the sense that we will examine worship, celebrate worship, and listen to our guest artists share their ministries of music. Our focus is to consider all that we do in and through our art as an act of worship, believing that God engenders both the art and the act.
This year's retreat and forum will have a slightly different format, yet with all the same elements that we normally include. We will both celebrate and "calibrate" - measuring what we are and what we are doing by the mandates of the Kingdom of God. We believe that the Lord whom we proclaim awaits our whole-hearted commitment to a larger life than we can imagine by our own small "computations." We will celebrate the Known and explore the "yet unknown" as our Kingdom heritage.
With this understanding in mind, we offer workshops and discussion groups that provide an opportunity to enrich what we already practice, and to encourage new turnings in our creative walk. We will consider, in roundtable discussion, issues that concern us as artists and writers and performers struggling in a largely mechanistic, information-led (and fed) society.
We will, in particular, discuss ways (small or larger) that we may personally impact an incrementally difficult and fragile and frightening world. Post-Katrina, and in light of increasing ecological and social disaster, humanity is faced with life-issues that affect every segment of our existence. Witnessing to the Grace of God at this historical moment is something of a "radical" choice, even a necessity. What does it mean to be "green" - and prophetic - as artists/writers/performers? Where do we go from here?
We go to Him, always. Come, and let us reason together.
Following are the basic elements of our fall program, and the people involved. This information will be enlarged upon, and may be tweaked as deemed necessary and desirable. We will publish the completed schedule on our web site in the next month.
FEATURES OF THE RETREAT
Significant time will be devoted to small-group and individual interaction, fellowship, and prayer support. The small scale of this gathering affords us the opportunity to enjoy rich associations that might not otherwise be possible. Genre group meetings will allow our guests an opportunity to connect and work with others in their mutual pursuits -- or to explore new avenues of creativity, and thus expand our appreciation for other art expressions. Many new friendships have been hatched here!
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GUEST ARTISTS - Ad Lib Forum '06
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RICHARD KINSEY is best known for his performances as Inspector Javert in Les Miserables for which he was the recipient of the Joseph Jefferson (jeff) Award for Best Supporting actor. He starred in the Broadway production, San Francisco First and Third National Companies in the United States and Canada and the International Company, which toured Asia and Africa.
Other recent theatrical roles include: Petruchio in Kiss me Kate, Father in Ragtime, Adam Brant in Mourning Becomes Electra (Off Broadway), Joey in Most happy fella
(Off Broadway), Don Quixote in Man of LaMancha, which was given "Critics Pick" from Backstage West . . . and too many others to list! Some of his operatic roles include: Danillo in The Merry Widow, Escamillo in Carmen, Figaro in Barber Of Seville and Germont in La Traviatta. Richard also performs a variety of popular and Classical concerts continually.
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SUSAN KINSEY
Soprano Susan Montgomery is a gifted, versatile, and much sought-after concert and recording artist. The 2006 concert year features the soprano in many venues around the southland performing Handel's Messiah, the Dettingen Te Deum, Bach's Magnificat, Mozart's Coronation Mass, and in June will be performing the monumental War Requiem of Benjamin Britten at Cypress College.
As a recording artist, Susan has made many contributions on television and movie scores including Matrix Revolutions, The Sum of All Fears, Around the World in Eighty Days, Scooby-Doo 2, Snow Falling on Cedars, Galaxy Quest, and on the award winning soundtrack CD of the HBO movie Angels in America. Last fall Miss Montgomery was privileged to sing at the wedding of popular music star Christina Aguilera and a wedding album is currently in development.
Richard and Susan live in Long Beach CA with their beloved 10 year old daughter Zoe, and their Christian witness is firm and enthusiastic. They will share their life journey and favor us with musical selections as an evening program.
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Discussion and Genre Group Leaders
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RICHARD TERRELL will present on the subject of "The Last Supper in Renaissance and Baroque Art." He will give special attention to Leonardo da Vinci's painting as the most effective icon of the Incarnation ever painted, and explore facets of the Da Vinci Code thesis concerning this painting. He will also lead a workshop in Scratchboard.
Richard is Professor of Fine Arts and Humanities at Doane College, Crete, NB. He is a painter, author, and theatre performer, and facilitates our group discussions on issues pertaining to arts, faith, and community.
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SUSAN COWGER: is Managing Editor of Rock & Sling, a journal of the arts and faith. She received an MFA in creative writing with a secondary emphasis in art in 1997. Her award-winning sculpture, paintings, etchings, and mixed media art have been commissioned into many personal and corporate collections nationwide. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Calyx, Thema, Healing Muse, Mars Hill Review, and Pontoon: An Anthology of Washington State Poets, as well as the anthology Milk Fever which also featured her artwork on the cover. "Scarab Hiding," a chapbook by Susan, is due out in December (Finishing Line Press).
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LAURIE KLEIN: Contributing Editor of Rock & Sling, is a graduate of St. Olaf College. Her award-winning artwork, collage, and calligraphy have been exhibited in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest and have been published in magazines such as Gallery and Somerset Studio. A past recipient of the Headphones award (the audio book Emmy equivalent), her spoken word selections can be heard on radio, CDs, and videos. Laurie's songs, which include the now-standard chorus "I Love You, Lord," appear internationally in hundreds of recordings, songbooks, and hymnals, and she was presented with a RIAA Certified Platinum Sales award for work on Wow Worship Blue.
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DAVE ARGUE will be addressing the subject of Worship and Arts in the church. He writes in the area of worship renewal and has experienced it in pastoral practice.
Raised in a pastor’s home, and trained at Central (CBC), Wheaton College and the University of Nebraska (Counseling), he has walked through a great range of life experiences including widowhood, remarriage, fathering (5), campus ministries, church planting and pastoring, District and National positions of ministry. He speaks widely and writes with frequency for publication. He and his wife Jackie also minister to couples in marriage conferences. He serves with RMDC to encourage pastors and revitalize churches.
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A New Adventure for Ad Lib: "TWEENS"
This year Ad Lib introduces a new element to the retreat. Plans are in progress for a "smaller-group" program for youngsters aged 10-12. It will be designed for a boys and girls who display ongoing interest in one or more of the art genres. We call it, simply, "Tweens."
This mini-program is family-plan only. Parent(s) who register for our adult program this year may also apply on behalf of their children, grandchildren, or relevant other. Special room arrangements and reduced rates will be made available, at as low a cost as Ad Lib can manage.
We are focusing on this particular age group because of their vulnerability and their openness, in general, to new experiences. They are on the cusp of that well-documented age of struggle for independence and relevance. We want to encourage "independence" and "relevance" that is based on exploring and nurturing their own creative instincts, in a setting that includes responsible and responsive adults. What an opportunity for us "oldies" to be relevant to this generation and provide an "endowment" for their future!"
A full-spectrum program is being developed, adapted to their needs and interests. On-hands arts projects will include several of the following: drawing/painting, potting/sculpting, photography, creative writing, drama, and music. (We will structure their time according to their pre-stated interests and abilities.) Keep this thought in mind: You may decide you have an hour or two to donate to this delightful cause!
In addition to on-site workshops, our plans for them include a guided tour of an arts venue in Estes Park or environs, and a day-hike nearby. There will also be times of interaction, and perhaps even project development, with adults present.
 The program (limit: 10) will be directed by Mary Dupree Altergott of Redlands, CA, and Susanne Barrett, of Pine Valley, CA. Under their direction, our Ad Lib arts staff, headed by Jennifer Parker, will be working with these future artists and artisans.
Mary has had ongoing experience as a volunteer in her daughter’s school enrichment program and other community programs, and has worked in various creative and organizing capacities as a board member of the Redlands Bowl Association, a historical outdoor amphitheatre. (Mary is daughter of our director, Judith Dupree.)
 Susanne held teaching positions at the high school and university level - in German, advanced placement writing, and literature courses, and she has also edited two lit-mags. She is currently a very active home-school mother. Susanne writes monthly literature subscriptions for BraveWriter.com and edits for several non-profit organizations. Her daughter Elizabeth will be assisting them.
This small venture is already filling up fast. If you are interested in this hands-on art and nurture experience for your talented youngster, don’t wait too long! To enroll both your child and yourself, fill out the registration form on our web site. Our registrar is Joanne Irwin. (joannekirwin@yahoo.com.)For further information, or suggestions on activities, contact either Mary Altergott (dmaltergott@msn.com) or Susanne Barrett (booklovingbunch@aol.com).
ARTS DISPLAY
You are invited to bring 2-3 works that best represent your art: Canvases, photographic art, books, music scores, journals, magazines, photos of performances, etc.. You are responsible for your display set-up in the designated area(s). Performance artists may participate in "open mic." (Ask us!).
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ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS
Often a highlight of the retreat, these informal discussions cover burning issues and priorities pertinent to those of us in the arts. Slated moderators: Scott Souza, Derrel Emerson, others.
TIME FOR PERSONAL REST, REFLECTION
A coveted time during the intense embrace of the retreat where we can be apart and receive from God in our own personal ways.
EIGHTH DAY BOOKS
During the retreat, an eclectic community of books will be on hand for perusal and discussion. Joshua Sturgill, a gifted artist and iconographer, will be joining us from Eighth Day.
"...an extraordinary collection of classics in literature, religion, the arts, and
the life of the spirit generally."
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To register for AD LIB 2006:
* CLICK HERE FOR THE REGISTRATION FORM *
Prices for each person, include all expenses (Board & room, additional facility expenses, speakers, registration, etc.) All rooms are available at double, triple, or quad occupancy. You may indicate your interest in a single room, at higher cost, if we find that one is available shortly before the retreat.
Contact Joanne Irwin for further info, at 303-823-9938. E-mail: joannekirwin@yahoo.com.
- Day rate, including all meals and registration: $125.
Send $75 NON-REFUNDABLE (other than emergency) deposit
Joanne Irwin
2078 Apple Valley Road
Lyons, CO 80540
- Checks payable to: Ad Lib
- Balance due upon arrival - Be sure to keep confirmation or receipt from registrar.
NOTE:
Retreat limited to 50 registrants.
For any questions or further information, contact Joanne Irwin at:
Joanne Irwin Executive Assistant/Registrar
2078 Apple Valley Road
Lyons, CO 80540
Email: joannekirwin@yahoo.com
What people are saying about Ad Lib:
"Here's my response, succinct and heartfelt: Ad Lib was unlike any other conference (or retreat) I can recall. Quite simply, it was for me a very special interregnum." Leonard G. Goss, writer, Editorial Director, BROADMAN & HOLMAN Publishers.
A Call for Art and Writing:
Ad Lib Christian Arts Retreat ‘06
Art In A Dying Age
Historically, artists, poets, essayists, musicians, composers, dramatists - the wielders of words and images -have stood before the public during harsh times, serving as the conscience of humanity. Even so, now. Even so, each of us who knows the Author of Life and the Season we "inhabit." We bow our heads in prayer and consternation over the times we live in, and cry out to Him: "Here I am, Lord! Send me!"
It is with this understanding in view that we introduce - at this late hour before our September gathering - a new dimension to this year’s Ad Lib retreat and workshop. We have initiated an arts and literary contest. Along with each reservation for the retreat, we invite our guests to submit their own genre of creative work.
The editors of Rock & Sling literary journal will partner with us in this new venture. Together, we issue a call for creative writing (short theses, essays, poetry, fiction, drama), visual and tactile art, and photography - related to current issues and our response to them. We ask for entries that address in some aspect the failing world and our steadfast Hope in Him for every area of life - political, social, environmental, sacramental.
Evangelism, rhymed verse, Christian growth lessons, and meditations have their rightful place in our faith community, but we are looking for something different, something compelling and arresting - for those who call the secular marketplace "home." These expressions will be presented formally at our fall workshop, judged by both staffs, and honored onsite. Modest prizes will be offered - a full scholarship (retroactive), a year’s subscription to Rock & Sling, and publication of noteworthy submissions on our web sites.
Ad Lib will also publish winning entries in chapbook form, for sale and distribution to the community at large. Any profit from this book will be designated for an established ministry to those still struggling with the effects of hurricane Katrina. Ad Lib is a non-profit ministry, equipped to assist others and to receive donations. We consider ourselves, as a small organization, "a ministry to those who minister."
Entry specifications:
Poems: free verse, up to 4 pages
Short fiction: One entry; up to 6 pages, double-spaced, 12 font
Essay orThesis (Theology-based): As above
Drama: Short dramatic presentation, up to 6 pages
Photography: Up to four photos, 7x9 or 8x10, 300 dpi, jpg
Fine Art: Painting, sketches, etc. Representative samples. See "photography" guidelines.
Photographs of tactile art: weavings, quilting, pottery, carving, etc. (See guidelines above)
Original Music composition: up to 4 pages. CD may follow by mail.
Please email (no hard copies) your entries to Judith at: adlib_pv@sbcglobal.net. (Note the "underscore") You may download a registration form from our Ad Lib web site and mail it, with your deposit, to the address stated on site. Make note at the bottom of the form that you have sent us your entry by email.
We are deeply grateful to the editors of Rock & Sling: Susan Cowger, Kris Christensen, and Laurie Klein. Their beautiful journal represents the highest expression of faith-based publishing. The title of their publication states well our thesis here: As the shepherd boy David, standing fast against the giant of his day, we come armed with little but our faith in the arm of the living Lord. May He hold our hands steady within His!
In His Holy Name, for His Kingdom’s Sake,
Judith Deem Dupree, Director
www.adlibchristianarts.org
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