A unique mixed media event on England’s breath-taking southwest coast

Join 7 leading mixed media artists from across Europe for an unforgettable 8-day creative escape in Plymouth, where the land meets the sea and inspiration flows freely.

Meet our Teachers

Jane Chipp

Jack Ravi

Alex Castro Ferreira

Lisa Goddard

Anna Baker

Lyndsey Gribble

Helen Colebrook

(Click on the teacher to find out more)

Through a series of hands-on, soul-stirring workshops, you’ll dive deep into the art of collage, texture, and storytelling.

You’ll work with vintage papers, fabric, found photographs, and natural materials, letting the wild beauty of the coast guide your mark-making and visual journaling.

This is a space to slow down and go deep, a rare opportunity to create without pressure, connect with like-minded makers, and let your curiosity lead the way. Every workshop stands alone, inviting freedom, experimentation, and playful exploration.

You’ll also enjoy a gentle introduction to expressive calligraphy, and moments of reflection to help you add gesture, rhythm, and depth to your pages.

What You'll Gain:


This event is more than a collection of workshops.

It’s a transformative creative experience, and we hope you’ll leave with:

  • A moment of calm, pause, and creative restoration away from the noise of everyday life

  • A rich body of mixed media work that reflects your personal voice and creative explorations

  • New techniques you can return to again and again, from layering and texture to intuitive journaling and expressive lettering

  • Fresh inspiration drawn from the sea, the land, and the vibrant creative community around you

  • A renewed sense of confidence and creative freedom

  • Deep connections with fellow artists that will continue beyond the event

We hope this experience will stay with you, in your work, your process, and your heart.

Our Creative Space

All workshops and group sessions will take place in a light-filled event room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Overlooking the famous Plymouth Hoe and bathed in natural light, this spacious room provides the perfect environment for creative exploration, focus, and connection.

It’s fully accessible and comfortably furnished, with lift access, restrooms nearby, and AV equipment.

Tea, coffee, and refreshments will be available throughout the day, and there’s a hotel bar just steps away, ideal for a drink with fellow artists as the day winds down.

Where You’ll Stay

We have partnered with the Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, a comfortable, modern hotel in the heart of the city. Located just a short walk from our workshop space and the historic waterfront, it offers the perfect balance of calm, convenience, and coastal charm.

Each en-suite room includes a comfortable double bed, workspace, free Wi-Fi, and access to the hotel’s restaurant and 24-hour reception. Breakfast is included. The hotel is accessible and eco-conscious, with a Gold Green Tourism badge.

Accommodation is included in your booking.

Please reach out if you have any specific requirements.

Provisional Timetable

  • Monday 4 May

    3:00 PM Hotel check in opens

    6:00 PM Jack and Jane will be in the hotel bar to welcome you and answer questions

  • Tuesday 5 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Alex

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Alex

  • Wednesday 6 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Alex

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Alex

  • Thursday 7 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Jack & Jane

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 3:00 PM – Workshop with Jack & Jane

    3:00 - 5:00 PM - Local Thrift and Antique Shopping

  • Friday 8 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Anna

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Anna

  • Saturday 9 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    Day Trip to St. Ives, Cornwall

    Includes visit to Tate St Ives

    Relaxed, inspiring day exploring art and coastal beauty

  • Sunday 10 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Lyndsay

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Helen

  • Monday 11 May

    Hotel Breakfast

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Lisa

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Lisa

  • Tuesday 12 May

    Hotel Breakfast & Checkout

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Jack & Jane

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 3:00 PM – Workshop with Jack & Jane

    3:00 PM - Departure

Total Cost:

£1,975 per person (single occupancy)
A non-refundable deposit of £600 is required to secure your place.
The remaining balance is due by 31 January 2026.

Price Includes:

  • 8 nights’ accommodation (Monday to Monday)

  • 8 hotel breakfasts

  • 7 full days of workshops with leading mixed media artists

  • A light and airy studio space for the week

  • Large screen projection during teachers’ demos

  • Tea, coffee and biscuits in the studio each day

  • Coach travel to and from St Ives, Cornwall

  • Entrance ticket to Tate St Ives

  • Use of some shared tools and basic art supplies

  • Local thrift and antique shopping

  • On-site support from retreat hosts

  • Time to connect, reflect and recharge with others

5-12 May 2026

Plymouth, England

Plymouth… a setting to inspire!

Set on the breath-taking southwest coast of England, Plymouth is a vibrant ocean city with a rich maritime heritage, famously known as the departure point of the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620. 

Surrounded by dramatic seascapes and just a stone’s throw from Cornwall’s iconic coastline, Plymouth is the perfect home for Gather and Make. With its dynamic creative community and deep historical roots, the city offers a unique backdrop for visitors to immerse themselves in making, exploring, and connecting.

St Ives and Tate

No art gathering in the Southwest would be complete without a pilgrimage to St Ives. Nestled on the Cornish coast, it has long been a haven for artists drawn to its extraordinary light and dramatic seascapes. 

The town’s rich artistic heritage is celebrated at Tate St Ives, a striking gallery overlooking the ocean that showcases modern and contemporary art, with a particular focus on artists connected to the area such as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson.

As part of the Gather and Make event, we will enjoy a day exploring this inspiring coastal town and its world-renowned gallery.

FAQs

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FAQs 〰️

  • Yes. The price includes 8 nights of accommodation at the Leonardo Hotel. The hotel is in the centre of Plymouth just a 10-minute walk from Plymouth Train Station and steps away from top city attractions, including the Historic Quarter and the beautiful harbour. It is a 12 minute walk to the event venue (Crowne Plaza Hotel), or 8 minute cab ride.

  • If you live locally and prefer to commute each day, do get in touch for a revised rate.

  • The event takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth, UK.

    The Crowne Plaza is just steps away from the famous Plymouth Hoe, overlooking the Plymouth Sound, Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse and Drake’s Island.

    Overnight accommodation is at the Leonardo Hotel, a 12 minute walk away.

  • The studio, in the Crowne Plaza, is approximately a 12-minute walk from the Leonardo Hotel where you will stay overnight.

  • Breakfast is included each day with your hotel stay. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in the studio. Other meals are not included, allowing you to explore local cafes and restaurants.

    You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat in the studio.

    • Exeter Airport (EXT) – Approx. 1 hr 15 min by car or taxi. Offers domestic and limited European flights.

    • Bristol Airport (BRS) – About 2.5 hours by car or train, with broader European connections.

    • London Airports (Heathrow, Gatwick) – Best for international arrivals, with travel times of 3.5 to 5 hours to Plymouth by train or car.

  • No, transport to and from the airport is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own travel.

  • Yes, a supply list will be provided in advance. There will also be an optional kit you can pre-order at checkout.

  • The deposit is non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to find someone to take your place. If we have a waiting list, we’re happy to help connect you, though we cannot guarantee a replacement.

  • Yes! All levels are welcome. Each workshop is designed to meet you where you are, with guidance and plenty of freedom to explore.

  • On Saturday, we’ll take an excursion to Cornwall, and after visiting Tate St Ives, there will be time to explore on your own.

    On Thursday, after the workshop, we’ll visit some local thrift and antique shops together.

    Plus, each day after the workshops finish at 4.30, a meeting room at the Leonardo Hotel will be available for anyone who’d like to gather, perhaps to continue creating or simply connect with others.

  • The retreat is limited to 30 student participants to keep the group intimate and hands-on.

  • Yes, absolutely. All hotel bedrooms are doubles, so your partner is welcome to stay with you at no additional charge for the room. If they'd like breakfast, there is a supplementary charge of £12 per day. While you're immersed in the workshops, we’re happy to share ideas for wonderful places they can explore nearby. Please note that partners are not able to take part in any of the Gather & Make activities.

  • The experience is designed as a full-week journey, and partial attendance isn’t recommended. If you have specific concerns, feel free to get in touch.

Accessibility 

Both the Crowne Plaza and Leonardo Hotel offer comfortable, modern accommodation with full lift access to all bedroom floors and the studio room, ensuring ease of movement throughout your stay.

Please note that there is a 10-minute walk from the Leonardo Hotel to the studio at the Crowne Plaza. There is a taxi rank next to the Leonardo hotel and you are welcome to arrange alternative transport if you prefer. During our visit to St. Ives, some walking will be involved. If you have any specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to inform us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

All teacher demonstrations will be clearly visible thanks to AV equipment and large-screen projection.

Pre-Order Your Kit

You can add a kit at checkout. This is an optional extra and does not replace the full supply list, which will be provided in advance.

The kit includes a selection of beautiful vintage ephemera and found photos in a custom tote bag.

It will be given to you at the event - not shipped.

Only 30 Spaces Available

This gathering is intimate by design.

Reserve your place now to be part of something truly special.

Have any questions?

CONTACT US AT:

janeandjack@artfulmemoriesbook.com