NEW EVENT

WE ARE BACK with a unique mixed media event on England’s breath-taking southwest coast

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

1-8 April 2027

Plymouth, England

Meet our Teachers

Jack Ravi

Jane Chipp

Mrs Bertimus

Sue Lewry

Clare Schmidt Norris

Sarah Smalldon

(Click on a teacher to find out more)

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

You'll work with vintage papers, fabric, found photographs, paint and colour, exploring layering, mark-making, and print to build a body of work that's entirely your own.

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 intuitive printmaking, and moments of reflection to help you build colour, texture, and depth into your work.

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 printing and colour work

  • Fresh inspiration drawn from the workshops, the place, 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.

Total Cost:

£1645 per person


A non-refundable deposit of £700 is required to secure your place.
The remaining balance is due on 30 November 2026.

Price Includes:

  • 7 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 Gallery

  • 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

Not included:

  • Accommodation

  • Transport to Plymouth

  • All meals

  • Travel insurance

Our Creative Space

All workshops and group sessions will take place at Palace Studios, Arts University Plymouth — 5 Buckwell St, Plymouth PL1 2DA. Set in the heart of Plymouth's city centre, this is a spacious, light-filled studio built for creative work, with high windows, plenty of room to spread out, and AV equipment for all demos.

Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be available throughout the day, and there are many cafes and bars just steps away, ideal for a drink with fellow artists as the day winds down.

Ready to join?

Provisional Timetable

  • Thursday 1 Apr

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

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

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Jack & Jane

  • Friday 2 April

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

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

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Jack & Jane

  • Saturday 3 April

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

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

    Free Afternoon for Local Thrifting and Antique Shopping or Box Gallery Tour

  • Sunday 4 April

    Day Trip to St. Ives, Cornwall

    Includes visit to Tate St Ives

    Relaxed, inspiring day exploring art and coastal beauty

  • Monday 5 April

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

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

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

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

  • Tuesday 6 April

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

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

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

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

  • Wednesday 7 April

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Mrs Bertimus

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Mrs Bertimus

  • Thursday 8 April

    9:00 AM – Studio opens

    9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop with Mrs Bertimus

    12:30 – 1:30 PM – Lunch

    1:30 – 4:30 PM – Workshop with Mrs Bertimus

    6:30 PM - Optional Farewell Dinner

Ready to join?

Have any questions?

CONTACT US AT:

janeandjack@artfulmemoriesbook.com

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

  • "It's definitely worth every penny I spent, and I'm soooooo glad I made the decision to attend... It was truly a fabulous experience, and I'll recommend it to everyone!"

    —Lee-Anne

  • "Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting together an amazing retreat! My brain is on fire!"

    —Judy

  • "Inspiration and new techniques — this was the creativity kickstart I needed."

    —Nikki

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Back home they are sick of hearing about it! Now I need to save up to attend another!"

    —Teresa

  • "I had such a sense of clear thinking from the retreat, I really want to try and keep hold of it... I shall never forget this magical time."

    —Sheilagh

Ready to make some space for yourself?

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.

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.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy: Gather & Make

A non-refundable deposit secures your place.

Your remaining balance is due 4 months before the event, and it is also non-refundable.

We strongly recommend you purchase independent travel and workshop insurance immediately after registering.

If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your workshop to another person, but you are responsible for finding your own replacement.

FAQs

〰️

FAQs 〰️

  • The workshops are hosted at Palace Studios, 5 Buckwell St, Plymouth PL1 2DA

  • No, accommodation is NOT included.

    However we have secured a 20% discount for participants at the Leonardo Hotel, a five-minute walk from our workshop space.

    You are also welcome to arrange your own accommodation, at a different hotel or Airbnb.

  • Meals are not included. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in the studio, and you're welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat there too. Other meals aren't included, giving you the chance to explore local cafes and restaurants.

    • 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.

  • First, travel from Heathrow to London Paddington by either:

    • Heathrow Express – every 15 minutes, about 20 minutes of travel, around $30.

    • Elizabeth Line – about 35 minutes, around $15.

    From London Paddington, take a direct train toward Penzance and get off at Plymouth. The trip takes roughly 3–3.5 hours. You can book the full journey (including the Heathrow Express option) through Trainline.com.

    Once you arrive, it’s just a short taxi ride from Plymouth Station to most hotels / Airbnb's.

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

  • Some supplies will be provided by the teachers. A full supply list will be shared with you in advance.

  • If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your workshop to another person, but you are responsible for finding your own replacement.

    Please see our full Deposit and Cancellation Policy below.

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

  • Yes, one full day and one afternoon.

    On Saturday afternoon, you're free to enjoy local thrifting and antique shopping, or join a tour of The Box gallery.

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

  • The retreat is limited to 35 student participants to keep the group intimate and hands-on.

  • Yes, absolutely.

    Please note that partners aren't able to take part in any of the Gather & Make activities, but we're happy to share ideas for wonderful places they can explore nearby while you're immersed in the workshops.

    If we have room on the coach, partners are welcome to join the Cornwall excursion for a supplement of roughly £25.

  • 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.

Accommodation

Accommodation is NOT included in the event price.

We have secured a 20% discount for participants at the Leonardo Hotel, a five-minute walk from our workshop space.

Many past guests who stayed there, made it a natural gathering point in the evenings, a cosy stitching room where the group met informally to sew, chat, and unwind together.

For local recommendations, Jane is happy to help you find the right fit.

You are also welcome to arrange your own accommodation, at a different hotel or Airbnb.

Accessibility 

All workshops will be held on the ground floor at Palace Studios.

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.

PREVIOUS EVENTS

Gather & Make - April 2026

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Gather & Make - May 2026

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