On Witten Pond – our first retreat

Tony Speciale, theatre director and founder of Plastic Theatre, spends a week with Artzo at idyllic Witten Pond.

November 1-8, 2013

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Having just completed a year of planning and the first out-of-town run of the stunningly directed musical “Harmony”, Tony Speciale was desperate for a recharge. I decided he would make the perfect test subject for our first Artists’ Retreat. We sat down for an initial planning session to discuss his goals for the week he would spend in Artzo’s care.

– Exhale and relax my mind –

– Envision the future –

– Listen to my heart –

– Reconnect to my impulses –

– Recharge my inspiration –

And that is why we chose this special and isolated property at the base of the Catskill Mountains in West Shokan, NY. It was perfectly suited for renewal and creativity.

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Every day was scheduled for work, nourishment, rest, and reflection:

7 am          Morning Meditation
8 am          Breakfast
9 – 12:30    Morning Work Session
12:30          Lunch
1 – 5           Afternoon Work Session
5 – 6           Free Time
6 pm          Dinner
8 – 10         Evening Discussion or Film Screening

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And, clearly, no retreat is complete without your best friend standing guard to ward off distractions. Cosmo was often busy patrolling the perimeter, while Tony enjoyed his uninterrupted morning and afternoon working sessions in one of the many peaceful locations in the house or on the grounds.

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Artzo provided healthy meals, with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farm stands, so Tony could focus on his work.

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And occasionally there was time to create photographic artwork of my own.

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All in all, a productive week for Tony, and a successful first retreat for Artzo. Stay tuned for new opportunities for Creating Space with Artzo. 

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