Tucked away in Covington on 1,500 acres of piney woods lies Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College. There on the tranquil grounds - in a renovated former chicken coop - Abbey Art Works has become a haven for artists. Last week, the studio hosted its Inaugural Artists’ Retreat. Thirteen artists from around the region - and as far away as Albuquerque, New Mexico - came together for four days of peaceful, quiet painting.
Abbey Art Works instructor Billie Bourgeois, who participated in the retreat, spoke about how this space was conceived. Seven years ago, she and Abbey Art Works director Lyn Taylor dreamed of how they could “make an art destination for artists at the Abbey.”
“To stay at the retreat house, have our meals, and come over to paint in the studio was our dream,” Bourgeois said.
With the help of Benedictine Abbot Justin Brown, that dream started to become a reality. Even with the flooding of the Abbey on March 11, 2016 which ruined new easels and other equipment, their dream did not die.
“Benedictines have a tradition of supporting art and artists throughout history,” Bourgeois said “Through trials, errors and floods we finally have done it.” Abbey Art Works opened its doors last week to a group of artists awaiting inspiration from these sacred grounds.
During the retreat, artists stayed at the newly renovated Christian Life Center just steps away from the studio building, and they were able to roam about the pastoral grounds as well as take guided tours of the murals in the church and monks’ dining room, created by Dom Gregory Dewit.
Artist Noula Radakis said the retreat “gave me a space to go back almost to my roots. I was brought up in the (Greek Orthodox) church so this is a ground that I feel like I’m connected to, and I am also surrounded by the saints and by God. It’s very inspirational.”
Artist Lalita O’Hair shared similar sentiments regarding the Abbey grounds. “Being here, it’s like you get the distinct experience that nature is being honored. It opens your heart, and when the heart is open, it allows for a greater creative enthusiasm and energy direction.”
Plans for the next Artists’ Retreat are currently in the works. The foyer of the studio will be completed by October 18 and will add space for more artists to come draw inspiration for their work.
“It’s a holy place, and we feel it when we’re here, and it definitely oozes out in the paint; Bourgeois said, It’s a huge inspiration and a gift, a soulful gift. Hopefully our paintings will reflect that.”
Abbey Art Works hopes to host this annual retreat twice a year, inviting more artists to experience and share in the beauty of the Abbey.
While the retreat itself was centered on those working artists with years of experience, Abbey Art Works has even more to offer those individuals who have an interest in art and painting. “There is ample opportunity here for people who want to be artists, who want to get into painting and are afraid to start,” Bourgeois said, “It’s a great place to come.”
If you would like to learn more about the programs offered or lend support to Abbey Art Works, please visit
https://www.abbeyartworks.com/.