October 26 - 30

We are on our 3rd year for Journalfest and are settling into the groove that makes it what it is. If you love to journal, make journals or have always had an interest in either, this is the place to come. Even if you don’t really know how you feel about journaling but are interested in getting better at art and a creative life, this is where you will want to be next October. Journalfest is a smaller group of 150, perfect for those who feel a little overwhelmed by the 550 we usually have at Artfest. The feeling is cozy and warm and everyone is friendly and excited about journaling. In the tradition of Artfest, we offer 3 full days of workshops to choose from. You arrive on a Wednesday starting at 3pm and depart on a Sunday morning at 10am. The evenings consist of “Journaling parties” that includes a beach bonfire and a night with live music. Last year we had a masquerade journaling party that went so well, everyone pleaded that we do it again. Friday night will be a marketplace of journaling supplies, handbound journals and related stuff you can purchase. We have chosen teachers who exhibit a passion for journaling or journal making themselves and who offer workshops that will enhance your own journaling or journal making experiences. We are thrilled about our line-up for Journalfest 2011 and know this one will be the best one yet!

Fort Worden is an old military base that is located in beautiful Port Townsend, Washington. Even though the fort is a little rough around the edges, our attendees continually tell us that is what adds to it's charm. You will see deer casually walking right in front of you as you meander down to your workshops. With the ocean and the trees as your backdrop, it will take your breath away. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from the SeaTac Airport. The trip involves driving into Seattle, taking a 1/2 hour ferry to Bainbridge Island and then traveling for about an hour north up the other side of puget sound. We will offer a shuttle from the airport ($80 RT) for those who need it. It has only one pick up time from the airport (2pm) and one departure time back to the airport (8am). More details will be in your confirmation packet

Registration starts when the web information is live (march 5th) and continues until October 1st. We can only accept checks, cashiers checks or money orders. Canadians must send a check in US funds. International attendees can use paypal (but must add 4%). If using paypal, send funds to artgirl777@aol.com

For 3 days of workshops, 4 nights of lodging, goodies and all the extra events:

off campus - $490 (choose your own lodging in port townsend)
private room in dorm - $590
shared room in dorm - $570
shared room in officers housing - $620
private room in officers housing—$750 A deposit of $300 is required with your form to register. The 2nd half is due by July 15, 2011. Please see the registration form for our cancellation policy

These are old buildings built around the turn of the century. The fort has been on a path of fixing and updating many of it’s accommodations for the past few years and every year we see much improvement!

OFF CAMPUS - This option is good for folks who live close to the retreat, or who want total privacy by having their own room with their own bathroom. Port Townsend has a gazillion b&b's available in their victorian town. There are some average motels in town as well. You can do a search on google for options.

DORMS - These buildings have very small single rooms with communal bathrooms down the hall. Due to the fact that we get 95% women at our retreats, we also use the men's restrooms as women’s to provide more space. For this reason, we do not allow men in the dorms. Linens, pillow, blanket, towels, & soap are included with each room. The shared dorm rooms consist of 2 twin beds in a room. We are only utilizing dorm 225 for Journalfest.

OFFICE RS HOUSES - The advantage to the houses is that you have a small group that can gather in the dining room or living room and talk about their workshops and projects. We have had many groups form from this who request to be in the same house year after year. Each has a kitchen equipped with toaster, coffee maker, fridge, oven and utensils. Most of the rooms have one queen bed in each, so if you pick the shared option, you will be sharing a bed.

Staying in the dorms or one of the houses provides a unique experience that helps make our retreats what they are. Folks make friends which last long after the retreat is over.

Meals are served buffet style. They specialize in local, mostly organic fare. They always provide a good selection of entrees & sides, a salad bar and a dessert along with a soda fountain, tea and coffee. You may add any combination of the following to your registration: (please note that you must sign up for meals ahead of time).

4 breakfasts (thur, fri, sat, sun) - $50
3 lunches (thur, fri, sat) - $40
4 dinners (wed, thur, fri, sat) - $70

is only available to registered attendees because the show is only 2 hours long on Friday evening. You will be given information on applying for a juried table with your confirmation packet.

Questions? artgirl777@aol.com

This may well be a life changing event for you. A huge percentage of our attendees always say it is.