Re: Answer to an email from a “Budding Artist” Hi Leigh Ann, Wonderful things are happening with my new art retreat and one of those is the creative spirits God brings to the retreat. Have you checked out my web site? I have redesigned it as the result of my first artist retreat guests in April. Their visit here was a transforming experience in my concept for the retreat. The web site is: http://artforartlovers.net. I have renamed the retreat to "Women of God Art Retreat." And my first guests have become my Goddaughters. I have a feeling that the remaining years of my life will be blessed with many more Goddaughters. Your daughter, Alley, may well become one of them. My heart is open to the gifted people God chooses to send this way. I love working one on one and in small groups. As the retreat evolves according to God's plan it is still quite flexible...and I can be flexible as well. I would love to have your daughter attend a retreat with you, by herself, etc. There is nothing I love more than sharing what I have learned about art, being an artist and how God has affected my life bringing me to this new creative juncture. I celebrated my 70th birthday in March and am happy to say that I believe the best years of my life are ahead of me as I do mentor others through my work. My rates/fees are modest. Five days at the retreat, including accommodations, use of kitchen and the studio is $250. Private instruction is extra and can be designed around the person's needs. If you were to want me just to take your daughter in two for four to five days I will be happy to work something out that will help all of us. She will have the opportunity of living with a real artist, working and learning for much of each day in the studio, and we can be creative in the kitchen as well. The $250 does not include food but we can talk about that as well. I said flexible and you can see this is what I mean..It is important to me to live as I live daily in the retreat and I believe it is the best way I can serve other artists. If this interests you, let me know, give me some of your ideas, and we will keep talking and see what develops. Sincerely, Ann Hamilton Subject: Budding Artist Hi Ann. I have been reading about you (via the flying monkey arts center website). My daughter is 15 yrs old (Alley) and has a natural talent for art and is a creative, free spirit. I read about your retreat for artists and I think Alley would be a bit young for that, but I was wondering if you offer anything similar for teenagers/young adults? If not, I would love the opportunity to bring Alley to your beautiful place for a visit. My goal is to find Alley an Artist Mentor to help her on this path and not let it go by the wayside. I have not been successful going thru the school she attends and do not want her to under appreciate what God has given her. Hope to hear back from you soon and have a good day.