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We are very excited to offer this unique, collaborative retreat with art educator Gina Torello and yoga teacher Maria Martinez Alonso. This retreat is an invitation to foster wellness through nature, creativity, and grounding. On a peaceful, pleasant farm, Gina will demonstrate plein-air painting using oils and pastels, and Maria will offer yoga and mindfulness practices to relax the body and calm the mind.

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Gina studied under renowned artists in Florence, Italy, and she received her Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting. Currently, Gina is a Professor of Fine Arts at Monmouth University. At this retreat, she will give demonstrations and work with each participant individually for one-on-one guidance. 

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Maria is a clinical psychologist, certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor, yoga teacher, and artist. She studied in Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S. At this retreat, she will be guiding standing and sitting positions in gentle Hatha Yoga that will help warm up the joints and stretch the body, as well as contemplative practices to cultivate greater presence. 

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This restorative retreat will take place in Maria’s charming country home nestled in the quaint town of Farmingdale. There are several scenic highlights for us to paint and find inspiration from: a chicken chalet with hens and roosters; goldfish pond filled with frogs and lilies; beautiful Japanese Maples; and all kinds of native plants, trees, and flowers with vibrant colors. Adjacent to the property, there is also a serene, wooded area for reflection and relaxation.

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We will have a small group of 16 artists and yogis focusing on enhancing our creativity with present-moment awareness to study nature and animals in our intimate backyard together. 

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The first 12 participants to sign up will have access to use a New Wave Plein Air easel and tripod, along with a chair. If you have your own PleinAir Pochade Box, feel free to bring it with you. 

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Bring your medium of choice, such as oils or pastels or even watercolor. Remember to bring all the supplies necessary for the medium you choose to work with, along with paper towels and wet wipes to clean up your materials. If you want to work with watercolors at a table, we will also have four small tables available. 

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During our retreat, we will take one hour for lunch. We will provide tea, water, and fruits. Please bring your lunch and snacks. If needed, you can use a designated fridge to store your food items. There are picnic tables under a tree-covered canopy to dine outside.

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Arrival is at 9:00am to allow time for parking and setting up. Our retreat will begin promptly at 9:15am. We will have a review at 4:30 along with our closing to reflect on all the beautiful and fulfilling moments we shared together. 

Please join our retreat waitlist below and we will accept sign-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will be personally notified upon our receiving of your request.

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Sincerely, Gina and Maria