Aerial View of Mackinac Island

Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Michigan

We hope to schedule another Artist Retreat in 2023.

AIS Artist Retreat 2020

Such fun we had together!   Mackinac Island, Michigan

Sunday, August 30, Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Thanks to Elizabeth Pollie, Mackinac Arts Council, Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Carriage Tours, Sheplers, Blick, Art of the West, Michigan Humanities Council and dozens of island businesses for their swag bag donations.  



AIS Artist Retreat 2020

Mackinac Island, Michigan

We held our first retreat! 

Sunday, August 30, Monday, August 31 and

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

A gathering designed to provide a creative, engaging, and visually stimulating environment for artists to get inspired and energized. Historic architecture, horses, carriages, charming marina and breathtaking views--all iconic Mackinac Island experiences for you to explore.

The style of Impressionism had a tremendous impact in the 1880's and continues today.  Learn more about the ongoing studies and artists working plein air today. 

AIS partnered with Mackinac Arts Council for the event.

AIS and MAC received a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council for our work in Impressionism.  



Elizabeth Pollie was our AIS Signature Member Mentor for the retreat.  Debra Joy Groesser AIS and AIS Board President/CEO also provided tips and techniques along with critiques. 

Mission Point Resort was our event location. 

Registration limited -- maximum of 25 AIS member participants.  



Interested in our 2021 Retreat?  Here's what we offered in 2020. 

AIS Retreat Pass:   $100 included


  • Ferry ticket 

  • Two receptions 

  • Coffee/refreshments at AIS educational sessions

  • Transportation to remote painting locations on island

  • Demo by Elizabeth Pollie AIS

  • Critique Sessions

  • Paint Out registration

  • Wet Paint Exhibit and sale (Artists will receive 80% of sale with AIS and MAC receiving 10% each)

  • Goodie bag with island discounts, sponsor product, swag



ELIZABETH POLLIE  AIS AWAM OPA

Read more about Elizabeth

We asked Elizabeth to share why she enjoys spending time and painting and the island.... 

" It would not be an overstatement to describe Mackinac Island as one of the crown jewels of America’s many historic sites. From the horse drawn carriages to the Victorian summer homes, there is a “frozen in time” quality that permeates nearly every aspect of this unique place. You can wander for hours, rent a bicycle of simply sit and watch the boats coming and going from the historic waterfront.

For an artist, the variety of inspirational sights and settings is astonishing. Many of the homes boast stunning gardens. Draft horses pulling a variety of carts and carriages can be seen in every direction. And, the island topography with its high bluff offers birds eye views of the harbor and the town below.

Best of all is relaxing with friends and a glass of wine in the evening and watch as everything is drenched in the warm light of the setting sun. I cannot think of a more superb spot for this AIS event."





Here's our schedule from 2020:

Saturday, August 29: 

Optional Social Hour   On island, location TBA. Cash Bar.


Sunday, August 30:  

Artist check in and stamping for Paint Out.    Painting on location all day and evening. 

Elizabeth Pollie available for “Tips while you Paint” 

Welcome Party at Mission Point  Light appetizers.  One drink included with AIS Retreat Pass. Cash bar.    5:30pm-7:00 pm.    


Monday, August 31:  

Drays to take artists to three special locations.   Departing from Mission Point beginning at 8 am. 

All day painting--with artists deliver paintings between 4 pm and 5 pm.

Exhibit and sale at Mission Point opens at 5 pm.   AIS Retreat Pass for one drink .  

Light appetizers/cash bar from 5pm -6:30pm  

Critique Sessions from 6:30 pm - 8 pm


Tuesday, September 1   

Morning educational painting demonstration and lecture by Elizabeth Pollie. Elizabeth is a scholar of the Impressionist movement both in its roots in Europe and the tradition being carried on today.  Learn about the influence the Impressionists had on both side of the Atlantic. 

9:30 am-11:30am  BREAK  12:30 pm-2:30pm  

END of Retreat at 3 pm.   

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