6/1/25 Early Bird Registration for Midwest Collage Society's Fall 2025 Creative Artists' Retreat in Bucolic Milford, Indiana

Organizer and local artist, Tania Blanco, writes: This is a great opportunity for artists to get together learn from each other and create in a lovely setting. I have been coordinating this retreat for over 15 years. You don’t have to be a collage artist. We have had some painters, writers, photographers and poets attend. Keep scrolling for registration information and registration form... 

Wednesday, September 24 through Sunday, September 28, 2024

Camp Alexander Mack

891 E Shady Banks Lane

Milford, IN 46542

(574) 658-3342

(574) 658-4831

This Retreat Center is located on 200+ acres on the Eastern shore of Lake Waubee in North Central Indiana. Camp Alexander Mack is only 1 hour from both South Bend and Fort Wayne and 2 1/2 hours from Indianapolis and Chicago. REMEMBER: there is a time change to EST.

Why go to a Creative Artist Retreat? This is a unique opportunity for visual artists, writers, musicians to be together and share their passion for the arts and enjoy the atmosphere of Camp Mack. Learn new techniques from fellow artists, share ideas and supplies, experiment, and dedicate five days to your creative endeavors. You do not have to be a MCS member, or a collage artist, to register for this retreat. All artists are welcome.

Accommodations: Our housing will be in the renovated Ulrich Lodge again this Fall with new roof and HVAC. All floors are accessible by ramp or elevator. There are renovated bedrooms with new innerspring mattresses, All bathrooms have also been renovated and two of the bathrooms are ADA accessible. There is expanded working space (including a patio outside the lower level that overlooks the Gazebo and the lake). There is a parking lot next to the building and a walkway to the dining hall in the Welcome Center. Wi-Fi is available on the site. Cost remains the same as last year.

Registration Fees

The 2025  Early bird registration fee is $320 (submitted by June 1st) After June 1st, registration fee will be $350.

Note: A $200 deposit will hold your space until the final payment which is due on or before August 3rd.

Retreat Registration includes 11 meals, 4 nights accommodations and work spaces at Ulrich Lodge.

The 5 day retreat allows time for some off-site outings such as visits to shops, restaurants, theatre, antique centers. All are optional and small groups usually arrange these independently.

Theater is an optional activity that many participants have enjoyed in the past. Call or view online closer to September:

The Round Barn Theater (574) 773-4188 in Napanee

The Blue Gate Theater (260) 768-4725  in Shipshewana.

Midwest Collage Society Fall 2025 CREATIVE ARTISTS Retreat

What to Bring

Casual Clothing: Plan for any kind of weather. For a theatre field trip, bring something nicer.

Overnight necessities: Bedding: pillow, sheets, blanket and Towels, Personal toiletries.

(Mattresses are new innerspring type) Umbrella and comfortable shoes for walks.

Work Space: apron, plastic table cover, paper towels, wipes, cleaning supplies, small table

light, outlet strip, cushions for chairs (Walmart is 7 miles from camp) Bottled water (well water at Camp is not very tasty) and snacks - Alcohol is not permitted at the camp.

Meals: There are some vegetarian options but protein for vegetarians may be inadequate.

Things to Share (or sell): Books, magazines, resource materials that inspire creative art

making, DVD’s of techniques, artist lives. We have access to a tv monitor and VHS and DVD.

Art Supplies: Favorite tools, art for show and tell and works in progress, ideas for collaborative

art. Supplies for techniques you wish to demonstrate.

“SWAP” Items: Supplies, materials you no longer need to share or exchange

Camera: to capture excellent photo opportunities

Desk Lamps or clamp on lamps for added light in the evenings. Natural light in the daytime is

excellent. Electrical strip, if needed.

Enthusiasm to create and share with fellow artists and Sense of humor.

Tentative Retreat Schedule

(All Workshops, Demonstrations and Activities are optional)

Wednesday, September 24 2:00 pm Arrival, Set up of workshop space & lodging

5:00 pm Evening Meal

5:45 pm Introductions, Review of Schedule, Creativity Warm ups or collaborative projects

Thursday,September 25 8:00 am Breakfast

8:45 am  Workshop or demos TBA /Free time optional

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm  Workshop or demos TBA /Free time optional

5:00 pm Evening Meal

6:00 pm Free time for work & Idea Exchange

Friday. September 26

8:00 am Breakfast

8:45 am Workshop or demos TBA /Free time optional

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm  Workshop or demos TBA /Free time optional

5:00 pm Dinner

5:45 pm Continue working on projects

(optional) 7:30pm Round Barn: Musical TBA

8:00 pm Free Time

Saturday September 27

8:00 am Breakfast

8:45 am Workshop or demos/ Free time optional

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm Workshop or demos/ Free time optional

5:00 pm Dinner

5:45 pm Continue working on projects or Free Time

(optional) 2pm or 7:30pm Round Barn Theater: Musical TBA

Sunday, September 288:00 am Breakfast (no lunch served on last day)

12:00 pm Clean-up and Pack-up

2:00 pm Departure

Midwest Collage Society Fall 2025CREATIVE ARTISTS RetreatWednesday, September 24th through Sunday, September 28, 2025

Camp Alexander Mack, 891 E. Shady Banks Lane, Milford, IN 46542

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________

CITY: __________________ ____________________________________________________

STATE: ______________ ZIP: ________________ PHONE: _________________________

EMAIL: ____________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL FOOD and LODGING NEEDS or REQUESTS:

____________________________________________________________________________

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTIFY: Name: ______________________________________

RELATIONSHIP: ___________________ PHONE: _________________________________

EARLY BIRD FEE

Pay Full Fee of $320 or Deposit of $200 due by June 1, 2025 and Final Payment of $120.

due on or before August 3, 20225

REGISTRATION AFTER June 2, 2025: Pay Full Fee of $350 or deposit of $200 and Final

Payment of $150 on or before August 3, 2025

Make Checks payable to: MCS and mail to:

JOAN LUCHT  94 Cassin Rd., Naperville IL 50565

For information call or email:

Joan Lucht (630) 673-4300 (leave a message if no answer) joan.of.art33@gmail.com

Tania Blanco (630) 464-3749 or taniablanc@aol.com

WAIVER AND RELEASE STATEMENT: I will not hold the Midwest Collage Society or its

members liable for any loss or damages or injuries at the Camp Alexander Mack Creativity

Retreat. I will follow the safety rules of the camp, and I take full responsibility for my safety and

health with my own insurance.

I waive any claim for me that may arise against Camp Alexander Mack and/or it’s employees as

a result of participation in the Creative Artists Retreat, except for those that are a direct result of

gross negligence of the camp or its employees. I give permission for me to be photographed and

or videotaped for promotional purposes of The Midwest Collage Society or the camp.

Signed ___________________________________________ Date _________________

Please make a copy of this registration for your records