Testimonials

 

TestimonialsAlegre Retreat

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Testimonials

Going to the Alegre Retreat was one of the best experiences for my artistic career yet. When I had first received the scholarship I didn’t know what to expect, but within my first hour there I knew I was in for a treat. The week was filled with fun activities and classes taught by some of the biggest names in quilting. I was able to immerse myself in a group of fabulous ladies who had so much knowledge to offer and love to give. Not to mention it was in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Theres an energy in Gateway, CO, that isn’t felt anywhere else.

-Suzanne Morga – Sumo (YEA Recipient)


 

“I really enjoyed my week at the Alegre Retreat, and my mom and I hope to return. Thanks so much for the wonderful opportunity.”

– Katie Paluch (Scholarship Recipient)

 


 

“Got home from my first Alegre Retreat. It was the best quilting week ever! best things: the camaraderie with other quilt artists, and not having to explain the medium! absolutely loved the time I spent at Gateway Canyons!”

-Peg Collins (Scholarship Recipient) 


 

“What a wonderful experience it was to spend time with you at the Alegre Retreat in that incredible setting. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of it. I just loved it and will keep remembering it. It was an amazing privilege, and I can’t quite believe I was there. You and Randi did a wonderful job establishing a great atmosphere and I’m sure everyone loved it. I was delighted to meet John and Maureen too. What incredible warm generous people. I would like to write and thank them. where do I write to? Please let me know so I can do that. There was so much that is still zinging in my brain, from the terrific people in my classes, to the lectures, the beautiful surroundings, to that mind-blowing auto museum……

…..the list goes on and on. not least was the pleasure of being part of such a pleasant faculty. I hope your ‘Goofy Team’ lived up to your expectations! We certainly enjoyed it. The thought of the proposed Arts Center is so exciting. My head is still reeling. Katie, I honestly can’t find the words to adequately express my appreciation and thanks to you for sharing the experience. all I can say again and again is, Thank You. I really hope I can be part of it again and would happily do 7 airports anytime!”  

– Rosalie Dace


 

“The Alegre Retreat was one of those special experiences that I know I’ll look back on over the years and treasure the five days spent among creative minds and gorgeous scenery.  I’d heard about the Alegre Retreat a few years ago and considered applying for the Young Emerging Artist Scholarship before.  Something about the “artist” category intimidated me, but this year I decided to go for it.  All my insecurities about being “just a quilter” were put to rest within moments of arriving.”

-Ellen Rushman (YEA Recipient)


 

 

“I want to thank you for your most generous gift of a weekend at Alegre. I   had a great time and learned some very useful techniques from Emily. She was a   great teacher, very low key but gave us lots of information along with the   tools to develop our own creativity. I am extremely enthused and am writing an   article for the CQC newsletter to let them know the advantages of   attending(with photo). I am seriously considering attending next spring, but the big question is   which instructor, they are all excellent. I will keep in touch .”

 -Patty Joy


 

“My experience at Alegre Retreat at Gateway Canyons Resort was truly a gift and an experience that ignited my creativity on a variety of levels. The locale is magnificent. Sites and colors most of us don’t get to see on a daily basis. The accommodations are beautiful and not a single detail was left out. The food was colorful, delicious and really good for us! Every aspect of our personal needs were taken care of at Alegre Retreat allowing each of us to fully embrace the learning and creative process. I chose to take from Nancy Crow. I have walked away with a stronger understanding of what my brain see’s and a vocabulary to name what I see. This is an ART Retreat where quilting is the medium. I am still on a creative high from this experience.”

-Carol Hazen (Scholarship Recipient) 

 


 

“I LOVE playing with my new machine!  I have just begun doing the free motion stitching on my quilt that I started in Sue Benner’s class.  It is turning out really nicely.  Like you, I find this part of making a quilt to be my favorite.”

 -Bernina Winner Jan Kopf


 

“I’ve never enjoyed a five day class and learned as much as I did last year at Alegre. .Hope you continue over the years.”

-Deborah Gregory


 

“Caring attentive staff. Stunning setting. Fabulous accommodations. Wonderful food. Never been treated so well anywhere !!”

-Pollock, Mundelein IL


“I cannot thank everyone who had a role in my experience at the Alegre retreat enough. I was an amazing experience that I’ll remember for a very long time. Thanks again for everything and please stay in touch!”

-Olan Reeves (YEA Recipient)


 

“I shared my completed quilt at our art quilt guild, and of course told them what a great experience they missed, a wonderful week at Gateway Canyons Resort, the staff’s generosity, the delicious food and an outstanding class. I am so grateful for everything I learned from Katie in that class!”

 -Jeanette Davis

 


 

“I have to say, the class with Katie at Alegre Retreat was the most fun class I have ever taken. There was really something for everyone with at least one good idea to turn into a quilt if not several ideas.”

 -Barbara LaLiberte

 


 

“I expected a great workshop, but was thrilled at the gorgeous resort, excellent food and variety of fun evening events.”

 -LaFazio


 

“Highlights? The Staff A+, … Food … Scenery … Husband friendly — great benefit!

 -Charles, Ranchester, WY


 

“I just want to thank you and tell you how much I enjoyed Alegre Retreat. I feel so lucky to have experienced the first one at Gateway Canyons. Thank you again!”

 -Vicki Bass

 


 

From a spouse of an attendee: “Come on! No reason to be bored — there were so many things to do — all the outdoor adventures, special events. The golf (at Grand Junction) was FANTASTIC, not to be missed… The course and staff there were great. The resort offered a good chance to try so many different things. …I took the ATV tour — loved it. We went all the way to the lookout, … showed us views that we can’t see from here, beautiful panorama views of Utah.”

 


 

 

“I wanted to tell you again, how much I loved winning the scholarship to Alegre, and how much I enjoyed the class with Jean Wells. She’s great, you are great, and the staff and John and Maureen Hendricks were also outstanding. The food was fabulous, too, I might add.It’s a great idea, mingling with other quilters who want to discover new ways of doing things. I have to say, our class had the most amazing people in it, and I learned so much. Jean Wells is a great instructor; she spent time with everyone, but never intruded until asked or she could see we needed help. I also enjoyed the lectures and seeing your wonderful work in person at the Hendricks’ home.”

-Charlie Peterson (Scholarship Recipient)

 


 

“The Alegre Art Retreat was one of the best quilting experiences I have had.  I learned so much and the facilities and setting were exquisite.  I can’t wait for the next retreat as I am already enrolled!!!”

 -Shandra Belknap

 


 

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