Estes Park Retreat

May 17 - 19, 2023

Join instructors Troy Vancil, Rachel and Kathy Boyd

Price is $1100.00 and includes all classes, lunch and dinner one evening. Student is responsible for transportation and lodging. Be sure to use code to get discounted room rate in our assigned lodge.

Concrete as an Art Medium + Liquid Metal

This three day retreat gives attendees the opportunity to work with leading innovator Rachel Bruce, owner of Floormaps Inc, and professional concrete artisan Troy Vancil of Boulder Concrete. Students will learn to prepare concrete surfaces, apply stenciling for layered designs and halftones, and will seal and finish their pieces to take home. Discussions will be held to assist students with the entire process from ideation to production and creation. They will also focus on color theory and turning ideas into a reality. Individuals will leave with the abiity to bring their design and painting ideas to fruition by using concrete, Floormaps stencils, and staining techniques. Who you will be working with: Rachel Bruce has installed work all over the USA and internationally. She has worked with renowned companies including Google, Universal Studios, and Meow Wolf. Her assistant, Felicia Julien, has her MFA in painting and works for Floormaps, Inc. Troy Vancil has been in the concrete business for over 23 years. They are coming together to bridge the gap between the concrete industry and the fine art world. 

During the 3 days you will also learn how to use the amazing liquid metal products. You will learn the difference between a water-based and solvent binder, how to mix, polish and use and complete your own samples to take home. You will also learn how to use liquid metal with epoxy and polish (hone) to a more matte stone-like appearance. This is very popular for countertops. Instructor Kathy Boyd has tried and tested over 15 liquid metal products from around the world and will share some of her favorites as well as resources for various tools, top coats, patinas and more.

S C H E D U L E

  • Wednesday

    8am Preparing the surface: Overlay and Posterized

    12pm lunch

    1pm Instructional Demo of a full design; Entire class assists in creation of one piece

    3pm / Liquid metal mixing and applying

    Pizza party

    Evening / Fireside Color Theory

  • Thursday

    8am / Liquid metal, polishing

    12pm / lunch

    1pm / Students create 3 layer designs, Troy works on demo on side for students to assist between layers

    Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Brew (Optional)

    Evening / Fireside Marketing Discussion

  • Friday

    8am / Polishable Overlays and Half Tones - students create a half tone piece to take home

    12pm / lunch

    1pm / Students finish their surfaces/boards and prepare them to be shipped

    3pm / Class ends

 Optional activities

To reserve a spot call 970-586-3341 (ext. 1104)

Massage

Yoga

Ice Skating