Mike and Janette McColl spoke about the Old School Artist Retreat Center, their art, the retreats and activities at the retreat center, and more! Janette is featured in the Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and the Artist Retreat Center is also in the booklet.

Located in a restored 1906 schoolhouse in the heart of Lengby, MN, the Old School Artist Retreat Center is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing creativity and building community through immersive, hands-on retreats. It’s a place where artists, makers, and curious souls can gather to learn new skills, connect with others, and find beauty and inspiration in the creative process. See oldschoolarts.org for more info.

• Hosted by artist duo Mike and Janette McColl—local educators and lifelong creatives

• Located one block from Spring Lake, walking trails, and local bars 

• curated gifts and materials are included with every retreat

• beautiful studio environment filled with natural light, history, and the warmth of creative energy

• Delicious meals—some made lakeside or as part of a group cooking event!

Upcoming Creative Retreats at the Old School Artist Retreat Center

à la cARTe (SOLD OUT!)

July 5–8

An art buffet for the creatively curious! Try painting, stained glass, bookbinding, and leatherwork before choosing a medium to dive into. Includes goal-setting, quiet reflection, and a lakeside barbecue.

Art of the Light (Stained Glass Retreat)

July 17–20

Create your own stained glass panel while learning the art of cutting, foiling, and soldering. A sun-drenched, joy-filled experience.

Denim Alchemy (Hand-Stitching & Patchwork Retreat)

August 7–10

Embellish your favorite jean jacket with embroidery, appliqué, and a touch of magic. Storytelling through stitches, and slow fashion at its finest.

Art of the Table (Ceramics + Culinary Retreat)

September 18–21

Inspired by the Mediterranean, this retreat includes plate glazing, indigo napkin dyeing, beeswax candle-pouring, and a group Greek cooking experience. A feast for all the senses.

Fired & Adorned (Fused Glass Jewelry Retreat)

October 10–12

Design and fire 15–20 pieces of stunning kiln-formed jewelry. A perfect creative getaway just in time for holiday gifting.

Looking for a personal artistic escape?  They also have a Airbnb that just opened upstairs at the schoolhouse. Their upstairs apartment, The Wandering Artist Academy, is available on Airbnb. It’s a private, sunlit space with a working art studio, clawfoot tub, and vintage charm—ideal for solo artists or creative couples seeking inspiration in a peaceful, small-town setting.

Jane Anderson, Executive Director of the Thief River Falls Community Theater, spoke about TRFACT’s 30 year anniversary, the organization, the upcoming shows this summer, including Little Shop of Horrors (June 4-6 and 9-11), Seussical Kids (June 24-26), Talking with … by Jane Martin (July 9-10), and The Addams Family (July 29-31). You can buy tickets for these shows online at TRFACT.org. Jane also shared anecdotes about the importance and impact of theater for kids, as well as her work at TRFACT (including grant writing, publicity, and signing contracts, and more. Listen to the conversation to learn more about TRFACT and theater!

Darcy and Phil continued their conversation about Darcy’s creative approach to choir directing and receiving the NW Star Award. This is part 2 of the conversation.

They spoke about the trips that Darcy and the choir took to Minneapolis and NYC and what they experienced and learned about life, history, and humanity through music. They also spoke about racism, injustices, and how the students felt safe to express themselves in the classroom. Listen to hear the details.

Phil spoke with Darcy Reese of Thief River Falls. She’s a retired music educator and recently received the prestigious NW Star Award for creative choir directing from the NWMAC. She shared how she came to take an innovative approach to choir directing. Darcy and her students learned about and incorporated diverse experiences into the choir room and performances, including poems about the Holocaust, spending time with Holocaust survivors, Black Gospel music, and American Indian music and jingle dancing into performances. These experiences were eye opening for her and her students. This is part one of their conversation.