Immerse yourself in a week-long retreat that rejuvenates your creativity and enriches your artistic journey. Set amidst the beautiful coastal landscapes of Mulranny, this retreat offers a perfect blend of learning and cultural experiences. Engage in workshops that explore the Art of Seaweed, an innovative exploration that blends natural foraging with creativity, teaching participants how to incorporate the unique textures, colors and forms of seaweed into artistic practices for a truly immersive and organic experience. As well as daily workshops in our well equipped studio you will enjoy hands-on seaweed harvesting along the rugged, rocky shores. The week is balanced with local tours and evenings filled with traditional Irish entertainment, communal meals and conversations with fellow artists. Experience the essence of Ireland while creating, learning and forming lasting connections in this unforgettable artistic retreat.

In the eco based workshops, Mary will instruct participants in the printmaking techniques of seaweed pressing and cyanotype to create unique works of art on paper. Seaweed pressing has ties to the Victorian Era, where nature-based art was in vogue due to the connection it had with one’s spirituality. A Marine Botanical is created in a similar way to flower pressing but native seaweed is used in the process.

Cyanotype is a technique that involves laying objects on paper coated with a light sensitive emulsion and exposing it to UV light. The objects block the rays from exposure and when the paper is developed in a water bath, they leave white impressions while the rest of the paper turns shades of blue.

Mary will introduce you to the magic of combining these two processes and participants will make multiple prints on different types and sizes of paper.

Discover the beauty of seaweed, increase your knowledge of marine algae and have a memorable time with this unique experience.