Celtic ConVergence

Wax Across the Water

October 12 - 17, 2023

Pre-Retreat Workshops: Wednesday and Thursday, October 11-12

Post-Retreat Workshops: Tuesday and Wednesday, October 17-18

Our first IEA ConVergence in the spring of 2022 on the coast of California was a remarkable event for those who attended. We experienced deep community, explored revolutionary ideas in our art form, and generally rejoiced in being together in person at the end of the land and the edge of the water.

Appropriately enough, our theme for this issue of Wax Fusion is germination, and in California there were ideas germinating about gathering again, but this time on another coast – the wild, remote coast of Western Ireland. Apparently, the stars aligned, because we are indeed converging together again in October at the dramatic western edge of Ireland on Clew Bay, the end boundary of Europe. The convergent parallels are amazing.

As you think about whether to join us for our Celtic Convergence, remember that “convergence” is about coming to conclusions, making decisive decisions, choosing between tradeofs, and prioritizing what is essential versus what is “nice to have.” You are purposefully narrowing the range of possibilities you are considering, so that you can converge on a final outcome, one that is deeply satisfying.

This is sheep country. Below the mountain lies the salt marsh. Here, the sheep patiently wait for the waters to recede so they can continue to graze on the salty grass. The rhythm of life is dominated by these tides, flowing over the white sand beaches and then leaving in hasty withdrawal to the vast Atlantic Ocean. At the Convergence, there will also be time for exploring with our fabulous Tour Guide Colum, who will regale you with stories (some of them, true!) about the area, or you may wish to avail yourself of the open-studio time at one of our gorgeous encaustic studios.

The retreat and exhibition will be held at Mulranny Arts Campus, the workshops will be at the EOM campus and the Mulranny Arts Campus, and all retreat accommodations will be close by.

Transportation will be provided for meals out and our sightseeing days.

The art we make and the conversations we share will be forever inspired by this place and these rhythms, and you will come back charged with inspiration and changed by your experience.

Pre-retreat workshop-only attendees are invited to join the retreat attendees at the Welcome Dinner. Post-retreat workshoponly attendees are invited to attend a fun social event on the last night of the retreat. And everyone is welcome to attend the IEA Juried Exhibition and artists’ reception located at Mulranny Arts.

To learn about Celtic ConVergence or register for the retreat and/ or one of multiple workshops being ofered pre-retreat and postretreat, go to www.international-encaustic-artists.org/2023Converence-WaxAcrosstheWater.