Gateway Canyons Announces Return of Alegre Fiber Art Retreat for 2010

Following a resounding success with the newly-revived Alegre Retreat for fiber artists in 2009, Gateway Canyons is now taking reservations for the second annual Alegre Retreat for early summer of 2010, with an expanded schedule and roster of instructors joining renowned artist and event director, Katie Pasquini-Masopust.

Gateway, CO (January 27, 2010) – After a very successful first year hosting the highly respected Alegre Retreat for fiber artists, Gateway Canyons is quickly filling up for the second annual event, which includes one five-day and one two-day session, to be held June 6-13, 2010.  Katie Pasquini-Masopust, Alegre Retreat Director, will be assisted by fellow fiber artists Jane Dunnewold, Carol Shinn, Sue Benner and Patty Hawkins.

“We once again focus on keeping the creative process fun, but it’s equally important for all the fiber artists at the retreat to know that they must stay true to their individual passion,” said Katie Pasquini-Masopust, who is a painter as well as a quilter. “All who participate are happy to share their secrets as to how to manifest their visions with fabric.” Additionally, the setting of Gateway Canyons inspires participants with its power to instill awe, encourage exploration and ignite creativity through the panoramic vistas.

Instruction in fiber arts and in the composition of art quilts is interspersed daily with hikes to explore the local landscape, quiet time when needed, and lectures and entertainment in the evenings. One evening’s entertainment includes a dinner followed by a private tour of the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, where retreat attendees can study the dramatic colors and textural art of the American automobile. There are a number of outdoor activities available to guests at Gateway Canyons such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding and golf outings, and spa treatments can also be arranged.

Gateway Canyons is nestled in the stunning canyons of western Colorado. The setting is a natural patchwork quilt of color: The Dolores River and West Creek nourish the crops and natural grasses of the valley floor, creating a breathtaking green contrast to the dramatic terra cotta land forms, while the marbled colors of the canyon walls offer a counterpoint to the brilliant blue of the summer sky. The destination has 54 units total between the Dolores River Inn and the Kiva Lodge. These accommodations range from deluxe hotel rooms to luxury suites with private outdoor hot tubs. There is fine dining in the Paradox Grille and casual dining at the Kiva Café. New for the 2010 retreat is the Mission Bell™ Amphitheater which will provide a stunning outdoor venue for a variety of alfresco performances. Also new this year is the state-of-the-art Palisade Event Center with large classrooms, a grand lecture hall, seating for more than 100 people, an HD theater and an art studio.

Alegre Retreat Director Katie Pasquini-Masopust has gained international acclaim for her fractured-landscape quilts. She has taught throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and England, and has won numerous awards including the Silver Star Award for lifetime achievement in quilting. One of Katie’s quilts has been included in the “20^th Century’s 100 Best Quilts” list. For this year’s retreat, Katie’s latest masterpiece will be unveiled and will hang permanently in the Palisade Event Center’s Grand Hall.

Quilting is a time-honored endeavor, and interest in fiber arts has never been higher. Enrollment in the Alegre Retreat is limited and is attended by enthusiastic quilters and artists from around the globe. With the majestic rock formations, the colors created from centuries of the earth shifting and re-forming, and the calming flow of the rivers, the beauty and diversity of Gateway Canyons is a natural fit for this artistic seminar. Teachers and attendees alike benefit from the surrounding visual creative “material”. Gateway Canyons anticipates another full session for 2010, with registration currently underway at www.gatewaycanyons.com/visit/specials-packages/special-events-packages.

About Gateway Canyons

Gateway Canyons is a premier retreat destination with full amenities, breathtaking scenery, a range of outdoor activities, and the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum. Located one hour southwest of Grand Junction on Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway 141, the resort is easily accessible.  Frequent flights are available from Denver, Dallas, Phoenix and Salt Lake City at the full service Grand Junction Regional Airport. Private planes may arrive in Grand Junction or Montrose. Rental cars and resort shuttles are available. For more information, call 866.671.4733 or visit http://www.gatewaycanyons.com/press-room for an online press kit, press releases, and downloadable photographs.

Media contacts:

Tammy Anderson, Director of Resort Lodging and Guest Experience

Gateway Canyons

970.931.2647

Tammy.Anderson@GatewayCanyons.com

or

Vicky Nash, Public Relations Representative

Resort Trends, Inc. – Tourism & Resort Communications

970.948.4923

Vicky@ResortTrends.com