2025 Announcement & Giveaway…
Two blog posts in one day?!Yes!
Today I have some VERY exciting news I want to share with you.
(And a HUGE Giveaway!)
Next year’s Art & Faith Creative Retreats in Bellagio, Italy are going to be “double the fun”… Because I’m doing TWO retreats next June!
They’re BOTH very special retreats, but today I want to tell you about the first one.
I’ve asked an artist I’ve admired for some time to join me June 7 - 14, 2025 and she said YES!
You may already know her, but let me introduce you to her:
Elaine Lee is an amazing freelance illustrator who’s art has inspired many! You can see her beautiful artwork on IG @dearelaineco.
Here’s a little about her:
Elaine Lee is a textile designer and freelance illustrator based in the greater DC area. She has always had a passion for art since childhood and eventually pursued a degree in fashion design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. However, her artistic inclination led her down diverse paths, each marked by a new passion and pursuit.
After graduating and working in NYC’s fashion industry for several years, Elaine felt called to immerse herself in Bible school by the Lord. This transformative experience deepened her understanding of God's truths and ignited a desire to serve her community, especially the youth. It also guided her transition into freelance illustration and church service, where she found joy in creating and the flexibility to dedicate time to serving the Lord.
Eventually, her path led her to textile design in the home industry, where she continues to freelance and license her art today. Elaine's favorite art mediums include gouache, watercolor, colored pencils, and she is currently exploring the world of pastels. She draws inspiration from God’s creation, particularly flowers, urbanscapes, and the charm of daily life, all of which she portrays in delightful illustrations filled with whimsy.
Passionate about sharing her creations online to motivate and inspire her community, Elaine has recently taken up teaching and creating educational material for fellow artists. One of her primary goals is to help others cultivate a habit of maintaining a sketchbook, believing it to be a space for growth, style development, and beautiful documentation of daily adventures.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Elaine enjoys tending to her plants, hosting tea parties, cat sitting, and dog watching. She eagerly anticipates the upcoming Art & Faith Retreat, where she will have the opportunity to teach alongside Laura in the beautiful setting of Lake Como. Elaine looks forward to being mutually inspired, deepening her connection to the Lord, and experiencing sweet fellowship during the retreat.
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I’ve had a chance to get to know Elaine, and I’m so excited she’ll be joining us next year at our retreat. I think you’re going to love her sweet personality and her heart for the Lord too!
Check out some of her work below:
I can’t wait for you to join us on the shores of Lake Como, Italy next June!
So go check out both of our Instagram accounts for a HUGE Giveaway for this retreat!
Registration for this retreat will open THIS FRIDAY, right here on my website. I’ll share all the details on the Registration Page tomorrow.
Spaces are limited and will sell out, so we hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining us in Italy next June!
I’ll share more details on the second retreat in Bellagio next June very soon.
Have a GREAT day everyone!
Hugs to all,
Laura McCollough
P.S. If you are NOT on IG, you can go to BOTH of our FB pages and sign up to follow us via our website newsletters, leave a comment that you did on our FB pages, and that will count as an entry.
P.S.S. If you’re looking for the Monday Morning Bible Study, you can find it here