Plein air artist and oil painter Catherine Whitehead travels to Galena on January 16 from her home in Glen Gardner, New Jersey for the week-long painting retreat. This award-winning artist typically paints outdoors, alla prima or wet-on-wet, and completes her work in one sitting.  She says painting in nature gives her the ability to truly experience with all her senses the beauty she is capturing on canvas. With numerous awards and exhibitions to her credit, Catherine says this residency will provide a great opportunity to shake off the winter blues by celebrating the chilly days painting and interacting with others. The artist plans to step outside to soak up the sun while painting the beautiful Mississippi River. If Mother Nature does not cooperate you will find her painting from the Goldmoor Inn’s window filled gazebo.

This week, guests have an opportunity to experience culinary art paired with visual artistry.  Friday features a cooking class led by Goldmoor Inn’s creative executive chef, Ryan Mead, who will lead of cooking class with recipes inspired by Whitehead’s artistry.

Artful Dining Cooking Class: Friday, January 20 from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. includes lunch with wine as

Goldmoor Inn’s Executive Chef Ryan Mead leads a lunchtime cooking class at the Chef’s Table, demonstrating an original dish inspired by Whitehead’s artistry.

Cost: $59

Whitehead’s Master Class en plein air class is scheduled Saturday, January 21 from 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $95 per person, including snacks, wine and cheese. Participants provide all supplies.

Description: Catherine Whitehead encourages all levels of painters to attend the class focused on the art of plein air painting. Outdoor set ups may occur so participants are encouraged to dress appropriately. If there is inclement weather, the artist will bring the class into the window-filled Gazebo.