The day to day running of the retreat is successful because of the hard work of many dedicated folks. A special thank you goes to Nick Seidle and Sammie Pine who have a background in hospitality and pick-up guests and offer personalized attention during a stay. There is also a meal service that is steadfast and dependable. Typically, we check- in during the middle of the retreat to do cleaning and address any issues that come up on the property. This is a team effort, as is the garden which needs a lot of attention.

 

What makes the Kona Arts Retreat distinctive from other arts retreats is its personalized attention. We develop a relationship with each artist from the initial contact, getting a sense of the person’s artwork and meal preferences. We are available to help people in emergencies and make sure people have a safe passage home. During this age of chatGPT, it’s important that a real person is corresponding particularly with an artistic audience. We hope also to provide a quiet meditative environment without disruption or social obligations that is conducive   to work.

 

We have a group of angel advisors who have counseled us along the way including Ann Beattie and Mona Simpson who have recommended potential participants. There is also a financial wing of advisors, especially Alex Dunn who goes the extra mile ensuring that we have not for profit status and helping us apply for grants and making sure that people’s flights run smoothly if there is a cancellation. Also, a special thanks goes to Colleen O’Callaghan at Chase who has suggested potential donors to Dr. JP Jackson and his team who have advised us on any number of matters. 

 

It takes a village to put together a successful retreat and we are eternally grateful for people’s belief in our dream. If you build it, they will come.