At the Edge of the World

A Winter Retreat in Painting & Assemblage
with Cheryl Cobern Browne and Lora Murphy

On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast

2027

A Week to Create, Rest, and Reconnect

At the far edge of Ireland, where the Atlantic meets the land and winter softens everything into quiet tones of stone, sky, and sea, we invite you into a different rhythm.

This is a 7-day immersive retreat, a beautiful balance of deep creative practice, rest, and connection.

Outside: wild weather, shifting light, the raw beauty of the Atlantic coast.
Inside: a warm, cosy studio, space to gather, to make, and to settle into your work.

Over the course of the week, you’ll be guided through 5 days of teaching, with time in between to reflect, explore, and allow your ideas to evolve naturally.

Two Practices, One Experience

This retreat is led by two artists, each offering a distinct but deeply connected approach:

Cheryl will guide you through Assemblage, working with natural materials, and the art of connection.
Lora will guide you in Mixed media painting,collage, layering, and intuitive composition.

Together, these practices create a dialogue between structure and flow, object and surface, fragment and whole.

You can move between both practices or follow the thread that calls to you most.

Join Us in Mulranny

Cheryl’s Practice: Assemblage & Connection

Cheryl’s work begins with gathering, seeing potential in found objects from nature and bringing them together in unexpected ways.

You’ll learn how to connect materials such as wood, stone, metal, and organic elements, creating sculptural pieces that are both expressive and structurally sound.

This is a practice of construction, balance, and storytelling through form.

Mixed Media Painting: Layering & Expression

Through painting and mixed media, you’ll explore how to build a surface that holds depth, texture, and atmosphere.

Inspired by the winter landscape, you’ll work with paint, collage, and subtle assemblage—layering, covering, revealing, and responding as your piece evolves.

This is an intuitive process—one of listening, noticing, and allowing the work to unfold.

What You’ll Experience

5 guided teaching days across painting and assemblage
A balance of structured learning and open studio time
Working with natural, found, and mixed media materials
Developing both technical skills and intuitive processes
Time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your creativity
A supportive, small-group environment

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The Studio

At the heart of the retreat is the studio—a space designed for making, experimenting, and gathering.

🍃 Warm, sheltered, and welcoming

🎨 Filled with tools, materials, and shared resources

🏠 A place to focus deeply while the winter weather moves outside

This contrast—wild landscape and cosy interior—becomes part of the experience.

Retreat Flow

Arrival Day — Settle in, meet the group, and ease into the space.
5 Teaching Days (Spread Across the Week)
Learning techniques in both assemblage and painting
Guided exercises and demonstrations
Time to develop your own work with support
Open Studio & Rest Time
Space to continue your work at your own pace
Optional walks, rest, or quiet reflection
Letting ideas settle and evolve
Fireside talks
Gourmet food
Final Day — Sharing work (optional), reflection, and closing.

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Reviews

— Helen Wright, Seahorse Studio, UK

I read somewhere that “The way to do, is to be” and I think it sums up my “Essence of Mulranny” experience. At the retreat I could truly just “be” in the creative space, in an environment that is exceptionally inspiring, nourishing and fun! As a result I was super productive and creative!

— Stephanie R

“Mulranny Arts is such a beautiful dichotomy: a contemporary art aesthetic caught in a time that is both historic and magical. My time at the art retreat was so nurturing, educational, and fun. What a beautiful place to find such beautiful people. I can’t wait to come back.”

— Karen B (USA)

“Everything about the retreat was so incredible. Everyone's kindness who worked for EOM, the accommodations and lovely lunches were all so terrific!! I also loved the beautiful Irish scenery and Colum was the most amazing tour guide. I loved his sense of humor and lightheartedness.”

The Setting

Located at Mulranny Arts in Co Mayo, along Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, this retreat is shaped by its surroundings:

Expansive sea views
Ever-changing winter light
Textures of stone, driftwood, and weathered land

This place invites you to notice more, slow down, and create from a deeper place.

What to Bring

You are encouraged to bring:

Found objects (natural or personal)
Papers, fabrics, or meaningful materials
Any paints or tools you love

All essential materials and tools will be provided, along with a shared collection gathered over time.

Secure Your Spot

Who this is for

This retreat is for you if you:

Want time and space to immerse yourself creatively
Are drawn to both making and meaning
Feel curious about combining painting and assemblage
Crave a slower, more intentional pace
Are a beginner or experienced artist