WHAT is CreativeShare?
It is a combination open house, informal forum, and collaborative space. The purpose of the event is to enhance our creative capabilities and expand our network of supportive contacts. One can just drop by to peruse the scene or stay for a week and really engage others. You choose your level of involvement.

WHY should I attend?
Simply, you will meet brilliant and engaging people from an amazing array of disciplines and life experiences. The group process will happen in a relaxed atmosphere on a Maine island of great natural beauty. What you hear just might change how you operate in the world. At the very least, there will be much food for thought.

Realistically, you would never cross paths with most of these folks in the normal trajectory of your business or personal life. Also, there is the special joy of sharing one's hard-won knowledge and professional passions with people of goodwill who could put your insights to good use.

WHAT is CreativeShare NOT?
It is not a healing or spirituality retreat, an arena for acrimonious political or academic debates, or a venue to work on personal issues. (CreativeLedge Studio does not endorse or espouse any particular ideology, theology, or partisan agenda.)

WHO is invited besides me?
The hosts of the event, Bob Barancik and Amy Blake, will be inviting about 25 outstanding people from a wide variety of disciplines and domains. Most will be friends, friends-of-friends, participants in last year's Innovators Institute, and creative people we would simply like to meet and get to know.

WHEN & WHERE?
CreativeShare will begin Saturday, August 9th at 5:30 p.m. with an informal buffet at the seaside Kennedy House on Torrington Point (Peaks Island, Maine). It is a short but salubrious ferry ride from Portland to the island, and a quick walk from the island ferry landing to Torrington Point. The first full day of CreativeShare is Sunday the 10th, and it runs through Saturday the 16th. The more time we can spend together, the better it will be for everyone.

MEALS?
The heart of CreativeShare is shared communal meals. Everyone just pitches in to make it happen. If you have a special recipe, brand of wine or beer, homemade confections, or blend of secret spices, bring some with you to share! (No hard liquor, etc.)

COST?
There is no fee or charge for attending CreativeShare. But all participants must pay for their own lodging and transportation. (There are no grants, stipends, or honorariums.)

It is suggested that participants “from away” stay on Peaks Island or in Portland’s Old Port district by the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal. Here is a helpful link.

Have cash to contribute to the purchase of food.

WHAT to bring?
Bring those items that are most representative of your professional and personal creativity. If possible, please include an unfinished project that is currently in process. Also, musical instruments, electronic gizmos, art supplies, puppets, etc. are most welcome additions to the group process.

MAINE ISLAND WEATHER?
Changeable. Be prepared!

EXPECTATIONS?
Realistic expectations are likely to be realized and unrealistic ones are unlikely to be fulfilled. But “realistic” is a highly personal and elastic term. One's satisfaction usually comes down to a willingness to listen and share in an open and nonjudgmental manner...and the ubiquitous serendipity will tend to take care of itself.

HOW is CreativeShare being structured and scheduled?
This event is designed for people who are naturally open, improvisational, and spontaneous. Last year’s event simply developed a life of its own. It really “self-organized” without much in the way of outside “command and control.” But there is a basic structure.

Each day will run from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Kennedy House on Peaks Island. Mornings will be devoted to specific presentations, brainstorming sessions, and performances.

There will be a communal potluck lunch followed by a rest period.

An informal forum runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Judging from the previous two events, there will be a lot very accomplished and knowledgable people in attendance. It is just a matter of seeing what expertise is in the room and who is willing to speak-up.

There will be a communal potluck dinner from about 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The rest of the evening will be devoted to Show & Tell where participants will be given twenty minutes to “do their thing.” Everyone should be able to demonstrate their talents and engage in relevant dialogue with the group at some point during the week.

There will be an excursion to the CreativeLedge Studio on Long Island at some appropriate point during CreativeShare. If you are interested, please preregister by e-mailing bobcreates@earthlink.net. (There are only five spaces.)

WHAT is the history of CreativeShare?
CreativeShare evolved out of two previous summer events hosted by Bob Barancik and Amy Blake, and their love of Maine that mainifested itself as CreativeLedge Studio (formerly known as Rock Ledge Studios). Here are links to relevant websites:

Maine Originals
MainelyCreative

ACTION STEP:
If you are intrigued and would consider participating or passing along a name, simply contact Bob Barancik at 215-964-3937 or at bobcreates@earthlink.net

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