Fogo Island and Beyond

May 30 - June 5, 2026 | Seven Days

Fogo Island > Change Islands > Greenspond

We are currently taking reservations. Secure your spot(s) now.

Fogo Island and Change Islands, each with its own distinctive flair and allure, are home to 12 communities. Your guide, Pete Ryan, twice an artist in residence with Fogo Island Arts' international residency program, will take you behind the scenes. You'll interact with townsfolk and colourful characters who will invite you to stroll among homes, stages, and stores (fishing sheds) that have stood the test of time, unchanged for decades.

Weather permitting, we'll embark on a unique adventure to the Little Fogo Islands, a chain of islands off another island that is off of Newfoundland Island. This is a rare opportunity to paint in a location that few artists have had the chance to visit, adding an element of exclusivity to your artistic journey.

Across the glistening waters of Notre Dame Bay stand the beautifully formed shores of Change Islands. Humpback whales migrate through these waters, and icebergs drift along the currents down Iceberg Alley. As seabirds soar overhead, you can relax in the salty ocean breeze and look out over the sights on the distant horizons. We'll meander among historic buildings, over granite outcroppings, and past the greenest grasses and gardens. The tranquil atmosphere, village charm, and a rich fishing culture, combined with a prominent sense of history, make this place an artist's paradise. It's also home to a Newfoundland pony refuge.

This artist experience, billed as a 'field workshop,' is a comprehensive resource designed for those seeking to maximize their potential in their chosen art form, whether painting or photography. It's not just about capturing a scene, it's about understanding it. Whether it is the discovery of a hidden site, the perfect angle of another, or the ideal time of day to view it, these factors are equally beneficial for personal observation, whether in painting or photography. The aim is to equip you with a critical understanding of a scene and the ability to capture its essence, thereby enhancing your personal growth and confidence in applying these skills to your art form. For the painter, the goal is to capture the scene in one sitting, with minimal additions or finishing touches in the studio later, empowering you to create art with confidence and skill. For the photographer, well, you'll be busy processing your images in the weeks to come, reassured by the comprehensive nature of the workshop and the support you'll receive.

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Featured Artist: Meet Denise Antaya.

Denise's roadmap to success avoids highways, and that's the way she likes it.

Growing up in the country has taught Denise to appreciate the simple things and the beauty of nature. She didn't spend her childhood on the highway, but back roads in the countryside, sometimes following a slow-moving tractor. She took time to enjoy the sunshine, the surrounding fields, and the shapes of the clouds in the sky. These are things that formed her love of landscapes. The everyday themes in Denise Antaya's oil paintings combine her love of nature with her fascination for light and how it transforms an often-overlooked scene. Her subjects range from season to season but almost always represent the natural environment untouched by man. She can capture a moment and even transport one back to a quieter, simpler time.

To Antaya, painting the landscape is a relevant pursuit. Everyone can appreciate nature, but it's not the only reason she does this. It's a way to document 'how it was'. She loves the beauty of nature, unchanged by man, but the environment is being forever changed. Farms are being bought for development, old barns torn down, and a hundred-year-old trees disappearing. It's a way to remember, often bringing back simpler times when the world was not so fast-paced. It's a visual reminder of where we were, and also sometimes of where we are heading. The landscape is a never-ending source of inspiration, one that will never end with its ever-changing moods and complications, such as the shifting light, the altering seasons, and the dynamic weather patterns. It's a lifetime endeavour she hopes to never master.

Featured Photographer: Meet Pete Ryan.

Pete Ryan, the organizer of the event, has a deep connection to the area, shaped by his extensive travels throughout the province, including the Torngat Mountains in northern Labrador. His passion for this region, developed over 20 years of exploration, drives the event. A career photographer, his work is featured by National Geographic and archived in the National Geographic Image Collection, which serves as a visual testament to his inspiration.

Start your day early, capturing the allure of hidden gems while mastering key photography concepts. Pete's objective is to refine your ability to discern the beauty in the intricate details of our daily lives. Amidst the multitude of captivating scenes, we will focus on the challenge of identifying what is both intriguing and visually appealing. Throughout our exploration, Pete's personal touch will be a constant presence, offering insights, guidance, and immediate feedback. He conducts his workshops in the same manner as he approaches his personal shoots, ensuring each participant feels valued and their skills are nurtured.

Historical Interpreter: Gordon Slade is recognized as a Canadian leader for his innovative expertise in the sustainable economic development of some of the world's most unique and economically significant regions. In 2005, Gordon was awarded the Order of Canada and, later in 2020, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in recognition of his achievements in spearheading the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador's heritage.

We are a certified Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Operator: https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/tours/36379168

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Rendezvous: Farewell, NL.

How to Get There: If you're flying in, Gander International Airport (airport code: YQX) is your best bet for returning your rental car. To ensure a smooth journey, please arrive a day early before the start of your workshop. A more exact itinerary will be provided once your payment is received in full. As of November 10, 2025, Air Canada offers a one-way trip from Toronto (YYZ) to Gander (YQX) for $370.

Experience Level: All skill levels are welcome. Novice artists are welcome, provided they have a basic understanding of their artform and supplies. We ask the more advanced artists to be understanding if this advice seems trivial.

Daily Routine: Soft adventure—walkabout. Our itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather. We'll start our days early to capture the morning's mood and continue throughout the day to observe the big picture and vignettes of landscapes and seascapes, viewing wildlife and when other opportunities present themselves.

Group Size: Ten (10) people.

Group Rate: If you have a group of four or more people who wish to register simultaneously, please ask the Organizer for a group rate.

Trip Details: Once registration and payment are complete, we shall email registrants a detailed information packet. The packet includes a more precise itinerary, artist accessories/supplies and camera gear suggestions, and a clothing checklist.

FAQ:

* What is included in the Artist Workshop?

For this particular workshop, the cost includes accommodation, and the unique opportunity to learn from two true professionals in a small group environment.

Double occupancy can only be accommodated should another person of the same sex request this option. Consider registering with a friend or your spouse.

The cost does not include transportation to/from the workshop event (flights or car rental), travel insurance, food, optional personal activities, or any art accessories/supplies nor photographic gear.

Transportation: Ground transportation. Car convoy.

Fitness Level:

Soft adventure. You must be reasonably fit, healthy, and accustomed to walking. You must also be willing to rise most mornings between six and seven o'clock (6h00 and 7h00), depending on the weather and opportunities announced the preceding evening. We'll drive to each location and then walk to the best position for viewing. You will be on your feet for at least five hours per day. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended. Reach out if you have limitations.

What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel this event, the following applies: the ticket fees associated with this event are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same event. For those who choose the "Reserve a Spot" option, the remaining balance must be paid by the due date; otherwise, booking cancellation will occur, and any fees already paid will be non-refundable.

For either type of registration booking, should there be a waitlist for this event, we can help you sell your ticket, but the sale is up to you to negotiate and finalize.

We highly recommend all participants consider purchasing travel insurance.

Terms and Conditions:

Registration: The amount specified per person for this event is due when you register. Your space is not reserved until we receive your full payment.

Audit Policy: Only paid participants will be admitted during the event.

Age Restriction: This event is recommended for adults over 19. An adult must accompany any minors under 19. Both adults and minors must pay for each respective spot within the event.

Liability Waiver: By participating in this event, you assume all risk and responsibility for any damages or personal injury that may occur for any reason. By attending this event, you agree to waive the leadership team, including organizers, event organizers, and event instructors, from any liability or injury, loss, or damage to personal properties associated with the activities or location of this event. As our guest, you must comply with our safety rules, be cautioned to heed all warnings and release us from all responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage you may suffer. A general waiver will be presented for review and signing upon arrival.

Cancellation, Refund & Delay Policy: Despite what the Eventbrite Refund Policy may indicate, the ticket fees associated with this event are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same event. Credit cannot be applied to another event.

All event schedules and plans are subject to change at our discretion, dependent upon weather alerts, health and safety considerations, or any other factor related or unrelated to opportunities as we see fit. We are not responsible for any other costs that participants may have incurred, including but not limited to travel, car rental, lodging, insurance, optional personal activities, art supply purchases, and rentals.

No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, transportation, or other events beyond our control, either before, during, or after your workshop. We are not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to delays or cancellations.

Refunds will be issued should the event be cancelled by the Organizer.

We highly recommend that all participants consider purchasing travel insurance.