Get to Know: Allison Cole
Hello, friends! If you've been itching to revitalize your art practice and hone your artistic voice, then you will LOVE our Creative Reset this September 23-27!
Creative Reset | September 23-27
Meet the amazing artist leading this retreat, Allison Cole:
What is your favorite art supply? I don’t leave the house without a sketchbook. I really love the medium-sized Moleskine Cahier journals - they’re a great size, the paper is thin and therefore not too precious, and they’re lightweight to carry around. I usually fill one every four to six months. Because the paper is more lightweight, I use it for notes, drawings, and sketches, but nothing too finished or polished, so I don’t self-edit or censor my ideas and can just let them flow.
What do you love about teaching? I have been teaching undergraduates for the past 15 years, and I also lead online courses, webinars, and workshops. I really dislike gatekeeping; instead, I love sharing what I’ve learned to make the path forward a bit easier for others. I’m especially energized by those moments when something clicks for a student - having conversations about their work, helping build their confidence, and watching everything come together.
Is there a myth about being an artist that you'd like to bust? For me, it’s the concept of “arriving” or “making it” as an artist—the idea that you might someday finally feel fully confident and satisfied with your work. In my experience, I’m always finding something I want to improve, explore, or push further. The ever-evolving nature of being an artist and making art can sometimes feel exhausting, which is why building community and connection with other artists is so important for keeping the spark of inspiration and joy alive.
Describe your ideal studio space. I’m very grateful for the space I have now. It’s a room in my home with large windows and enough room for two distinct areas: a digital workstation and a painting space. However, when I'm in the middle of projects and going back and forth between painting and digital, it can get a bit messy and crowded. Someday, I’d love to have a larger studio where I can spread out, take on messier projects without having to clean up afterwards, and display my products and back stock, which are currently stored on shelves in my basement.
What's your favorite snack or drink to fuel your creativity? Definitely coffee. I had to stop drinking caffeine a few years back, so decaf runs my life now - but I swear I still get a jolt from it!
What job would you be terrible at? Waitressing, because I was one in my early 20s, and I was truly terrible at it! As a more introverted person, it was my worst nightmare. I had the hardest time juggling multiple tables at once and keeping up with the pace of it all, and when my shift was over, I always felt like I had survived - but just barely. I’ve never forgotten that time in my life, and I always tip generously because I know how hard the job can be!
What animal best represents your personality? This one is easy—a cat! Cats value their alone time, personal space, and independence, but they’re also curious, caring, and observant. Like a cat, I’m very comfortable working on my own and staying focused. At the same time, I’m deeply curious about other people, subjects, and ideas, and I love creating spaces where I can help people feel safe to question their work and try new approaches.
We hope that not only will you feel a fresh burst of creative energy, but also that you'll walk away from your time here in Vermont with a renewed sense of connection and community. At the Smiley Manse, not only will you make GREAT art, you'll also make GREAT friends!
We hope you'll join Allison for a refreshing Creative Reset or one of our other fabulous retreat leaders this season. It's going to be a terrific time 💛