FAQs
This 2024 Video done by the Video Production Workshop lead by Bruce Petschek will give you a sense of what Star Arts is like. Many thanks to the Video Production Workshop! (Please note: different workshops are offered each year.)
Star Arts Questions
Star Arts participants range from their 20’s to 80’s. Beginning artists, as well as professionals look forward to the opportunities for creativity and close connections with friends. Many come year after year, and friendships made on Star Island extend far beyond our week together.
We suggest that you join a group and stay with it all week to get the most out of your experience. But you can leave a workshop if you want. On the first workshop day (Monday), you will have the opportunity to try out three mini-workshop sessions before making your choice.
On Star Island, your time is your own. Although most conferees take part in a workshop, others come to read, write, or just sit on the porch and admire the view!
Our attendees bring paintings, photographs, jewelry, carved wood items, knitted/crocheted blankets and scarves, handmade greeting cards. Items that are original, handmade and meaningful to Star Arts are popular in the Silent and Live Auctions. Proceeds from these go to support the Star Arts Scholarship Fund which helps brings Shoalers to Star who might not be able to come otherwise.
Yes! Arts runs a Shoalmate program that helps those new to the island get oriented. Once you’ve registered and you are new and would like to be paired with a longtime shoaler, please contact the Registrar (stararts.registrar@gmail.com)
You can also check out our New Shoaler Guide that answers a lot of questions!
On the first day, you will be given a schedule for the week. Updates and changes will be posted on the chalkboard, which can be found in the Main Hotel Lobby. It’s a good idea to check it several times every day!
Our beloved Wake-Up Singers are early risers who transverse the island before breakfast to help us start our day with songs.
We typically hold two chapel services each day. The first is in the morning, after breakfast, which will be led by our Minister-of-the-Week. The second is in the evening and is lay-led. Both are in the Stone Chapel, unless otherwise noted. Both are optional.
You do not have to be a member of either organization to come to Arts. Our retreaters have a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds. Typically the Minister-of-the-Week will be either a UU or UCC minister.
Star Island Questions:
Travel
Star Island is about 7 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, NH. We take the Thomas Laighton Ferry operated by the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (ISSCO) from the dock in Portsmouth to Star Island. The trip is about 1 hour long.
The ISSCO Dock address is:
315 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Information on traveling by car, bus, train, plane or walking can be found here:
https://starisland.org/2015/04/your-guide-to-getting-to-the-dock/
Accommodations
There are various room options available on Star Island, including the Oceanic Hotel, built in the 1800’s, or small cottage rooms. Rooms are simple, but clean with most having at least 2 beds and sharing a common restroom in the hallway. For an additional fee, you can choose a double room with a shared half bath. Please note, first floor rooms are limited and medical needs are given priority for these. For more information on rooms visit the Star Island website (https://starisland.org/info/accomodations/)
Sharing rooms is encouraged, as there is limited availability on the island. Please note the name of the person you would like to room with on your registration form.
If you opt for the Standard Shared Rooms on your registration, we will match you with another Retreater. If you have specific requests, please note them on the registration form. If you opt for a Standard Single Room, which is an additional cost, we may ask you to share, to allow more people to come to the island.
Meals
Yes! All meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the Room and Board Fees. Most meals are served buffet style from the Dining Hall of the Oceanic Hotel with options to sit inside the Hall or out on the picnic benches lining the Front Porch.
Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free options are available for all meals. Also note if you have any food allergies. When registering, please note on your registration form which kind of meal you would like.
For more information on Star Island Dining visit: https://starisland.org/info/dining/
Luggage
Weight Limit: 1 Checked bag of 40 lbs, per person Or 2 Checked bags of 25 lbs each, per person (Soft sided duffel bags preferred but not required. Put your name on the bags and securely close them.)
Carry-On Items: 1 small carry-on bag (backpack or zippered tote) and Specialty Item such as easel, musical instrument, etc.
(Medications must be in a carry-on bag, and bring enough for a week and 4 extra days!)
Visit Star Island Website for more details: https://starisland.org/faq-category/important-info/#luggage
There is only a small lobby store with a limited selection of items on the island. Also, there is no art supply store on the island.
Weather varies on the Island throughout the day. Layers are the best option. Here is a brief list of recommended items:
Alarm Clock
Batteries
Binoculars
Camera
Cash (approx $100)
Chargers
Checkbook/Credit Cards
Clothes
Dressy Item (for Sat. Banquet. Opt.)
Face Masks
Flashlights
Flip-flops (for shower)
Hand sanitizer
Ibuprofen/aspirin
Information Packet
Insect Repellent
Jackets (Fleece and Rain)
Medications (+ 4 Extra days)
Notepad & Pencil
Personal sanitary items
Rain hat or Umbrella
Reading Material
Reusable Coffee Mug
Shoes (Sturdy!)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Swimsuit
Tennis/Pickle Ball Racket
Toiletries
Water Bottle
For a very detailed list visit: https://starisland.org/bcwhattobring/
Island Life
Showers are limited because water is a a precious commodity on the island. Star has several ways they collect water. For drinking water they use both reverse osmosis from the ocean water and delivery from the Thomas Laighton. For showers and other non-food needs water comes from rain collecting cisterns.
The Island typically plans several boat rides, for example one of which is to neighboring Appledore Island where people can view Celia Thaxter’s garden and other is a sunset cruise. These are for an additional fee.
Your cellphone will work on the island, and there is limited Wifi available. We do ask that you limit your use of devices as many people come to the island to get away from technology and if you do need to use them be respectful of others at all times.
Terms
A Pelican or Pel is a nickname for the people who work on the island.
A Shoaler is a term used for people who go to Star Island. Typically a New Shoaler is there for the first time, Old-Shoalers or Longtime-Shoalers have been coming for many years.