Our Creative Awakening Retreat last April was such a great success that we (Vesta Abel, Cassie Schindler, and I) have decided to offer the 2005 retreat twice - to give you a choice of two weekends, and so that twice as many people will be able get into this limited attendance event. We are excited to have added another instructor, Cassie Schindler, whose focus is on the creative person’s lifestyle and how we can create balance in our lives - so that we can have and do everything that is important to us.

Our retreat is very different than other art retreats held around the country. Attendance will be limited to 30 attendees each weekend. It is held at a luxurious resort/spa, and the emphasis will be on the creative journey we are taking together. There is a gestalt to this retreat - so the end result amounts to much more than just the sum of the parts. The workshops are related and lead easily into one another, and the projects and techniques learned in the workshops will combine to create very artful remembrances of your journey to Santa Fe.

The pace will be one of relaxed enjoyment. There will be plenty of free personal time for you to enjoy the fabulous surroundings, take walks, take photos, write in your journals, book a massage at the onsite spa, meditate or ruminate among the fountains and weeping willow trees, practice the things you learn in the ten hours of workshops (plus a twelve hour open studio experience), or just hang out and get to know some of the other attendees. And, we are located in the #2 art market in the country, so you might enjoy a side trip into town!

When we asked for feedback last year, the thing we heard most often was that folks wanted more freeform art time - and more time spent together socially. Everyone so enjoyed meeting one another and wanted time to do more sharing and getting acquainted. We took careful note of that feedback and have structured this year’s retreat in response.

The retreat will be held at Sunrise Springs Inn and Resort here in Santa Fe. It is difficult to explain the ambience of this place, because it has that magic “thing” that has called artists to this area for hundreds of years. And the owner, an artist herself, has developed this property to enhance and magnify that feeling of connection to your creative spirit. I have included photographs here that I took in December, 2003 and even in winter, the magic is present. Visit www.sunrisesprings.com for more resort information and pictures of rooms.

Sunrise Springs is an awesome 69 acre Santa Fe style compound that has beautiful rooms, beautiful grounds, paths, gardens, fountains, and two huge ponds that are much more like lakes. There is actually a vortex on the property for those who care about things like that, and a gourmet restaurant right on the premises, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (brunch on Sunday) - for folks who care about things like that!

We have arranged special rates for the lovely rooms at the resort, and there should be something to please everyone.
Fountains abound and the soothing sounds of moving water are everywhere.
We must limit each weekend to only 30 attendees to accomplish our goal of offering inspirational instruction and adequate time to take advantage of the nurturing environment. The spots fill quickly and attendees will be accepted on a first come basis. So, if you are interested in attending, hit the Sign Me Up!! button below and reserve your spot as soon as possible. Click the links that follow for all the specifics.
Even in winter, natural beauty surrounds you at Sunrise Springs. This photo was taken in December, 2003.
Sunrise, January 3, 2004, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
© 2004 Jessica Wesolek, All Right Reserved