"Create space to pause and draw sweetness from each bright thing."- James Crews
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER & FALL 2024 PROGRAMS
HEART OF SUMMER, POETRY & ART IN THE GARDEN
A monthly retreat series with Lisa Kagan and Margaret Hartsook
Queen Anne’s Lace (detail), Mixed Media by Margaret Hartsook
Come create with us under the luminous summer skies, allowing yourself to be transported by the magic of the Pacific Northwest peak summer evenings in this three part monthly “mini retreat” series. This offering embodies the spirit of a creative retreat paired with summer art camp for adults. Each month we will read and write poetry in the garden as well as engage in play and discover through a series of nature-based art projects. We will create nature collages using dried flowers and other natural materials, experiment with nature printing including gelli prints and monotypes, and explore line, pattern, and texture through drawing inspired by nature’s infinite wisdom of design. This monthly retreat series offers you a chance to awaken your creative spark in the majesty of the natural world, cultivate new ways of enriching yourself and your life, and nourish yourself in the supportive, uplifting company of other women. This program offers space for creative expression for women and those who identify as female of all ages and backgrounds. No writing or art experience is necessary. All art materials, as well as snacks and tea, will be provided.
Dates: Mondays 6:30pm-9pm on June 24, July 29, August 19
Location: This series will be offered at two locations throughout the summer. Each evening session will be held outside at Margaret or Lisa’s art studios and in their garden spaces located in the Creston and Woodstock neighborhoods in SE Portland. Upon sign-up, participants will receive more detailed location information. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be offered inside.
Visit our event page to learn more and register for this program.
BALANCE & RENEWAL: A Weekend Poetry & Art Retreat
with Lisa Kagan and Margaret Hartsook
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.”
~ Rumi
Sitka #2, Mixed Media by Lisa Kagan
Join us as we welcome this autumn season by gathering together at Alton Collins Retreat Center set deep in the old growth forests of Oregon. We will have the chance to awaken our creative spark through the writing and art process as we tend to ourselves in a circle of care and compassion. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and its infinite wisdom of design, we will explore how the signs of early fall move through us, rooting in our inner strength as we transition into the shorter days of the year. Utilizing painting, drawing, collage, fiber arts, and printmaking with natural materials from the magnificent forest, you’ll have the chance to honor your own process of becoming during this harvest time. This soulful and inspiring weekend offers you a chance to deeply nourish yourself with delicious meals, a beautiful natural retreat setting, and the supportive, uplifting company of other women. This retreat offers space for creative expression for women and those who identify as female of all ages and backgrounds. No writing or art experience is necessary.
Dates: Saturday, September 28th through Sunday, September 29th, 2024
Location: Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center
Visit our event page to learn more and register for this program.
Looking to join an online writing circle? Check out Touchstone Retreats Co-Founder Dawn Thompson’s Words for Healing upcoming online writing programs.
