"There is in every human countenance either a history or a prophecy." -Samuel Taylor Coleridge

About the Retreat:
Beyond the self we present to the world and the many roles we play in our life, dwells a larger self. How easy it can be to lose touch with this essential, natural self. How vital for our own well-being and for the good of the world that we find opportunities to return to the self that dwells within. Join us for a soulful and inspiring weekend in the beauty of the natural world in community with other women. Through writing and mask making, utilizing painting, drawing, collage, print making and collecting materials from the magnificent Oregon forest, you’ll have the chance to honor your sense of self and the many forms that you may take on during this period in your life. The weekend also offers you a chance to deeply nourish yourself with delicious meals, a quiet, beautiful retreat setting and the supportive, uplifting company of other women. No previous art or writing experience necessary.

Illumination, Photograph by Lisa Kagan

Dates:
Friday, September 20th through Sunday, September 22nd, 2019
(Our retreat opens with dinner at 6pm on Friday evening and ends on Sunday at 2:00pm)

Location:
Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center
“Surrounded by giant fir and cedar, lush fern and abundant moss covered vine maple, the Alton L. Collins Conference & Retreat Center near Eagle Creek, Oregon provides an environment and facilities conducive to study and reflection, relaxation and recreation…Trails take you through the woods and along the streams that meander around the grounds.”

A professional chef specializes in using fresh, local produce to create meals that are truly culinary works of art. The retreat includes 6 delicious meals. All rooms have their own bathroom and shower.

Costs:
Single Room Accommodation & meals: $307
Shared Room Accommodation & meals: $245
Retreat Program Fee (includes all art materials): $295

Payments may be made in two installments. First payment is due at the time of sign up and the second payment is due by July 15th.

Registration:
For more information or to register, contact Dawn at: dawn@pdxwomenwriters.com or 503.568.6145. This retreat offers space for creative expression for women of all ages and backgrounds. Due to the limited number of participants we can accommodate, early registration is recommended.

Mask by Lisa Kagan

About the Facilitators:
Dawn Thompson oversees and facilitates workshops and retreats through Portland Women Writers. She was a staff member for Write Around Portland and has held writing circles for caregivers, adults in assisted living and memory care. Dawn has held an on-going writing circle for women healing from cancer at Oregon Health Science University since 2012. She believes writing our stories, whether they originate from our life experience or our imagination, is a sacred act that liberates, heals and transforms us.

Lisa Kagan is a writer, artist, educator and personal historian. Her business, Family Heirloom Arts, is dedicated to helping individuals and families celebrate their life stories and significant life milestones through the creation of illustrated heirloom books and custom art. Lisa offers art and writing workshops and retreats throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a facilitator through Portland Women Writers.

Oral History Interviews
Writing & Editing
Book Layout & Design