Art-Re-treat Santa Barbara

The Value of Retreats

The concept of retreat stems from the need to pull back. The idea of “withdrawing” from everyday life to focus on a particular activity. I also like to think of the word as a gift to oneself  to re-treat. Only through retreat can we stop the rush of everyday life  and take the personal time necessary to recharge and go back to the everyday workplace with renewed energy and ideas.

Why go on an art retreat in California?

"Artist retreats began to appear at the turn of the 19th century, as if in response to the growing urban centers, the rumble of industry and the increasing pace of life. In 1900, the German poet Rainer Marie Rilke wrote “How large the eyes become here!” upon his arrival at Worpswede, the artists’ colony founded in the German town of that name only a year earlier."

 Our never ending “keep busy” culture makes the idea of taking time out seem frivolous or self indulgent. However, have you ever been sorry that you took time off for yourself, even a 10 minute walk in nature? It connects us back to ourselves, and to others.

California art retreats can be used as a way to connect back to ourselves.

Spiritual retreats have been known for centuries. Krishnamurti, a famous spiritual leader, "I think it is essential sometimes to go into retreat, to stop everything that you have been doing, to stop your beliefs and experiences completely and look at them anew, not keep on repeating like machines whether you believe or don’t believe. You would let fresh air into your minds.” 

California art retreat in Santa Barbara

Our California art retreat in beautiful Santa Barbara is offered for adults at all levels of art experience. In our two day mindful mixed media retreat we will be exploring our art practice surrounded by a supportive creative community of ALL levels. In the spirit of providing all the classic benefits of the retreat environment, we also offer optional meditation, yoga, and hiking.

WATCH A PREVIEW OF OUR UPCOMING ART RETREAT NOV 13-14, 2021