Image credit: Emma Freeman, mindfully-made book examples

Slow down and explore art making as a spiritual practice through daily creative experiences, prompts and adventures. We will guide you into a mindful process of making a mixed media book that weaves together photography, textiles, slow stitching, gathered nature expressive painting that will celebrate your creative spirit. We will journey both inward and outward and explore the sacred powers of play, joy, beauty and cultivating deep presence.

Creativity and connection to spirit will be enhanced by morning meditations, readings and poems, daily photo exercises and mixed media exercises with prompts to help unlock and expand your creative process. Afternoons will sometimes include a local excursion, like to the artist village of Cornucopia, along the scenic Lake Superior shoreline. We will try Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing); a Japanese meditative walk and experience how movement, deep presence and reverence for nature can inspire art making. Besides continuing to work on our art, there will be time each afternoon for self-care and down time: take a walk, book a massage or body work, explore the delightful town of Bayfield, or just take a nap and practice the art of doing nothing! 

This retreat will be a fun opportunity to explore the creative intersection of making art and spiritual practice, where the inner journey becomes part of the creative process that will lead to tangible, beautiful objects we bring into being. Through mindful intention and sacred action, we will create space for our souls to express themselves in the moment, as well as learn ways to carry that forward into our everyday lives after the retreat ends.

Hosted by Wild Rice Retreat in beautiful Bayfield, on the Northern tip of Wisconsin, along majestic shores of Lake Superior. Held in one of their spacious classrooms, where each participant will have their own table space to spread out and keep messy while delving into their personal creative zone. Named one of the Best Retreats in the Midwest featuring spaces designed by acclaimed architect David Salmela. They are also know for their delicious chef-prepared nutritious meals.

Emma’s bio

Emma’s website

Doug’s bio

PRICING & REGISTRATION DETAILS

Dates: July 25 - 29, 2027
Starts Sunday July 25 late afternoon, ends Thursday afternoon July 29

Cost: $885 per guest plus their choice of lodging (price includes $50 materials fee)

Deposit: TBD

Register: thru WRR website 

Class Limit: 16 students

Meals: delicious chef-prepared meals at Wild Rice Retreat included with lodging

Lodging: Stay at Wild Rice Retreat in one of the custom luxury eco-pods designed by renowned architect David Salmela or book a nearby hotel or motel

Who should attend: Appropriate for all levels, no experience necessary. All camera formats welcome, including iPhones. No prior photo experience necessary.

What kind of camera do I need? Whatever you have is fine and iPhones are very welcome. This will be a totally non-technical experience. It’s not about the equipment; good or memorable photos are made more with the eye and heart.

What other supplies do I need to bring besides a camera?
None! We will provide a kit of all the art making materials you will need for the retreat.