ART RETREAT FOR WOMEN HAS BEEN POSTPONED INDEFINITELY
Thanks for your interest! I have a large installation of BIRDS FLY IN: A Human Refuge in the works for 2023. If you would like to work with me in a workshop setting, consider one of my Summer Workshops in Frankfort, MI held in my Studio & Gallery 4 blocks from the beautiful Lake Michigan shore.
Join me in San Miguel de Allende for a retreat designed especially for mature women who wish to explore painting as a medium for soulful expression. With vaccinations underway both in the U.S. and Mexico, I’m now looking forward to resuming my work with women artists in San Miguel de Allende. SMA has done an excellent job of addressing Covid-related issues and kept their numbers very low. Additionally, they've instituted a rigorous certification process for the hospitality industry there and our venue, Casa de la Noche, has come through with flying colors.
Addressing Your Stress. Even in the best of times, we may be so dedicated to helping others and supporting good causes that we neglect our deeper yearnings; with the added stresses of the past Covid-period, these tendencies may have become painfully problematic. This Retreat has been designed for anyone seeking to discover a deeper connection with their Inner Artist; however, it could be especially meaningful if you've lost a loved one, been ill yourself, or been isolated in any way.
It's wonderful to care for others—we women do our share of that!—but to get our creative juices flowing, we all need free time to care for ourselves. The Art Retreat for Women will give you lightly structured activities designed for centering, relaxation and low stress art-making with plenty of opportunity to muse, paint, write and reflect with the colors, textures and flavors of San Miguel de Allende.
This retreat is designed for painters of all skill levels. My facilitation and the group process focus more on artistic process than technique. Even if you've never held a brush, I can help you gain access to and develop this sort of artistic expression. Making art isn't a cure-all, but it can serve as an extremely helpful tool for clearing difficult emotions. This Retreat has the potential to transform not only your art but also your life! You'll return home with a specific art "care plan" to assure you have support for further creating.
Basic materials will be provided as part of the registration fee. Additionally, there is a well-stocked art supply shop nearby if you want to supplement. You're also free to bring your own equipment, especially if you want to paint outdoors, either on site or in the many colorful plazas and parks in Centro San Miguel. In addition to painting, each day there is group time dedicated to processing your experience as well as exploring art, courage, authenticity, and what it takes to cultivate a meaningful art-life. This year you'll also have the option to choose individual mentoring in which you'll be supported in creating an art project that extends beyond the retreat.
Our retreat venue is really cool! I am so pleased to have used Casa de la Noche since 2018 for 3 successful art retreats. Our hotel is located in the Centro Historico district of San Miguel de Allende within easy, flat walking of the central plaza and shopping. (In case you're wondering, Mexico is a very large country; San Miguel is not anywhere near earthquake zones or other troubled areas.) Barbara Poole, the owner of Casa de la Noche, is an American ex-pat painter-turned-innkeeper who loves hosting artists! She has created a very attractive space with artists in mind. In addition to the private rooms and outdoor courtyard for painting, there's a lovely indoor studio space, and a number of sitting and meeting areas. Original art by a wonderful Mexican painter hangs throughout the hotel.
For maximum privacy and freedom, I have reserved the entire venue for our retreat week. The retreat is limited to 14 women. Past participants have raved about the accommodations, especially the privacy of a room of their own! (If you'd like to invite your spouse or a friend to join you at the conclusion of the retreat, you can arrange with the hotel to stay on at a special reduced rate. Click here to learn more about the fascinating story of Casa de la Noche.
Retreat costs. Accommodation, registration and materials fees are rolled into one with 3 different pricing options for the accommodation portion. Register now! A delicious full Mexican breakfast is included; you'll be on your own for most other meals that the favorable exchange rate makes very reasonable. One complete Mexican dinner prepared at the hotel is also included in the cost. Transportation costs are extra.
You'll make your own travel arrangements to one of two nearby airports (Leon/BJX and Queretaro/QRO). I'll recommend a very reliable shuttle company for transport to and from either of the airporsts. As with any travel these days, consider purchasing travel insurance.
Sounds yummy, doesn't it?! The Art Retreat for Women is a unique art-making and renewal experience. I'd love to share it with you! Please pass along this invitation to any woman you think would benefit from time to themselves alongside like-minded others. Scroll down to see information about the Typical Day Schedule and Pricing for Retreat & Rooms at Casa de la Noche.
Click here to read testimonials from participants in recent Art Retreats.
Let's do this! Please let me know your questions -- I look forward to hearing from you!
Ellie
TYPICAL DAY SCHEDULE
Art Studio is available at all times. Wednesday is completely unscheduled. You'll be provided a list of nearby fun and art-related places you might enjoy visiting.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast (included). Start the day with fresh fruit, homemade granola and yogurt, eggs, coffee, etc.
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Meditation. Check-in; art talk
10:30 a.m - 12: 45 p.m. Studio time and/or art talk
12:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch on your own. Explore SMA or rest.
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Art-making
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner or your own; midweek dinner with group at the hotel (included in cost)
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Check-in; art talk; video; discussion
RETREAT PRICING
Price includes accommodation, retreat facilitation, and basic art supplies for oil painting on provided surfaces. Does not include airfare or other travel expenses. (Local airports are in Queretaro and Leon, approx. 1 1/2 hours from San Miguel de Allende.) To register, select the room you want and click on the PayPal button to make a $300 deposit. Payment of the deposit is required on or before October 1, 2022. Balance payment is non-refundable and payable by check on or before November 30, Contact me if you want input regarding your room choice.
Your total registration fee depends on the accommodation you select. 3 levels are available: Luxury ($2500),Deluxe ($2300) and Working Girl ($2100). To offer you the most renewal from the retreat experience, all accommodations are single occupancy. (If you'd like to invite a friend or significant other to join you after the retreat, the hotel offers reduced rates for retreat participants.) Includes breakfast. A kitchen is available for use by all participants throughout the retreat.
Please make your room selections below. If you have any questions, I'm happy to help you with selecting a room. Send me an email and we can arrange a time to talk.
Please read the Cancellation Policy below very carefully. Almost everyone who wants to cancel their registration has a good reason to do so. However, because we are renting the entire hotel, our costs are the same whether you attend or not. For this reason, we do not offer refunds after the balance payment has been made. If you do not want to risk loss of this payment, please purchase travel insurance to cover your expenses in case your plans change.
Cancellation Policy. Refunds. Deposits. Because of limited accommodations, deposits are refundable only until October 1, 2022. Refund requests after this date will not be granted unless the retreat fills completely. All deposit refunds are subject to a $75 processing fee. Payment of the balance is due by October 1, 2021. Please note: After this date there will be no refund of balance payments except in the case of force majeure.* If Ellie Harold Fine Art cancels the workshop, your fee payments will be refunded. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance that will cover your expenses in case your plans change.
*We work to keep the Retreat as affordable as possible. Our slim profit margin after renting the hotel makes refunds impractical for our tiny business. During the March, 2020 coronavirus situation, in which global cancellations were unavoidable, financial losses to all parties were minimized by rescheduling the Retreat. We appreciate everyone's flexibility in a force majeure situation like this.
Note: The multi-level hotel does not have an elevator. If you have concerns about your ability to negotiate steps, please let us know so we can help you choose your accommodation.
LUXURY SUITES $2500 (includes room, facilitation and art materials)
This one bedroom apartment has its own plant-filled terrace along with outdoor seating for two. The hand-painted tile kitchenette has many windows with a pretty view, counter seating, and a sitting area with a couch, coffee table and two chairs. Cable TV is in the living area. There is a private bath with shower. Two twin beds can be made into a king if preferred. To claim La Terraza, use the PayPal button below.
LA VISTA SUITE $2500
This third story studio apartment has an open floor plan which includes a kitchenette, table and two chairs, an Equipali couch and chair, and cable TV. A closet separates the king bed (may also be 2 twins) from the main space. There is a private bath with shower. At the rear there are French doors to a second flower-filled terrace with a table and seating for two. For the view-lovers there is a steep stair to the top level terrace with 360 degree views. To claim La Vista, use the PayPal button below.
This one bedroom apartment has the largest living space with a couch and 2 comfortable chairs facing a large fireplace. The living space also has dining table and seating for 4 as well as a writing desk and cable TV. A talavera-tiled kitchenette has all the basics. The bedroom has a walk-in closet and private bath with shower. Twin beds easily convert to a king-size bed. To claim Madam's, use the PayPal button below
LA TURCA'S $2500
The owner’s former quarters, “La Turca’s Suite” has a Queen-size bed, with antique armoire and original art from well-known Mexican and American painters adorning the walls. It also features an en-suite bathroom with a tub, double sinks and separate shower. It has a beautiful stained glass window in the bathroom that affords light and privacy. The bedroom has an ornamental fireplace, seating for two, and a small table. Wi-Fi, cable TV, purified water, small fridge, microwave, and infloor heating keep this room always comfortable. The location is secluded from other rooms, offering extra privacy and a view of the fountain patio. To reserve LA TURCA'S click on the PayPal button below.
DELUXE ROOMS $ 2300 (includes room, facilitation and art materials)
FIRST KISS
The “First Kiss” room has a Queen-size bed, with antique armoire and original art and has an en-suite bathroom with a tub and shower. It has a view of the distant hills and a glorious jacaranda tree from the bath and bedroom windows. A small terrace connects this room to the other bedroom. To claim First Kiss, use the PayPal button below.
KISS ME AGAIN $2300
The “Kiss Me Again”room overlooks the bordello’s original dancing pavilion and may be made up as twin beds or one King Bed. It has a working gas fireplace and hand-painted tiles in the en suite bath with shower. Original art, high beamed ceilings, and a delightful view contribute to a charming experience. To claim Kiss Me Again, use the PayPal button below.
PALOMA LOFT $2300
The Paloma Loft is on the second floor of the Besitos Garden complex and has a balcony overlooking the garden courtyard. In addition to a small bath with shower, it also has a mini-kitchen and access to an open terrace and enclosed atelier. The Paloma can be rented with two twin beds or one king size bed. This room connects to the open air meeting space which can be used for art, yoga, dance or other workshops. To claim Paloma Loft, use the PayPal button below.
The Hummingbird Room is a king or twin-bedded room that faces out into the garden. It has a private bath with tiled shower and is adjacent to its neighbor, the Dragonfly, to accommodate a small family or group. To claim Hummingbird, please use the PayPal button below.
The Mariposa Room, with its large arched windows facing the Garden, is perfect for an artist or nature lover. It may be made up as a king or two twin beds and a private bath with shower. To claim Mariposa, use the PayPal button below.
The Dragonfly Room faces out into the courtyard and has 2 twin beds (or one king) and private ensuite bathroom with Mexican-tiled bathtub and overhead shower. It is adjacent to the Garden Kitchen and Sala. To claim Dragonfly, please use the PayPal button below.
WORKING GIRL ROOMS $ 2100 (includes room, facilitation and art materials)
JOVITA $2100
The Jovita room is cozy with lots of light and a pleasing view. It has a queen bed with carved headboard, extra shelving and a small chair. It has a private bath with shower, and an electric fireplace for cozy nights. A nearby covered outside sitting area has a wicker couch and chairs and unusual ceremonial masks on the wall. This room has easy access to the Project Room and terrace. To claim Jovita, please use the PayPal button below.
CHIQUITA $2100
Chiquita Room is the first of four “working girl” rooms, each with its own personality. This is a cozy room near the main dining room. It has very high ceilings and a queen-size bed. There is a small gas fireplace, and chair and small table, as well as en-suite bath with shower. Nearby, there is a garden sitting area and fountain. To claim Chiquita, please use the PayPal button below.
PEPITA $2100
The Pepita room is a cozy space with a queen-size bed, ½ stone wall, ½ antique tiled wall, and a hand painted desk and dresser combination and chair. It has a private bath with shower. Original Rubin Morales paintings are on the wall above an electric fireplace. Outside there is sitting alcove, also a nearby fountain. To claim Pepita, please use the PayPal button below.
ROSITA $2100
The Rosita room features a queen size bed with carved headboard, dresser and a side chair. There is an outside patio area with seating for two. Access to the Group Project Room is up the nearby stairs. This little room was original to the house but is now updated with bath, shower and sitting alcove. To claim Rosita, please use the PayPal button below.
I hope you'll choose to treat yourself to this unique offering!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT ME NOW! Send me an email!
Scroll down to see photos from the 2018 Art Retreat for Women.
