Details, Details

Retreat Dates:  September 5 - 12, 2025 (check in time on September 5, is 3:00pm and check out on September 12, is 10:00am)

Retreat Location: The retreat will take place at The Chi Center which is located approximately 30 minutes from Santa Fe, New Mexico, near the town of Galisteo. The address is: 40 Camino Vista Clara, Galisteo, New Mexico

Recommended Airports:  We recommend flying into Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) or Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), New Mexico, USA . (Note: approximate travel times from the airports recommended to The Chi Center: Santa Fe Airport - 30 minutes / Albuquerque Airport - 1 hour 15 minutes).

Transportation to/from: Each attendee will be responsible for their own transportation arrangements and cost to and from the retreat center. Below is additional information regarding transportation options.

Payments & Due Dates: Your first payment (one half the balance) is due 30 days from date of purchase. The remaining balance due 60 days from date of purchase. You will receive an invoice with a payment link via email.  We accept all major credit cards. All payments are billed in US Dollars. All retreat fees must be paid in full 90 days prior to the start of the retreat. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com.

Forms to fill out…

Form #1 - INFORMATION - Click HERE to share important stuff!

We ask that you fill out this form promptly. We would love to connect everyone so we are asking for your contact information and social accounts - and permission to share them! You can use this list to reach out to each other, find a roommate, share transportation, or organize travel pre/post retreat. We also need to know any dietary restrictions you may have (this information will not be shared). This retreat can accommodate vegetarian, gluten free and other common food sensitivities.

You can access everyone’s contact information HERE once they have filled out the above form and granted permission to share.

Form #2 - TRAVEL - Click HERE to share your transportation details.

Once you have booked your flights, please complete Form #2 above. This information will be shared with all attendees to so that you can potentially coordinate pre/post travel and/or transportation to/from the venue. (Note: If you are missing any information - i.e. proof of insurance, shuttle needs, etc - you can click on the same link and add that information when you have it. You can add just the missing information - you do not need to re-enter information that was previously submitted)

You can access everyone’s travel details HERE - but remember, this will be empty until submissions have been made - so get on it!!!

Let’s connect!

Instagram - A few months before the retreat, we will create an Instagram group where everyone can connect. Please make sure to add your Instagram account to Form #1. Also, please click HERE to follow us on Instagram.

Retreat Venue Information / Travel Logistics

How do I get to and from The Chi Center / airport?

We will use Form #2 above to collect everyone’s travel information. This information is available to all attendees so that you can arrange your transportation together - either a transportation service, rental car, taxi, Uber, etc. Each attendee will be responsible for their own transportation arrangements and cost to and from the retreat center. Our first activity on September 5th will be a meet and greet at 6pm.

The Chi Center has shared their recommended transportation services and we have we have listed them at the bottom of this FAQ.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance and proof of purchase is required for all retreats. Please do your research to determine if you should purchase standard travel insurance or if CFAR (cancel for any reason) travel insurance is better for you. As we all know, unexpected situations happen. If you need to drop out, we will do our best to find a replacement but cannot guarantee we will fill your spot. In the event no replacement is found, we will not be able to refund your retreat payment.  The best way to protect your retreat investment is to purchase CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) insurance.  To find the right insurance company that fits your needs, the best thing to do is search online, read the fine print, read reviews, and ask friends who they have used in the past. Unfortunately, we are unable to make any recommendations due to everyone’s different insurance needs.

About your luggage

You will need to check your luggage due to the liquids, scissors etc., so please make sure you book a checked bag when making your reservation prior to getting to the airport. There is usually a better price when you do it in advance.  Also, be mindful of any baggage weight restrictions imposed by the airline. 

What’s covered / What’s not

What is covered by the retreat fee?

Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Susan, Terri and Caroline (morning and afternoon sessions each day), all meals, Qigong session with Master Migntong Gu, indoor painting studio - and some fun and laughs!

What is not covered by the retreat fee?

Airfare, travel insurance (required), transportation to and from the venue, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the retreat and/or any personal purchases made.

Our Daily Schedule

The daily schedule will be sent as we get closer to the retreat date but here is how a typical day will be structured:

• 8:00am - 9:00am  ~  Breakfast 

• 9:00am - 12:00pm  ~  Morning Painting Session with Susan & Terri

• 12:30pm - 1:30pm  ~  Lunch

• 1:30pm - 3:00pm  ~  Free time: siesta, hike, read, continue painting on your own - lots of choices!!!

• 3:00pm - 6:00pm  ~  Afternoon Painting Session with Susan & Terri

• 7:00pm  ~  Dinner

Supplies

What supplies what do I need to bring?

This is the short list! We will send a complete list of required supplies 90 days prior to the retreat start date. Here are the basics…

• Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only)

• Arches oil paper pad 12x16 (1)

• Nylon brushes 1 and 2” 

• Smaller nylon brushes flats and rounds

• Cafeteria trays (2) 12x16

• Tracing Paper 11x14

Note: The retreat venues cannot accommodate supplies shipped prior to the retreat.

Additional Info

How much cash should I bring?

It’s always good to have some cash on hand but it is up to you what that amount should be. We do like to recommend giving the retreat staff a gratuity anywhere from US$ 5-10 per day. This is completely optional but it is always so appreciated

What kind of clothes should I pack?

The most important thing to pack is your painting clothes!  We recommend lightweight clothes, a sweater or jacket for the mornings and evenings and comfortable walking shoes. Most of the time will be spent painting, eating, connecting and relaxing at the venue.  You might want to bring a change of clothes for dinner but it's completely optional - and casual.  Some will return after dinner to continue painting! Please be sure to check the weather to prior to your trip to make sure you pack the proper clothes.

Cancellation

What if I have to cancel?

If you need to cancel, please send us an email (info@artfuelstudio.com). We’ll do our best to find a replacement for you; however, a replacement is not guaranteed. Please note – the replacement search for your spot will not begin until the retreat is sold out. If we are able to find a replacement, your total payments for the retreat will be refunded, less your $500 U.S. dollar deposit, once the person replacing you has paid in full. If your spot is not filled prior to the retreat, you will be responsible for the full payment. We recommend doing research regarding the mandatory travel insurance required (see Travel Insurance section above) and consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan when you book your retreat. Some plans have requirements regarding the dates of purchase so please be aware of this when you book your travel/insurance. The retreat deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Transportation Services Recommended by The Chi Center

What if I have to cancel?

(Please note: these prices were quoted as of August 2024 and may change by September 2025 so please confirm when you book)

ABQ Taxi

505-450-8580 |. abqmetrotaxi@gmail.com

ABQ Taxi Service

Albuquerque Airport: One way $133 flat fare, up to four passengers

 Gary’s Ride Share

505-469-9112

Albuquerque Airport: One way $150  flat fee for 1-3 people (can do 4 though tight)

Santa Fe Airport:  One way $75 flat fee for 1-3 people

Available for trips into Santa Fe from Retreat Center: $120 round trip

Bernard’s Transportation Service LLC

Airport / Private Car Service (call, text or email to reserve)

505-550-9901 | Bernardmas@yahoo.com

Albuquerque Airport: One way $175 flat fare for 1-2 people

Santa Fe Airport: One way $90 flat fare for 1-2 people

Available for trips into Santa Fe from the Retreat Center: $75 one-way

Santa Fe Ride Service (Yang)

505-930-0081

Albuquerque Airport: One way $160 flat fare for 1 – 2 people; $180 fare for 3 – 5 people

Santa Fe Airport: One way $75 flat fare for 1-3 people

Available for trips into Santa Fe from Retreat Center: $60 one way for 1-3 people; Larger group up to 7 people at slightly higher rate

Mark

575-224-5799

Albuquerque Airport: One way $160 flat fare for 1-5 people

Santa Fe Airport: One way $75 flat fare for 1-5 people

Dexter

505-501-2588

Albuquerque Airport: One way $125 flat fare for 1-3 people

Santa Fe Airport:  One way $55 flat fare for 1-3 people

Available for trips into Santa Fe downtown from Retreat Center: $40

Available for sightseeing trips: $50 per hour

For our Terms & Conditions, click HERE. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com