Filter and Focus. (SOLD OUT)
Santa Fe
September 5 - 12, 2024

During this retreat with Terri Froelich, Susan Melrath, and Kerry Schroeder, we aim to nourish all of you. Filter and Focus is the theme. Together, we will dive deep into your inspiration and choose the marks, colors and shapes that best express your unique message in order to create art that feels authentic and alive.

Join us in Santa Fe, New Mexico for an 8 day (7 night) experience that allows you to immerse yourself in how your art connects to you, the message you want to say, and how you want it to be said.

You will choose the elements of art that are most important to you and experience the freedom of turning up their focus, and dialing down or eliminating the rest. It is your art, your style, your way AMPLIFIED.

A retreat to nourish all of you…

Susan Melrath; Terri Froelich; Kerry Schroeder

Nourish your art by diving deep into how your inspirations turn into confident choices in your art. Learn from coaches Susan Melrath, Terri Froelich, and Kerry Schroeder, who see you, connect with you, laugh with you and walk beside you.

Nourish your heart by connecting with other artists who are at a similar stage in their journey and facing similar challenges.

Nourish your mind with growing self-confidence and ease with who you are and what you want to create.

Nourish your nervous system, in an environment dedicated to self-healing and self-empowerment among 150 acres of breathtaking views of New Mexico’s landscape.

Nourish your body in among the graceful lines of enchanting adobe-style structures which have their roots in dwellings built by the Anasazi – the predecessors of the modern Pueblo people – two millennia ago.

Nourish your belly with hearty home cooked meals. A full continental breakfast buffet is served every morning, followed by mid-day and evening feasts among friends.

Nourish your community by relaxing, recharging, laughing, and learning together. Enjoy the warmth of a fire pit under the Santa Fe stars.

What You Will Learn

Dive deep into how your inspirations can lead to freeing choices in your art.

Simplifying can be one of the most challenging things in art…there are so many possibilities!!
Aligning our choices with our personal message can be even harder, requiring the courage to make tough decisions.

This can feel especially intimidating for practicing artists who are already known for their work, depend on an income, or hear that critical voice telling them to stay the course.

Yet, it can be freeing and exhilarating and scary and powerful all at once if you let yourself go there.

That’s where we come in. WE WILL BE TAKING YOU THERE.  You will be creating artwork that comes from a deeper place within you.  

You are going to be excavating, and asking yourself, “Why do I paint what I paint?  What is the meaning for me? How can this meaning be best expressed?”

This is the process of filtering.

You will be discovering the most inspired way that you can share what’s important to you. 
You’ll determine which techniques, approaches, or colors should be amplified and which should be eliminated or toned down.

This is the process of focus.

During the course of the week we will tell you direct, love you deep, and wrap you in a cocoon of humor and fun while you get brave with who you are.

Our studio for the week is a 50-foot round post and beam kiva. If you’re seeking a space that’s both grounding and uplifting, you’re sure to love this.

With 21 artists and three instructors, there will be plenty of one-on-one feedback so that your personal questions will be answered.

We will work on sturdy paper with acrylic paint. We will provide you with a list of supplies prior to the retreat.

This retreat is best for experienced painters and advanced beginners.

Accommodation & Costs

Double Occupancy / Double Bed / Premium / Private Ensuite Bath

Single Occupancy / Twin Bed / Share Bath (2 people)

Single Occupancy / Double Bed / Shared Bath (2 people)

Single Occupancy / King Bed / Premium / Private Ensuite Bath

What’s included

  • 7 nights accommodation

  • Morning and afternoon teaching sessions delivered by Susan, Kerry and Terri

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Massages are available for an extra charge at the retreat center

  • Note that images shown of rooms are for reference only and may not be the exact room you reserve

How it works

  • At the time of booking you pay a US$500 non-refundable deposit

  • The remaining balance is split into half.

  • The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking

  • The remaining balance is due in 30 days after that (60 days from the date of booking)

FAQ

  • The workshop is located in the is located just approximately 30 minutes from Santa Fe, New Mexico, near the town of Galisteo. We recommend flying into Santa Fe (SAF) or Albuquerque (ABQ), New Mexico, USA . Once you have registered, we will send you additional information regarding transportation to and from the airport/retreat center. All attendees are responsible for the transportation arrangements and costs to/from the retreat.

  • Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Susan, Kerry and Terri (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) - and some fun and laughs!

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

  • This retreat offers single and double rooms - all on a first come, first basis.  All reservations must be completed through this website. The premium single and double rooms have ensuite bathrooms (meaning the bathroom is inside the room). All other single accommodation have private bathrooms that are shared with 2 people and are just outside the room.

  • We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com. All payments are billed in US Dollar

  • Yes, to reserve your spot for the retreat, we required a US$ 500 non-refundable deposit.  The remaining balance will be split in half. The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking and the remaining balance is due 60 days after booking.

  • Your US$ 500 deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel after additional payments have been made, we are happy to refund the amount paid (less your deposit), if a replacement person takes your spot and has paid in full - (we’ll be keeping a waitlist).

  • Yes, travel insurance and proof of purchase is required for all workshops.  Please do your research to determine if you should purchase standard travel insurance or if CFAR travel insurance (cancel for any reason) is better for you.  

  • For this retreat, we can only accommodate vegetarian, gluten free and minor food sensitivities. This venue is not equipped to accommodate severe food allergies or special / limited diets. If you have any special dietary need(s), and would like confirmation that the request can be accommodated prior to booking the retreat, please reach out to us so we can confirm that your request is possible.

  • We will send a complete list of supplies you will need to bring 60 days prior to the retreat start date.  Here are the basics…

    Acrylic Paint (this workshop is taught in acrylics only)

    Arches oil paper pad

    Nylon brushes assorted sizes of flats and rounds

    Cafeteria trays

    Tracing Paper

  • The most important thing to pack is your painting clothes!  Comfortable walking or hiking shoes would be helpful as you will be surrounded by nature. The average high/low temperature in September is between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-26 Celsius). 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!