Only a few spots left!

The Art for Self-Care retreat at Big Raven Farm is less than two weeks away and there are only a few spots left. If you’ve been looking at the information, but still have some questions about what is included, what we’ll be doing or what to expect, hopefully this will help.

When is the retreat?

October 10 – 23, 2024

You’ll arrive at the farm Thursday night and we’ll have dinner and a fun opening activity. Scheduling will run through Sunday morning, when we’ll have brunch and a closing group project.

Where is the retreat?

The retreat will be held at Big Raven Farm in Spring Grove, MN, which is located about two hours south of the Twin Cities in the Driftless region where Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin meet. Big Raven Farm features beautiful accommodations, farm-to-table dining, a 2-mile walking trail around the property, porch and patio seating to take in the breathtaking views, and is home to a flock of free-range chickens as well as Augie, the resident farm dog.

What does my registration include?

Your registration will cover everything for your entire weekend, you will just need to find transportation to Big Raven Farm! Here are all the things it covers:

• Your room (the price will vary depending on which room you choose, but they are all beautiful, filled with Joleen’s stunning artwork and have beds that you won’t want to get out of — until you smell the food in the kitchen).
• Your meals Thursday night through Sunday morning (Friday and Saturday will cover breakfast, lunch and dinner). Meals in the past have included items such as turkey cherry chili, French onion tater tot casserole, baked French toast, and lemon blueberry coffee cake.
• Art instruction — we’ll begin with an opening activity Thursday evening and will continue with new lessons through Sunday morning!
• Supplies — all the supplies you’ll need will be available for use throughout the weekend and you’ll have several finished projects to take home! You are welcome to bring your favorite supplies from home for personal use.
• Yoga — there will also be daily yoga classes available
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi and parking

What are the projects for this retreat?

We have four main projects that we’ll complete throughout the weekend with a few other special activities included. The main projects are:

• Eco dyeing — you’ll learn the whole process of how to dye your own papers and fabrics and will have enough to bind a journal when you’re done.
• Cloth books — this is a retreat favorite and we have new fabrics and ideas to share this time around!
• Cyanotype printing — we’ll learn the process of how to use the sun to make beautiful and unique prints from natural items from around the farm.
• Gelli plate printing — another retreat favorite! We’ll go over gelli plate basics, share different ways to make monoprints and build layers and also learn how to make faux cyanotype prints on the gelli plate!

Will there be free time?

Yes! We have scheduled in downtime so that you can venture into the adorable town of Spring Grove, take advantage of the walking trail around the farm, use the studio space to work on your projects or take a nap in your room.

We have also been mindful of adding opportunities for movement during the weekend and there will be an opportunity for a yoga class each day in the gorgeous onsite yoga studio.

Where can I learn more and register?

Registration is handled through the Big Raven Farm website HERE or at the button below. This link has complete details about the retreat, the farm, driving directions and more.

Please reach out with any questions regarding the retreat or Big Raven Farm.
I hope to see you there!