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Creative Retreats/Art Workshops for Artists + Writers
The Abiquiu Workshops, located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, about an hour north of Santa Fe, offers intensive, week–long art workshops in various creative disciplines — from photography, painting and sculpture to writing.
Depending on the workshop, participants will take full creative advantage of the astonishing landscapes of the area, including the Cerro Pedernal, Valley of Shining Stone, Rio Chama, Abiquiu Lake, the White Place (Plaza Blanca), the Black Place (Plaza Negro), Ghost Ranch itself, and the surrounding mountains and canyons. It is here, in the heart of the Chama River Valley, an area that inspired some of Georgia O’Keeffe’s greatest artwork, where Abiquiu Workshops offers 5-day workshop retreats for artists and writers led by nationally-acclaimed artist-instructors. Instruction is designed for advanced amateurs to emerging and professional artists.
The Abiquiu Inn is Your Base, the Great Outdoors is Your Inspiration
The Abiquiu Workshops and resident accommodations are based at the elegant Abiquiu Inn where participants will lodge and enjoy most of their meals. We work mostly outdoors, in the heart of the high desert country. The ultimate goal of each workshop is to engage mind, body and spirit in the creative process. The workshops involve intensive creative exercises, connection with the land, and close observation of nature. We employ various techniques to break down blockages and overcome fear—with the aim of helping participants achieve a profound creative breakthrough. Participants return to their homes with new knowledge, fresh energy, and recharged creative passion—as well as new technical skills with which to master their creative medium.
Workshop Options Are as Varied as the Terrain
Each workshop includes a private tour of Georgia O’Keeffe’s house in Abiquiu where she used to gaze down on her beloved Chama River Valley painting Southwestern landscapes made familiar to millions through her work. This year our workshops include:
- Stone Sculpture with Candyce Garret and Alexandra Morosco
- Creative Mythologies with Evans Lansing Smith and Cheryle Van Scoy
- Writer’s Vision with Douglas J. Preston
View our entire summer art workshop schedule here.
In addition to our artists’ workshop retreats, we also offer escorted hiking trips called “Sunrise – Sunset Excursions” that offer the opportunity to make intimate connections with the natural environment and cultural mystique of the magical geographic area surrounding the picturesque community of Abiquiu.
Looking forward to meeting you in the Land of Enchantment.
Walter W. Nelson, Director of The Abiquiu Workshops
