Elizabeth Fishel

The Artist’s Eye, The Writer’s Voice
The second annual winter writers’ and artists’ weekend retreat with Elizabeth Fishel, Susan Page Tillett and Gary Smith

~Co-presented by Mesa Refuge~

Join us for an inspirational and idea-filled winter writers’ retreat that mixes writing, art, and observing place.  This one and a half day workshop meets in a setting of unparalleled beauty, calm, and coziness overlooking Tomales Bay. Originally the home of abstract artist Sam Francis, The Mesa Refuge glows with bright colors and creative energy that will inspire fresh words and images.

The weekend will combine guided writing activities, lively discussion, sharing work, and artists’ talks to deepen and enliven your writing voice.  We will weave together observations and exercises about writing and art to enhance your perceptions of both inner and outer landscapes and sharpen your eye for the details, colors, and images of place.  We’ll write inside by the fireplace, and weather permitting, walk and write en plein air as well.

Gary Smith will host us in his nearby studio on Saturday afternoon, and Susan Page Tillet will lead a session on the language of color on Sunday morning.

• Saturday, January 28th, 10:30 am-4:30 pm
• Sunday, January 29th, 10 am-noon

Registration
The fee is $175 for the weekend. It includes drinks and snacks both days and fruit and pastries for Sunday breakfast. Lunch on Saturday can be ordered for $10 from Cowgirl Creamery. If space permits, a limited number of spots may be available to attend Saturday only ($125).

Full payment by check required to hold your place at the time of registration. For cancellations requested no later than January 10, 2017, the fee is refundable, minus a $25 administrative charge.

Lodgings

The three beautiful rooms at the Mesa Refuge are available for rent this weekend, all with queen-size beds, amazing views, and ample space for writing (two come with separate writers’ sheds). The Mesa requires rooms to be rented for 2 nights (Friday/Saturday) for $175/night ($350 for the weekend). Suggestions for other local lodging available on request.

For more information and/or to register, please contact Elizabeth Fishel ([email protected]).

Instructors

Elizabeth Fishel has led numerous writing workshops at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and privately in Oakland and West Marin. She’s the author or co-author of five nonfiction books including Sisters, Reunion, and Getting To 30.

Susan Page Tillett is the executive director of The Mesa Refuge, the author of What’s To Wear, Beatrice Bird? and has offered many workshops on the language of color.

Gary Smith is a well-known Inverness artist who has found inspiration from the landscapes of Point Reyes and Tomales Bay for the past 30 years. His work includes original etchings, lithographs, silverpoints and pastels that capture the mystical yet meditative quality of the land.