The Artist’s Eye, The Writer’s Voice (SOLD OUT)

A one-and-a-half day winter writers’ retreat for writers and artists of all experience

Led by author Elizabeth Fishel
with
Mesa Refuge Director Susan Page Tillett and West Marin artist Susan Hall

$150

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 fiction, nonfiction and memoirs. 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.

Susan Hall will host us in her studio on Saturday afternoon, and Susan Page Tillet will lead a session on the language of color on Sunday morning.

Workshop Leaders

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 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.

Susan Hall is a renowned West Marin landscape artist (susanhallart.com) and the author of three books and memoirs: Painting Point Reyes, Home Before Dark, and River Flowing Home.

Retreat Details

Timing: Saturday, January 23rd from 10:30 am-4:30 pm and Sunday, January 24^th from 10 am-noon.

Cost:  $150 for the weekend. Drinks and snacks provided both days and fruit and pastries for Sunday breakfast. Lunch on Saturday from Cowgirl Creamery is available for $10. If space permits, a limited number of spots may be available to attend Saturday only ($115).

Registration: For more information and to register, please contact Elizabeth.

Accommodations: 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).  You can have a room to yourself, bring a partner, or share with another writer (air mattresses are available).

The Mesa requires rooms to be rented for 2 nights (Friday/Saturday) for $150/night ($300 for the weekend), so you can arrive on Friday at 3 pm and use the extra time and space for your own work until we meet as a group on Saturday morning. There’s also a big eat-in kitchen, comfy, book-lined living room, sauna, ping pong table and decks and gardens galore.  This place is heaven on earth for writers!

See photos about The Mesa Refuge on VRBO (but be sure to register by contacting Elizabeth Fishel rather than going through VRBO).