After 25 years of visionary leadership, our founder, Peter Barnes, has stepped down from the board.

Peter wrote his first book while living on a ranch near Point Reyes Station in 1969. Later, he spent time at several writing residencies and saw how a few weeks of “writing at the edge” could be transformational for emerging writers as well as rejuvenating for established ones. He was determined that when he had the resources, he would create a writers’ residency in West Marin.

Thanks to Peter’s vision, the Mesa Refuge opened in 1997 and has grown into a prestigious and beloved retreat, which has served more than 1,000 talented writers. Mesa Refuge has hosted writers and activists from all over the country whose work, nurtured here, creates change in our world. We are deeply grateful to Peter for his generosity, leadership, and dedication over the years. His partnership with the Mesa Refuge’s first Executive Director, Susan Page Tillett, led the organization through an era of growth and maturation, laying a solid foundation to carry us into the next 25 years. 

Now our experienced and passionate board and staff are moving Mesa Refuge into its next phase, from a founder-supported organization to one with a robust community of donors, alums, foundation supporters and partners. Please join us in thanking Peter for his extraordinary vision and for inspiring change-making writers, artists, and activists.

Photo: Jean Melesaine