Reflections 3, a five day mixed media art retreat in Taos New Mexico with Leighanna Light. December 9-15, 2025.
Reflections 3, a five day mixed media art retreat in Taos New Mexico with Leighanna Light. December 9-15, 2025.
During this inspiring 5 day retreat, our focus will be on creating a small metal and plaster deck with transfers, combined with bookmaking and assemblage and I am so excited to share this process with you!
You will learn a variety of mixed media techniques using rust, plaster, metal, gesso, ink, wax, patina, paint, water soluble crayons, paint, and glaze.
I will guide each of you in creating your own unique final piece. The end result of our week together will be a deck of 18 plaster and 6 metal cards with transfers, housed in a metal box, and a small book with thick, solid pages. Part book, part assemblage this book is adorned with metal transfers, fabric, fancy metal trim and bits of your own memories. These 3 pieces will fit together beautifully to create one cohesive assemblage, or can be experienced as 3 separate works of art.
This is my third year teaching at Mabel’s in December and it always feels like a entering little cocoon, where I can leave the craziness of our world, surround myself with other creative people, unwind, reflect on the year and have an uninterrupted week to focus on creating and sharing.
The wonderful thing about a long retreat is that we have the time and space to take it in whatever direction that we choose. There is plenty of time for individual attention, and you will learn how to make magic out of imperfections, how to make room for more happy accidents and you will leave with a heart full of beautiful Taos memories.
No special skills or experience required, just plan to come and have a fabulous time creating and connecting.
Non refundable deposit $500
Shared room with shared bath $2400 pp
Private room with private bath $2600
YOU WILL HAVE 5 DAYS TO…
Wind down and decompress.
Connect with your tribe of like-minded people.
Freely explore new art techniques and ideas.
Practice replacing fear and hesitation with curiosity and exploration.
Play in a large, light filled studio that is accessible any time during your visit for unanticipated creative surges!
Identify your inner perfectionist and them free!
Refuel, replenish and relax.
Enjoy a warm community, laughter & play.
Enjoy delicious, nourishing meals with new friends.
Explore our wonderful little town.
ROUGH ITINERARY
Tuesday December 9, 3 PM check in, 6 PM welcome dinner, opening circle after dinner
Wednesday December 10 , 8-9:00 AM breakfast, 9:00 AM morning check in, class begins ,12:30-1:30 lunch. 1:30 instruction
Thursday December 11, 8-9:00 AM breakfast, 9:00 AM morning check in, class begins, 12:30-1:30 lunch, 1:30 instruction
After class, optional field trip to an amazing local studio.
Friday December 12 , 8-9:00 AM breakfast, 9:00 A, morning check in & class begins, 12:30-1:30 lunch, 1:30 open studio
Saturday December 13, 8-9:00 AM breakfast, 9:00 AM, morning check in & class begins, 12:30-1:30 lunch, 1:30 instruction
Sunday December 14, 8-9:00 AM breakfast, 9:00 AM morning check in & class begins, 12:30-1:30 lunch, 1:30 instruction
Monday December 15, 8-9 AM, breakfast, 10:00 AM check out.
COST AND REGISTRATION
Shared room- $2200 per person
Private room- $2600
Commuter rate- $1500, this commuter rate is for NM residents only, for those attending the workshop but not staying on the property. This includes breakfast and lunch each day but does not include the opening or closing dinners. I strongly encourage you to stay at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House if at all possible, as it is such a beautiful and rich part of the overall experience.
Guests-$75.00 per day, this applies to guests sharing a room with a participant but not attending the workshop, and includes all breakfasts and lunches. This does not include our opening and closing dinner.
These rates include five days and 6 nights at Mabel’s, all breakfasts, lunches, and two gourmet dinners on the first and last night.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at registration to hold your place in the workshop. The remaining balance is due by August 1st, 2025 and no reminders will be sent. Your space is subject to cancellation if payment is not received by this deadline.
If you would like to make payment arrangements please contact me at leighannalight@gmail.com.
If you would like to share a room, please sign up with a co-participant.
Travel expenses are not included.
Payment in full is required when registering less than 90 days prior to the retreat.
Rooms are filled in the order in which their deposits are received.
INCLUDED
-6 nights lodging in one of Mabel’s historic rooms.
-24 hour access to the studio and the big house.
-6 delicious breakfasts and lunches.
-Gourmet welcome dinner.
-Gourmet closing dinner.
-4 workshop days and a free day in between.
-Selected materials.
-A private Facebook page for class participants.
-Several optional excursions.
If you would like to extend your stay, discounted rooms may be available. Please book your extended stay directly through the Mabel Dodge Luhan House. Contact Julie or Vanessa at Mabel Dodge Luhan House directly, by calling 800-846-2235.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand that situations can arise that can cause a change of plans. Often last minute cancellations are are unavoidable. We sympathize when this occurs, however, it is not possible for us to favor one circumstance over another, so we must maintain a standard policy for all with no exceptions.
Cancellations before 8/1/25: your money will be refunded minus your $500 non-refundable deposit. Please notify us as soon as possible by email.
****Your $500 non refundable deposit is never refundable for any reason.
Cancellations after 8/1/25: If you register for this workshop and need to cancel after this date, absolutely no refunds will be issued for any reason.
It is advisable to purchase cancellation insurance to cover any unforeseen emergencies… please check around for insurance that best meets your needs. A friend recommended this one…http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/beginners-guide/
http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/beginners-guide/Travel ins https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
THE PROPERTY
I had the pleasure of staying at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House for the first time 30 years ago for my 28th birthday. I stayed upstairs in the solarium and it was absolute magic. I’d never been anywhere quite like it, and I fell in love with this incredible space. I felt an extreme sense of connection, comfort, warmth and safety, like being wrapped in a warm blanket. From the moment that I walked in I felt like I was home.
As a guest of the house, expect to enjoy warm adobe charm, early century elegance, historic relevance. Vigas, traditional arched doorways, kiva fireplaces, and carved pillars. A welcoming hearth and relaxed ambiance. Panoramic views. Quiet patios and a tree-lined acequia. Located on the border of the Taos Pueblo lands, our location is quiet and restful, yet is still an easy ten minute walk to the center of Taos
A full gourmet breakfast will start each day of your stay with us. Mabel Dodge is known for its healthy, delicious food created by top local chefs. When possible, garden-raised or local produce is used. Coffee, tea, water and fresh baked cookies are available throughout the day. Upon registration you will be asked to provide any dietary restrictions that you may have.
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a retreat-style facility with no air-conditioning, televisions, alarm clocks or telephones. There is wi-fi only in the main living area. You will have access to this area 24 hours a day. Please visit http://www.mabeldodgeluhan.com for more info and learn more about this beautiful place!
TRAVEL AND WEATHER
Most participants fly into the Albuquerque International Sunport and rent or share a car. Taos is a gorgeous 2 1/2 hour drive from Albuquerque, with a lot to see and do. We will be sending you a list of our favorite places to explore between Taos and Albuquerque as we get closer to the event.
We also have 2 regional airports that are closer, but flights are limited…Santa Fe regional airport, https://flysantafe.com/ & Taos Air, https://taosair.com/
The weather in early December is usually sunny and crisp. We normally don’t get any significant snow storms until after Christmas. That said, be prepared for anything and bring layers!
We are at 7000 feet elevation so plan to drink a lot of extra water!
The weather in early December is usually sunny and crisp. We normally don’t get any significant snow storms until after Christmas. That said, be prepared for anything and bring layers!
We are at 7000 feet elevation so plan to drink a lot of extra water!
About Leighanna
I am a passionate art instructor, thingmaker, bookmaker, figurative assemblage artist, and recovering perfectionist! My background is in fine arts and photography, and I’ve been teaching art workshops for over 20 years at art retreats in the U.S.A. I develop my classes by playing, making a mess, making “mistakes” and I can’t think of any better way to live and make a living. I love to create, to hunt for things to create with and to share my creativity with others. It’s what I live for, it’s my oxygen.
I grew up in a small town in upstate New York and I have spent most of the past 20 years in New Mexico. I am so lucky to live in Taos, the mountains of Northern New Mexico, with my best friends Thomas, Peetie, Lily, Jessie and Hairy B.