THE WORKSHOP

During this special in-depth 4 day workshop, I will share my favorite techniques to use in bookmaking and assemblage. You will have an abundance of time and space in a gorgeous setting to dive deep into exploration and creativity .

I will begin by teaching you how to create stunning prints and textures on metal. From there we will build a metal covered shrine, guarded by 2 wood and metal figurative assemblages called Spirit Shields. We will individualize our personal shields by adding hidden gems inside of the figures. You will learn several simple cold connection techniques, and I will share my favorite tips and tricks to achieve balance, contrast, and a powerful composition in your creations. You will learn how to make a mold of just about anything, and a simple and fun way to form and highlight unique sculptural clay faces.

After completing our shrine, we will switch gears to create a seemingly endless supply of luscious papers to bind in your books, which can be be nestled into your metal shrines. You will have plenty of gorgeous paper to take home for use in future projects. We will experiment with stencils, stamps & inexpensive household found objects to create yummy textures. I will introduce you to resists, rust, glazes, gesso and ink to create depth, contrast, and stunning color combinations. We will explore powerful, quick, and simple collage techniques, and I will teach you how to bind it all to create an assortment of treasured books.

Best of all, you will learn how to make magic out of imperfections, and how to make room for more happy accidents!

I will guide each of you to create your own unique final piece, out of at least two figurative assemblages, one shrine, an assortment of handmade books in various sizes, and plenty of gorgeous paper. And… at no additional charge, a heart full of Taos memories!

No special skills or experience are needed, just plan to come and have a fabulous time creating and connecting.

You will have four days to…..

Wind down and decompress after a long year.

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 set him or her free!

Refuel, replenish and relax.

Enjoy a warm community, laughter & play.

Enjoy delicious, nourishing meals.

Explore our wonderful little town.

COST & REGISTRATION

Shared room with shared bath- $2000 per person

Private room with private bath $2400

These rates include four workshop days, all breakfasts, lunches & 2 gourmet dinners.

If you would like to share a room, please sign up with a co-participant.

Students bringing a companion will be charged at the private rate plus the companion rate of $55 per night. The companion is included
for breakfast and lunch.

Commuter, $1300, plus any additional dinners.

This rate is for those attending the workshop but not staying on the property. I strongly encourage you to stay at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House if at all possible, since it is such a beautiful and rich part of the overall experience.

Travel expenses are not included.

A $350 non refundable deposit due at registration to hold your place in the workshop. Once registered you will receive a list of basic questions about room preferences and dietary restrictions. On or before May 5th, you will then receive your room assignment, supply list, a link to our private Facebook page, as well as a document with

The remaining balance is due by August 30th, 2022 and no reminders will be sent. Your space is subject to cancellation if payment is not received when due.If you would like to make payment arrangements please contact me at leighannalight@gmail.com

Payment in full is required when registering less than 90 days prior to the retreat.

Students are registered in the order in which their deposits are received.

INCLUDED

-5 nights lodging in one of Mabel’s historic rooms.

-24 hour access to the studio and the big house.

-5 delicious breakfasts and lunches.

-Gourmet welcome dinner.

-Gourmet closing dinner.

-4 workshop days.

-Selected materials.

-A private Facebook page for class participants.

-Several optional excursions.

I am currently working with a local shop to provide a way for you to order some supplies ahead of time and have them here when you arrive. You will need to bring some supplies, supply list will be listed soon.

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 8/30/22: your money will be refunded minus your $350 non-refundable deposit, or you may transfer your registration to another person. Please notify me as soon as possible by email.

Cancellations after 8/30/22: If you register for this workshop and need to cancel after August 30, 2022, absolutely no refunds will be issued for any reason. You can choose to transfer your registration to another person, please notify me by email at leighannalight@gmail.com. If you are unable to fill your space, you will not receive a refund.

It is advisable to purchase cancellation insurance to cover any unforeseen emergencies…https://covertrip.com/guide/beginners-guide-to-travel-insurance

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. I will be sending you a list of my 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!

YOUR INSTRUCTOR, LEIGHANNA LIGHT

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 and Hairy B.