THE WORKSHOP

This will be my third winter teaching at Mabel’s. I never cared much for winter, so when I was offered these December dates, I almost turned them down. I am so glad that I didn’t!

Winter at Mabel’s feels like a entering a cocoon, where I can close myself off from the every day grind, surround myself with other creative people, unwind, reflect on the year, and have an uninterrupted week to focus on creating and sharing. I now have a brand new appreciation for winter in Taos. What a gift this has been!

Many decades ago, my first workshop offered was a small deck of 10 metal cards adorned with images, found objects and layers of paint, gesso, ink and rust. I still love to create small decks of artwork and I love to share my process and techniques with you.

Creating metal and plaster transfers while telling a story will be the focus of our gathering this year, and we will create a small metal box assemblage to hold our deck. I will also show you a quick and easy, no-sew, 4 page fabric book that I refer to as “the book for those with short attention spans”! Part book, with thick, solid pages, part assemblage, with metal transfers, fabric, buttons or anything else your muse leads you. These pieces will fit together beautifully to create one cohesive assemblage, or can be experienced as separate works of art. I will share with you a profusion of mixed media techniques using rust, plaster, metal, gesso, ink, wax, patina, paint, water soluble crayons, oils, paint, and glaze. You will need to bring personal images with very specific parameters, and I will address all of this in a video that can be viewed in our private Facebook group.

The beautiful thing about a long retreat is that we have the time and space to take the process in unexpected directions. There is plenty of time for individual attention, and I will encourage each of you to find and express your own unique style in a final piece that will include a deck of 18 plaster and 6 metal cards, 4 small books and a metal assemblage.

You will learn how to make magic from imperfection, how to make room for more “happy accidents”, and leave with a heart full of beautiful Taos memories.

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

You will have five days to…..

Completely immerse yourself in your art without distractions (except for the beyond fabulous food at Mabel’s, of course).

Wind down and decompress at the end of the year.

Connect with your tribe of like-minded people.

Freely explore new art techniques and ideas.

Practice replacing fear of failure and hesitation with unbridled curiosity and exploration.

Play in a large, lovely, light-filled studio that is accessible any time during your visit for unanticipated creative surges!

Identify your inner perfectionists and set them free!

Refuel, replenish, and relax.

Enjoy a warm community, laughter and play.

Enjoy delicious, nourishing meals.

Explore our wonderful little town in the mountains of northern New Mexico.

Learn the history and feel and vibes of this historic place.

Unwind by the warm fire in the cozy living room with your favorite beverage.

COST AND REGISTRATION

Shared room $2400 per person

Private room $2600

Shared room in Historic house $2600

Private room in Historic house $2800

Commuter rate $1500

The commuter rate includes all meals. This rate is for NM residents only, 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, 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 1, 2024 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 deposits are received.

INCLUDED

-6 nights lodging.

-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 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 8/1/24: 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 8/1/24: If you register for this workshop and need to cancel after this date, absolutely no refunds will be issued for any reason. However you can transfer your space to someone else if the workshop fills. All money transactions must occur between the person cancelling and the new person attending.

I can’t stress this enough, please please consider purchasing cancellation insurance to cover any unforeseen emergencies. Check around for insurance that best meets your needs. Friends recommend the following… http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/beginners-guide/, 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. 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, Jessie and Hairy B.