THE WORKSHOP

With the intention of focusing on gratitude, I spent a good part of the pandemic creating personal handmade books and figurative assemblages to honor the important places, people, and memories that have been a such an important part of my life.

During this special in-depth 5 day workshop, I will guide you through the process of creating your own special pieces, using a theme that is close to your heart.

I can’t think of a better time of year or location! for this workshop.

Similar to my first workshop at Mabel’s last year, we will be creating a substantial book, as well as a figurative assemblage, but this time we will be using canvas as our book substrate & we will spend more time focusing on the content of our book.

We will begin by creating a gorgeous pile of rust-dyed fabric and papers to use in our books. 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 the bookbinding skills needed to create your special book. You will learn how to create magical metal transfers, prints, and textures that we will incorporate into our book.

While building our figurative assemblages, 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.

I will guide each of you as you create your own unique final pieces, and you will have an abundance of time and space in a inspiring setting to dive deep into exploration and creativity.

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

Your final book will be approximately 9” x 7” with at least 6 metal transfers and 20 writing surfaces with plenty of tabs, envelopes, pockets & danglies.

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

I very much look forward to sharing this process with you and I hope you can join us!

You will have five days to…..

Completely dive into your art without distractions.

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 and hesitation with 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 & play.

Enjoy delicious, nourishing meals.

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

COST AND REGISTRATION

Shared room- $2200 per person

Private room- $2600

These rates include five days and 6 nights at Mabel’s, all breakfasts and lunches, and two gourmet dinners to open and close the event..

A $400 non-refundable deposit is due at registration to hold your place in the workshop. The remaining balance is due by July 1st, 2023 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.

Guests sharing a room but not attending the workshop will be charged an additional $75 per day in addition to the private room rate. They will be included in all breakfasts and lunches, dinners are for workshop participants only.

Commuter, $1500, 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, as it is such a beautiful and rich part of the overall experience.

Travel expenses are not included.

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

Spaces 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 7/1/23: If you must cancel before 7/1/23, you will receive a refund, minus the $400 non-refundable deposit. If you can arrange to have someone attend in your place, I will transfer your registration, but you will be responsible for collecting the deposit from your replacement.

Cancellations after 7/1/23: If you register for this workshop and need to cancel after 7/1/23, absolutely no refund will be issued for any reason, unless you transfer your registration to another person. If you are unable to fill your space, you will not receive a refund.

It may be advisable for you to purchase cancellation insurance to cover any unforeseen emergencies… http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/beginners-guide/

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.