Making it Work: A Relationship Retreat in Santa Fe… for YOU & YOUR ART!

May 6 - 10, 2024 in Santa Fe, NM

There’s no connection quite like the one you have with your artwork. You’re always together —for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until you are parted by death. Oof. Yes, it’s a pretty serious thing you two have going, and it deserves some nurturing to keep that spark alive. (Let’s be honest, all of us have stopped talking to our art at some point, even if just for a few days to cool down after a really big disagreement!)

In this 5 day AiRRR (Artist in Residence Relationship Retreat), you will work with artists Danielle Krysa and Alexis Mixter to really look at what’s working, and what could use a little tweaking. How?

… By asking yourself questions, like:
Why do you make what you make?
What would you make/do if you were all alone on the planet with no limitations?
What medium do you find most intimidating and why?
What materials do you respond to in others’ work
How do you feel while you’re creating? Happy, stressed, both?

… And, by identifying relationship goals/issues, like:
Does social media help or hinder the relationship with your art?
Where do you see your work going in the next month; 1 year; 5 years
What is your BIG dream, if there was nothing stopping you from getting there?

We invite you to use this week in Santa Fe as a safe space to explore — to truly give yourself time and space to reflect on where you stand in this relationship. Will you strengthen the bond you have with the mediums, methods and mindsets you identify with now? WiIl you discover ways to bring more excitement to the relationship? You may be surprised by where the week takes you!

~ Danielle & Alexis

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Danielle Krysa (AKA Jealous Curator): Danielle Krysa has a BFA in Visual Arts, and a post-grad in graphic design. She is the writer behind the contemporary art site, The Jealous Curator (est.2009), and has curated art shows all over North America. Danielle is also an artist herself, and her narrative mixed media work is held in private collections worldwide. She is the author of several art books, including “Creative Block”, “Your Inner Critic Is A Big Jerk”, “A Big Important Art Book - Now with Women”, and two children’s books; “How To Spot An Artist” and “Art and Joy”. Danielle has had the great pleasure of speaking at TEDx, PIXAR, Creative Mornings, and was interviewed in series of video segments on oprah.com about breaking through creative blocks and self-doubt.

Alexis Mixter Alexis Mixter went to art school in New York City and has been unraveling what she was taught about the “correct way of making art” ever since. From leading an artist collective in New York City to working behind the scenes in Hollywood, she has honed her ability to foster personal artistic exploration. Rooted in curiosity about the motives behind artistic creation, Alexis intertwines psychology and spirituality to plum the depths of the creative process. Between her own artistic evolution and working with others on their relationship with their work, Alexis has become an inspiring facilitator for those seeking to unlock their potential.

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WHEN: This workshop is 5 days, May 6 - 10, 9:00-5:00 each day

WHERE: Jen Tough Gallery / AIR Studios Santa Fe: 4 N Chamisa Dr, Santa Fe (Hwy 285 and Alma Dr in the Lamy / Eldorado area of Santa Fe)

MATERIALS LIST: Everyone should come initially with a medium in mind that isn't what they usually use, but one they think would be fun or interesting or even scary. It could be glitter and paper, clay, collage or textiles... anything that sparks a feeling of "newness". We are not working towards a masterpiece, but rather digging back into what made us lean into art and a creative life in the first place.

GETTING MATERIALS LOCALLY: 15 minute drive to Artisan (link) from our facilities

SHIPPING MATERIALS: You are invited to hip your materials to our facilities and we will hold them for you. Please indicate on the outside of the box your name and workshop name. Please track your packages.

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A sandwich lunch will be provided the first day of the workshop (vegetarian accommodated, but not gluten free). For the other days, please bring your lunch and store in refrigerator or freezer. Kitchen with microwave, unlimited coffee, tea and ice water. Multiple restaurants and grocery 2-5 minutes from facilities.

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LODGING: We are located 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe (car required). We have two casitas on the property for artists to rent. Please email us for photos, rates, and to reserve.

TRAVEL: You can fly into ABQ (Albuquerque) or directly into Santa Fe

CAR RENTAL or UBER: Ubers are fairly unreliable in Santa Fe, so we recommend renting a car. Both ABQ and Santa Fe airports have car rental that is quick and relatively pain-free. The drive from ABQ to Santa Fe is 50 minutes

Please plan on staying a few days before or after the workshop to explore Santa Fe!