A NEW KIND OF ARTIST RETREAT
HOMEWARD is a creatively curated in-home artist retreat inspired by the annual Wayward retreat on Quadra Island. Participants will spend three days making work, connecting with other artists, and participating in a range of creative and social activities. We’ll support you in setting up your space, disconnecting from internet and social media, getting into a deep workflow, preparing simple meals, and letting yourself rest at the end of a day’s making. Every artist will receive a care package with three days of surprises and have access to a range of supported virtual activities - yoga, meditation, workshops, dance parties, nature walks, tarot readings, and creative coaching. Artists will leave the experience with a deeper connection to their work, their home, and a new community of artists.
WHO IS IT FOR?
HOMEWARD is for artists of all media and disciplines who are pursuing their work in a focused, vocational way and are women (cis or trans), genderqueer/non-binary, genderfluid, or another marginalized gender. Artists of all kinds are welcome: writers, sculptors, musicians, dancers, painters, fiber artists, filmmakers, and beyond. There will be sixteen participants in the experience, including the facilitators.
This retreat is for any artist who wants to:
recenter themselves in this unique time
deepen their relationship to their work and find new and exciting modes of creation.
spend several days supported in deep work, free from the distractions of social media and their regular rhythm of life
connect to their home and creative space in a revitalizing way
meet other artists in a pressure-free environment
go on a safe adventure
HOMEWARD is committed to the safety of all its participants. We ask our retreaters to abide by our code of conduct.
HOW IT WORKS
TIME COMMITMENT // HOMEWARD runs from the evening of October 9th to the evening of October 12. There is an introductory session from 4:30-7:30pm PST on the 9th, and activities run from 8am to 7:30pm PST the following three days. Some nights may go slightly later. There are ample breaks and lots of “no screen” time throughout each day.
PREP // In the weeks leading up to the retreat, we’ll talk one-on-one with each artist, guiding you through how to prepare your personal workspace and meals, and get ready to fully unplug. We’ll talk about your creative goals for the retreat and how best to support them.
WORK TIMES // Each day is divided into morning and afternoon work times, with lunch and dinner times for communal gathering online. Throughout the work times, creative coaching is available for those in need of a problem-solving chat. A virtual “studio” zoom room will be open for those who like to socialize as they work.
INTERNET + SOCIAL MEDIA // In order to recreate the experience of healthy disconnect that our Wayward retreat provides, we are asking all Homeward participants to take a break from social media, news, mindless scrolling, and email for the duration of the retreat. We’ll discuss how best to support this goal in our pre-retreat prep meeting.
ACTIVITIES // A combination of optional and required activities will be offered around the work times. Yoga and Qi Gong is available before each work day. Mid-afternoon, there will be physical activities for those who need a stretch and workshops from Wayward alumnae for those who want to dig into different creative topics. The Homeward retreat is tailored to your physical needs and all mobility levels will be able to participate.
GROUP CONNECTION // Full group check-ins take place regularly throughout the retreat to connect the community and provide space for peer support. We will balance these with smaller group activities, so that everyone can connect with a variety of other artists.
YOUR RETREAT KIT // The physical centerpiece of the retreat is the Homeward Kit - a box full of goodies and creative gifts to be opened alongside activities throughout the weekend. Like an advent calendar for your inner artist!
MEALS // Your kit box will also have food and prep items for all your meals. We’ll provide a short grocery list for you to gather to supplement these, then support you with live how-to zoom calls during meal prep. No matter your skill level in the kitchen or dietary restrictions, we’ll be able to support you so that food is the least of your worries during the weekend.
WHAT YOU LEAVE WITH // A creative exploration of how your at-home art practice can be more like an artist’s retreat. A sense of deep connection to your work and your space. A new artistic community in this radical time.
COST & LOGISTICS
THE COST
The fee for HOMEWARD is $375. For meals, you'll need to obtain a few additional basic, fresh ingredients, totaling no more than around $30.
THE DATES
HOMEWARD runs from the evening of October 9th to the evening of October 12. There is an introductory session from 4:30-7:30pm PST on the 9th, and activities run from 8am to 7:30pm PST the following three days. Some nights may go slightly later. There are ample breaks and lots of “no screen” time throughout each day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE
In order to participate in HOMEWARD, each artist will need:
A computer and solid internet connection.
Three days away from day job, email, and other demands on their time. If you live with roommates, kids, or partners, you will need to arrange uninterrupted work time throughout each of the days. If you have questions or concerns about the details of the schedule, contact us.
A functional stove and microwave. (If you have one, but not the other, that’s okay! just let us know.)
THE FACILITATORS
HOMEWARD is organized by Leslie Levings, Shing Yin Khor, Lauren Miller, Lauren Ludwig, and Jessica Lachenal. They make art in Los Angeles, Portland, and Quadra Island, BC on lands that are historically the home of the Chumash, Tongva, Kizh, We Wai Kai, Coast Salish, Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, and Molalla tribes.
To can read more about the HOMEWARD facilitators here.