Artist Retreats
Retreats are core to our mission of providing support to artists at all stages of the learning process. Our individualized retreat programs are designed to meet you right where you are in your creative process and can range from completely independent to fully facilitated.
Independent retreats are completely self-guided and include the use of your chosen studio(s) and darkroom(s). The day you arrive we will help you get settled, give you a tour of the facilities, answer any questions you have about house rules and studio/darkroom procedures, then leave you to your work.
Facilitated retreats are perfect for folks who might need a refresher in the darkroom, some feedback while they are working, or enjoy having someone mentor, coach or guide them during their process. The amount of facilitation is completely up to you and can include anything from one hour to the entire visit. If you are learning a new process and want help purchasing chemicals, refining your process, learning a new technique or skill, or just need inspiration or direction to help set the course for your time here, then consider a facilitated retreat. We offer tutors, critiques, creative coaching, guided work sessions, consulting with area artists, one-on-one workshops, professional development, etc., at a reduced rate to retreat participants. If you are interested in hearing more about a facilitated retreat, please indicate that on your retreat request form.
Can anyone apply? Yes, retreat slots are non-competitive and are filled on a first-come first-served basis, following a short phone interview. The process is simple. Learn more about our place, check out the studios , read our "What You Should Know Before Visiting" page, and when you are ready, fill out the retreat request form. We will then schedule a time to call you to conduct a short phone interview and answer all your questions. This initial phone conversation allows us to make sure we are the right fit for your needs.
How is a retreat different from a residency? In practice, independent retreats and residencies look very similar on the surface. They both offer makers time to explore and create. While residencies require a formal application process, and offer sliding scale rates as well as a limited number of scholarship and work-exchange opportunities, retreats require only a short phone interview, and are offered on a first-come first-served basis. Retreats can be scheduled for 2 days up to 3 weeks while Residencies typically last 2-3 weeks or more.
Retreat Rates
Regular Rates:
This rate covers your lodging and independent use of the studios. To add instruction, private workshop, etc to this base rate, see facilitated retreats below. If you cannot afford the regular rate, please see reduced rate retreats below or apply for a residency.
Daily - $75
One Week - $500
Two Weeks - $900
Three Weeks - $1200
Financial Assistance:
Financial Need - Reduced Rates Retreats (Sliding Scale)
One week – $400 - $475
Two weeks – $775 - $875
Three weeks – $900 - $1100
Facilitated Retreats:
We offer discounted rates on coaching and tutoring for artists on retreat or in residency (which is added to the retreat rate listed above). If you are needing a variety of services we can create an individualized and more affordable private workshop just for you. You can also check out these pre-designed private workshops that can be added to your retreat package.
If you are interested in exploring whether a facilitated retreat is a good choice for you, fill out the retreat request form and our retreat coordinator will set up a free phone consultation.
Discounted Coaching and Tutoring Rates for Facilitated Retreats:
1 - 9 hours - $60 per hour
10 - 19 hours - $50 per hour
20 - 40 hours - $40 per hour
Additional Fees:
The Silver Darkroom: If you are doing a large volume of work, we may charge additional lab fees for Sprint chemistry (used for black and white film and paper processing). Lab fees can range from $5 - $20 a day depending on your volume of work. We will gladly estimate the costs for you before you come. You are also welcome to bring your own chemistry.
Alternative Processing Darkroom: There are no additional fees for the Alt Process darkroom. Artists are asked to bring their own chemistry, or order chemistry in advance of their stay and have it shipped to Makers Circle. On occasion we have chemicals and paper in stock, often leftover from workshops, at a reduced rate. Feel free to check with us before coming to visit or before ordering chemistry.
Large-format inkjet printing: Those who wish to use the large format inkjet printers for printing on paper, transparency film, or fabric will be charged for ink, paper, transparency film, and fabric. We offer all supplies at cost. We can estimate the cost for you in advance of your visit upon request. We highly recommend you bring your own printing paper or fabric if you are printing large quantities. You are also welcome to bring your own Epson ink cartridges. We often keep proofing paper and matte-surface fine art printing paper in stock–but please check with us before arriving.