The Emerging Artist Retreat in New Mexico Guest Information

February 21, 2025

Dearest,

Thank you for trusting me. I’m honored to be on this journey with you.

I look forward to holding a space of contemplation, creativity and connection for you.

The Emerging Artist Retreat emerged for me in the Winter of 2024 through the liminal space of creativity, rest and tension. The kind of tension that feeds movement when you can no longer sit still. The kind that calls you into action. I couldn’t NOT do it. I knew deep in my bones this would be the next thing I do as it’s a part of my calling.

You see, I discovered I’m an artist with actual hidden talents. I really had no idea! But now that I do, I can’t go back to the way things were.

This knowledge paired with my very special gift of holding space, hosting people in sacred spaces and facilitating transformational experiences led to an epiphany about where I’m heading and taking my business. I dreamt of an artist gathering a few years ago, before I knew I was an artist.

This is the first of what will be many artist retreats in the future, and you dear one are blessing me and this space with your presence and your art.

And, if this retreat is the last thing I do, I want you to be and feel held, to be and feel safe, to be and feel inspired, to be and feel a shift in your creativity and spirit.

During this gathering of like-minded emerging artists, you will be held with love and care. What occurs in community tends to be, in my experience, exponential for years to come.

I do not take it lightly that you are investing your time, energy, financial resources and trust in this experience. I can hardly wait to be in it with you.

In the meantime, below you’ll find information about the retreat. I will be adding updates leading up to the retreat, so check back regularly.

Now through the retreat, text me anytime through Voxer (free in the App Store). This is how I communicate with clients privately. Email works too, but Voxer is faster.

Big love,
Annie

The Essentials

Dates:
- Arrival: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Departure: Monday, August 11, 2025
Location: The retreat and accommodations are at Sarabande Bed & Breakfast in Los Ranchos at 4022 C Rio Grande Blvd 87107
Traveling to Albuquerque, New Mexico:
- Book arrival to ABQ on Friday, August 8 ideally between 2:00-3:30pm
- Book departure from ABQ on Monday, August 11 ideally between 12-2pm
- Send arrival and departure information to annie@mariposastrategies.com no later than July 25.
Transportation:
- You will be driven to/from ABQ airport or train station.
- Any activities outside the inn will be walking distance or I will drive us.

Before the Retreat

✔️ By July 3: Schedule your pre-retreat session (feel free to schedule anytime in the spring or early summer)

Fill out this form and schedule your session

✔️ By July 25: Share your travel information to NM, if relevant. What day will you arrive, time and flight/train info.

✔️ On Wednesday, August 6 OR Thursday, August 7: Take a COVID-19 test and email or Vox a picture of your result.

🚩 On Friday, August 8:

All Guests and Retreat team, before we gather in the retreat house living room, will take a COVID-19 test and share results with Annie by Voxer
- There will be tests in your room when you arrive
See below for COVID-19 care plan

What to Pack

Most important

Your comfort. What helps you feel good, inspire, creative and safe.

Below the weather information is a suggested packing list.

To know

Creativity is our compass, so you’ll want feel good and comfortable. Easy, breezy, chill vibes.
We will have a group altar that I’d like for you to bring a few things for which are in the suggested packing list.
We’ll be at the retreat house for all activities and meals on Friday and Saturday. We’ll go out for a special dinner on Sunday.
There is no gym equipment on site but several trails right out the door, and we’ll go for a group walk nearby and hike in the mountains (optional of course).
There is a swimming pool.

Weather

August in Albuquerque will be warm to hot, but dry. Mosquitos have become thing the past few years, I’ll have repellent of different kinds.

Count on low 90s during the day and mid-60s in the evening and early morning.

If it rains, things cool down quite a bit, so layers are good (a light jacket or wrap).

Weather this time last year

Suggested packing list for three nights

We will be together for 3 nights. We will be the only people at the retreat house, so you’re more than welcome to eat breakfast in your jammies. :)

For our altar

✓ Photo of you as a child

✓ Photos of anyone you would like to create in honor of (living or ancestors)

✓ Anything else you would like contribute to it

Non-clothes

✓ Personal toiletries and medications

✓ Water Bottle

✓ Items, trinkets, books that inspire you and make you to feel good.

✓ Earbuds

✓ Phone charger

✓ Art supplies that are really special or important to you

Essential clothes

✓ Undergarments

✓ Favorite pajamas

✓ House slippers or socks

✓ Easy-off sandals or flip flops

✓ Stretchy, casual clothes you can make art and lounge in

✓ Swim suit and a sarong

✓ A cozy sweatshirt or other long sleeve layer

Walk and hike we’ll take together:

✓ Comfy pants, short sleeves and/or a long sleeve layer,

✓ A pair of shoes comfortable to walk in or hiking boots & socks

✓ Brimmed hat or visor (even when it’s cloudy, the sun will get you)

✓ If you would like to walk or go for a run on your own, bring what you need.

For dinners:

Be as comfortable and/or dressed up as you’d like.

Friday — fun house party vibes with friends…maybe casual chic
Saturday — lovely dinner party vibes with friends…maybe dress up just for fun
Sunday — special dinner out with friends…maybe dress up for fun

I will have for you:

✓ Masks (not required to wear)

✓ Covid tests

✓ Your favorite snacks

During the Retreat

Schedule

Details will be added

Friday, August 8
3:00-5:00: Arrival
- Snacks will be available as you arrive
- All guests, including Annie and retreat team, to take COVID tests before entering shared space
5:30: Opening ceremony
7:00: Dinner at the inn
Saturday, August 9
- 7:00: Coffee, tea and pastries served
- 8:00-9:30: Breakfast whenever you’re ready during this time
- 10:00-11:00: Silent Group Walk (optional)
- 11:00-5:00: Art time
  - 1:00-2:00: Heavy snacks served
  - 2:00-4:00: 1:1 time with Annie if desired)
- 6:00pm: Dinner at the inn
Sunday, August 10
- 7:00: Coffee, tea and pastries served
- 8:00-9:30: Breakfast whenever you’re ready during this time
- 9:30-12:30: Group hike (optional)
- 12:30-5:00: Art time
  - 1:00-2:00: Heavy snacks served
- 6:00pm: Closing ceremony
- 7:30pm: Dinner off site
Monday, August 11
- 7:00: Coffee, tea and pastries served
- 8:00-9:30: Breakfast whenever you’re ready during this time
- 12:00pm: Everyone leaves Sarabande

Food

Meals and snacks will be provided as follows.

Friday, August 8: snacks upon arrival, dinner at Sarabande
Saturday, August 9: breakfast, heavy snacks and dinner at Sarabande
Sunday, August 10: breakfast, heavy snacks and dinner offsite
Monday, August 11: breakfast and takeaway snack boxes

After the Retreat

If anyone tests positive within 7 days after the retreat, they will notify Annie immediately so she can notify everyone to test, protect themselves and loved ones.

COVID-19 Care Plan

Everyone, including Annie and the retreat team, will:
- Test no more than 48 hours before arriving (August 6)
- Test upon arrival to Sarabande (August 8)
If at any point during the retreat someone feels sick and tests positive, they will isolate in their room and be supported based on their needs & symptoms in getting home safely.
If anyone tests positive within 7 days of the retreat (August 12-18), they will notify Annie immediately by Voxer and/or email at annie@mariposastrategies.com.