A Creative Retreat With a Focus On Design, Art, and Nature in Joshua Tree, California

I remember, as a child, summers were so quiet and long. I would wake up and read for a few hours, wander to the Oxford Square, or go to the library. I would play in the woods with the neighborhood kids and maybe play Atari in the evening. It was so simple. I’m trying to gain a little of that sort of time freedom back, but life seems to be moving faster and faster each year. We plan family trips around the hikes we can take in the woods or the rivers we can swim in. We look for places that offer us a break from the doom scroll of social media and where we can take time to read or sit and listen to music. I think we as adults need this unplugging and creative reflection.

My good friend Eva Jorgensen is a masterful travel planner. She wears many hats, but one big part of her creative world is leading trips through France, specifically Paris—her trips center around gathering groups to experience artists’ studios, the food of France, culture, art, and design—a dream life. You can pick up her book Paris By Design to travel from with Eva from home. Sidenote: I was also a contributor to her book.

While in California in the spring of this year, I took a day trip to Joshua Tree, although a day was not enough. I felt this wave coming over me while surrounded by trees and boulders. I just wanted to write, listen, watch for birds, take pictures, look at the clouds, and slow down, much like my childhood summer days. ⁠On the drive back to Los Angeles to catch my flight the next day, I listened to the Rachel’s and made a running list in my head of all the things that I would do if I had just a bit more time in Joshua Tree and all the ideas that poured out of me, thinking about this small town. On my flight home, I wrote out my list.

As I pulled into my driveway, back in Mississippi after the long trip, I noticed a message from Eva asking me if I’d be interested in co-hosting a creative retreat with her in Joshua Tree in October. ⁠Without knowing any more details, I enthusiastically said, “YES!” We planned to talk in the next few days, and Creative by Design: Joshua Tree was born. ⁠As if reading my mind, she described all my thoughts swirling around in my head as a vision for the trip.

From the Creative by Design site:

RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• A beautiful retreat location surrounded by wide open spaces, Joshua trees, giant boulders, and majestic views of the surrounding mountains and desert.

• Delicious meals cooked with local ingredients by the best local chefs and kitchens.

• Several workshops designed to get the creative juices flowing for all levels and all kinds of creativity.

• Moments throughout the retreat to pause and take time for ourselves.

• A leisurely hike/walk through a jaw-dropping landscape of boulders and desert wildlife, punctuated by views of daring rock climbers in the distance.

• Time to soak up the peaceful energy and beauty of the desert at an iconic spot within the National Park.

• A fun, low-key drawing night hosted by a local artist——complete with records and drinks.

• Opportunities to take photos of the gorgeous landscape, quaint local architecture, art installations, and more.

• A hands-on ceramics workshop at the studio of a local artist.

• Hunting for treasures in a world-class vintage shopping destination.

• A relaxing yoga class and healing sound bath.

• A stunning pool to take advantage of during free time at the retreat location.

• Structured salon meetings where we’ll be able to ask for and receive constructive feedback and/or share resources for any creative projects or ideas we may be working on. (Truly anything! General creativity, product design, kids’ craft projects, contemplating a career/life pivot, writing poetry, creative problem solving, taking up a new hobby, or whatever applies to you.)

• Round table discussions with experts in specific topics——by our two co-hosts as well as local creatives.

• Stargazing under the glittering skies of Joshua Tree.

• A fascinating tour of an outdoor art museum created by a local legend and nationally renowned artist.

• A panel discussion on the creative process and living a creative life featuring local artists & designers.

• Many chances to meet, mingle, and connect with our fellow retreat goers, retreat co-hosts, and local creative hosts.

• Thoughtful placement within a smaller group for certain activities throughout the week, allowing for even stronger connections and bonding.

• The camaraderie created when exploring with a group of diverse people who come together over their love of creativity, travel, kindness, and curiosity about the world.

• The bespoke services of your retreat co-hosts, Eva Jorgensen and Erin Austen Abbott, who absolutely love finding and sharing delightful, under-the-radar places, hunting for treasure at flea markets, teaching creative workshops, connecting around the dinner table with friends old and new, and taking care of their beloved retreat goers. (They’ll also be bringing along an assistant to help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.) If you’re curious about Eva and Erin’s other qualifications——see below.

October 23-27, 2024 (4 ½ days/5 nights). In addition to extensive retreat planning, hosting, workshop teaching, and priceless local knowledge and connections, all exclusive tours, activities, local creative host experiences, museum entries, snacks, lunches, dinners, and drinks are included*. Admission by application only. One full scholarship is available (contingent on the retreat being filled to capacity) for someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to come, with special priority given to women of color and others from marginalized communities. See more details below and feel free to email [email protected] with questions.

*Please note that travel to and from Joshua Tree, hotel accommodations, and breakfast are NOT included. This intentionally allows for a “choose your own adventure” flexibility that can accommodate a wider range of budgets for the retreat-goers.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR RETREAT CO-HOSTS:

Joshua Tree is unlike any other place we’ve been. A special alchemy happens when you combine the dramatic desert boulders and plant life, wide open spaces, epic sunsets, and starry night skies with the high concentration of artists, musicians, writers, and other creative types drawn to the area. Come experience it with us, and you’ll see why Eva and her family make a pilgrimage to this special place every year. You might even start doing the same.

As you can imagine, carving out time from our busy schedules to go within, commune with nature, and connect with other kind, curious, and creative humans will be incredibly restorative. We’ll come away from this retreat feeling transformed, having filled our inner stores of inspiration and armed ourselves with fresh creative practices.

Now, doesn’t that sound amazing? We’re so excited and can’t wait to see you there!

The time to sign up is closing very soon, so act fast! ⁠See you in the desert. – Erin