GEOGRAPHY OF THE IMAGINATION: MONHEGAN
Sept. 28-Oct. 4
Join us on an immersive creative workshop-retreat to Monhegan Island, Maine, where art & nature are inextricably bound.
Home to many well-known artists such as Rockwell Kent, Jamie Wyeth, and Lynne Drexler, Monhegan Island has a history of inspiring creativity.
We’ll offer a curated exploration of this remote coastal island of igneous rock, solidified from molten lava formed over a few hundred million years ago. Over the week, we’ll traverse the basalt dikes, quartz veins, and pyroxene crystals of exposed gabbro connecting the island’s deep geological history to present time and more recent histories of 19th & 20th century art colonies drawn here for creative inspiration. We’ll be on the island for “Trap Day” when Monhegan lobsterman set their traps for the winter season, with the help of all available hands. It’s an experience of Maine community that you won’t forget.
During the week, immersive experiences will include multi-sensory prompts for writing, image-making, and other creative exercises that expand and stretch your imagination.
From the ten mile ferry ride to the island, to walks through the Cathedral Woods and Fairy houses, from visits to museums and galleries, to watching birds from the dramatic ocean cliffs to tidal pools teeming with life, this creative retreat will take you away from the ordinary and familiar and inspire your journey of imagination.
Open to writers of all genres - poetry, non-fiction, fiction - and at any level - it doesn’t matter. What matters is feeling the inspiration to get words on a page, and discovering your unique voice. By the end of the week, you’ll have a journal of ideas, with trails of thought that may become more finished pieces with time. You’ll benefit from time spent relaxing in a supportive community of artists.
Participants will stay at the Monhegan House in the center of the village, where over nine miles of trails fan out from the village around and across the 700 acre island. Creative activities and most meals will take place at our home base, the Walker-Bright Cottage, just up the hill from the Monhegan House, as well as on sites throughout the island. Breakfast is included with your room at the Monhegan House, and we’ll gather together at the Walker-Bright cottage for dinner each evening prepared by our incredible chef (as well as forest therapy guide), Kirke Olson.
Whatever your story, you’re sure to find inspiration here to tell it in your own voice.
Workshop Leaders & Facilitators:
Meg Weston leads writing retreats connected to geological hot spots such as Iceland, Hawaii, and other places around the world. She is a photographer, poet and non-fiction writer who is passionate about the forces that shape the earth and the stories that shape our lives.
Jane Pirone’s creative and transdisciplinary practice engages with living systems, storytelling, and participatory futures from critical, queer and post-human perspectives. Jane is on the faculty of Parsons School of Design and leads international workshops focusing on creativity and collaboration.
Both Meg and Jane are trained as AWA (Amherst Writers & Artists) facilitators, and use these practices that help guide you past the inner critique to access your unique voice.
Kirke Olson is a psychologist who applies research results from positive psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness to his work with schools and other professionals. He is an ANFT-certified forest therapy guide, a writer, and also our esteemed chef!
LOGISTICS:
Limited to 8 Participants.
Pricing:
$2800 single room occupancy at the Monhegan House (shared baths). See description here. We have a block of rooms reserved for our participants.
All-inclusive price includes your lodging from Sunday 9/28 through Friday 10/3(checkout Saturday 10/4), breakfast at the Monhegan House, and dinners at our home base in the Walker-Bright Cottage. You are responsible for your travel to Port Clyde, Maine, and the ferry ride to Monhegan, as well as lunches during the day. There are no cars permitted on the island. Your luggage will be transported from the ferry dock to the Monhegan House by truck, and there are golf cart “taxis” available if needed.
Workshop & Lodging is based upon rooms reserved for you at the Monhegan House. The room selection will be determined on a first come, first served. If you want to extend your stay on either end of the workshop, please let us know and we can contact the Monhegan House to check availability, or you can look into other accommodations on the island.
8 rooms are reserved at Monhegan House. You’ll need to register for the workshop as soon as possible to reserve one of these spaces.
50% Deposit due upon Registration; 50% balance due June 1st, 2025.
Please note: Refunds (minus 10% processing and administrative fees) are available until March 1. Between March 2-May 31, 50% of the workshop price (minus 10% processing and administrative fees) may be refunded. No refunds available after June 1.
All photos @Sher Kamman