About Whimsy In the Rockies 2024
It’s About Art in a Community!
“Whimsy in the Rockies“ is a Creativity, Arts and Playful Discovery Retreat designed to connect you with other like-minded creative women, and to spark your own creativity through wonderfully whimsical arts and activities! We love connecting you with not only your wonderfully youthful self, but with others, too!
It’s About Creativity and Inspiration!
You will be inspired by the playful content we will be exploring through art, writing, photography, and hands-on experiences, and by the art and stories shared by those in attendance. We want you to leave with the motivation to continue this spark of creativity, and begin a ripple effect in your own communities.
It’s About Surprises!
There is nothing like the type of feeling you get from a happy surprise! Think about the excitement and anticipation you felt as a child on your birthday! Yes! THAT kind of excitement! We hope to create that feeling for you! You’ll surprise yourself, each other, and we’ll surprise you, too!
It’s About Fun and Play!
As adults, we rarely have time to tap into our own playful side… for our OWN enjoyment! At this retreat, we will spark that childlike wonder for you! We will build chances for you to let loose, be silly, and have fun, while helping you to find fun ways to carve out that time for yourself when you return back home.
It’s About Amazing Tools to Add to Your Creativity Toolbox!
We’re not just going to have a lot of fun together, but we are sure you will have some valuable information and tools to take your creativity, and ultimately your life, to new and wonderful places.
What This Retreat Is Not…
This is not a retreat for art or writing critique. There will be no comparison or competition, and no pressure to be anything other than yourself. We will be having fun, but there will not be any silly party games. It is a time to just relax, enjoy the mountains and explore new tools for creativity, fun and discovery!
What is “Whimsy in the Rockies?”
- “Whimsy in the Rockies“ is a creativity, art, and playful retreat for adult woman of all ages and stages!
- It is a retreat where creative art prompts , amazing writing prompts and fun and exciting activities will inspire you to get back in touch with your inner child for a week of curiosity, creativity and discovery.
Who is this retreat for?
- If you are a woman who is looking for a creative retreat that is unlike anything you have ever attended, then this is for you!
- If you are looking for a retreat in a beautiful mountain resort community, then this is for you!
- If you are looking for a creative way to enjoy time with your sister, best friend, mom, or adult daughter, then this is for you!
- It is a retreat for artists and non-artists, for writers and non-writers. It is a retreat for anyone who likes to play with their own curiosity and wonder.
Do I need to have art skills?
What types of art will be the main focus?
- Not at all.
- While we welcome artists and creators of all levels (including professionals), all of our activities and art projects are geared toward the beginner’s mind. It is great for beginners, and a wonderful way for professional artists to remember the benefits of creating from the perspective of a beginner.
What types of art will be the main focus?
What types of art will be the main focus?
What types of art will be the main focus?
- We will be doing a little bit of everything!
- While we’re keeping some surprises close to the vest, you can count on watercolor painting, doodling, collaging, exciting ways to create travel journals, smartphone photography tips and tricks, some shenanigans that will definitely take you back to your playful, kindergarten self, and so much more!
Will we be creative writing?
What types of art will be the main focus?
Do we have to share our art or writing?
- Yes. We will be doing some creative writing, poetry, haiku, and whimsical journal prompts that will inspire you to want to write even more!
Do we have to share our art or writing?
What types of art will be the main focus?
Do we have to share our art or writing?
- No. As with everything at the retreat, your participation is optional.
- That being said, we hope to build a creative community of support and encouragement for all to be comfortable to share, and inspire others in doing so. It is so much fun to share in a supportive and safe environment with like minded creative individuals, and we believe this retreat will be the perfect place to take a leap of faith, and enjoy the results.
What will a typical day look like?
How should I dress for the retreat, and in Vail?
What will a typical day look like?
- A typical day at the retreat might look something like this:
- 7-8 Buffet Breakfast
- 9-10:30 workshop 1
- 10:45-12:00 workshop 2
- 12-1 lunch
- 1:30-5:30 Workshops 3 & 4 & 5
- 5:30 dinner on your own
- 7-10 Open Playground Creativity Workshop time
What supplies do I need to bring?
How should I dress for the retreat, and in Vail?
What will a typical day look like?
- You will receive a list of supplies that you will need prior to the retreat.
- We welcome you to bring your favorite watercolors, brushes, colored pencils, pens or journals from home, as well.
How should I dress for the retreat, and in Vail?
How should I dress for the retreat, and in Vail?
- This retreat will be comfortable and casual so wear what makes you happy. The same goes for Vail! It is a comfortable mountain community that is very welcoming to people from all over the world! Please be yourself, and feel comfortable!
- A rule of thumb for Colorado is to dress in layers, as the weather can fluctuate quite quickly.
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must in Vail. A free Town of Vail shuttle bus is also available all day long.
- Also, it can get chilly in the evenings in the Colorado mountains, so bringing sweatshirts, a fleece jacket, or a light raincoat would be appropriate.
- Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if you want to enjoy the wonderful hot tub at the Tivoli!
Will we be hiking?
- No. We will not be taking organized long hikes in Vail. We will be taking short walks (or even free town shuttles) to various locations around Vail, but they will be casual and short rides or walks.
- You are welcome to hike on your own! Vail has beautiful and amazing Aspen groves and Evergreen trees, with miles and miles of trails to explore.
What is the weather like in Vail in June?
Will there be free time to explore Vail on my own?
- Vail weather in June is typically in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s.
- In the afternoons, it is not unusual for there to be a quick light rain shower, but it clears up rather quickly.
- Evenings in Vail can be cool and a light jacket is necessary.
Will there be free time to explore Vail on my own?
Will there be free time to explore Vail on my own?
- Absolutely! We will leave you plenty of time to explore, rest, and refuel so you can fully enjoy the workshop material and “create” time.
- While some of our activities will take us exploring in and around Vail, we want to give you ample time to explore on your own, as well.
What is the instruction and delivery model for this retreat?
I have special dietary needs, will you be able to accommodate my needs?
I have special dietary needs, will you be able to accommodate my needs?
- We will be teaching to every learning style: auditory, visual and tactile-kinesthetic.
- While we will be using some slides and PowerPoint presentations to demonstrate concepts and techniques, you will NOT be lectured at for hours on end!
- All activities and instruction will be hands on and experiential! You will be learning and creating as you go!
I have special dietary needs, will you be able to accommodate my needs?
I have special dietary needs, will you be able to accommodate my needs?
I have special dietary needs, will you be able to accommodate my needs?
- Should you have special dietary needs, we will work with our chef to accommodate you to the best of our abilities.
- Please note, no refunds will be given for breakfasts or lunches not eaten.
Which airports could I fly into to get to Vail?
I have special dietary needs, will you be able to accommodate my needs?
Which airports could I fly into to get to Vail?
- Denver International Airport (DIA) – is a 2 hour drive to Vail.
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) – is a 30 min drive to Vail.
- Airport transportation from DIA to Vail can be arranged through the following:
https://www.epicmountainexpress.com/vail-shuttnles
Will I be able to arrive a day early or stay a day later?
Will I be able to arrive a day early or stay a day later?
Will I be able to arrive a day early or stay a day later?
- Yes! We want you to stay and play in Vail as much as possible!
- Please feel free to book extra nights at the Tivoli directly Through the Tivoli. (Please note: A room change may be necessary for extra nights).
- All additional payments and fees above and beyond the retreat rate and schedulewill be made directly to the Tivoli Lodge.
What else is there to do and see in Vail?
Will I be able to arrive a day early or stay a day later?
Will I be able to arrive a day early or stay a day later?
- Vail is a world class resort with matching world class restaurants and shops.
- Additionally, Vail is home to some lovely Alpine Gardens and the Free Colorado Ski Museum and Hall of Fame.
- You can read more about Vail’s Summer activities here: https://discovervail.com/things-to-do/?sort=summer
“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
John Muir
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