PIGMENTS OF PLACE: A pigment-making workshop + retreat

At Mountain Water Retreat in stunning southern Colorado

September 12 - 15, 2024

Are you ready for the world to become your palette? This workshop will introduce you to the vibrant world of natural pigments in a gorgeous, wild high desert ecosystem. You’ll learn how to ethically forage pigments from rocks, plants, and bones — and transform them into any type of paint or ink. You’ll also learn about pigments as a way to creatively engage with ecological issues.

Pigments allow us to feel forms of time that our daily lives can obscure: geologic time, photosynthetic time, or what is often called “deep time.” Pigments provide an opportunity to interact directly with ancient rhythms, offering a balm for the challenging emotions that ecological crises can provoke. You can learn more about how Daniela thinks about these ideas in this short PBS video. 

This course will include demonstrations, guided conversation, guided foraging outings, creative prompts, and time for individual and group reflection. You’ll leave with a shared palette sourced from the bioregion and the skills to continue this practice in your own. 

This course is appropriate for all skill levels. No experience of any kind is necessary though some previous engagement with some form of creative practice is helpful. Participants should be comfortable being outside and engaging in short nature walks. Your instructor is a certified wilderness guide so you can feel safe on our outings. 

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$600 per person includes 3 days of instruction, lodging, all meals, snacks, and some supplies. 

Enrollment is limited to 6 people. 

Begins Thursday, Sep 12, 6:30 pm

Ends Sunday, Sep 15, 1 pm

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Dietary needs can be accommodated. Lodging will be in a lovely rustic cabin or staggeringly beautiful camping spots (your pick, there are 4 cabins and 2 camping spots) with access to a gorgeous kitchen, two shared bathrooms, an outhouse, and a beautiful, huge shared studio space. Be in touch with any questions about lodging, food, or facilities. Some photos are available on the Mountain Water Retreat website. 

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You can sign up here.

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After filling out the form, please send payment to:

Venmo: @Daniela-Molnar

Paypal: @dnmolnar

Or mail me a check, be in touch for my address.