This winter, we were so excited to open up the cottage for short artist retreats. For just the cost of the cleaning, an artist could stay for up to four days with the simple goal of taking time for inspiration, reflection and whatever the artist journey may hold. No big fees, no other asks around performance. Simply time to be. As an artist myself, I understand deeply the importance of time away like this. It's a gift that reaps rewards long after you have come home.
When I was in my 20's, I was gifted countless opportunities, everything from a short yoga retreat to a weeklong meditation excursion on an uninhabited island in Alaska. Each experience stayed deeply rooted in me, resulting in personal growth and creativity years after my stays. They helped me heal, learn more about myself, and clarify the work I was meant to do in this world. When we first created the cottage, I knew offering retreats of this kind represented a full-circle moment where I could give back in a way where the world gave to me. I was so excited when, this year, I felt ready and able to bring this vision to life.
From a nature photographer and an artist who does detailed photography, to a professional cyanotype artist and a permaculture-driven multimedia artist, each person brought such beauty, talent and warmth to the space. Even during one of the coldest winters we've had in recent memory in Cape May, these artists were mesmerized and inspired by the ice formations on the beach, the moody skies and the coziness of the cottage.
Cyanotype artist Sarah Rafferty (her gorgeous artwork is in the main bedroom at the cottage) wrote a beautiful blog post about her time with us and the importance of such mini retreats:
"This time gave me the quiet I needed to clarify many pieces of the year ahead – things that would have been much harder to sort through while at home. The days reminded me how powerful a small change of place can be. It doesn’t need to be far away, expensive, or even very long. Sometimes it is simply about stepping out of the rhythm of everyday life long enough to concentrate on your own thoughts."
The retreats reinforced that anyone in this world who is cultivating something beautiful - that's you! - needs and deserves the space to just breathe and gather insights and inspiration. Without it, the most important aspects of life can fade into the background, and creative flow ceases. Even if a weeklong summer stay isn't in the books for you, a short visit can be just the reset you need.
Our guestbook is now filled with artwork and lovely notes, and our hearts are full. We can't wait to offer these again next year!