Leader: Nancy-Violet Downs
Retreat Description:
A four-day spiritual and creative journey with artist and facilitator Nancy-Violet Downs.
Step into a cocoon of connection — to yourself, new friends, nature, and the divine.
This intimate retreat, led by interdisciplinary artist and facilitator Nancy-Violet Downs, is inspired by The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Over four enriching days at the beautiful Rydal Hall in the Lake District, we’ll explore creativity as a spiritual practice — using nature, meditation, writing, and making as pathways to reconnect with our inner artist and with something greater than ourselves.
Through a mix of guided meditative activities, automatic writing and drawing, natural dyeing, and textile art techniques, you’ll learn to listen deeply, let go of perfection, and make art from a place of honouring nature, intuition and faith. The retreat includes walks to waterfalls, wild swimming, outdoor creative sessions, nourishing shared meals, and quiet time for reflection.
We will practice The Artist’s Way Morning Pages, a simple yet transformative daily writing practice described by Julia Cameron as “special time between you and God.” You’ll also learn mindful creative techniques, from natural dyeing and frottage to knitting and monoprinting, using sustainable and found materials from the surrounding landscape.
This retreat offers space for both spiritual renewal and creative growth, held in the supportive energy of nature and community. You’ll leave feeling grounded, inspired, and reconnected, with a personal artwork or textile piece that reflects your unique journey.
Includes:
• 4 days of guided creative and spiritual workshops, including tuition in natural dyeing, free flow writing, intuitive drawing and other textile techniques
• All materials provided
• Shared meals and refreshments
• Time for rest, reflection, and gentle exploration of Rydal Hall’s beautiful grounds
• Live acoustic music on the final evening
No previous art experience is needed, just an open heart and a willingness to explore.
Find Nancy at https://www.instagram.com/nancyvioletartist/ and https://www.instagram.com/viola.vessels/
