“The Center’s unique atmosphere invites visitors to step out of life’s busy demands and journey into contemplation & regeneration where it becomes easier to engage in new and perhaps deeper creative work,” says Cullowhee Mountain Arts’ director Norma Hendrix.

Cullowhee Mountain Arts, a nonprofit organization, began programming artist and writer retreats in 2014 — some with and others without workshops — to prepare a time and space for artists and writers to get away from life’s demands and be supported in every way to do their creative work. 

Three meals each day are prepared by Lake Logan’s chef and lodging is in a variety of charming and comfortable cabins surrounding the 85-acre lake, fed by the Pigeon River flowing down from the Blue Ridge parkway. Cullowhee Mountain Arts sets up an airy and light filled studio and provides quiet and private writing spaces for both visual artists and writers. Supplementary yoga, mindfulness sessions, an evening fire circle, and massages by appointment are offered to enrich your retreat experience. 

Cullowhee Mountain Arts is bringing in Artist-in-residence, painter Lisa Boardwine and Writer-in-Residence, poet Pat Riviere-Seel, who will be available to engage, direct and facilitate artists and writers during the day — only as needed. Evenings offer a variety of presentations and conversations. During the retreat Boardwine will give a demonstration using oil and cold wax medium and a short presentation of her artwork and Riviere-Seel will provide morning prompts for writers, lead the entire group on a Haiku walk, and give a poetry reading. Artist and Cullowhee Mountain Arts Director, Norma Hendrix, will be available for artist critiques upon request. 

The all-inclusive price for the retreat is $875. Cullowhee Mountain Arts is currently offering a special 10-percent off discount for regional artist and writers for a limited time.

www.cullowheemountainarts.org.