This workshop invites artists of all kinds to explore creativity as a spiritual practice rooted in beginner’s mind and curiosity. We believe that everyone has the right and the power to be creative. We believe in the transformative power of supporting people of all ages to access creativity in community. We strive to create a brave space where participants can rediscover and nurture their unique creative practices.
Open to participants ages 16 and up who identify as being on the spectrum of the feminine spirit, inclusive of trans and non-binary participants of all genders. No previous artistic experience is necessary. Instruments are welcome but not required. There will be a handful of artistic tools on-site for people to use or experiment with if desired.
Through a mix of solo reflection, small group connection, and full group experiences, participants will engage with ice breakers, flow-state activities, writing prompts, and art/music appreciation. Designed to nurture our craft and our connection, this retreat offers space for intuitive exploration, authentic expression, nature connection and creative play. This retreat will mostly take place in a common space called the WindHill Gathering House, which is designed for accessibility and includes a community area with a kitchen, a library, and a meditation loft. There will also be optional outdoor segments, and solo segments to the retreat.
About the Facilitators
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink and Samantha Cooper have been performing and facilitating workshops together for over fifteen years. They have a minimalist folk close harmony project called Hearth & Hymn, and have released two albums together, in addition to their solo music. They also helped found Solidarity Songs, a community choir that uplifts the songs emerging within progressive movements for liberation.
Elisabeth Pixley-Fink is a singer-songwriter, performer and recording artist. She is a licensed clinical social worker and practices therapy in Ann Arbor, and uses expressive arts, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and emotion-focused therapy. She led a Montessori elementary classroom for six years and directed creative empowerment programs at My Voice Music in Portland, Oregon. She has also worked with Gift of Music and Youth Arts Alliance in Michigan. She brings a healing-centered, empowerment-oriented approach to her artistic, community building and facilitation work. Her latest album, Heartskin, weaves together indie folk and garage rock and explores a heart shedding its skin.
Samantha Cooper is a Michigan based songwriter, supporting musician and MiCAN climate justice organizer who has co-founded community initiatives including Solidarity Songs, The Great Lakes Water Protector Network, Great Lakes Creatives and Square Dance Kalamazoo. She guides multi-disciplinary expressive arts retreats with Youth Arts Alliance, The Gift Of Music and Earthwork Music. She has led dozens of five-day healing-centered, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed songwriting retreats for incarcerated youth. Sam is also passionate about creating more inclusive, safer communities via her work as a Care Team consultant and a conflict worker.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, April 17
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Check-In
6:30 p.m. Potluck Supper at WindHill
8:00 p.m. Group Guidelines + Intentions, Icebreakers, Orientation
8:30 p.m. Brief Activity (Flow State Activity, Conversation Prompts w/ Question Packs)
Saturday, April 18
Breakfast on your own
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Settle in, make tea and coffee, check out the library, get comfy
9:45 a.m. First workshop Writing Prompt / Solo Time Small Group share
11:45 a.m. Lunch break
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. “Horizontal Hour” / Cabin Time (rest time: take a nap, read a book, journal, read a poem)
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Second Workshop
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Choice/Unconference block: You can choose between small group activities led separately by Sam, Elisabeth, or participants. (Examples: Music Appreciation, take a mindful walk, Sit Spot – listen and look, friendship bracelets with beads, read aloud from books in the library, Circle of Writers)
6:00 p.m. Dinner together: We’ll sing a few simple call and response songs together and then enjoy a meal in community
7:00 p.m. Clean up
7:30 p.m. Outdoor Reflection Time
8:00 p.m. Open Mic (Share a creation, story, or song you love! We will co-create a brave, vulnerable space with a supportive audience)
9:30 p.m. Optional Campfire
Sunday, April 19
9:00 a.m. Breakfast on your own
10:00 a.m. Gratitude circle, Closing Circle, tea time
12:00 p.m. (Optional) Leftovers Lunch Potluck
Registration and Lodging Details
- Please fill out this simple form to register. Space is limited.
- Purchase a ticket at our website, hearthandhymn.com/store. Note: If you belong to a marginalized community and you need financial assistance, consider applying for the GilChrist Retreat Equity Fund. If awarded, this fund covers up to $600 per person for retreat-related expenses including registration, mileage, and lost wages or childcare from attending the event.
- You can request accommodations at GilChrist at this link. Lodging is limited to 10 participants, and you can participate in the program without staying onsite. Lodging is $75/night per person in addition to the program fee, payable to GilChrist at the end of the retreat by cash, check, or Venmo. There are 8 cabins at GilChrist – 6 singles (studio) and 2 doubles (two-bedroom). When the single cabins fill up, the double cabins will be filled – each participant will have their own bedroom but a shared kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Participants will check into their cabins between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17 at a time you communicate via your cabin reservation. Cabin check-out is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19.
- There will be a potluck on Friday evening. A communal dinner will be provided on Saturday evening. Facilitators will also provide light snacks throughout the weekend. Individuals are responsible for their own meals outside of those listed above. Each guest space, and the WindHill Gathering House are equipped with a complete kitchen. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility.
