Be it the visual arts, writing or dance, Colorado has long fostered the creative arts. Nurtured by the natural beauty of the state, such writers as Hunter Thompson (“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”) and Jon Krakauer (“Into Thin Air”) and visual artists, including the world renowned Van Briggle family of ceramicists, have found serenity and stimulation in the Rocky Mountain state.

That tradition continues with myriad workshops including:

At SunMountain Center in Manitou Springs, you might want to try Reflection & Intention: A Year-End Retreat of Yoga and Writing with Bethany Goodson. A unique writing retreat from December 27-29, 2019, Goodson creates a space to finish 2019 with closure and confidence and vision to launch 2020 with clarity and purpose. Fifteen retreat participants will have the opportunity to access self-connection and contemplation on a deep, holistic level as physical movement, self-care and the power of community stir the creative juices.

“I like to think of this retreat offering as my secret to success,” says Goodson. “The creative ritual of alternating between expansive movement and reflective journaling is my favorite way to transition to a new year. Because of the connection and clarity it brings, I’ve been able to consistently stay focused on my intentions and accomplish my goals.”

The workshop offers…

• Four yoga and journaling workshops
• All-inclusive vegetarian, gluten-free and organic farm-to-table meals
• Two night stay in historic lodging with private, outdoor hot tub
• A relaxing mineral water soak at SunWater Spa
• Immediate access to nature, including walking distance to Garden of the Gods

www.sunwellness.net

Budding fiction writers might want to explore Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW), a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting, encouraging and educating writers seeking publication in commercial fiction. This year’s Colorado Gold Writers Conference will be held in Denver at the Denver Renaissance Stapleton Hotel from September 6-8. According to the website (www.rmfw.org/), the organization’s mandate is to:

• Provide an environment of support and encouragement among members and the Rocky Mountain writing community
• Stimulate interest in and appreciation for the art of writing in the community at large
• Act as a dissemination point for information to members and the public concerning commercial fiction writing
• Bring together authors, editors, agents, writing-related professionals and readers for the benefit of all

If photography is your passion, award winning photographer Glenn Randall, known for his sold-out workshops, offers a myriad of workshops that explore the grandeur of Colorado. From September 27-29, 2019, he invites photographers to master the art and science of landscape photography with his workshop, The San Juans in Autumn. Based in Ridgeway, students will shoot the 14,000-foot snow-capped peaks as well as the expansive aspen groves’ radiant fall colors. The 10-person workshop combines field time with intensive classroom instruction and is appropriate for low-intermediate as well as advanced-intermediate photographers.

Photo courtesy of Sharon House.