WE DID IT! … AND LOOK WHAT’S NEXT!
First Retreat in the Books!
What a time we had! Thank you so much to our lovely participants who showed up with open hearts and minds and made our time in La Veta so special. People have been asking us all about it and we are having a hard time putting it into words. It was inspiring to see and hear what everyone was working on. Watching them push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, encourage one another with honest feedback and help imagine what could be next, share stories over homecooked meals, laugh and breathe through gentle yoga stretches, and come back with tales from exploring the friendly and lovely town of La Veta.
We sent out an anonymous feedback survey and one of the questions we asked was if they had a favorite moment. This was one of the answers which paints a picture better
The moment I realized that this was a special situation I’d never again be able to emulate, yet I can hold the memory in my heart forever. It was truly more than I had ever anticipated being a part of. There were many little moments from beginning to end that were my favorite from arrival to a unique artsy town/retreat center to the people to the sharing of each persons artistic talents to the cover album photo we thought of in the moment. The little moments of sharing, positive encouragement and sharing our blind contour drawings with one another. There were so many little moments that added up to the overall experience. Thank you again!
Thank you to the Estelle Center for Creative Arts for hosting us! And, to the town of La Veta for your warm welcome. We hope you found the love we left behind.
We are brainstorming our next one… stay tuned!!
Check out more pictures in the retreat photo gallery!
Stories on the Fly: An Exploration in Improv & a Potluck Dinner
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026 | 5:30- 8:30 | FORT COLLINS
In just a few weeks, we will be gathering for this We will begin the evening with a potluck meal and then dive into the fun of improv. The incomparable Robin Faris — warm, open, and hilarious; seasoned performer and excellent teacher — will lead us in improv games to tap into our creativity, playfulness, and curiosity. No experience necessary, just a what-if/anything-goes mindset.
For more information and to sign up, check out the event page on our website!
We are excited to be partnering with Writing Heights Writers Association for this event. Members can contact that organization for information about a discount.
Learn more and sign up for STORIES ON THE FLY!
The Treehouse
Meet other creative people and participate in a multi-disciplinary creative prompt or activity that we provide. Everyone is welcome!
NEXT EVENTS:
Fort Collins, Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:00-8:30 PM [sign up]
The Living Room
A private studio, garden, and (of course) living room in Fort Collins, CO, open for you to dive into your work—or to play for a while. Work space, tea, water, and light snacks provided. Also, we’ll be there, and we’re pretty good company
And, if you want to try it for free, drop us a note and we’ll send you a code to do just that!
NEXT EVENTS :
Wednesday, October 14, 5:30-8:00 PM
Wednesday, October 21, 5:30-8:00 PM
Wednesday, October 28, 5:30-8:00 PM
More fall dates on the calendar!
A Substack Sampler
Check out some recent essays from our Substack.
Partners in the Arts and Creativity!
We are excited to start sharing some names and links to organizations we are proud to be working with or to have worked with on past events. We want you to know about these folks because we think they’re fantastic!
Writing Heights Writers Association (WHWA), formerly Northern Colorado Writers, is a professional writing organization that supports writers via education, resources, networking, collaboration, submission, and promotion. We embrace a variety of communication technologies and modes of outreach to support all writers, wherever they may be. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment by fostering community among our members, providing opportunities for writers to develop their unique voices, and celebrating accomplishments big and small
Located in NW Fort Collins, Kestrel Fields Studio serves as a space anyone can use for creative time and space. Use it to teach a class, host a poetry reading, or have it all to yourself to live and/or work in for your own quiet writing retreat.
Thanks for being here.
A We can’t wait to see you in the GROVE—
LISA, CATHERINE & JENNY
