Kipaipai Retreat Workshop at Willow Pond 2027

This special program at the Willow Pond SLO Retreat in beautiful Edna Valley, California will focus on professional practices in areas of gallery representation and museum exhibitions, self-promotion, use of social media in promotion, the importance of relevant critical writing, presentation, identifying and strategizing personal/professional goals, and organically expanding resources through community.

The workshop will take place January 29-31, 2027 with local fare provided for daily breakfast and lunch with optional morning and evening activities. Through private one-on-one sessions and group meetings, artists will have the rare opportunity to meet with a team of seasoned, guest professionals.

This special program at Willow Pond Retreat in beautiful Edna Valley, California will focus on professional practices in areas of gallery representation and museum exhibitions, self-promotion, use of social media in promotion, the importance of relevant critical writing, presentation, identifying, strategizing personal/professional goals, and organically expanding resources through community.

The workshop will take place January 29-31, 2027 with local fare provided for daily breakfast and lunch with optional morning and evening activities. Through private one-on-one sessions and group meetings, artists/curators will have the rare opportunity to meet with a team of guest professionals.

16 participants will be selected by our Jury of professionals for a two-day workshop focused on best professional practices in the creative industry. Accepted artists will be notified by November 5, 2026 and must pay their tuition of $1075 in advance in order to hold their place.  Artists are responsible for their own travel and housing expenses. Workshop tuition includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Check in for artists will be Friday, January 29 after 3pm for welcome mixer at 4:30pm. Workshop will run Saturday - Sunday, January 30-31 from 9am - 4:30pm, with optional morning and evening activities at Willow Pond Retreat and surrounding vineyards. Deadline to apply is November 1, 2026 at 5 pm. Housing is not included in tuition however special rates have been reserved at a local hotel and artists are responsible for their travel and housing expenses. If invited to participate each artist must pay their deposit of $500 by November 15, 2026 to hold their spot in the workshop. With tuition paid in full by December 15, 2026. California artists may qualify for artist grant to help supplement their tuition by applying for Artist Quick Grant for professional development through CCI.

Applicants must speak and understand English and complete the application including answer all questions and include images and artist statement.

Applicants must speak and understand English, have a working practice in the visual arts (curators welcome), and fill out the application completely.