CASA DEL SOL

September 20 – September 26, 2026

Drawing From Nature: Bones and Blossoms

Please call Prescilla Tafoya at 505-685-1019 or email prescillat@ghostranch.org to book lodging for this program.

At Ghost Ranch, Georgia O’Keeffe found inspiration in the desert around her. Flowers and animal bones were among her favorite subjects. Here is your chance to explore how the same subjects inspire YOU. Refine your realistic drawing skills with 5 days & 6 nights in residence at historic Casa del Sol, amid the spectacular landscape where O’Keeffe lived and painted. We will draw bones and blooms from life. Morning instruction with daily demos will cover drawing techniques in charcoal (for the bones) and colored pencil with watercolor (for the flowers). Afternoons will offer free time to continue working, or to rest, hike, or take a horseback ride. Evenings will include guided nature walks, stargazing, and camaraderie around a courtyard fire. Space will be limited to 9. Some drawing experience is helpful but not required. Join us!

October 27 – November 2, 2026

Creative Retreat for Days of the Dead

Led by Helen Byers

Please call Prescilla Tafoya at 505-685-1019 or email prescillat@ghostranch.org to book lodging for this program.

Days of the Dead (Días de los Muertos) is the Latin American holiday coinciding with Halloween, All Souls’ Day, and All Saints’ Day. It is both a shared acknowledgment of death’s reality and a celebration of lives of deceased loved ones. Come explore the creative whimsy and dark humor, cultural history and creative arts of this ancient festivity. We will make traditional Mexican crafts, including papel picado (cut paper banners), playfully decorated sugar skulls, pan de muertos (a sweet bread), and ofrendas (memorial “altars”).

The retreat is housed at Casa del Sol, an historic adobe house two miles beyond the main campus of Ghost Ranch, overlooking the high-desert cliffs, mesas, and mountain that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe. Mornings will begin with discussion of a poem or short text, followed by crafts. Afternoons will provide time to relax, hike, take a ranch tour or horseback ride, or visit nearby sites such as Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. Evenings will offer firelight, stars, and camaraderie. Throughout our time, we will decorate and share our ofrendas. Join us for thoughtful discussion and creative fun!