WAYFINDERS RETREATS
 

Ten unforgettable days in Lucca, Italy — painting, journaling, & creating under the guidance of two amazing, smart, big-hearted women. We stayed in a gorgeous Renaissance villa on a wine vineyard, enjoyed abundant Italian meals, & explored the beauty of Tuscany with day trips to the medieval town of Barga, the Carrara marble mines, the sculptor studio of the amazingly talented Usama Alnassar, & a concert filled with Puccini and Neopolitan music. Days and nights were filled with laughter and deep connection among 15 inspiring women. It was a truly magical blend of art, nature, history, culinary delights, friendship, & soul-nourishing beauty. Life-changing.Can I just thank you for - EVERYTHING! Diane All I had to do was pack my bags and show up. You took care of an incredible itinerary of memorable experiences, meals, accommodations, and meeting the beautiful people of Morocco. I am sill so moved by the group you gathered and the experiences you gifted each of us. My heart will never be the same. XXX Constance Such incredible memories fill my heart when I think of my time in Morocco with Stephanie and Michelle. These two women share their infectious delight, perspective, and creative view and exploration of this incredible landscape, people, and all of the experiences that brings us sensorially alive! If one takes the opportunity to join them to see “Stephanie’s Morocco” – you’ll be forever grateful for this blessed gift to self. Kit With Steph’s beloved joy of Morocco taking me through the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, landscapes, adventures, and people – I count this at the top of my list of world-wide travel experiences. Susan Recently I had the honor of traveling through Tuscany on a Wayfinders International Art Retreat led by the amazingly creative and inspiring co-leaders Stephanie and Michelle. One of my favorite parts of this life changing experience was the comfortable, inspiring nest that Michelle and Stephanie created for all of us, which became our home away from home. Feeling safe to explore the world around me and honored as an artist, I was able to settle in and engage deeply with my art work, writing and those around me. Michelle and Stephanie excel at setting a tone and an atmosphere that feels instructive and joyful all at once. They made joining with other women and creating art a fun and supportive journey for each of us. Exploring a beautiful part of the world through the lens of curiosity and creativity while deeply connecting with art and the creative process is what makes a Wayfinders group experience uniquely special. I felt such gratitude for they way Stephanie and Michelle led our group. Not only are they both fun to be with and engaged in the world of art and travel, but they are both excellent art teachers. Being with them made me a better artist as they shared their love of travel journaling, writing and art making with a perfect balance between learning and exploration. Along with other amazing women on the trip, I was gently encouraged to explore the world around me with new eyes, while engaging in very real and deep artistic direction which helped me feel seen and valued, which is a rare gift in the world today. Whether it was just a quiet day making art together, venturing out and spending the day with a local sculptor and watching him work in his gallery deep in the Carrara marble quarries or out for the evening to watch a Puccini opera, our trip was an original, one of a kind experience curated especially for our group. Thank you to Michelle and Stephanie for their distinct vision and for creating a journey for each of us that will never be forgotten. When the trip was over and I had said goodbye to these wonderful fellow artists and new friends, I came home completely relaxed and felt a true reset in my life. Moving forward I feel grounded and confident in my creative abilities. I come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of my own sense of artistic vision, unique voice and value as an artist in my life and in the world. Polly The trip was an exciting blend of adventures and explorations into art on a continent I’d never been too. The workshop gave me the space to test whether or not I’d enjoy delving into drawing and painting. I quickly got over feeling self conscious about being a newbie, and seasoned participants graciously shared their knowledge with us. I think it’s fair to say that being in a smaller group of thoughtful women made this workshop all the more rewarding. We bonded and have stayed connected as we share our art with each other! Stephanie and Michelle also shared their their love of art with us, and they made every day of the workshop special and memorable. I’ve already recommended the workshop to others and I’d consider embarking on another art adventure with them! Dena Porter The art journaling retreat in Morocco was an uplifting adventure filled with joy, laughter, and creativity. Immersed in the rich culture, I captured unforgettable moments in my beautiful journal that Michelle and Stephanie gifted me. I left with new lifelong friends and a heart full of inspiration. As we grow older we finally learn, we wished throughout life that we listened less to our fears and more to our dreams. This retreat was so much more than art in Morocco but what a place to learn, and from two amazing women, Michelle and Stephanie. They have developed the perfect travelling experience, an art retreat in Morocco. Their easy going instruction and never ending energy and knowledge makes for an easy environment to learn from. And let’s not forget the gorgeous colours of the country and the beautiful cultures, will leave you wanting more. Em The 2024 art retreat with Michelle and Stephanie to Morocco was unforgettable!!! The hospitality of the people in Morocco is like none other...superb!! I felt safe and welcomed every place we stayed. It was such an enlightening and inspiring experience being in Marrakech to create in my art journal. Essaouira was so relaxing and grounding the sound of the ocean was enchanting. Thank you Michelle and Stephanie for always being there to encourage, support and inspire each of us.. I'm grateful! This trip was a magical experience ♥️💙-Angela What an Incredible experience! Michelle and Stephanie's Italy Art Retreat was everything I hoped for and more. Michelle's lessons are so unique and truly personalized- she seems to know exactly what each artist needs to grow. Her calm, kind energy makes you feel completely at ease, and her years of experience and natural talent shine through in every demo and guidance. I came home inspired, confident, and so grateful for the time spent learning from her. Glynis