A Natural Dyes & Macrame Retreat

From Plant

To Pattern

November 10th-15th, 2024

Join us in Antigua Guatemala for a 5-day retreat dedicated to the art of natural dyes and macrame, inspired by the city’s stunning, colorful walls.

A Look Into Our Creative Journey

  • Check-in to your hotel and settle into your surroundings.

    Take time to explore and relax before the retreat begins.

  • 9 AM Gather in the studio for an introduction session. Meet your fellow participants and receive a brief overview of the week’s activities. Light snacks will be provided.

    10 AM Prepare the fibers for the upcoming workshops. Then, take a walk to the local market to purchase additional materials we will use for the rest of the week.

    1 PM Enjoy a delicious local meal at a favorite spot of ours, soaking in the flavors and ambiance of Antigua.

    3 PM Embark on a guided photo walk to capture the inspiring textures and colors of Antigua’s walls. Use these visuals as inspiration for your macrame pieces.

  • 9:30 AM Dive into the world of natural dyes with a hands-on workshop. Learn the basics of dyeing techniques using local plant materials.

    1 PM Lunch in the studio. Savor a meal featuring fresh, local ingredients.

    2 PM Discover the art of macrame with Studio Fueguita. Begin creating your own macrame piece, guided by expert instruction.

  • 9:30 AM Plan and design your macrame piece, drawing inspiration from your photo walk and natural dye experiences.

    10:30 AM Continue exploring natural dye techniques with a full day dedicated to dyeing. Experiment with different methods and create vibrant patterns.

    1 PM Lunch in the studio. Savor a meal featuring fresh, local ingredients.

    2 PM Use the afternoon to further your dyeing projects and prepare for the next stages of your work with guidance from GRACIA.

  • 9:30 AM Dedicate the entire day to completing your macrame piece. Apply your newly learned skills and techniques to bring your vision to life.

    1 PM Lunch in the studio. Savor a meal featuring fresh, local ingredients.

    2 PM Finish creating your own macrame piece, guided by expert instruction from Studio Fueguita.

    7 PM Celebrate the end of the retreat with a final dinner and showcase at Suelo Vinos. Enjoy a delicious meal and a presentation of the week’s creations.

  • 10 AM Optional studio visit to a local master natural dyer. * Great if you decide to extend your time in Guatemala, or your flight leaves in the evening.

Accomodation & Studio

Antigua’s historic charm and vibrant atmosphere provide the ideal backdrop for creative exploration, personal renewal, and forming lasting connections.

What’s included

This enriching week November 10th-15th, 2024 is dedicated to fostering your personal growth through hands-on workshops, deep connections, communal sharing, and creative activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Antigua's colorful and historic environment.

  • 5 nights accommodation in a shared suite with double beds in a charming boutique hotel in Antigua, Guatemala

  • Pick up and drop off from Guatemala City airport (upon arrival and departure)

  • Daily freshly prepared meals (breakfast & lunch) featuring locally sourced ingredients showcasing authentic Guatemalan cuisine and holistic nourishment

  • Comprehensive workshops on natural dyeing and macrame techniques, designed to foster your creativity and personal growth

  • Guided tour of Antigua's vibrant market and stunning walls to gather inspiration and materials

  • Studio space to work on your projects and develop your artistic practice

  • Group sharing circles and discussions to connect, be seen, and witness each other's creative journeys

  • A final dinner in a natural wine bar where you will present your completed macrame piece inspired by Antigua's colorful walls

  • A curated gift bag filled with artisanal items and tools

Early Bird

- $1700 USD Each -

Early Bird - $1700 USD Each -

November 10th-15th, 2024

Hosted by GRACIA + Studio Fueguita

  • Mafer Hernández creates visual experiences on color, light, space and movement using photography, installations, books, natural dyes, botanical pigments, and sculptural elements. 

    Mafer holds a BFA in photography and printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute (2018). Her work has been presented at La Fototeca and Museo Ixchel in Guatemala, and Root Division and Arion Press in San Francisco, California. Her work is included in the de Young Museum Collection and the Latin American Collection of the Stanford University Libraries.

    Mafer is the founder of GRACIA a Guatemalan-owned and artist-run project established in 2019. Their mission is to promote a broader and engaging dialogue across countries, cultures, and research fields. They achieve this through residencies, creative education, and public programs, with a focus on cross-cultural exchange, artistic practice, and personal exploration.

    In the past five years she has hosted artists in residence from across the world and has facilitated community-based art workshops in various cultural institutions and independent spaces in Guatemala and Spain.

  • Alongside a team of talented Guatemalan women, we're bringing this dream to life. Fueguita, meaning "little fire," symbolises the strength and spark within every woman, the fire used to create vibrant colours in our textiles. and the passion driving our creations.

    This project was born from a love for textiles, a curiosity to explore different techniques, and a commitment to create something unique with a sustainable vision.

    Website

FAQs

  • Creative Enthusiasts

    Individuals who are passionate about art and want to explore new creative techniques. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, this retreat offers a chance to deepen your skills in natural dyeing and macrame.

    Nature Lovers

    Those who find inspiration and tranquility in nature. The retreat emphasizes the connection between natural materials and artistic expression, making it ideal for anyone who values the beauty of the natural world.

    Cultural Explorers

    Travelers interested in immersing themselves in the local culture of Antigua, Guatemala. The retreat includes activities that highlight the rich traditions and vibrant arts scene of the region.

    Personal Growth Seekers

    People looking to connect with their inner creativity, find mindfulness, and engage in a meaningful artistic journey. The retreat provides a space for self-discovery and personal development through hands-on workshops and collaborative experiences.

    Community Builders

    Artists and creatives who wish to engage with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The retreat fosters connections and collaboration, providing opportunities to network and share experiences with fellow participants.

  • Your spot will be confirmed with a $500 USD non-refundable deposit. After completing, we will follow up with additional information and a payment link. We are happy to offer payment plans upon request.

    We are here for you to make this process as simple as possible and are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please feel free to email us here.  

    • Once the $500 non-refundable deposit has been made we will follow up with a brief questionnaire to get to know you better + payment link to complete payment by October 6th.

    • The retreat will host up to 12 people and foster a healthy balance of connection & intimacy as well as personal creative time

    • Antigua is overall safe as a tourist small town, but as with any travel, always use common sense and your intuition.

    • Each day we will be embarking on walks to the studio, expect to walk 1 hour (30 min in - 30 min out) everyday.

    • Everyone will be sharing a room, you are able to request who you’d like to be with, or we are happy to match you with someone we think will be a good fit.

    • Most meals will be whole food centered. All dietary needs are welcomed and can be accommodated.

    • To and from air to get to Guatemala. Please note we do offer airport transportation if you need it only on arrival and departure days.

    • Travel health insurance (required)

    • Dinners are open, except final dinner - roughly 15 usd should cover your meal on your restaurant of choice every night

    • Alcoholic beverages

    • Any additional services

    • We suggest bringing a couple hundred dollars if you would like to shop