muses of the moonlight frontier
Marfa, Texas: August 17-24, 2024
…but it is our very first american retreat
this isn't our first rodeo…
Well, you asked for it. Our next adventure is one that has been a long time in the making, and one that many of you have been requesting since we started: a retreat in the USA. Of course we wouldn’t be Muses if we didn’t find an esoteric location steeped in strange magic and dusty myths, so we’re going to take y’all on a road trip to one of the strangest and most beautiful, and most creatively satisfying places on Earth: Marfa, Texas.
Tucked into the arid embrace of Texas' Big Bend, where endless stretches of parched chaparral kiss the desert mesas and cattle fences, Marfa began as a humble waypoint for vaqueros driving cattle, a town quietly succumbing to the inevitable embrace of rust and oblivion. Yet, amid its slow descent, a curious alchemy took hold..
and something odd happened...A wave of artists, drawn by its obscure charm, began to revel in its stark beauty. Soon, word of Marfa's enigmatic strangeness swiftly percolated through vast networks of the art world. Those who ventured here for secret and spirited creative retreats felt an undeniable magic— a pull so strong that many chose to make this place their permanent home. Now, Marfa is a quietly vibrant crucible of creativity, where artists, writers, and musicians casually drink Lone Star with rugged old cowpokes and tamale-toting abuelitas.
This summer, let Muses Reverie host you for a mixed media retreat on the mesa.
wanderlust and desert dust
The svelte, desert jewel hotel Thunderbird will be our headquarters, and we’ll have the whole place to ourselves. During the day, we’ll don shades and sunscreen and set out to explore the playa or track down beautiful and uncanny installations, art galleries, cafes, fielding talks and classes by illustrious instructors and captivating lecturers, making likeminded friends while having plenty of time to relax. One things for certain: You’ll be sniffing out misadventures worthy of the tallest of tall tales in no time.
When we return from a day of exploring, kicking up dust, looking for trouble, and making some seriously dangerous art, we well circumscribe bounteous al fresco group banquets prepared by a local private chef. We’ll toast chilly Topo Chicos as the sun surrenders to the horizon, exchanging stories, grabbing seconds, getting a little rowdy, and edifying our hungry hearts to bursting. If we’ve got the energy, we’ll head across the street to a honky-tonk, two-stepping our hearts out to shake the dust off our boots. In Texas, revelry is an art that has been mastered and honed by two hundred years of frontier women cutting loose, letting their hair down, cementing their raucous hardscrabble mythos into the foundation of the country.
Come for knowledge, art, and kindred spirits, and leave with one hell of a chapter in your book of unforgettable experiences of artistic sisterhood.
Muses Reverie always plan our trips around a full moon and this time is no different. In that vast expanse where the sky vaults limitless over the stark, unyielding desert, lies a place not merely of earth and stone, but of silence and stories. Here, amidst the desolation and the beauty that borders on the sublime, we will have ourselves the Muses tradition of a full moon celebration, every one unique and unforgettable. This trip, carved out of the very essence of the land, invites those whose hearts are bold enough to inscribe their visions upon the infinite canvas of the Southwest.
Lynn Paramore PhD, with her lovely way of complementing deep dives into the nuanced interplay between history and narrative, is particularly poised to offer rich insights into the often overlooked stories of women in folklore. Her work extends beyond the academic, engaging essays and scholarly contributions.
In her book Reading the Sphinx, she explores themes that align well with examining the mythic and folklore dimensions of female figures throughout history.
Her lecture for the Muses on "Women In Folklore" will enrich attendees' understanding of how mythic figures can influence modern identity and cultural narratives. Lynn has a way of teaching that is thoughtful, insightful, and creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages deeper exploration and discussion. Her lectures are a highlight for those eager to delve into the layers of folklore and the pivotal roles women have played within these enduring stories.
Workshops, Lectures, and Themed Assignments
Edie Sunday, PhD in psychology, will be leading a captivating film photography workshop, structured in two dynamic parts. The first segment delves into the psychology, emotion, and artistic expression of photography utilizing film cameras. Here, participants will explore the deeper aspects of visual storytelling, emphasizing the emotional impact and psychological undertones captured through the lens of a film camera. The second part of the workshop introduces a hands-on Polaroid session. This session aims to transform participants' understanding of Polaroid photography, demonstrating its potential not just as a medium for capturing moments but as a unique form of art. This workshop promises to offer a profound exploration of photographic artistry, appealing to both the seasoned photographer and the curious novice alike. Everyone will go home with a cherished Polaroid of their own.
Serenading us under the full desert moon as she graces us with her presence, Chrystabell is a multifaceted artist who blends her musical pursuits with theatrical elements, creating a unique and immersive experience for her audience. Her style is often described as otherworldly, with influences from synth-pop, to a touch of avant-garde, reflecting her long-time collaboration with filmmaker David Lynch. This collaboration has significantly shaped her music, adding a layer of cinematic quality to her sound.
This retreat is lovingly produced by the Muses Reverie team and native Texan Eden Tijerina who has been sneaking off to explore Marfa for many years. The same oddity and eclectic spirit define her work across countless shoots and aimless jaunts into the dusty playa to scare up snapshots guided by those high and wild winds.
Join her on the last night of the retreat for a beloved Muses Tradition in candle lit love letter writing. Handmade paper, envelopes, wax stamps, silk ribbons, and everything you need for this project will be included. Feel free to bring your favorite poetry or prose to share with your fellow muses.
In the heart of a remote landscape, Marfa whispers secrets and beckons you to come unravel them. A sanctuary where creativity thrives in the shadow of true southern gothic mystique.
“Those who travel desert places do indeed meet with creatures surpassing all description”
- Cormac Mccarthy, Blood Meridien
A relic of 1959, reborn from the dust and dreams of Marfa, the Thunderbird hotel stands as a testament to Marfa’s history and southern gothic dream. With its minimalist design echoing the stark beauty of its surroundings, each room offers a refuge to curious souls who have treaded highways and byways to reach some heretofore unknown location.
With walls steeped in the lore of the land, it offers to its guests not merely accommodation, but a sly immersion into a landscape where art and the elements commune. Its design, a meticulous blend of mid-century modern aesthetics with the raw textures of the West. Whether you’re reading a paperback with your feet cooling in the 24 hour pool, or letting your tired body fall back on the feather soft beds after a long day of exploration and creation, the Thunderbird will be a welcome respite.
strangely compelling points of interest
(suitable for our optional group outings)
The Legendary Marfa Mystery LightsThe Marfa Lights—or Marfa Mystery Lights, as some call them—have drawn spectators and curious tourist for as long as Marfa has been a town. As the night descends, enigmatic lights materialize and dematerialize, dancing in ethereal choreography.
Some proclaim extraterrestrial or astral origins, while others insist on earthly reflections—headlights, campfires, or moonlit illusions. Either way, there was been no definitive explanation put forward by scientists or enthusiasts from more paranormal backgrounds. In the stark daylight, the same terrain reveals no trace of activity, ashes, animal or human footprints to help unravel the mystery. Like Marfa and its citizens, the lights are just what they are, defying any concise explanation.
This peculiar show plays out for the curious at various points around town, but most prefer to use the official viewing area, situated 9 miles east of the town on Highway 90. Night-vision glasses amplify the mystery, almost inviting us to grab a bottle of local whiskey to witness the allure of Marfa's most famous nocturnal secret.
Faith Alive Cowboy Church's Phantom RadioThis tiny adobe building off the highway in Marfa is not what it seems. What looks like a century-old chapel was in fact built in 1986 to house a tiny studio for a local radio station. Nestled behind a larger church, the strange studio hosts a radio antenna that protrudes from the top. Whether it’s an actual chapel or a rebel radio station gone silent, many still travel from all over the world to get married here.
Moreover, it’s rumored that in the middle of the night, if you happen to be tuned into the right frequency within the range of the antenna, you can hear strange voices broadcasting eerie sermons about getting right with God before the “end of days”. One urban explorer added that the broadcasts feature “gospel music from another dimension”. Another radio enthusiast speculates these are shows made to calm the spirits of pious cowboys from the past that gather at the church to bemoan their regrets about their lost state of grace.
FAQs
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Prices vary depending on what kind of room you want, and whether or not you’re sharing, but retreat spaces cost anywhere from $1350 to $2250. You can also choose payment plan at checkout with Shop Pay if you’d like to split the cost over a few months.
The room costs are as follows:
Single Queen Room: $1700
Double Queen Room: $1600
Single King Room: $1950
Single King Room (shared with a friend): $1350
King + Daybed Room: $2200
King + Daybed Room (shared with a friend): $1700
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We offer 3 full scholarships per retreat for female artists that would otherwise not be able to afford to come. We do this on a first come first serve basis just like how we go through applications.
You do this by emailing us a bit about yourself and your art and some kind of proof that you make less than 30k a year.
This is something we’ve wanted to to do for a long time but couldn’t until we rebranded and re staffed.
The scholarships were spoken for within 17 hours of announcing this trip so just make sure you’re signed up for the Museletter an have notifications turned on social media closer to our next trip to appy.
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Our Marfa retreat is designed exclusively for female artists looking to find inspiration, develop their artistic skills, and connect with fellow Muses in a serene and supportive environment.
This is a mixed media art retreat, so, there will be many great photographers attending alongside you non-photogs. With that said, you will have plenty of time to go off and capture lovely golden hours, moody dusks, and bright mornings on camera. Whether you want to be in front or behind the lens, know you’re going to leave with a ton of beautiful work.
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This retreat is open to female artists of all disciplines, including painters, writers, photographers, and those who inspire to be. Whether you're a professional artist or a passionate amateur, you're welcome to join us.
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For those of you flying in, you can arrive into either El Paso or Austin, both will be hubs for attendees to coordinate road trips to and from Marfa on our Discord server a little closer to the trip.
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You’ll find our schedules are created with a very light touch. This is not a retreat where you will be forced to attend things or arrive at places every few hours. You can do—or not do— whichever day or night activity your heart desires, the retreat schedule will reflect this ethos.
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Our retreat fee includes accommodations, dinners by a local private chef (catering to various dietary preferences), all day and night trips, all lectures and assignments by our incredible instructors, materials for love letter crafting, an optional scavenger hunt with a very cool first prize, access to the retreat facilities. Travel to and from the retreat is not included but the Discord will be helpful in finding ride shares with your new friends.
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Due to the nature of creating our retreats and paying for various elements before and during the retreat such as staff, lodging, venue event spaces, and supplies, we do not offer refunds to our retreats. That said, you can reach out to us to offer your space to someone else, and if we have the chance to promote ad re-sell your ticket we will. If it is sold, you’ll receive the payment less a 10% fee for the reselling
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Once you’ve paid for your ticket, you'll be added to a special email list so we can reach out to you in the months and days leading up to the retreat. It is EXTREMELY important that you read all of the e-mails we send. One of these emails will provide a link to a secret room on our Discord server, where you’ll be able to get to know other attendees before the trip, coordinate travel meet ups, discuss expectations and excitement, etc.
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We’ll reach out to attendees as the retreat approaches with information on packing tips and such. But long story short: Texas is known for its quirky weather, and Marfa is a prime example. Temperature-wise, the desert mesa might be a warm 85 ℉ during the day, dipping down to a chilly 45 ℉ at night. Pack accordingly!
Besides clothing and personal items, bring any specific tools or materials you want to work with. Marfa is a small town, and while there is no shortage of artists and art, its not guaranteed that th art supplies store will be open when you need it (small town hours), so bear that in mind. -
The rooms are decorated by the same designer who does all of the coolest of cool hotels in Austin including Hotel San Jose. Amenities provided are both thoughtful and attuned to the needs of the artist and adventurer alike. Rooms are adorned with custom furnishings that pay homage to the simplicity and elegance of the desert. For those seeking solace and inspiration, the hotel’s courtyard offers a tranquil oasis, where the water’s murmur and the rustle of leaves speak of ancient, undisturbed peace.
Each room serves as a private haven, equipped with the essentials for rest and reflection, including Wi-Fi for those who, even in retreat, wish to remain tethered to the wider world. The hotel's orientation offers views that capture the essence of Marfa—sunsets that bleed into the horizon, and the night’s sky, a vault so vast it swallows every worry.
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* Large outdoor pool with covered patio open 24/7
* Cruiser bikes, classic typewriters, and record players with a large record collection to choose from
* Housekeeping
* Floor to ceiling windows and cowhide rugs
* Bluetooth speaker
* Mini fridges for storing groceries
* Los Poblanos organic lavender toiletries
* Fast Wi-Fi
* Adobe chiminea and fire pit
* Large outdoor pool with covered patio open 24/7
* Cruiser bikes, classic typewriters, and record players with a large record collection to choose from
* Housekeeping
* Floor to ceiling windows and cowhide rugs
* Bluetooth speaker
* Mini fridges for storing groceries
* Los Poblanos organic lavender toiletries
* Fast Wi-Fi
* Adobe chiminea and fire pit
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From Austin to the open roads leading to Marfa, the journey itself offers a gallery of scenes waiting to be captured. In Austin, step away from the urban excitement to the tranquility of Zilker Botanical Garden, where the diverse ecosystems offer lush backdrops for any artist’s canvas right at golden hour. Another gem that may need more planning if you’re spending more time Austin is Hamilton Pool Preserve, with its stunning clear blue natural pool and waterfall set against towering limestone cliffs—a perfect scene for dramatic morning or dusk photography.
Moving westward, the remnants of the past await at Terlingua, a ghost town whose silent stories are told through abandoned ruins set against the eerie landscape. Further along your road trip (don’t forget to stop at Buccees), Monahans Sandhills State Park unveils an expanse of undulating sand dunes, presenting a surreal tableau under the shifting light of dawn or dusk.
For those who are going to b in Austin the night before, have cocktails and meet some of the ladies at one of our favorite watering holes, Justines French Brasserie.
apply for your retreat spot
We’d love to see you on this retreat! Now, everything below is super important so please read each numbered note in its entirety.
1) Creating a safe space for women to adventure together, express themselves freely, and make art is priority number one. That’s why we don’t allow prospective attendees to directly purchase spaces for our retreats.We want to ensure attendees are excited to learn, kind hearted, and ready to make connections with kindred spirits. Unlike many “networking” groups, our selection process has nothing to do with outward appearances, social media presence, or superficial “who you knows”. The questions we ask serve primarily to ensure attendees safety while at the event. Once you’ve submitted this form, you’ll receive a response from us within 24 hours, usually sooner.
2) Your acceptance email will include a link to purchase the retreat space you desire. You’ll have 24 hours from the time the acceptance email is sent to purchase your ticket. Make sure you review the cost of the retreat spaces (in the form under “What kind of room are you interested in?”) to make sure they fit your budget before you submit this form! Spaces start at $1350
4) If you have a friend who is also a female artist interested in adventuring with us and you don’t mind sharing a room together for a week, you can both attend for $400 off each (note this only applies for our King bed and King + Daybed rooms). Just make sure you both fill out this form, and both answer “Yes” in the section that asks if you intend to share a room, then include each other’s names in the last question.
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Did you get all that? Good! If you have any questions, please reach out to us on our Business WhatsApp account - that URL is wa.me/15122701559 and that app is the best and fastest way to get in touch with a Muses Reverie staffer. Time is of the essence! If you want to email us, do so at contact@musesreverie.com.