Flagstaff Artist Retreat

APRIL 24 - 26, 2026

In April 2026, a small group of creatives will gather in Flagstaff and Sedona for a weekend of creating, exploring, and connecting.

We'll spend time in the forests and red rocks of Northern Arizona, work on our individual projects in community, and have the kinds of conversations that help us connect with who we are becoming.

9 Spots
Only

What is the purpose of this retreat?

To give artists dedicated time and space to work on what matters to them, surrounded by others doing the same. To experience the joy and inspiration that comes from connecting with the earth and taking care of our minds and bodies.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is for creatives across all disciplines who:

  • Are working on a creative project and need momentum

  • Feel isolated in their practice and want to connect with other serious artists

  • Are questioning the path they’ve been on, find themselves at a crossroads, and want to connect more deeply to who they are and what’s calling them

  • Are happy in their creative practice and are asking questions about what’s next

What sets this retreat apart from others?

You won’t learn a specific technique here. Instead, you'll bring your own materials and work on your own projects, whether that’s a novel, a sketchbook, a music composition, or just a couple days of really solid journaling.

Our creative workshop focuses on the joy of sharing work and creative exploration, not on fixing problems or critique.

We’re emphasizing connection, integration, care, and continuity, and you will receive:

  • One video call before we gather to get to know each other

  • The weekend experience in Flagstaff and Sedona

  • Two integration calls afterward, to reflect and stay connected

  • Three months of access to Emberheart afterwards, an online creative community, to stay connected with the group and continue the conversations we started in Flagstaff

The intention with this approach is to build trust and go deeper than a typical weekend workshop would be able to, and to continue bringing whatever worked from the retreat into our daily lives.

What to expect

Itinerary

Friday: Arrive, settle in, and gather for a welcome dinner where we'll set intentions for the weekend ahead.

Saturday: Morning starts with breakfast at 8 am, followed by a forest excursion and time to freely create. Before lunch, we'll reconvene to share what we've been working on.

The afternoon brings a structured creative workshop (topic TBA), with space for discussion and reflection afterward. The rest of the day is time to free create some more.

Evening is unstructured: soak in the hot tub, put on music for an impromptu dance party, or connect however feels right.

Sunday: Early breakfast, then we spend the morning exploring Sedona. We can explore art galleries and cafés in town, or hike Bell Rock and take in the red rocks.

We'll wrap with lunch before departing. This schedule balances structure with spaciousness: room for rest, spontaneity, and the kind of organic conversations we all crave. Details may shift as we get closer based on the group's energy and needs.

What’s included

  • Lodging for Friday and Saturday nights in a Flagstaff home

  • All meals and snacks throughout the weekend

  • Facilitated workshops and dedicated creative time

  • Ample time for rest, reflection, and connection

  • Three months of access to Emberheart.

Not included:

  • Airfare and transportation to Flagstaff

  • Transportation from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (Flagstaff Pulliam Airport pickups are included)

  • Art materials beyond basic supplies.

Why Flagstaff?

Flagstaff is the world's first International Dark Sky City, meaning the night sky here is extraordinary. We'll be surrounded by ponderosa pine forests with easy access to Sedona's art scene. The high desert, mountains, and clear skies offers a kind of spaciousness that supports connection and creativity.

Additional elements

Sedona

Sunday morning we'll explore Sedona's art galleries, cafés, and shops together, and/or visit Bell Rock.

Nourishment

We'll share simple, nutritious meals throughout the weekend. If you have dietary restrictions or are vegan/vegetarian, please contact info@rebeccahaynes.com.

This will be a sober retreat.

Rest and relax

There will be time to soak in the hot tub, rest, dance, and let your body relax.

Pricing details will be added shortly.

Interested in joining? Fill out the form below!

Questions you might have

  • This retreat is trauma-informed and led by women of color. We approach creativity with care for each person's unique relationship to their practice. Our hope is to create space where you can participate in whatever way feels safe and joyful for you.

  • The cost covers accommodations at our Airbnb, all meals throughout the weekend, local transportation, and event insurance. We've structured pricing to cover actual expenses while keeping this as accessible as possible. 

  • Yes, pickups from Flagstaff Airport are included. If you're flying into Phoenix, you'll need to arrange your own transportation to Flagstaff. If you're bringing a rental car, please let us know so we can confirm there's parking space.

  • Bring whatever you use for your practice (laptop, sketchbook, paints, camera, etc). We'll have basic supplies like paper and colored pencils available, but if you want to work in a specific medium, plan to bring what you need.

    During creative sessions, we'll turn off wifi to minimize distractions. If you're bringing messy materials (paint, clay, etc.), just be prepared to tidy up.

    You're also welcome to bring just a journal if you'd rather use the time for reflecting or planning your next project.

  • Yes! Please contact us before the retreat so we can plan meals accordingly.

  • We've found that a sober container allows for deeper work, better rest, and more meaningful connections between participants.

  • Send us an email at info@rebeccahaynes.com and we’d be happy to help ya :)

Your Host

Rebecca Haynes

I’m a fantasy writer and artist who's hosted ten retreats since 2016. I previously cofounded an event production company and worked as an art director. My greatest joy in the world is bringing creatives together in beautiful places.

I know what happens when artists gather and tend to community: we drop into our bodies, make real connections, and discover who we are on a deeper level. I've also navigated my own creative struggles, including a ten-year block I dismantled through imperfection and community. I love holding space for creatives walking their own paths, and I'm excited to create this experience with you in Flagstaff.