A Meditative Arts Weekend
May 30 – June 1, 2025
Rolling Ridge Study Retreat — near Harpers Ferry, WV
One of the root causes of our present climate crisis is the way that many human beings see themselves as separate from the natural world. In this workshop, we’ll look at how plants and the natural world have been depicted in art through the centuries and how this reflects the thinking of those and our times.
Now is the time for a paradigm shift in our thinking! Writers and scientists, such as Robin Wall Kimmerer and Monica Gagliano, are talking about the agency and intelligence of plants, the biosphere, and the earth itself—all of which we are intricately connected to.
Throughout the weekend we will participate in a series of simple artistic practices that help us to deeply see plants and nature and the amazing beauty to which we belong.
All supplies will be provided but you are welcome to bring any materials you wish. No artistic experience is necessary, but an open mind is a must!
Retreat leader, Claudia Giannini received her MFA from West Virginia University, with specialization in printmaking and photography and has exhibited her work throughout the country. Her 38-year career in the museum field provided extensive experience with both historic and contemporary art. In the last five years, her award-winning work has focused on making mixed-media paintings of the native plants of Appalachia.
Retreat host, Linda DeGraf is an artist, quilter, gardener for wildlife, sacred circle dancer, and retired teacher. She has led and hosted numerous retreats on meditative arts. She lives at Rolling Ridge in an earth-friendly home that she and her husband Scot built.
The retreat costs $295 for shared accommodations in the Retreat House. This fee covers lodging; 6 meals+2 snacks; art supplies; support for the ongoing work at RRSRC and Claudia & Linda’s planning and leadership. Anyone needing a scholarship to help cover the costs of the retreat is encouraged to fill out a scholarship form before registering. You can do that at this link.
Rolling Ridge comprises 1600 acres of protected land nestled between the Appalachian Trail and the Shenandoah River.
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