Symbol of Place: 2006-2009

Professor Valley, Utah

This three-day women's wilderness retreat is led by Sandra Dorr together with painter Martha McCoy and Canyon Voyages interpretive guides. It begins by a full day's rafting on the Colorado, stopping to hike up a side canyon, and to lunch, write and paint.

Two nights follow in queen river cabin suites at the beautiful Red Cliffs Lodge (redcliffslodge.com) on the banks of the Colorado. Discover petroglyphs, study the night sky, and get in touch with your creative side.

Writing and painting workshops will be held on a large deck overlooking the Colorado, as well as pleine air painting on the river. Optional guided hike to rare petroglyphs, evening night sky talk and readings of work around a campfire. You might also want to swim in the pool or indulge in wine-tasting at the lodge's winery.

View photos from our prior Utah retreats, and read Sharon Sullivan's Free Press article about her experiences on the "Symbol of Place" retreat.

Retreat cost:

$350. ($335 if paid by March 15)

Choose lodging options at $60 (fold-out couch bed), $150 (shared bedroom of queen river cabin), or $300 (private bedroom of queen river cabin).

Completely outfitted trip includes writing and art sessions, lodging, high-quality meals, and all equipment except art supplies. Recommended: watercolor paints w/tube of white paint and brush, kneaded eraser, pencil, Simmons #8 sable watercolor brush, and Canson or Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Book, 10" x 7" Supplies available at Hobby Lobby and Michael's stores or blick.com or utrecht.com.

To Register:

Mail a $200 deposit and registration form by March 25 (balance due April 20th) to:

Sandra Dorr

2529 Grand Overlook Drive

Grand Junction, CO 81503

For more information contact Sandra Dorr or Martha McCoy.