July 16–19, 2026
Big Raven Farm | Spring Grove, Minnesota
What if creating art didn't require a dedicated studio, expensive supplies, or years of experience?
What if all you needed was a few scraps of paper, a little paint, a glue stick, and the willingness to see ordinary things in a new way?
That is the idea behind Mixed Media Collage: Everyday Art, Everyday Joy Using Minimal Materials, a creative retreat at Big Raven Farm.
From July 16–19, 2026, I'll be welcoming guests to our farm in the beautiful Driftless Region of Minnesota for a long weekend of creativity, connection, good food, and the simple joy of making art.
We'll spend our days exploring mixed media collage techniques, layering papers and textures, experimenting with color and transparency, and discovering how everyday objects can become meaningful works of art. A coffee-stained napkin. A torn envelope. A snippet of handwriting. A page from an old book. These ordinary pieces often become the most interesting parts of a collage.
This retreat isn't about creating perfect art.
It's about paying attention.
It's about finding joy in the process.
And it's about remembering that creativity doesn't have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
Why Everyday Art Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions about creativity is that you need more before you can begin.
More supplies.
More talent.
More time.
More space.
The truth is that some of the most meaningful artwork starts with almost nothing.
A scrap of paper.
A favorite photograph.
A receipt tucked into a drawer.
A paintbrush and a few quiet minutes.
Years ago, I started saving scraps most people would probably throw away: torn paper, bits of ribbon, old images, pretty packaging, handwritten notes, and tiny pieces of texture that caught my eye. Over time, those little pieces became part of larger collage wall hangings and mixed media artwork. That's what I love about collage. It teaches you to see possibility in ordinary things.
Collage Wall Hanging
Throughout this retreat, we'll explore how simple materials can be transformed into layered, expressive pieces that tell stories without needing a single word.
My hope is that you leave with more than a collection of finished projects.
I hope you leave with a creative practice that feels accessible enough to continue when you return home.
Because art doesn't belong only in studios.
It belongs at kitchen tables, on porches, in journals, and in the small moments we create for ourselves throughout everyday life.
What Is Mixed Media Collage?
Mixed media collage combines multiple materials, textures, and techniques into a single piece of artwork.
Instead of relying on one medium, we'll blend paper, paint, ink, found objects, transparent layers, vintage materials, and handmade elements to create artwork that feels personal and uniquely yours.
One of the reasons I love mixed media collage is that there are no strict rules.
Sometimes the most beautiful elements emerge from unexpected moments.
A paint drip.
A torn edge.
A wrinkle in the paper.
A layer you almost covered up.
Mixed media teaches us to embrace those surprises rather than fight them.
The process becomes less about perfection and more about discovery.
"I'm Not Really Artistic"
One thing I hear all the time is, "I'm not really artistic."
The funny thing is that many of the people who say that end up creating some of my favorite pieces of the weekend.
Mixed media collage isn't about drawing ability or artistic training.
It's about curiosity.
It's about experimenting.
It's about being willing to play with materials and see where they lead.
If you've ever looked at an art retreat and thought, "That looks fun, but I'm not creative enough," this retreat was designed with you in mind.
What You'll Learn During the Retreat
Throughout the weekend, I'll demonstrate a variety of mixed media collage techniques that I love using in my own creative practice.
We'll explore:
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Layering textures to create depth and interest
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Working with transparent and translucent materials
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Creating visual depth through thoughtful layering
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Incorporating repurposed and found materials
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Using hand-painted papers in collage work
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Adding embellishments and finishing details
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Combining color, pattern, and texture effectively
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Developing artwork that feels meaningful and personal
Some sessions will be taught step by step so you can learn new techniques with confidence.
Other sessions will be open studio time where you can experiment, explore, and follow your own creative instincts.
By the end of the weekend, you'll leave with several completed collage pieces, technique samples, and plenty of ideas for continuing your creative practice at home.
The goal isn't for everyone to make the same project.
The goal is to help you discover new ways of seeing and creating.
Ready to join us? We'd love to save you a seat around our table.
Finding Beauty in Ordinary Things
One of the lessons mixed media collage teaches us is how to pay attention.
We start noticing details we once overlooked.
The pattern inside an old envelope.
The texture of worn paper.
The beauty of imperfect handwriting.
The way layers reveal themselves over time.
When we begin creating with found and repurposed materials, we start seeing possibilities everywhere.
Things that might have ended up in a recycling bin suddenly become treasures.
A scrap of paper becomes texture.
A coffee stain becomes a character.
A forgotten note becomes part of a story.
There is something deeply satisfying about transforming everyday objects into something meaningful.
That same spirit of curiosity and discovery shows up in many of our retreats. If you enjoy creating with materials inspired by the natural world, you may also enjoy our The Wonders of Nature — Cyanotypes and Eco-Printing in the Great Outdoors Retreat, where leaves, flowers, sunlight, and found natural elements become part of the creative process.
Learn more about our Nature Art Retreat here.
Mixed media collage encourages us to slow down and see beauty in places we might otherwise overlook.
Sometimes the most interesting materials are already sitting right in front of us.
More Than an Art Retreat
People often register because they want to learn mixed media techniques.
What surprises them is everything else that happens while they're here.
The conversations over breakfast.
The laughter during creative sessions.
The stories shared around the table.
The friendships that form when people spend several days creating side by side.
Art has a way of bringing people together.
It creates connection without forcing it.
By the end of the weekend, strangers often feel like old friends.
One guest, Jennifer, described her experience this way:
"What a fantastic creative experience! I was in my happy place spending time with new, like-minded friends creating collages with mixed media. Their house is like a stunning boutique hotel. Joleen is generous with her art expertise when I need guidance. I hope to go back one day."
— Jennifer S.
Why This Mixed Media Retreat in Minnesota Is Different
People often ask what makes Big Raven Farm different from other creative retreats.
The truth is that we're not a conference center.
We're not a hotel.
This is our home.
It's where Darin and I live, create, teach, cook, and welcome guests from all over the country.
You'll probably meet our flock of curious free-range chickens as they wander through the yard. You'll definitely meet Auggie, our enthusiastic Director of Hospitality, who firmly believes every guest arrived specifically to throw a ball for him.
You'll share meals around the table, conversations on the porch, and quiet moments overlooking the valley.
You'll experience the kind of slower pace that makes creativity easier to access.
My hope is that you leave with artwork you're proud of.
But even more than that, I hope you leave feeling rested, inspired, and connected.
What the Weekend Looks Like
Our retreats have a gentle rhythm. There is structure, but not pressure.
You'll know when meals are served and when demonstrations are happening, but there is also plenty of room to work at your own pace, take a walk, sit on the porch, join yoga, or stay up late creating if inspiration strikes after dark.
Thursday Arrival
Plan to arrive between 4:00 and 6:30 PM.
Dinner is served around 7:00 PM, followed by craft instruction and demonstrations to help everyone settle into the creative flow of the weekend.
Friday and Saturday
You are welcome to work on your projects at any time of the day or night.
Coffee service typically starts around 8:00 AM.
Breakfast is served around 9:00 AM.
Lunch is usually served around 2:00 PM.
Dinner is served around 7:00 PM.
Craft instruction and demonstrations happen throughout the day and into the early evening.
Free time, evening yoga, bonfires, and movie nights are worked into the schedule depending on the weather and the interests of the group.
Sunday Departure
Coffee service typically starts around 8:00 AM, with breakfast around 9:00 AM.
Departure is around noon.
In our experience, most guests get to Sunday and can't believe how fast the time went. They tell us they wish they could stay forever and can't wait to come back.
We couldn't agree more.
Creativity and Rest Go Hand in Hand
One of the things I've learned over the years is that creativity thrives when we slow down.
That's why our retreats aren't scheduled from sunrise to bedtime.
There is room to breathe.
Room to wander.
Room to sit on the porch with a cup of coffee and do absolutely nothing.
Throughout the weekend, guests are welcome to participate in optional yoga sessions designed for every level of experience, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.
You can explore our birding trails, enjoy the outdoor patios, watch wildlife, or simply relax between creative sessions.
Deer, turkeys, pheasants, foxes, turtles, raccoons, and countless birds are regular visitors here. And if you listen closely after sunset, you may hear coyotes calling across the valley.
What's Included
One of the things guests appreciate most is that everything is taken care of.
When you join me for this retreat, you'll enjoy:
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Four days and three nights of creative exploration, rest, and relaxation
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All art supplies and materials included
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Hands-on instruction and demonstrations
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Open studio time to create at your own pace
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Chef-prepared meals and home-baked desserts
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Comfortable accommodations with memory foam mattresses and luxurious bedding
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Optional yoga sessions for all experience levels
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Access to birding trails and walking paths
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Evening bonfires with s'mores, weather permitting
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Incredible stargazing under the dark skies of the Driftless Region
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Quiet patios and porches for reading, journaling, creating, or relaxing
My goal is simple: I want you to arrive, unpack, and let someone else worry about the details.
What to Bring
Not much.
Bring yourself.
Bring an open mind.
Bring a sense of adventure.
Bring comfortable clothing, house slippers if you'd like them, walking shoes for exploring the property, and a light jacket for cool Minnesota evenings.
You don't need to bring art supplies or specialty materials.
I'll provide everything you'll need throughout the weekend.
The most important thing to bring is your willingness to experiment and have fun.
Join Me for Mixed Media Collage: Everyday Art, Everyday Joy
If you've been looking for a creative retreat in Minnesota that focuses on process over perfection, this weekend was designed for you.
Whether you're completely new to mixed media collage or you've been creating for years, you'll find inspiration, encouragement, and plenty of room to explore.
Because we host retreats in our home and keep class sizes intentionally small, spaces are limited.
Mixed Media Collage: Everyday Art, Everyday Joy Using Minimal Materials
July 16–19, 2026
Big Raven Farm | Spring Grove, Minnesota
Come spend a few days creating, laughing, sharing meals, exploring new techniques, and discovering how much beauty can emerge from the simplest materials.
If spending four days making art, eating incredible food, watching the sunset over the valley, and reconnecting with your creativity sounds exactly like what you need right now, I'd love to have you join us.
Reserve your spot today and join us for a weekend of creativity, connection, and everyday joy.