By Joleen

Imagine stepping into a place where time slows, where the natural world unfurls its beauty in every leaf, petal, and shadow. Imagine your hands, dusted with indigo and earth, pressing nature’s artistry onto paper and cloth, capturing moments of light, memory, and wonder. Welcome to The Wonders of Nature: Cyanotypes and Eco-Printing, a three-day art retreat at Big Raven Farm—a sanctuary for creatives, seekers, and nature lovers alike. This September 11–14, 2025, immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind retreat designed for those who long to connect more deeply with the world around them through hands-on artistry. Led by artist and guide...

Have you ever felt the urge to create, but life keeps getting in the way? Maybe you’ve collected art supplies but haven’t found the time—or the confidence—to use them. If you’ve been longing to reignite your creative spark, this retreat is for you. July 17-20, 2025, join us at Big Raven Farm, a hidden gem nestled in the rolling hills of Minnesota’s Driftless region, for a Mixed Media Collage Art Retreat like no other. Led by talented artists Joleen Emery and Barb Eickhoff, this retreat is designed to help you establish a daily creative practice—one that is simple, achievable, and deeply...

Love cooking but want to take it up a notch? Maybe you’ve nailed the basics, but you’re ready to level up your kitchen game without making things complicated. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing at Big Raven Farm’s Cooking Retreat with Darin Warling (April 3-6, 2025). This isn’t some high-pressure cooking class where you get judged on your knife skills. Nope—this is a laid-back, hands-on, fun-filled weekend where you’ll learn some seriously awesome techniques that make a huge difference in the kitchen. Think killer homemade pasta, melt-in-your-mouth steak, and ice cream that tastes better than anything from the store. Plus, there’s...

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a cozy, welcoming retreat where incredible food takes center stage, the Cooking Retreat with Chef Darin Warling at Big Raven Farm is your perfect getaway. Whether you're a passionate home cook or a curious foodie, this immersive experience from April 3-6, 2025, will take your culinary skills to new heights while providing a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere. A Taste of What’s in Store During this retreat, you’ll not only indulge in amazing food—you’ll also learn to create it! Through hands-on cooking sessions led by Chef Darin Warling, you’ll explore new techniques, experiment with fresh...

Grief is a journey with no map. It moves in waves, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes quiet, but always present. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and everyone navigates it in their own way. Sometimes, having a space to share with others who understand can offer a sense of understanding and companionship as we carry it forward. From June 5-8, 2025, those navigating grief are invited to join us at  Grieving: Shadows & Sunlight, a retreat to support those navigating loss through writing, reflection, yoga and artistic expression. A Community for Healing Grief can be an isolating experience; for some, connecting with...