8 days, 7 nights ~ a creative retreat for practicing artists
Mérida is one of the most exciting art scenes of today. Your experience is held in the historical Colonial district of the city (El Centro).Galleries, museums, studios and artists that will inspire your creativity. Designed by an artist for artists. This retreat is designed for artists to focus on their own work and to experience the arts & culture of the Yucatan, local cuisine, optional excursions and outings. Your retreat your way.
"I've had several wonder-filled retreats and know what it means to take the time to be completely absorbed in your work for a concentrated period of time. The culture, the climate and the art of the destination is always inspiring and be surrounded by like-minded people will fuel your creative spirit. I sincerely hope you can join me", karen
2022 dates
February 22 – March 1
March 22 – March 29
March 29 – April 05
your itinerary
Welcome to Mexico!
Your hotel — Hotel Del Gobernator is centrally located in Mérida and all of your transportation needs are taken care of from the airport to the hotel, the art studio and our excursions.
8 days, 7 nights accommodation, breakfast each day, free wifi, air-conditioning, swimming pool, room service and restaurants on site.
Day 1 Your experience begins with dinner and a meet and greet with your host karen and fellow artists,
Day 2 You'll be transported to our studio to set up your station and launch in to your work. Optional participation in an artist-led discussion. Local luncheon served in studio.
Day 3 Full day in studio with an optional excursion to visit two galleries in the city — Macay and Centro Cultural Olimpo followed by lunch at a local restaurant ($) and a return to the studio for the afternoon.
[There is an optional meet up for dinner tonight with the group.]
Day 4 Another full day of productivity in studio with a local visiting artist. Optional participation in a group critique on work to date.
Day 5 Continue your work all day at the studio or participate in an optional excursion in the morning to visit Cenote Dzibilchaltun for a swim and sketching. Following lunch at a local restaurant ($) you can return to the studio to work. Those staying in studio all day may choose to take a break and head out on a self-guided walking tour to sketch and absorb the atmosphere.
[Join us for an optional outing at a local watering hole this evening.]
Day 6 This morning we'll visit two local artist galleries — Galeria La Eskalera and Juan Pablo Bavio — after the visits we head back to the studio to finish any works in progress or plan your next pieces. We'll wrap up with an group show and critique session, full luncheon and closing party.
Day 7 Today is a leisure day - you can explore more galleries, do a walking tour of Mérida, relax at the hotel or head out on any other excursions you'd like to explore.
Day 8 After breakfast at the hotel you'll be transported back to the airport and reality, recharged and ready to continue growing your business.
Please note: This retreat is intended for practicing artists only (there are no instruction classes) and artists are expected to supply their own materials to create their work. You’re being provided with a studio workstation to create your art with like-minded people. Retreats are limited to 12 artists to maximize the privacy for work.
Loosely structured in terms of activities that will enhance the experience, your time is your own and the extra happenings are optional. You decide how much or how little interaction you want with other artists, the exploration of the culture and location you’re in, and how your days unfold.
about your host — karen klucowicz
Karen Klucowicz is a Canadian artist in Hamilton, Ontario. Her concept-driven, bold, abstract, figure-based paintings are focused on the strength of individuals and how that strength affects relationships. She has been represented by Raven Art Gallery in the Niagara Region of Ontario, since 2018 and shows regularly in group exhibitions at studio k2. With the founding of her studio in Hamilton, Karen is committed to sharing her passion for the arts. She conducts teambuilding events and individual art experiences, has opened her practice up to opportunities for other artists, and has extended her love for travel and creative retreats to designing a retreat for practicing artists.
“I’ve been taking creative retreats for several years now. Removing myself from my usual studio location and social environment allows me to focus and delve into my paintings like no other experience has. On retreats where I was able to interact with other artists, I learned from them and exchanged ideas that were motivating and inspirational. I was inspired, productive and committed to my work. I’ve designed the creative retreats to be focused so that practicing artists can concentrate on their work, be social with like-minded individuals and experience locations that may well influence their body of work.” karen
You can view Klucowicz’s work at www.artbyk2.com together with some of the creative retreats she’s taken in the past.
artists creative retreat 2022 — Mérida, Mexico
Price: $1,975.00CDN per person
Price includes:
- 7 night stay in a standard private (single*) room at the Hotel Del Gobernador (*Shared double rooms are available upon request if you prefer to share with another traveller. There is a reduction in the price for those wishing to share)
- Studio work station and Wi-Fi
- Coffee, tea, water and fresh fruit, vegetables
- Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 1 welcome dinner, daily snacks
- Guest speakers, guided excursions
- Round trip airport transfers, and transportations for excursions
- Round trip hotel – studio transfers
- Tax
Included Bonus! Studio k2 website: inclusion of 1 piece of art for sale from retreat work and artist promotion for 6 months following retreat on www.studiok2.ca/gallery.
Price does not include:
- International Air Fare (we can book for you)
- Travellers’ insurance (quote will be provided with registration)
- Meals not listed as included
- Materials for art production
- Gratuities
- PCR testing for COVID (if applicable at the time of travel)
- Optional excursions (must be pre booked, paid for prior to travel)
- Items of a personal nature
- Local tourist tax (if applicable)
*If you wish to bring a partner on the trip speak directly to Custom Adventures for pricing. The studio and related activities are restricted to practicing artists only.
2022 retreat dates — February 22 to March 1 — March 22 to March 29 — March 29 to April 05
book your experience today!
5010 South Service Road, Burlington, Ontario L7L 5Y7 * 905-581-1008
TICO REG# 50023928
Custom Adventures will take care of all your travel arrangements and book your easel at the retreat.
Contact info@customadventures.ca or by calling 1-800-223-0043.
Find out more about Custom Adventures here: www.customadventures.ca
“Terms: Price is in Canadian dollars and is based on a solo room. Covid-19 travel restrictions, PCR testing, and possible quarantine are in effect by the Canadian Government. Price does not include international flights or traveler's insurance. Trip departure is subject to a minimum of 6 paid travelers and a maximum of 16 travelers. All taxes are included. A non-refundable deposit of $250 is needed to secure your spot, the final balance is due 40 days before your departure, at this time the trip will be non-refundable.”
