Recently at the Studio & Kingdom: Retreats
“Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.”
Allow me to begin with some incredible words from Tanya, a women’s healing retreat and art class attendee:
“Attending Alla Dickson’s soulful art class was pure magic. The moment you step into her space, you feel transported — surrounded by beauty, creativity, and the kind of energy that awakens your soul. Her paintings are like windows into a cosmic universe, full of wisdom and light.
I had been dreaming of painting for so long but always doubted myself — “no talent, no skills.” But meeting Alla changed everything. Through her gentle guidance and incredible intuition, she showed me that painting is not about perfection, it’s about connection. For the first time, I truly believed in myself. I discovered that I can paint, and I left her studio filled with inspiration, ready to explore new horizons.
Alla is more than an artist — she’s a muse, a bright and wise soul who ignites creativity in everyone she meets. If you’ve ever longed to paint but felt hesitation or fear, I urge you: meet Alla. She will open your heart to a wonderful world where everyone can be an artist, and where intuitive painting feels natural, joyful, and healing."
Thank you, Alla, for this life-changing experience. Your space and your energy are truly magical.”
If you are following me on Facebook and Instagram, then most likely you have seen some posts about my new endeavor. In fact, since we purchased this house, cozily located right in the dense and untamed woodland, I had a strong vision of turning it into the most magical space for people to relax, find harmony and be stimulated to create. This has been happening!
Although I do not personally arrange and have these retreats for booking, these groups have come to me in a need for a space, a space to open up, engage, and find joy. This is what my studio is all about. Email me or book right on my website: https://alladickson.as.me/
“The ART of Living With JOY” Healing and inspiring retreats for women of all ages in our garden and art studio have become a reality!
West Michigan Women’s Retreat
Zeeland photographer Crystal Rodriguez asked me to have an inspiring and motivational talk (rather - gathering in our garden and then my studio) for her women’s group called “Crystalized Community”. I focused on practical and simple tools that could be used to enhance the sense of joy in our daily life.
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.”
Women’s Retreat & Art Class
Two leaders of a local group of women, who recently came from suffering Ukraine, asked me to conduct women’s healing retreat with a focus on art class exploring women’s inner creativity, intuition and learning painting techniques. This group was very special for me due to our common Slavic roots and the immigration journey. I was truly honored to lead this Saturday afternoon’s retreat guiding them through their hard journey of redefining themselves in a new environment. This group had written amazing feedback with their deep desire to have another artists retreat in November.
Sacred Sound Bath Meditation
With Sheila Smith, the founder and owner of the Prana Alchemy.
Imagine you are laying on a cozy banket gently spread on a green meadow surrounded by remarkable abundance of flowers and glorious trees on a sunny September Sunday afternoon. Blue sky with just a few fluffy clouds. You follow soft voice of the practitioner to get comfortable and close your eyes. Then the magical sounds of a variety of instruments resonate with the sound waves that promote deep relaxation and healing.
That is what eight participants experienced in our beautiful garden. I have been collaborating with Sheila with a hope to have more of those sessions for women.
October: Artist Retreats with ArtPrize winning Artist Rob VanderZee
Two Artists Retreats with an artist Rob VanderZee, (public vote winner 2024 ArtPrize), whom I met at the Ox-Bow School of Arts, Saugatuck, past fall. Hearing my presentation and philosophy about art and seeing my intuitive Alla Prima painting style, he invited me to join his Artists Retreats and teachings. He has built an amazing space for creatives and people who love untamed nature, camping, music, painting, exploration. His place, called The Lynx Run Wilderness Resort, is located near Big Rapids, open for public reservations.
Our unique model of three-day artists’ retreats, includes opining evening in his library, followed by walking with lit candles, and drumming into the wilderness to the creek and authentic Tipi, where around the fire we share our artistic stories. Both Rob and I did demonstrations of our painting styles followed by the participants painting their own individual pieces in a variety of mediums and styles.
https://robvanderzee.com/
Please sign up for our fall Artists Retreat on October 17-19. Learn More and Sign UP here
