Essensual OCTOBER 2026 4-Day Retreat
A Creativity Retreat for Women-Identified and Gender Non-Conforming Folx
Come connect with your "essensual" nature (essence, essential, sensual) through intuitive painting, and playful explorations of movement, breath, and sound.
Enjoy delicious plant-based and gluten-free meals, gentle walks in nature, and view the magnificent stars from a hot tub under the dark night.
Beginning and continuing painters welcome, no previous experience needed.
Retreat led by Claudia Erzinger, Alyssa Cox, and Maria Freebairn-Smith
October 8 - 11, 2026
Arrive Thursday 1pm, depart Sunday 3pm
WHERE:
Wild Sage Studio
1405 Cooper Rd., Sebastopol, CA
COST:
$1195 (all art materials and food provided)
$300 deposit to save your spot!
Early registration discount: $1095 (if paid by August 9th)
Work trade offered
HOUSING:
Onsite:
Camping: included (bring your own gear)
Offsite:
Shared house for rent-inquire for more information
Sonoma County hosts- inquire for more information
Or stay at hotel lodging nearby (paid for separately) at "Fairfield Inn" by Marriott in Sebastopol. Call 1-888-236-2427 to make a reservation.
For locals: Join by day, sleep at home at night
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for any women-identified and gender non-conforming folx who’s interested in reconnecting with their Essensual nature through intuitive painting, reflection and creative exploration in a beautiful retreat setting. No prior art experience or background is necessary. Come just as you are. Essensual is a retreat that welcomes anyone who identifies and lives as a woman, regardless of assigned sex at birth, as well as anyone who’s gender expression does not conform to the traditional cultural expectations or stereotypes for their assigned sex at birth or their gender.
Tell me more about the camping?
The property is located on the outskirts of Sebastopol, CA. Camping can take place on the front lawn of the property or further back closer to the wild open lands of the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Bathrooms are inside the house around which the camping takes place. Campers are asked to bring their own gear. There is ample tree coverage for shade and protection.
How many hours do we paint each day?
There are two sessions of painting each day: one in the morning, after breakfast for 2.5-3.0 hours and one in the afternoon, after lunch and. Break , 2.5-3.0 hours. There are ample places to rest, take walks, enjoy snacks during the painting sessions if needed.
What does the schedule look like?
What is your cancellation policy?
All payments if canceled 30 days or less prior to a class or workshop are not refundable or transferable; If cancelled more than 30 days prior, you have 6 months to use whatever you paid (less a $30 cancellation fee) on another class / workshop.
What’s the weather like at this time of year?
In June, it can be cool at night (50’s) and comfortable during the day, 60 to 80 degrees. Sometimes the mornings can have some fog that burns off usually by midday. Sometimes we have unseasonably high temperatures due to climate change at this time of year.
In October, the temperatures tend to be warm day and night, 70 to 90 degrees. There can be morning fog. In 2026, the extreme El Niño may bring earlier precipitation.
What’s included in the price?
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4 days of creative facilitation using intuitive painting, meditation, movement and sound
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Gourmet vegetarian and vegan meals
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Accommodations if camping
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Guided nature walks, farm visits and stargazing
