The Gorge Creative Escape: A Metalsmithing + Adventure Retreat
FIVE DAYS OF CREATIVITY • ADVENTURE • CONNECTION • INSPIRATION
Come create, explore, and be inspired in one of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful places.
Join me for an unforgettable five-day creative retreat in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge! Hosted at our beautiful new workshop in downtown Bingen, Washington, this immersive experience combines hands-on jewelry making, outdoor adventure, incredible local experiences, and time to connect with fellow creatives.
Whether you've always wanted to try metalsmithing or are looking to expand your existing skills, this beginner-to-intermediate retreat is designed to inspire your creativity, build confidence, and give you the opportunity to slow down and enjoy everything this incredible region has to offer.
Over five half-days of metalsmithing instruction, you'll learn new techniques, experiment with different materials, and create beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Outside the studio, we'll venture out to experience the Gorge through hiking, wine tasting, e-bike rides, and an extraordinary private visit to a local ranch.
Think of it as a creative getaway with a little adventure, a lot of inspiration, and plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.
The Metalsmithing Experience
Our five half-day studio sessions will take place in our beautiful new studio in downtown Bingen. This hands-on workshop is perfect for anyone 18+ who is curious about the world of metalsmithing. No previous experience is necessary!
Throughout the week, we'll explore:
- Core metalsmithing techniques, including soldering, sawing, forming, texturizing, bezel setting, and finishing work
- Materials and stone sourcing
- Tools of the trade, recommendations, and best sources and recommendations for setting up a home studio
- Tips, tricks, techniques, and additional resources to continue your creative journey post retreat
- Finding creative inspiration and developing your own style
What to expect in the studio
Each student will have their own dedicated workspace, fully equipped with the tools needed for our projects. Every session begins with a demonstration, followed by plenty of hands-on time to explore, practice, and create.
New to metalsmithing? We'll start with the fundamentals and work through approachable projects designed to help you develop confidence with the tools and techniques.
Have some experience already? Returning students can build on their existing skills and explore more advanced techniques, including sweat soldering, working with mixed metals, detailed saw and piercing work, and refining their craftsmanship.
Everyone will have the opportunity to work at their own pace and explore their individual creative interests.
By the end of the retreat, you can expect to have created approximately three to five finished jewelry pieces, depending on your experience and individual progress.
Beyond the Studio: Exploring the Columbia River Gorge
While creativity is at the heart of this retreat, some of the most memorable moments will happen outside the studio. The Columbia River Gorge is an incredible place to explore, with breathtaking landscapes, scenic trails, beautiful vineyards, and unique local experiences.
Throughout the week, we'll step away from the workbench and enjoy some of the very best this region has to offer.
Hiking & Exploring
With its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, sweeping river views, and miles of scenic trails, the Gorge is an outdoor lover's paradise. We'll head out for a beautiful hike and take in some of the area's spectacular scenery.
Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy getting outside and exploring, we'll choose an adventure that allows us to experience the natural beauty of this remarkable place.
Wine Tasting
The Columbia River Gorge is home to a wonderful collection of boutique wineries and vineyards, many offering beautiful views of our rivers, basalt cliffs, and surrounding mountains. We'll spend an afternoon exploring the local wine scene, enjoying a tasting or two, and discovering some of the exceptional wines being produced right here in the Gorge.
We recognize that not everyone drinks wine, so we've chosen to keep wine tasting costs separate from the retreat registration fee. This allows everyone the flexibility to participate in the experience if they'd like, without building the cost into the retreat for those who prefer not to partake.
Guests who choose to join us for wine tasting will be responsible for the cost of their own tastings and any additional purchases.
Whether you join us for a tasting or simply enjoy the beautiful vineyard surroundings and good company, we'd love to have you along!
E-Bike Adventure
There's no better way to experience the beauty of the Gorge than on two wheels! We'll head out for an e-bike adventure along the scenic Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail, one of the area's most spectacular cycling routes.
Following a historic railroad route, the trail winds along the cliffs above the Columbia River, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Gorge, dramatic basalt cliffs, and surrounding hill sides. We'll ride through the historic Mosier Twin Tunnels and take time to soak in the incredible scenery along the way.
With the help of e-bikes, we can enjoy the ride, take in the views, and explore this beautiful stretch of the Gorge without worrying about the hills.
It's an unforgettable way to experience the landscape and enjoy a little fresh air and adventure together!
A Private Visit to Schreiner Farms
One of the most unique experiences of our retreat will be a very special private visit to Schreiner Farms, a 12,000-acre working cattle ranch in nearby Dallesport, Washington.
While cattle ranching is at the heart of the operation, Schreiner Farms is also home to an incredible and unexpected variety of other animals. From giraffes, zebras, and Bactrian camels to bison, yaks, reindeer, emus, wallaroos, and several species of deer and antelope.
As a special highlight of our retreat, I'll personally take our group behind the fences for an exclusive, ranch-approved experience. This is a rare opportunity to explore beyond the areas typically accessible to the public, get a closer look at the ranch and its animal residents, and learn more about this fascinating operation.
It's an unusual and unforgettable adventure that offers a glimpse into a side of the Columbia River Gorge you might never expect to find. Definitely not your everyday ranch visit!
What's Included
Your retreat registration includes a wonderful mix of creative experiences, local adventures, and opportunities to connect with fellow creatives.
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Five half-days of metalsmithing instruction in our beautiful downtown Bingen studio.
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Dedicated studio workspace with access to the tools and equipment needed for our projects.
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Jewelry-making materials, including sterling silver, brass, copper, and bronze sheet and wire, along with a wide variety of cabochon stones, including turquoise, jasper, agate, and petrified wood. Each student will receive up to $150 worth of metals and cabochon stones. Metal costs are based on current market pricing at the time of the retreat. Daily projects will be designed around the amount of metal provided. Additional metals will be available for purchase at current Rio Grande daily pricing for students who wish to work with more materials. Additional cabochon stones may also be purchased for in class projects or for future use.
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Daily catered lunches at the studio during our workshop days.
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Guided outdoor adventure, including a hike in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
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E-bike excursion along the scenic Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail.
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Exclusive private visit to Schreiner Farms, including a personally hosted, ranch-approved behind-the-fences experience.
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A week of creativity, inspiration, new experiences, and connection with a wonderful group of fellow creatives!
What's Not Included
To give everyone flexibility in planning their getaway, the following are not included in retreat registration:
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Lodging: Guests are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodations.
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Transportation: Travel to and from Bingen, as well as transportation between retreat activities, is not included.
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Breakfasts & Dinners: Only catered lunches on workshop days are provided. All other meals, snacks, and beverages are at your own expense.
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Wine Tasting Fees: Guests are welcome to join us for wine tasting but will pay for their own tastings and purchases.
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Additional Materials: Any metals purchased beyond the included $150 metal allowance will be charged separately at current Rio Grande daily pricing.
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Personal Expenses: Any additional purchases or optional expenses during the retreat are the responsibility of each guest.
A Note About Planning Your Stay
Our home base for the retreat will be downtown Bingen, Washington, right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. There are a variety of wonderful lodging, dining, and exploring options throughout the surrounding communities.
We encourage you to make a little getaway out of it! Arrive early, stay an extra day, explore the area, and enjoy everything this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Some lodging options I highly recommend include:
The Society Hotel & Spa (within walking distance of the studio) — options from bunk rooms (~$50/night) to full cabins.
The Inn of White Salmon — locally owned, beautiful garden, and right in the heart of downtown White Salmon.
The Lightwell Hotel & Spa in downtown Hood River – rooftop bar, restaurant, in the heart of downtown Hood River with plenty of restaurants, shopping, galleries and more. *please keep in mind the Hood River / White Salmon bridge (that you'll need to cross daily) is a toll bridge.
Group Size & Retreat Minimum
To create a more personal experience with plenty of individual attention in the studio, this retreat is limited to just 8 participants.
A minimum of 4 registered participants is required for the retreat to take place. If the minimum enrollment is not met, guests will be notified and all retreat registration payments will be refunded. You’ll be notified of event confirmation or cancellation no later than 14 days prior. This is a small business with limited capacity, so please read our sales, registration, and cancellation policy (found on the upper menu bar) carefully.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged!