Wild Hearts is completely private surrounded by fence, river and pastures. Many meditative spots graced the land: bench in the aspen grove, a Japanese pond, fire circle, and of course the banks of the river. Here two artists with or without their muses could visit and work in a quiet, supportive environment surrounded by the magnificence of the High Mesa Desert. Chants from the Taos Indians have been known to fly on the winds from their land across the road.

Art comes from community as well as solitude, so we invited artists, their muses and their matrons alike to join us. Art was seen as a part of life, not something separate that one does when one has time or that one must be away from everyday life in order to create. We wanted art to  emerge from this sense of community, so Wild Hearts encouraged having meals together,once a week cook-outs,and dinner parties. Sharing meals enhanced a sense of tribal living. Nights by the fire listening to the river alone or with retreat guests and/or guests from the area inspired the imagination. There were opportunities to visit with Taos artists. Artists  at the Taos Pueblo open their studios and galleries in their homes  and are wonderful to visit and chat with. In October and November there are  open studios in Dixon, Sante Fe, and El Rito  that are close by and well loved by all who attend. Pueblo Festivals and Ceremonies open to the public  are held throughout the year.

Wild Hearts had almost everything an artist needs. There was a professional darkroom, a painting studio, and a studio for a writer in the house. Living and working space was arranged specifically for the combination  of artists during each stay. Common space included a large living room, dining room, double kitchen, and meditation room.

The Laura Gilpin Bedroom had an adjoining darkroom. This was a small bedroom whose walls are lined with bookshelves graced by a beautiful Carmen Vasquez kiva fireplace in the north corner. Carmen is a local legend and one of the few remaining traditional kiva builders. The 12' X 26' darkroom  was a fabulous professional darkroom and an inspirational place to create. It was well equiped with built-in sink, exhaust fans, filtered and heat-controlled  water system, separate wet/dry sides, film closet and print drying racks.

Upstairs the Mabel Dodge room was cosy and spacious  at the same time.Tucked away from all other activity just like the Gilpin room, but more accomodating for writers who need light to think.

At the side of the house with a wonderful view of the river aspens from five 4' X 8' windows was the painting studio. A branch of the famous Santa Fe artists' supply house "Artisanos" is now open here in Taos.


Side of Wild Hearts , view of  Painting Studio

Piney Woods Colony
Artists community forming in Georgia.