In-Person Graphic Memoir Retreat & Workshop

with Nicole J. Georges

September 25-October 2

at The Sou’Wester in Seaview,Washington

Come have a magical time and work on your project  in our tiny comics community.

At this retreat, we will have  solo work time, together work time, in-person workshopping, exercises, lessons, and small groups for more individualized project/retreat support.

Bring your long projects, side projects, short stories, and a blank sketchbook to capture new ideas while you draw for a week on the coast.

 

This retreat is invite-only, for returning students.

Please email me if you are a returning student, interested in the retreat, and have not yet been invited! 

 

 

Friday: Arrive. Dinner & orientation

Saturday, Sunday Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday:

9-12 small groups & work-time

noon-2 nap & lunch

2-5 class & group critique

5-7 dinner & fraternizing

7-9 optional movie or games or skill-share

Thursday – Big final work day, closing time

Friday – depart or stay on for your own solo adventure

Note: All fraternizing/recreation is elective! If you need to steal yourself away some nights to go deeper on your project, do it! Be free! You’ll see us plenty.

 

COST:

The NJG programming element of this retreat is $1200.

This is separate from your lodging.

If you would like to support the scholarship fund for BIPOC students, please add an additional amount to your tuition and note this in the comments.

 

To send a payment:

There are many payment options to enroll in programming/class.

I will detail them here.

4. or Zelle: 9713223402,

 

Please write Graphic Memoir Retreat in the notes.

If you are on a payment plan, please write payment 1 of __.

I can send you a receipt or invoice.

It is rustic! An ancient lodge, renovated trailers & cabins. Within walking distance of the beach.

I have been coming here for visits, self-guided and group retreats for 26 years.

Rent your own trailer, cabin or lodge room. Most come with space to prepare your own meals, or (of course) you can prepare & share meals.

Record players and tv/vcr combos upon request

(with an incredible VHS collection available).

Pets welcome*

*Dogs are permitted in trailers but not in the lodge and not in our classroom during class-time. If you bring a pet, please be sure they’ll be okay chilling in your trailer while you are in class.  I am dog’s friend, but I do not want any bonus dog-stractions while we are working in class.

Health: We will be more strict about covid testing and requests for pre-retreat masking this year. Details TBD.

Spa & Karaoke:  There is a sauna and a cold plunge! Also a karaoke bus.

There are snacks available in the lobby of the Sou’Wester. There is a natural grocery story in Astoria (go there on the way in), and a very basic normal grocery store in “town” that is walkable. There are not wonderful restaurants in Seaview, but there is an abundance of curly fries.

We have created a culture of food-sharing and having potluck style dinners for all who care to share. These meals have historically and gladly honored the food weirdnesses and sensitivities of all participants. You do not *have* to be a part of this food community, but you are welcome to it!

You would fly into Seattle or Portland and drive to the lodge.

Want to carpool? Discuss amongst yourselves, and if you come up dry, reach out and I will try to assist/connect you with rides.

If you can get a bus or ride to Astoria (where Goonies was filmed), and it is easy to pick you up from there.

Accessibility: The paths from the parking lot are well-lit and the road to the beach is paved. Reach out to the lodge for more info about which spaces are best for different accessibility needs.

We will have an online bulletin board prior to the event for people to request different items from locals.

Wifi:
There is free wi-fi access, it can sometimes be spotty, but pretty
reliable overall.

Guests: We are creating a special container for our work and community during this retreat. Necessary bonus people only, please. If you’d like to bring your partner for child-care purposes, I say yes and wonderful. Otherwise, please don’t invite loved ones or party people until the retreat has ended. Inquire with me for more info and special requests.

There is an IGA grocery store in Seaview within walking distance and
the Sou’Wester has a convenience store that carries lots of items like
coffee beans, potatoes, eggs, soda water, wine, candy…
The Sou’Wester makes coffee every morning that is served in the
Lodge. They also do special servings like Golden Milk or smoothies as
part of their wellness offerings. If you drink coffee all day long and
want to make it in your room, bring pre-ground coffee or your own
grinder.

All kitchens come equipped with french presses and basic pots, pans,
dishes, bowls, a strainer, utensils, glasses, mugs. In previous years, we
scavenged each others’ rooms for the things we needed for group
meals and then put everything back before we left.

Suggested stuff to bring:
Casual, warm clothes, rain boots, flip flops
(to walk around the grounds, or walk to the showers or sauna).
Swimsuit (optional for sauna-you can be nude!) Towels provided.

All your art & writing supplies because you won’t be able to replenish
there.

Bring everything you might need to transform a kitchen table*
into a work space (maybe a cutting mat, extra lamp, etc..)
*You will either have a desk or a kitchen table where you can work.
There are also lots of common areas that have huge tables, inside and
outside of the Lodge.

Toiletries: There is small soap with your sinks, but you will need to
bring your own toothpaste and shampoo & conditioner.