One Year In…And What a Year.

January 2025 sunsets and reflections on the good of the past year.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh.

The artist retreat, Willow Pond SLO launched in the last quarter of 2023 what an eventful year it’s been. From hosting 11 dazzling, immersive workshops and building a network of artists to fostering creativity, dialogue, and community in the studio and around the table. The great vision has taken flight.

Residing on the property for 18 years, Carol and Jean settled (and invited) a wide assortment of animal friends and bountiful flora deep into their fold which has only enhanced the natural magic of Willow Pond.

Overnight guests have access to 5 charming onsite rooms each dedicated to a special prolific artist in the main Willow Pond house which is a unique escape and residency experience not to miss.  

The 14-acre mature estate is surrounded by vineyards and all guests enjoy the unique seclusion of the quiet rolling hills of Edna Valley. It’s hard to believe you are just 10 minutes from town. In the stillness of night under a blanket of stars, you may only hear the odd noisy duck or frog in the background.

Mornings often begin with reflection by the pond, the chorus of birdsong, and watching the elegant silhouette of egrets and herons among the cooling reeds.

Two walls of windows fill the 2000 sq ft studio with warm sunshine exposing the artists to backdrop views of the native plants, roaming bunnies, deer, and an occasional coyote.

Year two is another exciting lineup of workshops across multiple disciplines and each is as diverse as the last. This year will welcome artists from all over the world to gather as teachers, students and peers to make, discuss, and observe art side by side. We can’t wait to get started.