The Alchemy of Ink, Bigfork MT.

Dates: August 25th - 31st 2025

Join us for a transformative artistic journey at "The Alchemy of Ink" artist retreat, where nature, art, and creativity converge in the breathtaking setting of Montana's Flathead Valley. This immersive experience is led by two exceptional artists, Elizabeth Schowachert and Gabriela Sanchez, renowned for their mastery of their craft.

Meet Elizabeth Schowachert:

Elizabeth Schowachert, a Montana-based artist, finds her artistic muse in the enchanting beauty of her surroundings. With a deep connection to nature, she seamlessly incorporates found materials from her environment into her brush and tool designs, creating a unique fusion of art and nature. Elizabeth's philosophy revolves around the power of connection. She believes that each brush and tool she crafts establishes a connection between nature and artistry. 

As she creates, another connection forms when she uses these tools to unveil captivating visuals with distinctive marks. Her work, including encaustic monotypes, beautifully reflects this profound connection.

Having taught art workshops for over a decade, Elizabeth's move to Montana in 2019 has expanded her canvas. She now offers a variety of courses and workshops, both online and in person. Her areas of expertise span Sumi-e brushwork, encaustic monotype, and her distinctive fiber and silicone tools.

Elizabeth's artistry has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions that span across the United States and Asia. Her pieces are a testament to her commitment to crafting meaningful and emotionally evocative art.

Meet Gabriela Sanchez:

For Gabriela Sanchez, art is an intimate calligraphy that interweaves the fragments of life's moments and memories. Trained in Textile Design and Visual Communication, Gabriela explores the line as a representation of events and permanence. She sees the line as an endless sequence between origin and end, a cyclical and ever-changing entity.

Nature, with its rhythms and cycles, serves as Gabriela's muse. Her work mirrors the organic and irregular lines found in the natural world, with branches often featuring prominently in her calligraphic discourse.

For Gabriela Sanchez, art is an intimate calligraphy that interweaves the fragments of life's moments and memories. Trained in Textile Design and Visual Communication, Gabriela explores the line as a representation of events and permanence. She sees the line as an endless sequence between origin and end, a cyclical and ever-changing entity.

Nature, with its rhythms and cycles, serves as Gabriela's muse. Her work mirrors the organic and irregular lines found in the natural world, with branches often featuring prominently in her calligraphic discourse.

Gabriela's art addresses the transience of contemporary life, expressing what is fleeting, fast, and liquid while also embracing what permeates and endures. Her creations create contemplative atmospheres that invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and look inward. Silence, voids, and white spaces are essential components of her work.

Her creative process ranges from the ease and spontaneity of Zen painting to the construction and deconstruction of layers using encaustic techniques, creating translucent glazes of moments through wax.

Gabriela works with various materials, including wax, resins, inks, pigments, oils, and solvents. She seeks materials that capture liquidity and movement, embracing accidents as essential elements in her work.

Workshop Highlights:

Experience the magic of "The Alchemy of Ink" workshop as we delve deep into the world of brushes, paper, ink, and encaustic monotype, guided by two extraordinary artists, Elizabeth Schowachert and Gabriela Sanchez. 

Brush Craftsmanship:

Immerse yourself in the art of creating mark-making tools and brushes from found materials, guided by Elizabeth's expertise. 

The brushes you make will become extensions of your creativity, allowing you to make distinct marks that uncover inspiring visuals on paper.

Ink Mastery:

Discover the versatile and captivating world of ink as you learn the intricacies of working with India ink, and Brusho inks on paper.

Under the expert guidance of Elizabeth and Gabriela, you'll unlock the secrets of these remarkable materials, gaining insights into their unique properties and boundless creative potential.

Paper as Your Canvas:

Paper is your canvas, and in this workshop, you'll explore its possibilities as you experiment with Encasitc monotype, ink, and brushwork.

Gabriela's expertise in calligraphy and her deep connection to nature will inspire you to use paper as a medium to express your emotions, thoughts, and experiences

Brush Variety:

Elizabeth will provide a variety of brushes to use from her private collection including large format sumi-e style brushes, to enhance your artistic exploration. 

Zen Painting and Mindfulness:

Guided by Gabriela, tap into the meditative aspect of art creation. Learn zen painting techniques that promote mindfulness and a deep connection to your creative process. Discover how the act of painting can be a form of meditation, allowing you to express the intangible and convey the profound through your brushwork

Nature as Inspiration:

Take inspiration from the natural beauty of Montana's Flathead Valley as you venture into the wilderness on immersive outings. These excursions to picturesque spots such as Flathead Lakes North Shore and The Wild Mile will infuse your art with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world.

Studio Visit and Welcome Event:

Discover Elizabeth's home studio as you gain valuable insights into her artistic process. Engage in enlightening discussions about materials, techniques, and the philosophy that fuels her artistry during the special welcome event on the evening of August 17th. This intimate experience promises to deepen your understanding of the intricate connection between nature, art, and the tools you'll craft.

Cultivate New Friendships and Build Your Artistic Community:

In addition to the artistic skills you'll acquire, "The Alchemy of Ink" workshop offers you the opportunity to connect with fellow participants who share your passion for creativity. Forge new friendships and become part of an art tribe that will continue to inspire and support your artistic journey long after the workshop concludes.

Join us for an unforgettable experience where ink, brushes, and paper become your allies in the creation of meaningful and emotionally evocative art. "The Alchemy of Ink" is ready to ignite your creativity and set your artistic spirit free.

Gabriella's and Elizabeth's Commitment to Delivering A Memorable Experience

In addition to delivering excellent instruction, we will ensure that the total experience is memorable including your meals. We source as much as we can from local suppliers and farms. We will serve fresh, homemade, healthy delicious meals.

"The food was above and beyond. Everything was delicious, healthy, and unexpected for a retreat and much appreciated"

"Gourmet-Delicious, Over the Top!"

"So pleased to hear much of the ingredients were locally sourced"

Retreat Information

The Nest, Flathead Valley, Montana

Retreat and Lodging at The Nest:

The Nest lodging provides a cozy haven for more than 20 guests, boasting stunning vistas and a serene ambiance. They furnish top-quality cotton linens, plush towels, WiFi, Roku TV, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay. What's more, the surroundings offer a plethora of opportunities for local activities, such as hiking, shopping, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, golfing, dining, and theater, all just a short drive from the historic downtown Bigfork. Guests also enjoy private access to the Swan River, complete with spacious decks for leisurely lounging. For those interested, the property is an ideal setting for plein-air painting during the open periods of each day.

Join Us: Embark on a Transformative Journey:

Unlock your artistic potential, connect with nature, and experience the magic of "The Alchemy of Ink" with Elizabeth Schowachert and Gabriela Sanchez. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of creativity, inspiration, and self-discovery.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to transform your artistry amidst the wonders of Montana's pristine wilderness. Reserve your place now and be part of an unforgettable artistic adventure.

Retreat Includes:

• Workshop instruction
• Workshop supplies 
• 6 nights lodging both single and double occupancy 
• Transportation can be arranged from Glacier International Airport
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Not Included:

• Travel costs / Airfare/Transportation to and from The Nest
• Additional nights lodging

Ready To Reserve Your Spot?

A $500 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot!