The WOW Women Out West Professional Artists of Utah will return to Mt. Carmel this June for their annual artist retreat, set against the vivid backdrop of southern Utah’s red rock country. From June 18–20, painters will gather at the historic Maynard Dixon property, hosted by the Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts, for three days of artistic immersion, networking, and inspiration.Located in the heart of Mt. Carmel, the retreat takes place on grounds once walked by the legendary Maynard Dixon himself. The site includes a p...
The WOW Women Out West Professional Artists of Utah will return to Mt. Carmel this June for their annual artist retreat, set against the vivid backdrop of southern Utah’s red rock country. From June 18–20, painters will gather at the historic Maynard Dixon property, hosted by the Thunderbird Foundation for the Arts, for three days of artistic immersion, networking, and inspiration.
Located in the heart of Mt. Carmel, the retreat takes place on grounds once walked by the legendary Maynard Dixon himself. The site includes a preserved homestead, rustic bunkhouse, studio spaces, and sweeping open-air views that stretch toward the cliffs and ridgelines that have long inspired artists from across the American West.
The event began as a casual gathering organized by former Utah Sears Art Museum curator Kathy Cieslewicz, and with the support of Susan Bingham and the Thunderbird Foundation, it has evolved into a dynamic event for both emerging and professional women painters. Sponsored this year by the Kane County Office of Tourism and Film Commission, the retreat underscores the area’s role as a regional arts destination.
Attendees—women artists from across Utah and surrounding states—will spend their days painting en plein air, sketching in studio spaces, and visiting nearby sites like Dragonfly Ranch, Journey Flower Farm, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for additional artistic inspiration. The retreat’s flexible structure allows each artist to engage at their own pace.
Daily highlights include catered lunches on the gallery lawn and a final-night dinner near the Maynard Dixon Gallery. Informal conversations about technique, the business of art, and the experience of women in the creative industries often continue well into the evening, creating lasting connections beyond the retreat.
Artists must bring their own gear and arrange their own lodging, though options range from nearby inns to camping on site. The $75 registration fee includes meals and full access to the event.
Event Details at a Glance
Event: 2025 WOW Women Out West Artist Retreat
Dates: June 18–20, 2025
Location: Maynard Dixon property, Mt. Carmel, UT
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2025
Cost: $75 per artist
Register: Visit wowartistsofutah.com
For women artists seeking space, support, and the red rock inspiration that fueled Dixon’s legacy, this retreat offers the chance to make art—and community—in one of Utah’s most storied landscapes.