ARt ADventure Retreat
Marfa, Texas

with Melina Meza and Gray Loft Gallery

October 7-11, 2026

We’re delighted to introduce Gray Loft Gallery’s first Artist Retreat—an immersive creative journey through the cinematic desert landscape of West Texas. Since the 1970s, artists have been drawn to Marfa for its vast skies, quiet roads, striking light, and spaciousness that invites clarity, experimentation, and fresh perspective.

Consider this retreat a mini artist residency: time to slow down, be in community with other artists, create new work, and explore the relationship between art and place. Participants will also have the option to exhibit work inspired by our time together in a post-retreat group exhibition at Gray Loft Gallery in Oakland.

Space is intentionally limited to support depth, connection, and meaningful creative exchange.

Details

  • ✺ Itinerary, DAYS 1-3

    Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrive in El Paso, overnight hotel El Indio. Happy Hour/Meet and Greet, Art of Seeing Session, head out for amazing tacos!

    Day 2 (Thursday): Leave for Marfa (approx. 3 hour drive), photo and stretch stops along the way. Lunch in Marfa, stroll through town, check into Hotel Paisano, Art of Seeing Class, Group dinner.

    Day 3 (Friday): Chinati tour, creative time, Art of Seeing Session, Dinner, Marfa Lights

  • ✺ Itinerary, DAYS 4-5

    Day 4 (Saturday): Roadtrip to Terlingua (approximately 2 hour drive), photo stops along the way. Creative time, return to enjoy Chinati Open Festivities.

    Day 5 (Sunday): Check out 9am, shuttle to airport (aim to fly in the 1-4pm range)

  • ✺ Included

    • Four nights accommodation (1 night El Paso, 3 nights Marfa)
    • Airport pickup on October 7 and drop-off on October 11 at El Paso Airport
    • All group transportation and parking fees
    • Guided tours of Marfa, Chinati Foundation and Terlingua
    • 4 Art of Seeing Creativity Sessions
    • Reservations at Marfa’s best eateries

  • ✺ not included

    Airfare to El Paso Airport
    Meals
    Travel insurance

 Pricing & REGISTRATION

COST

SINGLE: $2000 or $2300 (Includes participation in post-retreat Gray Loft Gallery group exhibit)

To secure your spot, a $500 deposit is due now.

Deposit payments accepted via:
Zelle, Venmo, Personal Check

*Email melinameza@comcast.net to apply

Additional Details

  • Please have a buddy in mind for Double Occupancy.

  • 10 person minimum to run this retreat,

  • Final balance due September 15, 2026 by Zelle, Venmo, Personal Check

  • Retreat payment plan available upon request.

  • Deposits:
    Deposits are non-refundable unless I can sell your spot, minus $100.

    Cancellation by Registrant:
    In the event that a registrant needs to cancel for any reason, no refund is possible unless I can sell your spot. If, I am able to fill your spot with another participant, your total payment (minus $100) will be refunded.