Integrating Mind, Body, and Art, a Color Woodblock Printmaking Retreat 

June 20 - 22, 2025
at the Rowe Center, Rowe, MA

• • - Seeking a time apart, a fresh approach to making art that includes an exposure to Buddhist and Taoist thought?  
    - Hoping for a chance to work as a member of a group, to immerse in a collaborative art-making experience that pursues an innovative twist?
    - Curious for a hands-on interaction with the mechanics of making woodblock prints using the Japanese hanga method?
    - Want to try something unique, something untried and new?

Join Matt Brown and co-leaders Todd Binzen, painter and Tai-Chi instructor, Matthew Daniel, former Buddhist monk, teacher, and founder of the North Shore Insight Meditation Center, and singer, teacher, music-maker Maureen Burford for a camp-style retreat at a beautiful location in western MA.

The weekend is structured around a one-day art project, emulating the creation of the ukiyo-e prints of Japan. Working together in small groups to develop color woodblock prints using the Japanese hanga method, participants will explore the spiritual implications of making art as part of a team.

Together we will participate in Qi-Jong movement, investigate and discuss relationships of color and form and of mind and body, take part in music-making and insightful conversation, create something original and beautiful. 

Our emphasis will be on the integration of parts: how to make a print using multiple blocks, how to be a part of an art-making team, how to work with our minds and their complex nature in new social situations, and how to enjoy it all!

What is the Hanga method?

Hanga is printmaking using a hand-held baren instead of a press, water instead of oil. It is relief printing from multiple carved blocks. Participants will enjoy a quick immersion in the mechanics of the process - how to get imagery onto the various blocks, how to carve, and how to print with brushes and baren, including brief introductions to making paste, using the pigments, and handling the paper. There will be creative inputs from all on aspects of color, form, expression and visual expression.

What is the concrete goal of this workshop?

Completion of one or more sets of prints that participants helped create. Everyone will take home an editioned print, mounted in an acid-free mat suitable for framing.

And the subtler goals of the workshop?

A time apart to explore relationships of body and mind in relation to others, to the natural world in a beautiful setting, and to a wonderful art-making tradition. 

Class schedule:
- Friday evening, we gather at the Sibley farmhouse for hors d'oeuvres at 5pm. Dinner will be served at 6pm. At 7, Matthew Daniell starts things off with an insight meditation talk, a guided intro into a Buddhist tradition seeking to enhance our listening and centering.

- Saturday morning, breakfast is served at 8am. We begin at 9:30 with a Qui-Jong movement class led by Todd Binzen, moving into the art-making at 10:30. We break for an hour to enjoy lunch at 12:30 pm, returning to our art-making at 1:30. We finish for the day at 5, leaving time for relaxing, hiking, or using the sauna before gathering again for dinner at 6pm.

- Saturday evening, we gather for song and celebration, led by Maureen Burford. (Consider bringing acoustic instruments, songs or poems to share, and an open curious heart.)

- Sunday, after breakfast, we finish our project, sign the prints and assemble portfoilios. We take time to reflect on what we learned and how to keep working with the spirit of the weekend. The workshop closes with lunch at 12:30 and a leisurely departure. 

The Location: 

The Rowe Center is located at 22 Kings Highway in the town of Rowe, MA. Situated at the foot of Adams Mtn., it is surrounded by beautiful forest, access to over 50 miles of hiking trails, and is only a short walk to beautiful Pelham Lake. A variety of lodging is available, and Chef Dan will provide delicious meals, accommodating most dietary restrictions. 

To participate, or to know more, feel free to call me at 603-306-6547, or send a note to Jane Kaufman,  co-ordinator for the weekend.

Hold a spot by sending a deposit of $400 (use a credit card for online payment, include a note with "Rowe2025").
The first 10 sign-ups are at the early bird rate of $350.
The next 10 spaces are available at $450 (maximum participation is 20).
There are still spots left at the early bird rate.  

If something comes up and you need to cancel, expect a full refund of deposit up to 2 weeks before the start of the class.

Be great if you are able to join us!
Matt

Terms:
Tuition for the three days starts at $350 (see note above). This includes all tools and materials to participate.  Meals, lodging, and purchases of tools or materials you might wish to keep working after the class (printing jigs, carving sets, barens) are additional $.

Depending on your housing, if you are among the early bird sign-up group, your total cost will be between $550 and $930.
Class Tuition:
- $350 includes all tools and materials for our project

Onsite Housing: 
- $305 includes meals and basic lodging in a dorm room or heated cabin

Room upgrades :
- Add $ 75 for a single twin in a semi private room 
- Add $ 80 for a single twin in a private room
- Add $100 for a private room, double bed

Off-site housing at 15 Kings Hwy or 16 Hazelton Rd:
- $580 for a private room, double bed, at one of two nearby houses

Off-site housing, on your own:

- $200 commuter fee (this is how you get a total of $550 for the weekend which includes all meals)

Please contact Jane Kaufman  - tojanek@yahoo.com, ‭(303) 974-8936‬, with questions. 


Photos from class of 2024 at Rowe: