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An art, myth, and mask making retreat for those who, regardless of gender identity,
are approaching, or already in, the woods of aging and menopause.
Women in the Woods Retreat
An art, myth, and mask making retreat for those who, regardless of gender identity,
are approaching, or already in, the woods of aging and menopause.
South of Saskatoon, August 21-25, 2025
Women in the Woods Retreat
An art, myth, and mask making retreat for those who, regardless of gender identity,
are approaching, or already in, the woods of aging and menopause.
South of Saskatoon, August 21-25, 2025
Join artists Xstine Cook and Chrystene Ells during the weekend of the harvest new moon for five days of slowing down and connecting with nature and your inner wilderness through mythic archetypes, mask making with natural materials, and therapeutic art practices.
Whether you’re feeling the slow shifting of growing older, the quickening of perimenopause, the inner fires of menopause, a cooling of the embers on the other side, or some combination plus more, this retreat offers space, both in solitude and in the company of others, to creatively explore what this time of life means for you.
This retreat extends an invitation to explore the potential potency of aging and menopause through creative reflection and shared exchange. We'll engage in supported art making, reflective visualizations, and conversations sparked by poems, writings, and shared experiences of growing older and “The Change.”
Women in the Woods is more a retreat for creative and personal exploration of this time in your life, rather than a structured workshop on menopause, and is a project of Calgary Animated Objects Society.
Women in the Woods is an intimate retreat for a small number of participants. It will be held at a private retreat centre 25 minutes southwest of Saskatoon on a beautiful trailed 30 acre property forested with poplar and willow. The South Saskatchewan River is an easy 500 metre walk from the retreat centre. Everyone is welcome. No art or mask making experience is required.
Dates: Thursday August 21st, midday - Monday August 25th, midday.
If you are interested, apply soon. Once your spot is confirmed, we will ask for a $250 deposit, followed by full payment in one or two installments.
What you can expect
You can expect us to co-create a safe and respectful environment, where we will provide direction, support, and encouragement for you to enter your inner world to gather inspiration to help unmask your own innate wisdom.
This is a retreat for exploring yourself, being open to what might arise, and receiving what might come through. It is not about the pressure of making quality "art", or for arriving with a plan of what you will produce.
No art making skills are required for this retreat.
Informed by art therapy practices (although not art therapy), confidentiality, trust, and personal comfort will be held with the same care as in a therapeutic setting.
A detailed list of what to bring will be included in the participant handbook you will receive once your spot is confirmed. Some things to think about bringing are multipurpose clothing such as a sun hat, long sleeves and pants, walking shoes, and outerwear or layers for rain and evening temperatures, so you can comfortably spend as much time outside as you wish. You are welcome to bring some of your favourite simple art materials if you wish, but it is not required.
Daily Outline
Each day will blend directed contemplative activities, communal meals, art and mask making activities, and free time for solo explorations on your own.
Our days will start with silent time in nature, followed by gathering and connecting over breakfast. After the meal, each morning will be inspired by a guided visualization, followed by free time for reflection, journaling, walking, or other explorations until coming together for lunch.
After lunch, group mask making activities include creating with natural materials, face casting, and land-based installations. Each day closes after supper with a fireside circle of sharing and stories.
Other possible activities throughout the day could include river swimming, walking, meditating, or sharing your interests and talents.
The retreat is envisioned as a journey, with each day building on the one before, but it's important to note that this is your time, and all activities are optional.
Meals
Meals
Vegetarian / vegan food will be provided, and we will prepare and clean up simple meals together. There are two full kitchens at the centre.
If you have food allergies or preferences, please let us know, and of course bringing your own food is an option. Please note that the centre is an alcohol- and drug-free site. Pictured: vegan tacos with mango avocado salsa, roasted corn and cauliflower, and lime crema
Who we are
Xstine and Chrystene (both pronounced 'Christine') have been friends and collaborators since 1985 when they were part of the same Calgary-based touring theatre company. They both spent significant time in their 20's in northern California (doing different things but regularly connecting), and have collaborated on various theatre, film, animation, and visual arts projects. This retreat is a celebration of 40 years of friendship, creative partnership, and the sharing of love, loss, joy and grief along the way.
Xstine Cook
Xstine Cook
Xstine Cook (she/her, 58, Celtic/random Euro heritage) is a mask maker, multidisciplinary artist and cultural activist who uses the power of storytelling to bring unconventional stories and art forms to light, primarily through mask, puppetry, and animation. Xstine trained at the Dell'Arte School in Humboldt California, and with many independent mask masters, and is based in Calgary. Xstine's overarching goals are to inspire and create opportunities for people to discover the healing power of art, to encourage artistic growth, discovery, and celebration, and to heal our relationship with the planet.
Chrystene Ells MFA, D-VATI
Chrystene Ells MFA, D-VATI
Chrystene Ells (she/her, 60, Celtic/Nordic heritage) is an interdisciplinary artist and director, instructor, and certified art therapist (Canadian Art Therapy Association #13241135). Rooted in dream work, myth, and archetypal inquiry, Chrystene's creative and therapeutic practices explore ways of reconnecting inner nature with the rhythms and images of the outer, natural world. Based in Regina, she is currently working on an oil portrait series of 24 prairie artists, and is a Death Doula candidate with the Canadian Home Hospice Association.
Cost information (all amounts in Canadian dollars)
The fee of $1450 CAD per person covers all activities, mask making supplies, a sketchbook/journal, art supplies for specific experiments, vegetarian/vegan food (4 suppers, 5 lunches, 4 breakfasts, drinks, and snacks), and basic accommodations for four nights.
2 private rooms are available for an additional fee (see Accommodations section below).
Early Bird Discount:
$1325 CAD when full payment is received by July 21, 2025
Full Fee:
$1450 CAD. Received by July 31, 2025
A non-refundable deposit of $250 CAD is payable on booking. If you need to divide the payment into instalments, let us know and we will work with you to make arrangements. E-transfer details will be provided when your spot is confirmed.
How to Apply
The first step in applying is to fill out the Application Form.
Once your spot is confirmed, we will ask for a $250 deposit, preferably e-transfer, to hold your spot.
The remainder of your fee must be transfered no later than July 31, 2025.
Note that there are limited spots, so the sooner you apply, the sooner we can save your place.
Available Accommodations
Dorm-style single beds, tenting, or camping on site is included in the retreat cost.
For a small additional fee, there is one private room with a queen bed, and one shared room with two twin beds (see below). Bedding is provided, and there are two full kitchens, a living room, a yoga studio, two bathrooms with showers, and a powder room.
Accessibility: Please inform us of any accessibility needs in advance.
Shared Twin (one room available)
$45 per person for all 4 nights
Shared Twin (one room available)
$45 per person for all 4 nights
Single Queen (BOOKED- no longer available)
$90 for all 4 nights
Single Queen (BOOKED- no longer available)
$90 for all 4 nights
Dorm beds or tenting
Dorm beds or tenting
Included in retreat fee
Bedding is provided for Dorm Beds. Bring your own tent or camper if tenting.
Cancellation policy
Full refunds, less the $250 deposit, will be made if you cancel before midnight, July 20, 2025.
Cancellations made between July 21th - July 31th will receive a 50% refund, less the $250 deposit.
Cancellations made after August 1st that are due to emergencies such as extreme illness or a death in the family will receive a 50% refund, less the $250 deposit.
All other cancellations after August 1st will not be refunded.
Did you know, you were born as the first,
and the last and the best and the only one of your kind,
and that eccentricity is the first sign of giftedness?
These are two of the crone truths I have to offer you.
from The Dangerous Old Woman
by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
We are all strangers in a strange land, longing for home,
but not quite knowing what or where home is.
We glimpse it sometimes in our dreams, or as we turn a corner,
and suddenly there is a strange, sweet familiarity
that vanishes almost as soon as it comes.
from The Rock that is Higher
by Madeleine L’Engle
Questions?
Questions?
Contact womeninwoods25@gmail.com
or call or text one of the numbers below for more information.
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