Gather Around

Past Retreats

• 2011 Retreat for Women Writers
• 2009 Retreat for Women Writers
• 2007 Retreat for Women Writers
• 2005 Retreat for Women Writers
• 2003 Retreat for Women Writers

“Just a quick note to say thank you for a truly amazing week. I find myself telling friends and family: ‘It couldn’t have been better.’ And it’s true. I appreciate so much the tone you set, high standards and supportive atmosphere, and feel I’ve come home with such useful information and inspiration for the months ahead.”
– Rachel Hass

“This year more than ever it was evident that the AROHO retreat is one of a kind. There was so much camaraderie, so much setting aside of personal filters and guards, and so much support for each other as women artists. I met many lovely and amazing women, made some new and special friends, and renewed deep connections with friends I had met at prior AROHO retreats. My relationship with commitment and loyalty to the organization is more solidified than ever.”
– Lauren Baldwin

“Quite Simply: Off the charts. The location is unbelievable. The faculty were so generous and gifted. I felt like a Queen!”
– Patricia Loughrey

“I’ve found connection with mentors whom I greatly respect and admire, and a community of passionate, gifted women writers.”
– CATHY KIRKWOOD, SEATTLE, WA

“You’re in a place where your purpose is to sharpen your skills and hone your process. Top-grade faculty who give very direct, objective feedback and a useful conceptual framework ratchets up one’s skill level in a quantum fashion.”
– ROBBIE HAROLD, MONTPELIER, VT

“I felt inspired as a writer, as a person, a woman, and an artist. The Ranch and the spirit of Georgia O’Keeffe were deeply fortifying—reminded me why I chose to be a writer.”
– REBECCA CARROLL, BROOKLYN, NY

“It has recharged my batteries. I have made friendships which will last. I have a large chunk of writing done on my project and new ways of viewing that project.”
– RITA BRADY KIEFER, EVERGREEN, CO

“It’s wonderful to see women who have stepped past impediments, judgments, doubts, circumstances to claim their place in the work, and are...open, helpful, affirmative.”
– ANYA ACHTENBERG, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

It has inspired me to live more fully the life of a writer, not merely the life of a sometimes-writer. This was through the community of writers here, who live creative, honest writing lives.”
– KAREN VAN MEENAN, ROCHESTER, NY