SOU’WESTER EVENTS!
Discover what’s happening during your next stay or plan a visit around our free live music, workshops, wellness offerings and more!
Art Exhibit
We’ve Never Met Before Today
by artists Becca Van K and Andrew Cortes
August 9 through November 3, 2019
A new art exhibit in a vintage travel trailer turned into a permanent art gallery, at The Sou’wester Lodge
‘We’ve Never Met Before Today’ is an exhibition featuring sensory textiles and fiber landscapes by east coast artist Becca Van K and sculpture-like mosaic-based work by west coast artist Andrew Cortes. This show will also include collaborations in needlepoint and mosaics between these two artists who share similar themes and were brought together by residencies at the Sou’wester that spurred them to become creative partners in this exhibition.
“We’ve Never Met Before Today is the result of two Sou’wester artists-in-residence’s Instagram connection in the immediate aftermath of their respective times at the Lodge in the winter of 2018. Like ships in the night (Cortes one week, Van K the next), the artists never had the opportunity to meet in person, but serendipitously found each other on social media through Sou’wester posts. The two have formed a kinship and collaborative relationship through their mutual reverence for each other’s work. Until the show’s installation, they have never met in person, as Cortes is a resident of Los Angeles, CA, and Van K is from New York’s Hudson Valley. Shipping works from coast to coast, they work together to create elaborate studies in spiritual, meditative repetition and love for the natural world. Each piece contains mosaic mementos from Cortes’s travels and each Van K needlepoint is directly inspired by a landscape that she has visited. This exhibition is a combination of individual works and collaborations.”
OPENING RECEPTION on Friday August 9, 6pm-9pm.
OPEN: Fri/Sat/Sun 9am-9pm (and by request: visit the lodge front desk and we’ll open the gallery for you)
Art Gallery & Opening Reception free and open to the public.
Becca Van K (b. 1991, Chicago) is a mixed media artist based in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work is highly sensory, with a strong focus on tactile comfort, the sounds of house & techno music, and vibrant colors & patterns which she explores through various handcraft and fiber art methods. Listening exclusively to dance music mixes when working puts her in a repetitious, meditative rhythm through which she transcribes her sensorial experiences. Her work has most recently been exhibited at Basilica Hudson’s 24-HOUR DRONE (Hudson, NY), Trestle Gallery (Brooklyn, NY), Geoffrey Young Gallery (Great Barrington, MA), Hastings College (Hastings, NE), and Paradice Palase (Brooklyn, NY). Torn between city nightlife and the woods of the Catskill Mountains, she’d only leave New York if there were techno clubs in the desert.
Andrew Philip Cortes is a first generation Southern California Native, who in growing up split his time between the rural suburbs near rolling cow pasture hills where his parents settled and the city of Los Angeles. He attended University at California State Long Beach followed by a move to New York City where he lived and worked in Gowanus, Brooklyn for several years expanding his creative vision into woodwork, installation, and sound art. Upon his return to Los Angeles, he came full circle settling in the neighborhood of Cypress Park, where his family had immigrated to in the 60’s. His practice was re-imagined in his grandfathers old workshed and does not shy away from a deep often spiritual like connection to his past and its entanglement with the natural world. A marriage of painting, sculpture, mosaic, and textile materials, his reference points for his work grows from ongoing travels through the west coast of America, the deserts, mountains, and forests he explores collecting stones, driftwood, and taking photographs as he travels. He has developed a system in which he is even able to work on sculpture while on the road to directly be able to connect with his surroundings on site. Ultimately though, his traveling ideas materialize fully when they make their way back to his studio and abode where their energies find a new home to live. Andrew lives and works in Los Angeles, California with his two cats Mosh and Peatree. He spends his time surfing and rock climbing when he’s not in his studio always adhering to a strict code of pursuing the fleeting moment.
This trailer is a 1960’s Aloha made in Aloha, Oregon. It was rescued from a neglected RV park in the northern part of the Long Beach Peninsula. Now repaired and transformed into an art space, this art gallery is part of our Artist Residency Program and our non-profit organization, Sou’wester Arts.
Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series
Let That Shift Go!
Cultivating Compassion During Shifty Times
with Shanna Gillette
Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” But changing our old habits and patterns can be challenging. Just like your car or smartphone, the better you understand how to operate something, the more efficiently it will work. Your body and mind are no different. Ancient yogic science knows we are all connected and we need each other now more than ever. Happiness is not some destination to reach for outside of ourselves. True inner peace lies within.
Western medicine teaches us that mind, body & spirit are all separate entities. Our individualistic culture disconnects us from nature, from each other, and from ourselves. We’ve been taught to devalue community and cooperation and to favor competition. But the times they are a changing – quickly.
Are you ready to begin the journey back home to yourself?
During this retreat, learn ancient yogic techniques mixed with mindfulness and proven methods to connect to our divine essence through the art of embodied movement. We will create a caring, non-judgmental space for somatic exploration; a safe container to explore grounding energies, heart-centered movement, and our own natural rhythms through gentle guided instruction. One part physical, one part mental, and one part open-hearted exploration, this retreat will reconnect your mind, body & spirit to help to awaken you to your true potential without limitations. Find your breath. Express your truth. Learn to become the master of your own mind. Transform the weight you’ve been carrying into something new. Join us for three amazing days designed to help you emerge from the ashes and let that shift go.
Offerings will include:
Daily yoga and guided meditation, movement methods for somatic release, neuroscience & mindfulness education, individual therapeutic sessions, stress reduction techniques, restorative yoga in the evenings by candlelight, nature walks and beach time during the day & healthy meals cooked together (optional).
Shanna Gillette is a certified yoga instructor, empowerment coach, intuitive guide and motivational speaker. She holds a degree in consciousness studies and has an extensive background in neuroscience, meditative techniques, theology, and more recently, conscious dance. She has been facilitating classes and workshops for the last two years throughout Washington and Oregon guiding people through the process of becoming aware of their own destructive, repetitive thinking patterns/habits along with tangible, practical methods to reprogram for more happiness and success. “Basically,” she says, “I teach people how to be nicer to themselves.” She is available for private sessions, group & corporate workshops, retreats and on-line at justbevibration.com.
Schedule (subject to change):
MONDAY
3p Check in, settle in, explore, eat
7-8p Introductions, Intention setting
8-9p Restorative Yoga + Yoga Nidra
9-10p Sauna (optional)
TUESDAY
8-9a – Light Breakfast + Coffee/Tea
9-10a – Connecting to Nature – Barefoot Beach Bliss
10-11a – Snack + Mindfulness Exercises
11a-12p – Yoga Inspired Creative Movement (on the beach, weather permitting)
12-4p – Free time to explore, have lunch & rest.
4-6p – Exploring the Shift Discussion (location TBD) + Individual Wellness Sessions (optional massage, sauna)
6p – Preparation + Dinner (Vegetarian)
7:30-9p – Bhakti Yoga + Guided Meditation
9-10p Sauna (optional)
WEDNESDAY
9a – Light Breakfast
10a-12p – Creating Affirmations & Practices for Mind/Body/Spirit + Closing + Checkout
BEGINS: Monday at 5pm
ENDS: Wednesday at 12pm
COST: $115, plus lodging
BRING: A yoga mat, notebook & pen, pillow, a sense of curiosity, and an open heart and mind. (Chairs available to those who cannot sit on the floor for long periods.)
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW (at top of page), enter the date range and the access code SHIFT
*For SHARED LODGING OPTIONS please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome.
Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/wellness/retreats to see the full schedule of retreats.
Clay Wheels & Striped Shirts: Skateboarding Films from the 1960s
Stephen Slappe is an artist and professor based in Portland, Oregon. Slappe’s work has exhibited and screened internationally in venues such as Centre Pompidou-Metz (France), Portland Institute for Contemporary Art’s TBA Festival, The Horse Hospital (London), The Sarai Media Lab (New Delhi), Centre for Contemporary Art (Glasgow), and The Karachi Biennial (Pakistan). Slappe is an Associate Professor at Pacific Northwest College of Art where he created a Video & Sound department that focuses on experimental media production. He also operates an ongoing archival media project called Dead Media Hour, connecting neglected recordings of the past to present times.
Films will be shown in the Lodge Living Room. This screening is free & open to the public.
Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series
Lunar Being
with Suzy Olsen
CANCELLED
Under the waxing crescent moon, we will gather for a multiple day retreat focused on accessing the depths of our lunar selves. This retreat is designed to teach us how to better live in sync with the lunar cycles as well as with our own ‘lunar being’.
Each attendee will be given a copy of their natal astrological chart. The natal chart will be used to decipher the role of the moon in your life, as well as the complexities and uniqueness of your moon self. Through various teachings and activities, we will uncover how each of us can better utilize the powers of our moon beings in our daily lives to achieve greater fulfillment and wellness.
In astrology, the moon represents our inner realm and what we value most. Our innermost desires are reflected in the moon, as well as the secrets to unlocking those desires. La luna is the sacred hunter of the zodiac, feeding our soul what it needs most. Ever changing, the moon is elusive and mysterious. By better understanding the moon, we bring ourselves closer to harmonizing body, mind and spirit.
“ When you don’t follow your nature there is a hole in the universe where you were supposed to be.” – Dane Rudhyar
Expect to learn about and experience the following:
- Your personal natal astrological chart. You must know your exact birth time.
- Moon technology: How to work with lunar cycles and ritual to positively influence your life and well being.
- How the moon guides your life purpose and personal fulfillment.
- Sacred lunar traditions and rituals.
- Create your own unique magical moon ‘talisman’.
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
This retreat is open to people with all levels of experience and curiosity. If you have an interest in astrology and developing a deeper understanding of your ‘inner workings’, this experience is sure to be both inspiring and enriching.
Suzy Olsen is the creator and owner of Chariot, a spiritually focused housewares boutique and design studio located in Astoria, Oregon. In 2011, she officially began her career as a professional tarot reader and astrologer. These days, she performs private readings and several spiritual workshops from her store location. Her intuitive readings give insights on personal growth and healing, and her specialty is uncovering ‘hidden’ truths that may empower and inspire her clients.
In early childhood, she first noticed a strong connection to unseen forces, and began researching various occult subjects. Studying astrology has been a lifelong passion, beginning in the early teenage years. After training with numerous astrologers over the years, Suzy has combined both traditional and modern astrological methods in her practice. Many of her astrological techniques come from the ancient Hellenistic period, stemming back thousands of years.
Perhaps because she is ruled by the moon, she feels especially drawn to working with the lunar energies for personal development and ritual. She has hosted several astrology moon workshops at Chariot, writes a monthly ‘new moon newsletter’ and regularly hosts magical seasonal retreats in Nehalem, OR.
SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
3-7pm
Arrival + Check-in + Settle in
7-9pm
Meet and Greet ‘Waxing Moon Mixer’
MONDAY
9:30am-12pm
Traditions and the Role of the Moon + the Signs
*Free Time*
3pm-6pm
The Divine Triad and the Houses of the Moon
TUESDAY
9:30am-12pm
Lunar Phases and Magical Workings
*Free Time*
4pm-6pm
Moon Talisman Making + Self Care
8pm-9:30pm
Ritual + Optional Sauna
WEDNESDAY
10-10:45am
Goodbyes and Head Home!
BEGINS: Sunday at 7pm
ENDS: Wednesday at 11am
COST: $225, plus lodging ($200 deposit reserves your space and is credited towards your total)
BRING: Journal and pen/pencil, comfy cushion and/or blanket for sitting and a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing
Please sign up for the Lunar Being retreat by August 18th
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW, enter the date range and the access code LUNAR
*For SHARED LODGING OPTIONS please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome.
Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/wellness/retreats to see the full schedule of retreats.
Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series
The Art of Bright Leadership
with Gracie Koester
CANCELLED
Whether leading your own micro-biz, a crew, an organization, or just participating fully as an engaged team member–your work is to contribute your unique, powerful gifts and co-create conditions for others to do the same. The impact ripples across not only work, but life. You become both strong and fluid in leadership; adapting to change and enacting your vision. The results of Bright Leadership are thriving, joy, satisfaction, growth, and creativity.
This retreat will connect you to your core commitments, illuminate new ways to lead with ease and impact, and equip you with tools to reach greater reward. We will uncover your Highest Purpose, and draw lessons from Aikido and the roots of our humanness. We will hone your skills in seeing your ecosystem and optimizing the exchanges within, and channel your vision into inspiring goals with actionable, measurable metrics. You will emerge shining more brightly, doing more of your best work, and extending value and joy in your ecosystem.
- Connecting to our roots as biological beings
- Honing in on your Highest Purpose
- Identifying dimming cycles
- Setting inspiring & motivating objectives
- Working with an agile mindset
- Lessons from Aikido, yoga and meditation
Gracie Koester is a Business Geographer dedicated to helping individuals, organizations, and communities generate greater impact and reward. Trained to see in layers and interconnections, she has a knack for making the complex simple. She works individually and system-wide to connect dots–uncovering new insights and pathways to success.
Ecosystem thinking and agile strategy are central components of Gracie’s work, integrating a people-centered approach with a strong focus on metrics. She combines big picture thinking and attention to detail to help leaders and organizations design and implement nimble, powerful strategy and generate thriving cultures. The results enhance that sweet spot of productivity & creativity: brighter ideas, brighter work, brighter people.
Gracie is an experienced facilitator, speaker, listener, and consultant. She brings a decade-plus of experience coaching and consulting in the realms of agility, strategy, leadership, and team performance. Gracie has worked across industries, including healthcare, design, advertising, tech, retail, construction, and social impact.
At her core, Gracie is a lifelong learner. She holds a BA from Macalester, and has trained in Ecosystem Intelligence, The Master Moves, Leadership Embodiment, and Generative Leadership. She resides in Portland, OR.
SCHEDULE :
MONDAY
4pm arrive, settle in
5pm
Welcome; an invitation to Brighten
Agile warmups & new connections
Setting focus for the retreat
7pm dinner
TUESDAY
10am-1pm
Connecting to our roots as biological beings
Honing in on your Highest Purpose
Embodiment practice; lessons from Aikido
1-4pm
Lunch & reflection & self-guided rejuvenation
4-5:30pm
Identifying dimming cycles
Seeing and flowing in ecosystems
Illuminating exchanges
6pm
Highest Purpose meditation with Adrian
7pm dinner
WEDNESDAY
9-10am
Trio conversations & exchange
10-11am
Yoga w Adrian
11-12:30pm
Setting ‘Moonshots’ (inspiring & motivating Objectives)
Measuring with metrics that matter
12:30-3:30pm
Lunch & reflection & self-guided rejuvenation
3:30-5:30pm
Commitments as a listening act
Agile mindset & embodiment practices
5:30pm spa time
7pm dinner
THURSDAY
9-10am
Gratitude & Inventing the future
Commitments to Brighten
BEGINS: Monday at 5pm
ENDS: Thursday at 11am
COST: $300, plus lodging ($200 deposit reserves your space and is credited towards your total)
BRING: A notebook and pen, a comfy cushion and/or blanket for sitting, & a yoga mat, if you have one
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW (at top of page), enter the date range and the access code BRIGHT
*For SHARED LODGING OPTIONS please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome.
Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/wellness/retreats to see the full schedule of retreats.
Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series
Expansive Alignment: Committing to Your Vision
with Renee Sills
Just one week after the Autumn Equinox and supported by the auspicious beginning of a waxing crescent moon in Libra, we’ll gather together for an immersive exploration of Embodied Astrology and the personal and collective potentials of Jupiter’s upcoming transit through Capricorn.
Jupiter in Capricorn (December 2019 – December 2020) is an invitation to trust the future by actively shaping it. In astrology, Jupiter is a planet associated with optimism, good-fortune, vision, life purpose, broadening perspectives/horizons, philosophy, self-improvement and positive consciousness. Capricorn is a sign that helps us all to materialize on the earthly plane, confront and move through obstacles, grow stronger through challenges we face and manifest our ambitions. Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn happens once every twelve years, but in 2020 this transit will combine with several other long-term influences making it an important, and potentially pivotal time for personal and collective healing, transformation and development.
Regardless of your sun sign, each person’s natal chart includes Jupiter and Capricorn as active and important influences. Working with your own natal placements allows you to understand how this upcoming transit will affect you specifically and will give you clues, tools and timing for working most effectively with its challenges and opportunities.
This unique retreat combines astrological method and how-to, movement, meditation, somatic healing practices, and creative, intuitive journeying. You will:
- Learn practical skills for astrological chart analysis and gain a deep understanding of how Jupiter and Capricorn work in your natal chart.
- Be guided through intuitive and accessible mind/body explorations that will help reveal, clarify and synthesize your personal vision and life purpose, creative offerings and soul-commitments.
- Craft a personal manifestation design for the next year that works most effectively with the exciting and powerful astrology of 2020 and Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn.
- Enjoy a healing and regenerative retreat with a fun group of vibrant individuals on the beautiful Washington coast at a one-of-a-kind, female/queer-owned and operated retreat center where you can walk/cycle on the beach, use the Finnish Sauna, peruse the art gallery and pause in the wellness space!
Renee Sills is a multidisciplinary artist, consulting astrologer and embodiment coach/guide. She has worked with hundreds of clients and students worldwide who appreciate her unique insight and effective guidance. She specializes in crafting strategies for counter-culture success with artists, activists, makers, movers and visionary entrepreneurs. She offers astrology, embodiment and creativity as tools for cultivating and maintaining liberatory relationships, (re)generative occupations/vocation, and living in alignment with purpose, passion and integrated authenticity.
Renee is the author and producer of the Embodied Astrology podcast. She comes from a lineage of astrologers and intuitives. She has studied astrology in-depth for over 20 years and continues to train under experienced mentors. She has taught yoga and other movement forms for 15 years and holds several certificates in bodywork and energy healing. She has a BFA in Intermedia and CyberArts and an MFA in Art & Social Practice. She resides in Portland, OR.
SCHEDULE (subject to slight changes):
SUNDAY
3pm: Arrival and check-in
5 – 5:30pm: Welcome drinks and snacks
5:30 – 7pm: Opening talk, introductions and intention-setting for our work together in the retreat
7:30pm: Dinner at the Pickled Fish (optional, cost not included in retreat package) + sauna and free time
MONDAY
9:30 – 10am: Juice Flight Wellness Offering
10am-1pm: Embodying Your Vision – Exploring Jupiter’s astrological symbolism through meditation, movement, art and writing
1 – 4pm: Lunch and free time
4 – 7pm: Interpreting Jupiter in your chart: Understand how Jupiter works for you through its sign and house placements, disposter and planetary aspects
7pm onwards: Dinner on your own + sauna and free time
TUESDAY
9:30 – 10am: Complimentary coffee and tea
10am – 1pm: Clarifying Your Commitment – Exploring Capricorn’s astrological symbolism through meditation, movement, art and writing
1 – 4pm: Lunch and free time
4 – 5:30pm: Interpreting Capricorn in your chart: Understand how Capricorn works in your chart through its house rulership, natal planets and angles in Capricorn and Saturn’s placement
5:30 – 7pm: Synthesis – Interpreting Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn for your chart
7:30pm: Catered Dinner and evening lecture on important dates for Jupiter’s transit through Capricorn
9pm onwards: Sauna and free time
WEDNESDAY
9 – 9:30am: Complimentary coffee and tea
9:30 – 11am: Commitment to Vision – Embodiment practice and ritual
11am – 12pm: Prepare to depart (checkout at 12pm)
BEGINS: Sunday at 5pm
ENDS: Wednesday at 11am
RETREAT FEE: $250
**7 spaces are open to Sliding Scale, and are reserved for QTLGB+ and BIPOC only**
Sliding Scale suggestion:
$50-100 (greatest need)
$100-200 (mid need)
$200-300 (low need)
*If interested in Sliding Scale, please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
LODGING costs are separate from retreat fee. This is a nightly rate, individual to each room. Please see below how to book direct online.
DEPOSIT: $200 deposit reserves your space and is credited towards your total
BRING: Journal and pen/pencil, comfy cushion and/or blanket for sitting and a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing
BOOK ONLINE by clicking BOOK NOW (at top of page), enter the date range and the access code ALIGN
*For SHARED LODGING OPTIONS please contact souwesterwellness@gmail.com
The Sou’wester Lodge at 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA 98644
This class is part of the Summer 2019 Wellness Retreat Series. All classes are open to the public and all skill levels welcome.
Visit www.souwesterlodge.com/wellness/retreats to see the full schedule of retreats.
All guests staying at the Sou’wester (and community members too) are invited to a Thanksgiving Feast Potluck at the Sou’wester in the Pavilion! (All guests bring your own plates and utensils.) Dinner starts at 5:30pm.
Please RSVP via souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.com or 360-642-2542 with number of people and what dish/drink/food you are bringing to the potluck.
Desserts after dinner at 7pm in the Main Lodge Living Room. Talent Show and Sing-a-along with Ivy Ross Ricci and Louis Ledford in the lodge in the evening around the fireplace as the kickoff for the 3rd Annual GRATITUNES Festival, a 3-day music fest, free and open to the public.
The Crucible: Feminist Art Weekend
A weekend of creative practice and feminist community, the Crucible makes space to write, read, draw, question, meditate, brainstorm, collaborate, support other women’s work, and replenish your artistic energy. Bring a project that’s already underway or start something totally new. We will offer “spark sessions” with writing prompts and discussion of creative process; there will also be dedicated time for participants to work independently. Our schedule includes communal potluck dinners and a public reading/music performance on Saturday evening. Also: naps, beach walks, sauna time, and tea by the fire.
Facilitators
Sophia Shalmiyev and Leni Zumas
Sophia Shalmiyev is the author of the memoir Mother Winter. She emigrated from Leningrad to United States in 1990. She lives in Portland with her two children.
sophiashalmiyev.com
Leni Zumas’s most recent novel is Red Clocks, which won the 2019 Oregon Book Award for Fiction. She directs the MFA in Creative Writing program at Portland State University.
lenizumas.com
December 6-8, 2019
Arrive 4:00 pm on Friday 12/6
Depart 11:00 am on Sunday 12/8
Limited to 20 participants.
Participants pay for their own lodging (2 nights) at a 20% discount.
There is no additional charge for Crucible events.
RSVP: souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.com or call 360-642-2542 between 9am-9pm and mention that you would like the 20% discount available to CRUCIBLE participants.
5th Annual Handmade Bazaar at The Sou’wester
Formal Potluck Dinner & White Elephant Gift Exchange
All guests staying at The Sou’wester (and community members too) are invited to a formal Christmas dinner potluck at The Sou’wester. After dinner we’ll have a White Elephant Gift Exchange. (Gift Price Range: $10) This always brings lotsa-laughs! Come celebrate togetherness at the Sou’wester!
Dinner starts at 6pm in the pavilion. Desserts & White Elephant Gift Exchange after dinner in the lodge living room around the fireplace.
(All guests please bring your own plates/utensils/drinkware. Bringing a dessert to the potluck? Please place desserts in the lodge velvet lounge/library/bar on the table. All gifts for the exchange can go on the table in the lodge.)
Please RSVP with this link. Or email souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.com or call 360-642-2542 with number of people and what dish/drink/food you are bringing to the potluck.
Let us know if you are participating in the gift exchange as well.
