This retreat is being held live and in-person
at our Texas studio!
Sorry, no online seats will be available for this retreat!
A beautiful part of the human story is our deep impulse to celebrate symbols as signifiers of a greater meaning. Religious or secular, sacred or profane, profound or banal—we have a long history of creating shrines to the ideas, memories, and people we revere.
This September, join international found-object artist Keith Lo Bue for a five-day creative retreat at The Makery. We’ll begin with an evening reception to meet Keith and your fellow participants, setting the stage for a week of inspiration, connection, and exploration.
Unlike a step-by-step, project-based workshop, this retreat is about diving into your own creative well—elevating your personal collection of found objects into intimate spaces where contemplation, humor, and reflection help to tell a story only you can tell. Keith will offer detailed instruction in a wide range of assembly methods and surface treatments, along with generous time to experiment, discover, and develop your own expressive voice.
Between sessions, you’ll have the chance to share ideas over meals at our gathering table, linger in conversation with new friends, and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful, unhurried setting.
Come ready to play, to listen, to make, and to be inspired. This is more than a class—it’s a week-long invitation to honor the objects, ideas, and moments that hold meaning for you, and to give them a place in your own personal reliquary.
This is an all-levels experience; students who have solid foundational fabrication skills will be able to make more complex designs, but you are welcome to join us even if you have no prior metalsmithing experience. You'll have access to all tools and equipment in the studio, and an assortment of essential materials to work with. Bring your most loved found objects, paper, fabric, beads, photos, and ephemera - the things you love most that might find their way into your creations!
Information about taking workshops with us
can be found at this link.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Makery is usually a no politics, no religion zone. For this retreat, we expect that religious themes may be part of the experience for some of our participants, and we are happy to make an exception in this instance. Political themes will remain off-limits.
Workshop fee (non-taxable): $975
Materials fee (taxable): TBD
(taxable and payable in the workshop)
Opening reception: Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm
Retreat: Wednesday - Sunday
September 24 - 28, 2025
9:30 am to 5:00 pm (central) daily
Note: We recommend bringing your own eye magnification to help you see as clearly as possible while working. Because these needs are so personal, it's impossible for us to have the right thing on hand for every student. Need help with this? Call the studio or send us an email!
