UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS

A week-long self-portrait workshop at the historic Mabel Dodge Luhan House Taos, New Mexico

JULY 26 - AUGUST 1, 2026 | Taos, New Mexico | ONE SPACE LEFT!

Create self-portraits that express your desires, your truth, & what you UNAPOLOGETICALLY have to say.

Where do you go when you’re craving something deeper than another “how to paint a face” workshop?

You come to UNAPOLOGETIC with Connie Solera.

A deep-dive, soul-led, no-holding-back self-portrait workshop for artists ready to paint their truth and unapologetically express themselves.

Held in the magical, creative womb of the Mabel Dodge Luhan House — where legends like Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, and D.H. Lawrence once made art, broke rules, and birthed revolutions — this isn’t just a retreat.

UNAPOLOGETIC is a bold reclamation of your creative power.

Thank you Connie. I always feel I grow as an artist when I attend one of your retreats. I loved it! The connections you make with the other artists stay with you. And as always, the reflection opportunity on our final day was so insightful. Looking at the body of work I created during the retreat was invaluable. I saw themes and connections between pieces that I hadn't realized were there. — Maureen Kelly, Alaska USA

Why Attend UNAPOLOGETIC?

UNAPOLOGETIC is a rare chance to spend an entire week focused on you — your perspective, your voice, your creative truth. This isn’t about learning how to paint a face. It’s about shaking off expectations, showing up fully, and creating self-portraits that speak to your desires (spellwork), your truth (soulwork), and what it is you have to say (statement).

At UNAPOLOGETIC...

YOU’LL REDEFINE WHAT A SELF-PORTRAIT CAN BE — Think metaphor, symbolism, mood, abstraction, and raw honesty. No “likenesses” required.
YOU’LL CREATE WORK THAT ACTUALLY FEELS LIKE YOU — Not what you think you should look like — but work that holds your truth.
YOU’LL TREAT SELF-PORTRAITURE AS SPELLWORK, SOULWORK, AND STATEMENT — A bold act of creative devotion where your presence is the message.
YOU’LL CHALLENGE YOUR COMFORT ZONE (WITHOUT GOING IT ALONE) — This is a space where taking creative risks is expected, supported, and celebrated.
YOU’LL BUILD A SERIES THAT SAYS SOMETHING REAL — Go beyond surface and get to the heart of what’s stirring inside you, using self-portraiture as your vehicle.
YOU’LL GET CLEAR ON YOUR VOICE — Self-portraiture is a mirror. You’ll learn to see your patterns, preferences, and power — and own them, unapologetically.
YOU’LL BE IN GOOD COMPANY — This is a retreat for artists who are serious about their practice and crave more meaning, more guts, more depth in their work.

UNAPOLOGETIC isn’t about learning how to paint a face — it’s about using self-portraiture to dig deep, say what matters, and make work that reflects who you really are.

I warmly recommend Connie's retreats because they are pure magic! Every time I participate in one, I walk away feeling deeply nourished. Connie is an alchemist who will help you expand your relationship to your own visual language and show you how to extract it's treasures like never before! Every time I work with her, she blows my mind! She is the teacher you need to help you tap into your true, raw and genuine self expression. With her guidance and her mentoring, you will get connected to your artist soul in the most fulfilling way possible. — Mylène Piché., Quebec, Canada

WHAT YOU'ILL RECEIVE AT UNAPOLOGETIC...

INDIVIDUALIZED MENTORING

You won’t be left floating — I’ll be right there with you. From our pre-retreat mini-workshop to one-on-one mentoring during the week, you’ll get personal support to go deeper and take bold steps in your self-portrait journey.

AN ABUNDANCE OF STUDIO TIME

Expect long, luxurious hours to paint, explore, and get lost in your work. Daily guided sessions, open studio flow, and built-in one-on-one time give your Artist Soul room to stretch and soar.

A VISIT TO THE HARWOOD MUSEUM

We’ll venture into town to soak up inspiration and stand in the quiet power of Agnes Martin, the Taos Moderns, and other visionaries whose work pulses with presence.

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COMMUNITY OF KINDREDS

UNAPOLOGETIC attracts artists who are here to go deep. Expect real conversations, shared breakthroughs, and the rare magic of creating side-by-side with others who get it.

SINGLE OCCUPANCY LODGING

Your own cozy space to unwind, recharge, and let your work breathe — all nestled in the historic magic of the Mabel Dodge Luhan House.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SNACKS & 3 DINNERS

You’ll be nourished in every way. Enjoy beautiful, locally sourced meals that fuel your studio days and give space for rich conversation around the table.

IS UNAPOLOGETIC RIGHT FOR YOU?

Who is UNAPOLOGETIC for?

UNAPOLOGETIC is for artists who are ready to look inward and create outward.

UNAPOLOGETIC is for you if:

YOU HAVE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MAKING ART and are comfortable working independently.
YOU’VE HAD ENOUGH OF “HOW TO PAINT A FACE” CLASSES — and want something deeper, riskier, and more real.
YOU WANT TO STRETCH AND EXPAND YOUR SELF-PORTRAIT PRACTICE (OR BEGIN ONE) in bold, expressive, unconventional ways.
YOU CRAVE SYMBOLISM, METAPHOR, ABSTRACTION, AND EMOTIONAL DEPTH IN YOUR WORK — not just technical skill.
YOU’RE READY TO TAKE UP SPACE ON THE PAGE AND IN YOUR LIFE — and stop making work that feels safe, small, or invisible.
YOU’RE OPEN TO DAILY CREATIVE RITUALS, REFLECTION, GROUP DISCUSSION, and the alchemy that happens when artists gather in sacred space.
YOU WANT TO INFUSE YOUR WORK WITH MEANING, PRESENCE, AND FULL-BODIED EXPRESSION — whether you're painting yourself literally or energetically.
YOU'RE CURIOUS ABOUT HOW CONTEMPORARY AND HISTORICAL ARTISTS ACROSS CULTURES AND GENERATIONS have used self-portraiture as a spiritual, political, and personal act — and how you can do the same.

Who is UNAPOLOGETIC not for?

UNAPOLOGETIC is not for everyone, and that’s okay. Here's who this experience isn’t meant for:

IF YOU'RE A COMPLETE NEWBIE OR HAVE LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MAKING ART. UNAPOLOGETIC is designed for artists who can work independently and are already comfortable navigating their own creative process.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A STEP-BY-STEP, “HOW TO PAINT A FACE” KIND OF CLASS — this isn’t it. We’re not focused on traditional technique or facial anatomy. We’re going deep, wide, abstract, symbolic, expressive, and meaningful. This is not your average portrait painting class.
IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH INTROSPECTION OR EMOTIONAL DEPTH — UNAPOLOGETIC invites you to look inward and express your truth through paint. It’s not therapy, but it is personal. If that kind of vulnerability makes you want to run, this might not be your season.
IF YOU'RE JUST LOOKING TO MAKE PRETTY ART TO MATCH YOUR COUCH — this workshop is about expressing soul, story, and complexity. Sometimes it's beautiful. Sometimes it’s raw. Always, it’s real.
IF YOU WANT A RESULTS-ONLY, FAST-TRACK APPROACH TO FINDING YOUR STYLE OR VOICE — nope. UNAPOLOGETIC is a process-based journey. It’s about experimenting, expanding, getting lost, and letting the work unfold in its own honest timing.
IF YOU PREFER QUIET, SOLITARY WORK WITHOUT GROUP DISCUSSION OR CREATIVE COMMUNITY — this workshop thrives on connection. We’ll be talking, reflecting, sharing (optional, always), and learning together in a warm, non-competitive container.

No “how to paint a face” here — we’re going deeper.

THE UNAPOLOGETIC SCHEDULE

MONDAY, JUNE 1

Receive access to the online mini-workshop that will help you prepare for UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS. PLEASE NOTE: This mini-workshop is different than UNAPOLOGETIC Masterclass. This mini-workshop is designed specifically to help you prepare for the Taos workshop.

Sunday, July 26

3:00 PM Check-In at the front desk, settle into your room
6:00 PM- 9:00 PM Dinner, Welcome & Orientation in the dining area

Monday, July 27

7:00 AM - 7:45 AM Morning Self-Portrait Practice
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Workshop
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch & Break
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Open Studio & Individual Mentoring
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner in Dining Hall
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Viewing of the Mabel Dodge Luhan Documentary

Tuesday, July 28

Wednesday, July 29

7:00 AM - 7:45 AM Morning Self-Portrait Practice
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Workshop
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Break
1:30 PM Visit the Harwood Art Museum + free time to explore or return to studio

Thursday, July 30

Friday, July 31

7:00 AM - 7:45 AM Morning Self-Portrait Practice
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Open Studio, Organize VISIONS & Pack Up Supplies
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM VISION Session #1
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch & Break
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM VISION Session #2

Saturday, August 1

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Farewell Breakfast
10:00 AM Check-Out

Please note that the schedule above may shift slightly to support the innate flow of the group energy and to accommodate any unexpected things that may pop up.

Painting alongside like-minded artists in community is a gift of time and creativity you give to yourself. With Connie's supportive wisdom and enthusiasm, you'll pursue your own work, which becomes interwoven by emotion, color, and design as your story, vision, and artistic voice unfold. Connie serves as a mentor, offering advice when needed and knowing just when to push you further along your journey. — Sharla Hicks, California, USA

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ONE SPACE JUST OPENED!

Mabel Dodge Luhan House | TAOS, New Mexico | July 26 - August 1, 2026

The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is more than just an inn — it’s an artist’s sanctuary, steeped in history and creative energy. You’ll sleep, paint, and gather in the same adobe walls that once held O’Keeffe and her wild, creative women friends.

You’ll be surrounded by the rugged beauty of Taos: open skies, ancient cottonwoods, and the hum of spirit that seems to buzz through the land itself. There is no better place to hear the whispers of your Artist Soul — and to answer them with paint.

Each room is single occupancy with a private bathroom and either a queen or twin sized bed that will be pre-assigned based on first come, first served basis. The room you are assigned is not necessarily the room pictured below. Please let us know ASAP if you require a ground floor room.

PREMIUM ROOM $3950

1 SPACE AVAILABLE!

MAKE A DEPOSIT $1950

Located in the Historic House or
the Gate House Cottage.
Your room may have a twin or queen sized bed based on first come-first served availability.

REGULAR ROOM $3750

SOLD OUT!

Located in the Juniper House where
the studio is also located.
Your room may have a twin or queen sized bed based on first come-first served availability.

YOUR DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE & NON-TRANSFERABLE.
YOUR FINAL BALANCE OF $2000 IS DUE BY APRIL 30, 2026

PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
YOUR DEPOSIT ACTS AS AGREEMENT TO THE TERMS & POLICIES LISTED BELOW.

BASIC DETAILS

STARTS: Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 6 PM with orientation, setting up our studios, and dinner. Check-in to your room begins at 3:00 PM..

ENDS: Friday, July 31, 2026 at 5 PM.

CHECK-OUT: Saturday, August 1, 2026 by 10 AM. Breakfast is provided on this day.

PLACE: Mabel Dodge Luhan House — a historic inn and conference center, renowned as a retreat for artists, actors, writers, and musicians for nearly a century.

ONLINE MINI-WORKSHOP: Receive access to an online mini-workshop starting Monday, June 1, 2026 to help you kickstart your creative process by dreaming into your body of work, selecting materials, initiating any necessary research or sketching, and valuable guidance on packing and preparing for your Intensive. PLEASE NOTE: The online mini-workshop is different from the UNAPOLOGETIC Masterclass. This mini-workshop is intended solely for the in-person workshop.

COST: $3750- $3950 USD depending on lodging

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 18 ARTISTS.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE, CANCELLATIONS, & REFUNDS

Registration for UNAPOLOGETIC is $3950 / $3750 USD depending on lodging.

A Deposit of $1950 (Premium Room) or $1750 (Regular Room) will save your spot.

The remaining balance of $2000 is due by or on Thursday, April 30, 2026. We will reach out to you two weeks before April 30th with a final invoice. If you are not paid in full by Friday, May 1, 2026 we reserve the right to offer your space to my waiting list and/or the public, and to retain your deposit.

Because registration is highly limited and significant planning goes into this event all deposits and payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

PLEASE READ BELOW FOR IMPORTANT DETAILS.

➡️ All cancellations must be done in writing by emailing Connie at Support@ConnieSolera.com.

If you need to cancel we will offer your space to our waitlist and the public. If your space is purchased we will refund your registration payment(s) minus a $250 cancellation fee. We can NOT guarantee that your space will sell. You also have the option to sell your space at a discounted price. If you choose to do so, you will be responsible to organize payment with the buyer.

➡️ In the case of acts of God, pandemic, disaster, war, border closure or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to retain your fees and reschedule or make any necessary changes to the event.

➡️ If you need to cancel your trip or cannot attend due to illness or Covid 19 or if you must leave the event due to contracting Covid 19 or developing symptoms, Connie Solera cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid. It is highly encouraged that you purchase travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage to provide protection from this possible risk.

WHAT IS INCLUDED & NOT INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION

INCLUDED IN UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS

Access to an online mini-workshop starting Monday, June 1, 2026 to help you kickstart your creative process by dreaming into your body of work, selecting materials, initiating any necessary research or sketching, and valuable guidance on packing and preparing for your Intensive.
6 nights single occupancy lodging at Mabel Dodge Luhan House with 24 hour studio access. (Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, August 1, 2026).
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners served at Mabel Dodge Luhan House.
Workshop instruction, individualized one-on-one and group mentoring from Connie Solera.
Trip to Harwood Museum on Wednesday afternoon. (Museum entrance fee included.)
An intimate glimpse into Connie Solera's self-portrait process as she builds a body of work.
Pre-trip notes and guidelines.
A collectible UNAPOLOGETIC apron
Advice on travel plans before or after the trip if desired.
Loads of fun surprises and hand-picked goodies from Connie.
Friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
A body of work that will make your cells sizzle.

NOT INCLUDED IN UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS

Airfare
Ground travel
Travel insurance
Four dinners
Tips
Art materials — we will review what art materials to bring in the online mini-workshop, but basically you will want to bring materials and substrates that you are excited to work with and explore.

SUPPLIES

SUPPLIES ARE NOT INCLUDED. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN SUBSTRATES & ART SUPPLIES.

For UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS we will discuss supplies and your body of work more thoroughly in the online mini-workshop I have prepared for you. You will receive access to this online mini-workshop on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Basically you will want to bring materials and substrates that you are excited to work with and explore — including substrates that you can travel with easily, painting materials, oil pastels, markers, and collage materials.

The only requirement is to have a designated sketchbook for our morning self-portrait painting practice. I highly suggest one of the Canon Mixed Media hardcover sketchbooks (THIS ONE or THIS ONE). But any mixed media sketchbook will do.

CONFIRMATION & COMMUNICATION

Within 24 hours of making your deposit you will receive a welcome email. This is your registration confirmation and contains helpful info to help you start planning your trip to Italy. Please keep this email in a safe place. It is recommended that you print it out.
IMPORTANT: All retreat information will be emailed to the email address you used to register with. If you require the materials to be sent to an alternate email address, please email Support@ConnieSolera.com and let us know right away

TRAVEL INSURANCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Travel insurance is strongly encouraged for attending UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS to cover any complications, illnesses, or injuries that may occur. This includes situations where you need to cancel because you contracted COVID or are showing symptoms. Do your research before purchasing; we recommend World Nomads or Trawick International. It's best to purchase travel insurance sooner rather than later to receive full coverage.
You will be required to sign a release form before attending.

LODGING & MEALS

At UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS you have a choice between premium or regular lodging based on availability. Each of the rooms at Mabel Dodge Luhan House are single occupancy with a rustic, Southwestern charm. Your room will either have a twin or queen sized bed, based on first come, first served.
In keeping with the feel of Mabel’s era, there are no telephones, televisions, internet or alarm clocks in the guest rooms. A telephone and internet access are available in the common area of the Historic House.
MDLH is not air-conditioned, but windows can be opened and fans are available.
Taos is at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. Please contact your doctor before your arrival if you have any chronic health issues.
You also receive 24 hour access to the studio space which is a short walk from your room.
Also included in the UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS registration is 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners, and refreshments including coffee, water, tea, and cookies.
Four of the evenings are left open so you can enjoy exploring the amazing restaurants Taos has to offer. A list of local restaurants will be included in the mini-workshop.

TRAVEL TIPS

TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE THE US

In most circumstances, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States, either from Canada or from other countries. There are, however, some exceptions to this situation. CLICK HERE for more information.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. CLICK HERE for more information.

NEAREST AIRPORTS

Arriving at the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) it is approximately a 3 hours drive to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.
Arriving at the Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) it is approximately a 1.25 hours drive to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.
Arriving at the Denver International Airport (DEN) it is approximately 5-6 hours drive to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.

RENTAL CARS, SHUTTLES, & CAR POOLING

TAOS RIDES is a shuttle service with shuttles from Albuquerque and Santa Fe to Taos.
Prior to attending, many artists that attend Connie's retreats coordinate car pooling before/after the retreat. Please let us know if you are interested in doing so and we will help connect you.
If you prefer to NOT rent a car, the Mabel Dodge Luhan House is approximately a ten to fifteen minute easy walk to the historic Town Plaza where restaurants and shops are located.
Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are available in Taos, but are very sparse.

ARRIVE EARLY / STAY LATE

The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a popular retreat and conference center with events booked back-to-back throughout the year. If you wish to arrive early or stay later before or after UNAPOLOGETIC | TAOS, rooms at the MDL House will not be available. Instead, Taos offers many beautiful Airbnbs and hotels for your stay.

MORNING SELF PORTRAIT PRACTICE | MENTORING | WORKSHOPS | OPEN STUDIO | VISION

At UNAPOLOGETIC I, Connie, will be providing a morning self-portrait practice, daily workshops, and mentoring. Below is a brief description of what you can expect.

MORNING SELF PORTRAIT PRACTICE

My absolute favorite time of the day in the studio is early in the morning when the world is just waking up. I use this time to set intentions for my studio practice and to check-in with my Artist Soul. At UNAPOLOGETIC I will be sharing my very intimate morning practice with you from 7 AM to 7:45 AM. Roll out of bed, grab your sketchbook, and join me for a guided self-portrait practice in your sketchbook.

WORKSHOPS

My workshops for UNAPOLOGETIC will consist of juicy discussions, creative exercises, and small group projects intended to expand the way you view your self-portrait practice, support your body of work, deepen your intuitive decision making, and simply have fun!

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING

At UNAPOLOGETIC you can expect loads of daily one-on-one mentoring where I will meet with you individually and review your work by providing gentle constructive feedback, a different perspective, and inquiry to help you think deeper about the meaning, voice , and reception of your work. I will support you and challenge you to take risks, be more bold in expressing yourself honestly in your work.

GROUP MENTORING

One of my favorite forms of mentoring is group mentoring where including various points-of-views and insights adds to the richness of our process as artists. At UNAPOLOGETIC we are guided by a set of communal guidelines that ensures each artist, no matter where they are in their development and journey, is held and met with kindness, curiosity, and an environment that respects diverse backgrounds, beliefs, political views, and faiths.

OPEN STUDIO

Open studio will be a designated time to work in the studio uninterrupted. I, Connie, will be there to provide any support, feedback, or assistance you may need — but this is a time for you to really sink into your process wholeheartedly.

VISION

Our final UNAPOLOGETIC Visions are held on Thursday and Friday where each artist will have 15 minutes to share their body of work and receive valuable insight and feedback on it from Connie and the artists in UNAPOLOGETIC.

A LITTLE ABOUT TAOS

Taos has a long history of attracting artists. The Taos Society of Artists, founded in 1915, played a crucial role in establishing the town as a major art colony.
The renowned painter Georgia O'Keeffe spent significant time in Taos and the surrounding area, drawing inspiration from the landscape for her iconic works.
The ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Native American community, inspiring many artists with its unique architecture and culture.
This scenic route around Wheeler Peak, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, the highest point in New Mexico, provides stunning landscapes that have been a source of inspiration for countless artists.
Harwood Museum of Art, affiliated with the University of New Mexico, features a diverse collection of works by Taos artists, including those from the Taos Society of Artists, the Taos Moderns, and contemporary artists.
Taos is known for its exceptional natural light and breathtaking landscapes, from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Rio Grande Gorge, providing endless inspiration for painters, photographers, and other visual artists.
San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, an iconic adobe church, located in Ranchos de Taos, is famous for its stunning architecture and has been a subject of numerous paintings and photographs, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams.
Taos is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, providing stunning aerial views of the desert landscape and mountains.
Green and red chiles are a staple in Taos cuisine, reflecting New Mexico's rich culinary traditions. Dishes like green chile stew and enchiladas with red chile sauce are local favorites.
Traditional New Mexican dishes are widely available, including tamales, posole, and carne adovada. Many restaurants in Taos offer these authentic flavors.
The Taos area is home to several wineries and vineyards, such as Black Mesa Winery, offering tastings of locally produced wines, often featuring unique blends and regional varietals.
Green Chile Cheeseburger is a must-try in Taos, the green chile cheeseburger is a local favorite, combining the spicy kick of green chiles with a classic cheeseburger.