Wild Light Retreat
Paper Sculpture and Artist Books
with photographer and papermaker, Karen Olson
October 7-13, 2026
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
What You’ll Experience:
This immersive retreat-style workshop is designed to guide participants through a transformative creative journey, facilitating an opening of the heart-sense and intuitive awareness.
Through discussions and demonstrations, participants will discover innovative ways to allow the inherent qualities, textures, and characteristics of various materials to naturally guide the creative process and take the lead in developing unique compositions.
Using both ancient and contemporary techniques from across the globe, Karen will guide you in exploring unique ways to discover your heart language and showcase your artwork in 3-dimensional form.
She will also provide detailed guidance on the essential steps and methodologies necessary to successfully conceptualize, develop, and complete a meaningful artistic project.
You'll work with a diverse selection of materials—including Karen's handmade papers harvested from the Maine landscape, alongside Japanese, Korean, and Mexican papers.
Artists and photographers will have the opportunity to print their work to incorporate in books or sculpture.
Schedule
Day One: Connecting concept, structure, and paper. Day Two: Painting and dyeing papers.
Day Three: Binding, Beeswax, and Boxes. Day Four: Hot Springs, then intensive work!
Day Five: “Forest Bathing” and Finalizing your project.
Please click here for full itinerary.
Location
San Miguel de Allende, located in central Mexico is a Heritage UNESCO puebla magica, not to mention voted one of the best places in the world to live by Conde Nast Traveler two years in a row. Come and be captivated by the friendliness and beauty of this town! Linda Laino has lived in San Miguel for thirteen years and is helping Karen facilitate the retreat. More on San Miguel below.
Venue
We are sure you will be delighted with the accommodations and facilities. Casa de los Angelitos is a family owned villa with stunning views of San Miguel.With Old world style, beautiful views and a friendly staff, Casa Angelitos is a truly remarkable architectural masterpiece.
(Click on the link for a video tour)
About Karen Olson
“Karen understands how to teach other artists. She is technically helpful and clear, as well as knowing how to gently and gracefully make safe space for others to fulfill their own vision. Her work is inspiring, and so is she.”~Jen Appleby
Karen Olson’s work has been featured by the Griffin Museum of Photography, Art New England magazine, Maine Museum of Photographic Art, Maine Magazine, and One Twelve Publishing. Karen received the Rfotofolio Portfolio Award for 2024 and was included in Maine Magazine’s 18 Up-And-Coming Maine Artists to Watch. Her work has been included in many international shows. Waterfall Arts hosted her immersive solo show and installation, The Embrace, in 2022. Focus and Flow, Karen’s online masterclass with Fibre Arts Take Two launched in 2025. Karen serves on the board of The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists and is a Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT.
“My experience of trauma and loss informs my creative process. Through conceptual work, I explore grief, trauma, forest bathing, and the neuropsychology of creativity. As a lens-based artist, papermaker, and paper sculptor, I maintain open dialogue with materials and subjects—encouraging collaboration and interchange. Certified as a Forest Therapy Guide, I lead walks and weave sensory experiences into workshops. As an artist and mentor, I'm here to witness, support, and joyfully celebrate each and every step you take forward on your path of artistic discovery and growth!”
Travel
Please make your reservations* to arrive at Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) airports, both around 1.5 hours from San Miguel. Information about easy and reliable shuttle service will be shared with participants. Please note, if you decide to fly into Mexico City, it is another four hours to San Miguel.
*Please wait to make your flight arrangements until we inform you the retreat is full.
Please click here for pricing and registration information.
“Karen immediately put me at ease through her encouragement and clear guidance. Far more valuable though was that she empowered me to think about my art differently”~ Rob Moeller
About San Miguel
Mexico is a huge country that offers its visitors an amazing amount of diversity. San Miguel de Allende is located in the geographical center of the country and is said to be built upon a bed of crystal quartz. Many people believe this legend aids in the “magical” quality so often associated with this town. San Miguel is a peaceful, safe environment, full of friendly people, sophistication and charm to spare. It is small, but far from sleepy. The streets are always full of visitors and locals in a lively and festive atmosphere.
There is more than plenty to see and do on off hours during the retreat. October is a beautiful time of year. Most days you can count on very cool mornings, warm to hot sunny afternoons, and slightly cooler evenings. Think layers and bring a light sweater. There is virtually no humidity. The town is quite hilly in parts, and the streets are cobbled. You will most likely be doing a lot of walking (the best way to see the town!), so we suggest to bring good shoes.
We are at 6000 feet and if you have not been in high altitudes, you may feel a bit tired the first day or two. Luckily, there are numerous cafes, parks and plazas for rest and refreshments all over town. There are also ample and inexpensive cabs (and Uber) available should you need a break from the walking.
The web is full of articles and videos about San Miguel. Here are two to whet your whistle:
“Karen’s deep knowledge of art expression across various mediums has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. She is a talented artist who generously shares her expertise in a way that is both accessible and encouraging.” ~Fehmida Chipty
About Linda Laino
Linda is a visual artist and writer who received her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. She has lived in San Miguel de Allende for thirteen years where she formally taught English Language Arts and continues to paint, write and share her love and knowledge of this charming and colorful town with other artists and teachers. She has been a waitress, a textile conservator, teacher and flower farmer, all in service to a lifetime of art making. Her painting and writing can be accessed here: www.lindalaino.com
Cancellation Policy
Please Review
Unless the retreat is cancelled by us, deposits and balances for workshops are non-refundable. We understand that it is sometimes difficult to plan ahead for a trip such as this and these uncertain times have created a bit more challenge. We thank you for your understanding of the need for these policies on our end.
Please read our full cancellation policy here.
All participants will be asked to download and sign a waiver form to provide emergency contact info. Please email to lalainoart@yahoo.com
Linda will provide all participants with an SMA “Survival Guide”, listing restaurants, things to do on off hours, and useful phone numbers.
We look forward to welcoming you to San Miguel in October, 2026! Please do not hesitate to contact us. For questions about the workshop, please contact Karen at karen@karenolsonphotography.com. For questions about San Miguel, contact Linda at lalainoart@yahoo.com.