I have attended a number of workshops at craft schools, institutes, and residential artist colonies around the country and believe Sara's Canyon, Sage, Sky Drawing Research Workshop tops the list. She brought together a remarkable group of makers and thinkers and guided us through a phenomenally rich and inspiring experience. Sara runs a tight but generous schedule, sorting out all the details so participants can focus on doing/learning/sharing. She conjures a wonderfully positive attitude among everyone. My work expanded and was honed. She's a phenomenal teacher --- knows just when to push, when to hold back, and how to orchestrate deep and lasting learning. This is experience that continues to give long after you leave. Kirin Makker, Professor and Artist
Sara's instruction and mentorship have been invaluable to me. Her boundless creativity, generosity and patience foster an environment that is, in my experience, unmatched. It was amazing to have these very relaxed critiques with a group of fellow makers who I had previously never met - everyone brought unique gifts to the table, all at differing junctions of their artistic paths, but meeting at this specific point in time for the betterment of their studio practice. Leslie Hinton, Visual Artist
A wonderful, nourishing retreat in a creative space with kind people. The format was well-balanced between creative time, rest time, Inspirational outings, teaching and sharing. The beautiful land, yummy food and “friendly” horses made the experience truly special. (Badlands Research Workshop). Anjali Subbaswamy, Physician and Professor
One of the most unique and fruitful artist residencies I have attended. I felt free and inspired to create my work; the experience was both stimulating and centering. I can clearly see how important this workshop and resulting connections with other participants has been for me. Mary Robinson, Printmaker
Sara Schneckloth is a gifted artist and teacher. Sara's breadth of knowledge and expertise as an artist combined with her encouraging and supportive teaching style allow discovery and development of my own unique style; rare qualities in an instructor. Sara's workshop offered me the opportunity to explore various art modalities and skill development in a learning environment that was stimulating and fun. Linda Burks, PhD, retired licensed psychologist
My time at the Badlands Drawing Research Workshop was heartening and enlivening. Community, conversation and exploration were all important components of the workshop. As well as time to slow down, look and draw. Brynn Higgins-Stirrup, Professor and Artist
Sara Schneckloth is a warm and welcoming person and an extraordinary artist... who also happens to be a natural, gifted teacher with a sneaky-smart understanding of process and a contagious connection to the wild and wonderful New Mexico landscape. Annie B., Visual Artist, Taos, NM
Sara took us to see some of unworldly landscapes of the badlands in New Mexico, and she taught us how to make our own pastels and paints from the earth pigment. Sara was also an excellent creative facilitator; genuine, encouraging and enthusiastic about drawing and experimenting in the making process. Kathleen Thum, Professor and Artist
The Badlands Workshop provided space for me to take a deep dive into why I make art. I was attracted to the workshop for exploration of areas of NM that were new to me - and indeed the moonscapes of the Cuba region are magical. But to my surprise, the greatest value was the boost to my confidence in doing art. Sara and the group of participants created an atmosphere of joy, affirmation, and acceptance. This was my first art workshop - and I am ready for more! Leslie Bishop, Professor of Biology
The Jemez Springs Retreat? Do it! You’ll never regret it. Stunning, inspiring surroundings, intimate supportive environment, and Sara creates a safe encouraging space to ignite, rekindle your creative juices. Heidi Darr-Hope, Visual Artist
My participation in the Badlands Drawing Research Workshop provided support for my current studio practice in drawing while also offering inspiration for future concepts and approaches. This inspiration was fueled by the unique landscape in the region surrounding Cuba, New Mexico, the diverse and open-mined approaches of the other talented and dedicated participants in the workshop, and through the gentle and dedicated guidance of Sara, the workshop's founder. Steven Krutek, Professor and Artist
This was such an enriching workshop. While there was a clear schedule and structure for activities every day, there was also great flexibility. On any given day you could join a group journey to the beautiful canyons and ravines of the Badlands; or you could stay and draw or write among the grand Ponderosa pines at the Circle A Ranch homebase; or you could simply rest. The nightly presentations/discussions, optionally led by workshop participants, provided opportunity for feedback, insight and inspiration for research. There were opportunities each day to experience the awe of natural phenomena: we observed a large variety of birds; witnessed cicadas emerge from the earth and shed their exoskeletons; and saw a cloudbow! There were discussions throughout each day, sometimes between two or three participants, sometimes with the whole group, about forms in nature, the mystery of time, life and death cycles, and so on. The guesthouse was spacious and charming, and all meals were delicious. Mary Robinson, Artist and Educator
Sara is a wonderful facilitator of conversation and connection into diverse modes of drawing as research. Jill Baker, Artist and Educator, Community Organizer
Sara created all the conditions for a true creative transformation for me. A breathtaking location, a supportive collective, and thoughtful leadership/ facilitation held and guided me through obstacles and across bridges to a freedom in mark making I have been longing for. Do this if you can. Alicia Leeds, Artist and Community Organizer
Comments from online workshop participants
Sara has every quality you could wish for in a teacher: enthusiasm, useful feedback, a sense of humor, a belief that anyone can express their creative voice.
What a joyful experience! I can't wait to do more drawing. Thank you so much for this day that has refreshed my spirits and restored my focus. Your kindness, creativity, and generosity shine!
I so enjoyed myself, learned so much about the materials, and particularly appreciated your approach: I'd call it playful inquiry.
I have attended numerous online art making opportunities with Sara and I keep coming back. She has the rare gift of managing an art making group with a fun and light touch all the while imparting technical instruction, useful observations and guidance. And most importantly—she embodies a love of the process of art making—truly inspiring.
Sara gives guidance without pressure, and she emphasizes the process over the product, the immersion of body and mind in the practice of observation and drawing. Her warmth and openness creates an atmosphere of conviviality in the class. I treasured the time and am tickled by how much I like the art I created. It's also inspiring me to take more breaks for drawing and creating in my day to day life.
In Sara's classes, I learned a lot about drawing, about taking chances in drawing, and about how community can make drawing a much richer experience. Most of all, I found that how "good" my drawing is can be measured by how much I got out of doing it.
At this point I have experienced several of Sara’s online drawing workshops. I am someone who does not naturally know how to draw and so have tended to criticize myself in art experiences. Working with Sara I can say that ALL of that is gone! I am not only learning techniques that give me confidence and satisfaction but I am hungry for more.
Drawing with Sara and friends has truly been a highlight of this past year. I have always wanted to draw, paint and create art. Sara’s workshops have been the inspiration and kick start I have needed. The classes are non stressful great learning experiences. The get togethers are always a joy. I am fortunate to be included!
Thank you again for a wonderful workshop. I really enjoyed getting to meet everyone and trying something completely out of my comfort zone. Having you as our guide while still having the freedom to experiment was a great experience! I also appreciated the extra materials that were provided so we can try more on our own outside of the workshop!
The online drawing workshop was the first art class I attended since I was twelve years old. Sara means it when she says "all levels." I didn't realize how much I craved creativity, flow, and focus until enjoying the company of the small class and the meditation of sketching together.
Sara’s classes are motivating and fun. She is an incredibly talented teacher and is skillful in teaching people at all levels. I had no idea how many ways there are to draw!! And a great bonus has been meeting some of the most delightful people who join the classes. Now I have new skills, confidence, motivation and new friends!! Way more than I ever expected!!
Drawing Canyon, Sage and Sky
art workshops in Northern New Mexico and online