What people are saying

“If you’re ready for a creative journey that will alter your life for the better, there’s no better guide for that journey than Laura. It would be a gift to your soul to be in her company.”

~ Jan Phillips, Author of "Marry Your Muse"

"What a wonderful experience you created! When I look at my paintings in the order I did them, I am amazed at how I was able to increasingly take risks to attempt things I didn't know how to do and then to experience awe and curiosity about my work, rather than judgement or criticism. And I didn't need to be perfect!!

One of my last paintings came from an emotional situation I find myself in currently...allowing myself to paint my feelings brought incredible insight and clarity and I feel far more peaceful, even though nothing has changed (except me!) Always the answer, isn't it?

Thanks so much for a very sacred experience."

~ Judy Ervice, Therapist

"The Art & Soul Retreat is a soul nourishing experience on many levels. The retreat center, Villa Sumaya, on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is a stunning location and has been constructed with an eye to maximizing the beauty and tranquility of the site. The staff cares for all guest needs, leaving each of us free to draw into the center to explore our creative selves through writing and visual art making. Laura introduces seed thoughts to inspire journal writing and guides participants into art projects in a manner that opens a multitude of possibilities for personal image making. She has a great ability to gently guide and assist each participant in such a way that both the beginner and the experienced artist can each contact their own wellspring in order to bring out their expressions with enthusiasm and energy. I remain delighted with the images I produced and am sure that others are as well. The group of women comes together in a mutually supportive way that intensifies the fun of the whole experience! "

~ Judith Nicolaidis, Professor of Art, Emerita, Southwestern College

"After having looked for a long time for a trip to take that would feed my art and soul- I found it in Guatemala with Laura Hansen. The experiences of learning new art techniques, practicing yoga, bonding with extraordinary women, interacting with a new culture full of color and spirit- my dream was fulfilled. It has been the one trip that helped to change me and is traveling within me still. Thank you Laura!"

~ Debby Dunbar, Teacher & Artist

“ I like what this brings out in me – a self that flows, knows what it wants and is pleased by its own creation. I like the sensual in this – I feel the colors, I feel the paper, I see beauty around me, I smell fresh air and earth, I hear people laughing and the ocean breathing. I am happy for no reason – being INSIDE my art, inside my thoughts, closer to my heart – giving full attention to what’s ready to be born in me.”

~ Jan Thompson, Executive Coach

Writings done while on retreat with Laura:

"I got my hands in paint today
Sounds of gurgling water
Sweet music
Beautiful flowers
Gracious teacher
Quiet, order, allowing, peace
All nurturing,
About me – not about the world
Not helping, fixing, accommodating, pleasing, nurturing others.

I didn’t know I missed this.

My life is too full of coming, going, doing, putting away, cleaning, TV,
And not enjoying the solitude and beauty.
There is always a long list, places to go, things to do, people to remember.

I love this moment; it allows the emotions and tears to well.
I am surprised.
I didn’t know I missed this. I will create more space like this in my life.”

~ Judy Eberhardt, Photographer and Retired Director of Student Counseling,
Palomar College

“I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but on paper and plastic and fingers (cautiously).
I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but in my head and my heart and my soul.
I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but got to use colors I would never put on a wall.
I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but my body got to dance with paint.
I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but entered a brave new world.
I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but communed with the artists who are my friends.
I got my hands in paint today
Didn’t put it on a wall but I knocked one down.
I got my hands in paint today”

~ Linda Kleinschmidt, Manager, Tradesur Inc.

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