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RETREAT EXPERIENCE

Walter De Maria’s The Lightning Field is not just an artwork—it’s an experience. Designed to be encountered over 24 hours, it challenges our sense of time, scale, and perception. It’s about presence, subtle shifts, and the charged space between stillness and transformation.

This retreat is for those drawn to art that unfolds in time, landscapes that alter awareness, and the feeling of standing at a threshold—between sky and earth, light and shadow, stillness and energy. The Lightning Field invites us to slow down, tune in, and notice what we might otherwise miss.

This is an intimate, off-the-grid experience. While lightning can’t be guaranteed, the experience is bound to be remarkable regardless of the weather. After our time at the Field, we’ll spend the rest of the weekend in Santa Fe—loosely structured, with time to unwind, process, and explore.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Day 1, Aug 7
Travel day: get yourself to Albuquerque.

Day 2, Aug 8
We’ll gather for lunch in Albuquerque to meet, connect, and set an intention for the experience before carpooling to The Lightning Field. The DIA Foundation provides lodging in a remote cabin at the site as well as simple meals.

Day 3, Aug 9
We’ll leave The Lightning Field and drive to Santa Fe. We’ll be staying at El Rey Court for this leg of the trip. Upon arrival, choose your own adventure: lounge, explore, or just rest.

Day 4, Aug 10
We’ll re-group for a workshop before having an open day for museums, spa visits, coffee, and wandering. We’ll share one final closing meal together.

Day 5, Aug 11
Goodbyes, check out, and head to the Albuquerque airport.

THEMATIC EXPLORATION

Presence & Duration

What does it mean to truly be somewhere? What shifts in perception happen when you stay long enough to notice? De Maria designed The Lightning Field to be experienced over 24 hours—through different light conditions, weather, and moods.

Perception & Perspective

How does an artwork shift when you move within it? What does scale do to our sense of self? How does distance—physical or emotional—alter meaning? From one vantage point, The Lightning Field seems flat; from another, the poles stretch infinitely.

Energy & Charge

How do we sense energy beyond what we can see? Even when lightning doesn’t strike, the field feels charged. This part of the retreat taps into subtle energies, attunement, and the unseen forces that shape experience and creativity.

Trace & Transformation

What do we take away from an experience we can’t document? How does something leave a mark without leaving a trace? De Maria restricted photography because The Lightning Field isn’t meant to be a captured object—it’s an experience.

THIS RETREAT IS NOT FOR YOU IF YOU:

Deeply Dread Intimate Group Time
If the idea of connecting with a small, intentional community makes you cringe, this might not be the right space for you.

ARE ALLERGIC TO QUIET & BOREDOM
Stillness and quiet reflection are part of the journey here.

CAN’T FULLY BREAK FROM YOUR 9–5
This retreat invites you to unplug and be present. Make that PTO official.

CRAVE A ROBE AND ROOM SERVICE
This isn’t a luxury spa vacation—it’s meaningful, creative exploration with a touch of adventure.

RATHER BE POSTING ON MAIN
While we won’t take your phone away, this retreat is about dialing down device usage and immersing yourself in the present.

FAQ

Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for creative seekers and curious minds. Through historical storytelling, personal reflection, and exploration of the land, we’ll dive into themes of creativity, connection, and renewal. Think of it as a space to pause, recalibrate, and spark something new.

Do I need to be be an artist or have an active practice to attend?
Not at all! While the retreat is inspired by the creative spirit, it’s open to anyone who feels called to step away from the everyday and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.

Where will we stay?
This trip has two legs. The Lightning Field and Santa Fe.

How many people will be attending?
This will be an intimate gathering, limited to 6 participants including 1 facilitator.

Do I need to have an understanding of the relevant art history before the trip?
No prior knowledge is needed! We’ll introduce you to the art history and narratives that inspire the retreat. Think of it as a guided journey—you just need to bring your curiosity.

I’m an introvert / but a little shy / excited though / and maybe a little anxious...is this still for me?
Absolutely. Skypunch was created with you folks like you in mind! We’ll create opportunities to connect with other participants before the retreat so you can ease into the experience at your own pace.

What’s included in the retreat cost?
Your retreat fee will cover accommodations, programming, meals, and guided excursions. Travel expenses and supplemental “side quests” like spa visits or museum trips are not included.

I’m worried about the cost. Are there flexible payment options?
We understand that investing in a retreat can feel like a big step. We’re working to offer flexible payment plans to make this experience more accessible. If you’re interested in exploring options, let us know when registration opens, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

What about transportation?
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to our retreat meeting location in Albuquerque.

This all sounds great! How do I sign up?
We’re currently building the waitlist! Sign up here to be the first to know when registration opens.