Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch’s

Gourding in the Desert Retreat
April 5-8, 2027

at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, Arizona

Mark Your Calendars – information and registration will open in the Fall 2026.

Enjoy classes with camaraderie, sharing, and great food at a fabulous venue in a beautiful location – and you’ve got a unique art retreat!

Arrive Monday as early as 3pm, check in in time for a delicious dinner at 6:00pm and visiting with friends. Take class(es) on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, or bring your own projects to work on. Evenings have short demos and socializing. Thursday morning head home with a brain full of new ideas along with a new gourd creations. Can’t make it for the full retreat? Just come for a day or two – Commuters are welcome!

At this retreat, you’ll find spacious rooms that provide the perfect setting for relaxation and creativity. The center offers delicious meals with options that accommodate special diets, ensuring everyone feels included. You can unwind in the common areas, where you can connect with friends and share ideas, or take a dip in the pool. Our schedule features classes that are thoughtfully arranged to avoid overlap, allowing you to make the most of your time. This getaway is an ideal opportunity to focus on gourds, learn from others about various products and techniques, and engage in the joy of care free gourding experience.

Retreat Organizers

This retreat is Sponsored and organized by the Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch. (No relation to the retreat center.)

Our 2026 Retreat was a success with over 30 gourd artists in attendance. We would like to thank the following companies and individuals who contributed to this success:

RAM Products Inc., Inlace Products Inc., Wuertz Gourd Farm, Arizona Gourd Society, Woodcraft in Chandler, Barb Seago, Leigh Hill, Julie Hemer, Vicki McKenna, Pattie Langton, Sally Lewis, Jude Johnson, Karen Wollscheid, and all the members of the Spirit of the Desert Gourd Patch.

By the way…

This is a retreat you can wrap a vacation around. Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center is in beautiful Carefree, Arizona. You are surrounded by wonderful landscape and some of the worlds best golf courses and art galleries. The retreat center itself is like a beautiful gallery with every outdoor area, room and hallway adorned with original art including sculpture and paintings. Carefree is near Sedona, Scottsdale and just half a days drive to the Grand Canyon. Watch the slideshow below for the beautiful retreat environment.