Natural Dye + Creative Reflection Retreat
Understanding plant-based color while exploring your relationship to making
with Kate Mannix + Morgan Marks
August 13 - 16, 2026
Join us for a natural dye workshop on the wide-open plains of the Centennial Valley, where we will explore the quiet magic of coaxing color from plants in one of Montana’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Tucked away in a wild corner of the state, this retreat offers space to slow down, begin or deepen your practice, and reconnect with both land and creativity.
Over four immersive days, participants will be guided through an intensive introduction to natural dyeing, including mordants, dyeing both cellulose and protein fibers, printmaking techniques, and the fascinating chemistry of indigo. Together, we’ll build a foundational understanding of plant-based color while leaving plenty of room for experimentation and play.
This retreat also invites a gentler inward journey. Through facilitated writing prompts and reflective exercises, you’ll be encouraged to explore your own creative path, process, and relationship to making. When we’re not gathered around the dye pots, we’ll venture out into the surrounding landscape for hikes across the plains, taking in the expansive skies and quiet beauty of the valley.
With time for hands-on learning, thoughtful reflection, and connection with like-minded creatives, this retreat is designed to leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and deeply nourished by the experience.
This workshop is open to all levels of experience, from curious beginners to seasoned artists — all are welcome and will be met where they are.
Itinerary
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Itinerary is subject to change.
Meet Your Artist Facilitators
Kate Mannix
Kate is a rancher, writer, and textile artist based in the Blackfoot watershed of Western Montana. With a background in forestry and ranching, her work is rooted in a deep respect for land, labor, and the creation of beautiful, useful things. She discovered the art of natural dyeing in 2019 and has since dyed thousands of silk wild rags for her textile company, Rusty Sagebrush.
When she isn’t coaxing color from plants, Kate writes speculative fiction, spends time with her co-dependent animals, and curates a community of creative souls across the American West.
Morgan Gemay Marks
Morgan is a Montana-based writer, poet, storyteller, and self-employed mother. An enthusiastic generalist and lifelong dabbler, she runs Rambling and Rooted, where a service-driven heart and wildly varied life experiences having lived, studied and worked across sectors and landscapes collide into grounded, human-centered writing and professional communications. Inspired heavily by the natural world, little victories, and the everyday quiet magic often hiding in plain sight, Morgan creates safe, welcoming spaces where creativity can stretch, strangers can connect through shared presence, and where relationships are paramount.
Morgan loves standing in a cool stream with a fly rod in hand and taking long walks with her rifle during hunting season. More commonly though, she can be found outside with her family, chasing their son and their family’s bird dog, often at the same time.
Retreat Price: $1,595
Reserve your spot via the button below.
*Shared room lodging and meals included. Airfare/transportation NOT included.