That Desert Space: A New Artist Retreat Outside Joshua Tree

Big things are happening around here – I recently bought a beautiful piece of property just outside the small town of Joshua Tree, California, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Why the desert keeps pulling me back

I’ve always loved the desert. There’s something about the wide-open quiet, the strange beauty of the landscape, that draws me in every single time I visit. So when I found this place, I knew almost immediately that I had to have it.

An artist’s dream, already built in

The property came with more character than I could have hoped for – a stained glass studio, a kiln and pottery wheel, and beautiful displays of rocks and minerals the previous owner had collected over the years. It’s basically a ready-made artist getaway, tucked into the high desert outside Joshua Tree.

Getting my hands dirty

I wasted no time heading down to start remodeling and cleaning the place up. There’s a particular kind of satisfaction in taking a space that’s already full of character and making it your own – clearing out, fixing up, and figuring out how each room wants to be used.

A space to share

My plan for this place has always been bigger than just me. I’m so excited to open it up and share it with other artists – a spot to create, unwind, and be surrounded by that particular desert stillness I can’t get enough of.

Scroll through the photos below to see how the space has come together so far.

The space is open now. Here is how artist residencies at That Desert Space work.

Frequently asked questions

Where is That Desert Space located?

Just outside the small town of Joshua Tree, California, in the high desert.

What kind of creative studio does the property have?

It came with a stained glass studio, a kiln, a pottery wheel, and rock and mineral displays left behind by the previous owner.

Can other artists visit or use the studio space?

The hope is to eventually open the property up for other artists to use and enjoy, alongside ongoing remodeling and cleanup.

You might also like

• Surf, Yoga & Sisterhood: A Women’s Retreat in Cambutal, Panama
• A Women’s Circle Retreat in Vieques, Puerto Rico
• That PNW Cabin, Captured on Film
• Back in Sedona, Arizona: Red Rocks, Sunsets, and Desert Wanderings
• Auckland + Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Let’s work together →

If a week like this sounds like yours, here is what joining a retreat involves.