CRAIGARDAN
Spring Writer’s Intensive with Kate Moses
April 28th -May 5th, 2025
CRAIGARDAN
Writer’s Retreat
Experience Spring in the Adirondacks
Craigardan’s interdisciplinary, community-focused creative programming combines the creative process and experiential learning with a stunning wilderness setting, incredible food from our farm, and exceptional creative support.
Led by experts in their field, our short-term retreats and workshops weave together site-specific themes of:
Art + Craft, and Local Cultural Heritage
Ecological + Anthropological Past, Present, and Future
Agricultural + Culinary Traditions, their Preservation and Sustainability
Place-Based + International Crosscurrents and Conversations
This retreat experience will include:
• Accommodation and writing space in private, individual cabins
• A luxury camping experience in the heart of the Adirondack’s high peaks
• All meals created with fresh, seasonal, and organic food from our farm and partner farms
• Independent writing time and a full curriculum with Kate Moses
• Excursions to local hiking opportunities
• Interdisciplinary learning opportunities in the clay studio, on the farm, and in the kitchen
Maple blossoms at the farm
A rocky garden
Who we are, what we do
Founded in 2016, Craigardan is a nonprofit arts organization and educational working farm that leverages collective creativity for social good. We bring people together for place-based and interdisciplinary learning, providing creative residencies, courses, and events that span diverse artistic and knowledge disciplines in order to foster curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration.
Craigardan supports ceramic, literary, visual, and performance artists, as well as farmers, chefs, activists, scholars, and researchers from the Adirondack region and around the world. We cultivate a dynamic that amplifies each individual’s work and activates collective creativity within the community. We believe that fostering the interaction between artists and the local public is as important as providing sheltered time to artists to further their creative practices.
As an organization deeply rooted in this region’s unique history, Craigardan exists at the nexus of processes (re)making this region’s present and future: environmental conservation, the resurgence of small farms, rural economic revitalization, and cultural/social activism.
By developing interdependent connections within our local Adirondack community, we nurture a deep sense of place through people, culture, food, stories, and the exchange of ideas and skills. With a built-in focus on equitable exchange across a wide range of disciplines, Craigardan offers an experience that ties the creative process to larger contexts. This experience leads to new questions and new initiatives; and it generates positive social change through collective creativity.
Understanding place
Cultivating
new soil
When we relocated Craigardan from Keene to Elizabethtown in 2019, we imagined the possibilities for expanding our international, interdisciplinary arts program and amplifying its positive exchange well beyond the borders of the Adirondacks. We are rooted in place and thinking globally.
Craigardan now stewards 320+ acres of field and forest off the flanks of Hurricane Mountain in various stages of regrowth and regeneration. In the early 1800s, Manoah Miller set out to create a homestead including a forge, sawmill, and kiln on these lands taken from the Kanienʼkehá:ka people. Not much of the Miller settlement remains, but the land continues to hold the full history of this beautiful location important to the Six Nations as a dish with one spoon. We strive to develop a deepened understanding of place, strengthen connections with our Indigenous neighbors, and to allow this understanding to inform our collective work and to guide our path forward.
Since 2019 we have been working with a team of architects, designers, historians, conservation specialists, engineers, builders, forestry experts, and artists to plan a new campus, raise funds, secure permits, and build anew.
In 2020 we opened the original farmhouse as Craigardan’s new farm store, returning all profits to regional farmers. We began to farm the land again, and gave the food to families in need. In 2021 we built the summer studio barn, launched our Community Farm Program, and began working on the new campus site. In 2022 we re-opened the residency program with off-site housing as we continued to farm, turn skid tracks into trails, rebuild soil, recover pastures, and construct the new campus. In 2023 we opened the new main campus to the public, and welcomed artists-in-residence to the first of many buildings to be built in phases — designed by Adirondack architect Nils Luderowski.
2025 Writing Intensive
With Kate Moses
Craigardan will welcome acclaimed writer & mentor Kate Moses of Birds & Muses for a week-long spring writer’s intensive at Craigardan.
This writing-intensive retreat is designed for writers of literary narrative projects –fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, and hybrid works (also including poetry, drama, or images) – at any stage of the writing process, whether in an advanced draft of a long-form manuscript, in the early phase of exploring a nascent literary idea, or anywhere in between. All participants will receive individualized conferencing with Kate and can choose from the daily group craft & process sessions appropriate to their current needs.
For thirty-plus years Kate Moses has been passionate about guiding writers toward realizing the full potential of their literary projects. She has been an actively publishing writer of fiction, creative nonfiction, & literary criticism for just as long.
Kate’s high-level professional experience in the literary field includes being a founding senior editor and staff writer at Salon, senior acquisitions editor at North Point Press, a senior or managing editor at several monthly magazines, and the literary director of Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco. Books under Kate’s editorship have won the James Beard Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN Faulkner Award. Among the writers Kate has worked with as an editor are Evan S. Connell, M. F. K. Fisher, Peter Matthiessen, Jayne Anne Phillips, James Salter, Ayelet Waldman, and many more. She has been on the creative writing faculties at San Francisco State, University of San Francisco, the State University of New York, the Gotham Writers Workshop, Key West Literary Seminar, and Hedgebrook, and has taught at twenty-plus colleges and universities in the U.S. and England. She is a member of the Association of Literary Scholars, Critics & Writers (ALSCW), Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP), The Authors Guild, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and PEN America and supports many literary organizations that in turn support writers.
Kate holds an MFA in Fiction from San Francisco State University and a Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, from the University of the Pacific. Recent clients of Birds & Muses include writers in twenty-three states and ten countries beyond the U.S.
Individual writer’s cabins, BOTTOM: an impromptu outdoor dinner on
the details
A CRAIGARDAN RETREAT. All of our programs are designed to allow plenty of time for independent, yet supported work within an individual’s respective area of focus, while encouraging cross- and interdisciplinary exploration and creative dialogue.
In addition, opportunities for hiking, biking, local exploration, and swimming provide fresh inspiration (and sometimes necessary distraction). With two mountain streams, many miles of trails to explore, and close proximity to the heart of the Adirondack Park’s High Peaks, the Craigardan campus is an ideal location for writers to stretch the legs and the mind in the largest state park in America. Although we are in a very remote setting, Craigardan is only 4 miles from the county seat of Elizabethtown, 6 miles from Keene and Keene Valley, and 30 minutes from Lake Placid.
We are thrilled to welcome Kate Moses back to the Craigardan campus in 2025 for one of her sought-after writing intensives.
PROGRAM + CURRICULUM.
The writer’s retreat will offer sanctuary and time in which to write, make room for the imaginative wandering that leads to writing, and provide guidance and mentorship as desired and appropriate for each writer. This opportunity is designed for writers deeply committed to their craft, whether they are published or yet to be published. It's important to note that this is not a pampered retreat but a focused environment where serious writers can intensively immerse themselves in process and develop their work.
And a significant benefit of a group program is the shared power created by like-minded, engaged artists coming together to do their work; there’s a lasting
artistic contrail from that sense of belonging. To that end, every evening after dinner the group will be invited to gather to share their work by reading to each other –an obligation-free, stress-free alternative to the workshop model that has become a beloved, foundational practice for Birds & Muses writers.
Each participant will receive a 60-minute individual conference with Kate about their writing and project, and may submit 20 pages of writing for discussion. (Longer manuscript reviews may be scheduled outside of the residency week for an optional fee of 4¢ per word.)
The curriculum of the daily group seminar-style craft & process sessions will be finalized based on the needs of the enrolled residents, but will include daily generative
prompts designed to open up the possibilities of each writer’s project, wherever they are in their process. Morning sessions will offer a foundational introduction to literary craft unique to Birds & Muses teaching: a nonacademic and decidedly more artistic, intuitive, and emotionally/sensorily based approach to literary artistry than is typically taught. Generative assignments will help writers at this stage recognize areas of passion and curiosity that could lead to bigger or more refined projects. Afternoon sessions will take the form of discussion of aspects of late revision and literary professionalism, such as guidance toward publication and seeking support for their work.
FOOD. The retreat includes all meals, with a gorgeous, seasonal menu utilizing food from our farm and partner
The individual artist cabins on the main campus.
A self-serve breakfast will be available each morning from 8am-9am and include local yogurt and fruit, our own eggs, fresh baked breads and treats, and cereals. Lunch will be served from noon-1pm and feature our seasonal vegetables in soups, salads, and sandwiches. Nightly dinners are a creative, community affair with plenty of good conversation, good wine, and even better dessert. The cookie jar is always full but somehow you’ll go home feeling even healthier than when you arrived.
from the main campus and houses our farm store, offices, and laundry facilities.
Internet is available in the Farmhouse (at the farm) and in the Applebarn and Kiln House (on campus). Cell phone service is spotty in the Adirondacks and almost non-existent on campus.
Please note that while our new campus is designed to be universally accessible, we will have increasing ability to accommodate specific needs as the campus is built. If you are living with a disability, please discuss this with staff so that we can work to support you to the absolute best of our ability at this time.
Our in-process campus is like luxury camping at its best. This will be a very comfortable yet rustic Adirondack experience that will not appeal to
Work with Kate Tuesday through Sunday with scheduled time for independent writing and exploration.
Depart Craigardan on Monday morning, May 5th after breakfast. You’ll arrive as strangers, and depart as family.
TRANSPORTATION.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to the Adirondacks. The region is served by Albany, Burlington, Plattsburgh, and Saranac Lake Airports. Montreal is also only two hours away.
A Bus is the most economic way to reach nearby the town of Keene Valley. From here we can pick you up and bring you to Craigardan.
The new, universally accessible campus, designed by architect Nils Luderowski, will be built in phases over time. L to R: Home, Main House, Studio, and Kiln House. Not shown: Applebarn
The Kiln House lit up at night against a backdrop of stars
Trains service through Amtrak is possible from NYC or Montreal into Westport. From here we can pick you up and bring you to Craigardan.
There is no Lyft, Uber, or other car service in the area. Rental cars are available at all airports.
TESTIMONIALS.
“Kate Moses helped me resurrect the novel I had been writing for years but had lost faith in. From the first meeting of our cohort, her inside-out, spiritual approach restored my original fervent desire to tell a particular story about particular characters. Kate’s gifts are many – penetrating interpretation, gifted attention to the words on the page, an almost magical grasp of connections and themes, to name a few. She also brings to her work a feminist understanding of women’s history and an intellectual grasp of the world’s great literature. Her concentration on you, the writer, is brilliant and focused. Working with Kate was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”
—Ann Mullen, Saranac Lake NY
“My recent Craigardan residency allowed me to leave the clutter of my daily life (as mom, worker, volunteer, activist) behind and enter a monastic simplicity in service of my writing. In the vast protected wilderness of the Adirondacks, serenaded by the nightsong of frogs and crickets, exposed to the unmitigated light of the stars, I was opened up by the intact power of nature. Kate Moses, literary mentor extraordinaire, is more a side-by-side co-conspirator than a topdown instructor. She is the closest, most careful reader I´ve ever had, bringing her endless curiosity in service of helping me unfold my vision for my book. She is a master of craft at every level--from structure to elements of story, to character to sentence-level artistry and even punctuation! With her hawk's eye view, she has helped me sharpen my skills and bring my manuscript closer to its heartbeat and the vision I´ve always had for it, which I couldn´t realize alone.”
—Magali Morales, Felton CA
Clockwise from Top Left on the Craigardan campus: maples in bloom, spring in the Adirondaacks, a newborn lamb, Kate Moses with a group of writers
TOP L: Vessel by Sam Taylor RIGHT: The pool at Três Marias, BOTTOM L: cups by Mark Shapiro
Clockwise from top left: one of two streams at Craigardan, the new Applebarn studios and gathering space, our heritage breed piglets foraging in the woods
your guides
THE MAGIC IS IN THE PEOPLE. Your guides and staff for our retreat week are:
Kate Moses and Birds & Muses. (she, her) An internationally recognized writer of award-winning, best-selling literary fiction and creative nonfiction, Kate is best known for her acclaimed novel Wintering, published in 17 languages, her memoir Cakewalk, and her tenure as a founding editor of Salon’s Mothers Who Think. With four decades of experience in book, magazine, and online publishing, nonprofit arts administration, community organizing for women artists, and advanced-level teaching of writing, Kate established Birds & Muses in 2017 to share her expertise with aspiring women-identified writers through ongoing, one-on-one mentorship and hands-on, collaborative editorial guidance. In addition to her individual mentorships Kate hosts small-group, writing-intensive retreats and directs Bookgardan, an annual, 13-month writing mentorship program for women writers at Craigardan, now in its sixth year.
Michele Drozd. (she, her) Michele is the co-founder and executive director of Craigardan. An artist with a degree in Ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) at Alfred University, she worked under Petras Vaskys, Laszlo Fekete and Marie Baron studying design, mold making, and sculpture. After traveling the world and finding her home in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, she became intensely interested in art and entrepreneurialism, the revitalization of small rural towns, food and agriculture, conservation and historic preservation - and the connections between them. Since 2002 she has worked within these fields in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her belief that the creative process helps us imagine and build a better world has led to numerous community and social justice initiatives that use cross-disciplinary collaboration as a tool for systems change.
Emma Ainsworth. (she, her) Emma is Craigardan’s farm manager; in charge of caring for our vegetable gardens, fruit trees, pigs, bees, sheep, and chickens. She will be growing and harvesting the incredible food we serve; as well as sharing her knowledge as a resource for the group.
Jeremiah Reiner. (he, him) Jeremiah is Craigardan’s program coordinator. Jeremiah provides ongoing support and radical hospitality to all of Craigardan’s program participants. He has a background in photography and mental health and brings those creative and supportive skills to his work here.
Cassidy Mae Jackson. (they, them) Cassidy is Craigardan’s administrative coordinator. In addition to ensuring that the work of the organization runs smoothly, they also manage our small but mighty farm store. Cassidy will be sourcing all off-farm ingredients from our partner farms and providers. Cassidy has a background in the arts and arts administration.
TOP: Kate Moses, founder of Birds & Muses BOTTOM: Michele Drozd, founder and executive director of Craigardan
registration + fees
Program Fees. Fees include accommodations, all meals, and the program + curriculum for the week for each participant. Travel and optional longer manuscript reviews are not included.
$1500 Day-Participant Only: Six Days / includes daytime program experience and lunches
$2800 In-residence: Six Days, Seven nights / includes day and evening program experience, private accommodations, and all meals
There are a limited number of need-based scholarships available, please inquire by emailing: program@craigardan.org
To Register. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to hold your spot, with the balance due in full by March 1st, 2025. Once the deposit payment is made, participants receive a link to an online form to submit more information which will help us prepare for your retreat experience. Register online at www.craigardan.org/events/2025writersretreat
Cancellation Policy. The deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel after the balance is paid in full, you will receive a refund only if we are able to fill your spot.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat up 1 month prior to its scheduled start due to unforeseen circumstances. Under no circumstances will refunds for travel expenses be made.
Given the uncertainties that can arise, we highly recommend securing travel insurance for anyone booking airline flights. This precaution ensures that, in the event of cancellation, your travel investments are protected.
NYS Rt 9N / Elizabethtown, NY 12932
518.242.6535
info@craigardan.org
