Wildacres 2026: Plan your Pilgrimage

This is an all inclusive retreat that includes food and lodging. Total costs Monday-Sunday is $825 with $425 due on arrival. You can pay check or cash, Zelle or Venmo preferably but other arrangements also available.  Wildacres is funded by an endowment which helps alleviate costs for the retreat. This endowment serves to strengthen and spread the humanities while making time and space to have difficult conversations.

Join Artist and Art Therapist Micah Goguen as we immerse ourselves in a long week of creativity and self exploration along with healing as a form of processing. Wildacres Retreat Center is nestled outside of Marion in NC just 45 minutes from Asheville. This week is designed to incorporate nature, meditation, mindful movement and creativity during this trip. We will have a balance of meditation and other activities that will help foster reflection and integration. All meals and lodging are included in the costs. Rooms are double rooms hotel style. The kitchen staff can accommodate any dietary restrictions. 

A full media pack will be emailed with all info and details of area and what is included. If you would like any of this material in order to make an informed decision, you can contact me via email.

Micah will lead a class for Independent Study towards a particular process or project that you have explored in the past. Goguen will schedule up to 3 calls prior to leaving including a complementary call prior to registration to discuss options. Materials will be provided and the guest will only be responsible for buying the surfaces for the final project. Goguen will curate exercises leading up to your final goal to ensure a success oriented experience. You do not need any previous art experience. If you would like modules centered toward a beginner, those will be available to you. 

Here is the itinerary for the week. Always listen to yourself and your body. We encourage people to push themselves to engage but also trust them to know what is best for them. You don't have to feel pressured to do all activities.

We will have mindful movement and low impact yoga available. It is optional to participate but included in the event.

Massage services upon request (hour or half hour) for a fee.

Also, there are many hiking trails nearby, horseback riding, and trout fishing. Listen to live music at the end of the week.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot. $825 includes all costs of lodging, daily meals in the dining hall, art and yoga. Just a little over $100 a day for an all inclusive week you won’t soon forget! A $75 Registration Deposit is required to secure a spot. This is included in the $825. Please see the payment links below and you can start by payinng the registration fee to hold your space or you can pay the registration and deposit at the same time.

Once registered, we will secure your space in your class. A team member or myself will contact you regarding further details and to begin helping you plan your focus.

Additional activities that are optional are Soundbath, Breathwork, Live Concert. The days and times will be announced on opening night along with a brief description of what is involved.

Wild Acres Session September 14th-20th

Sept 14th
Check in at 4 oclock
Dinner at 6:30
Welcome presentation after dinner

Sept 15th
Yoga (Mindful Movement) 7-8 am (optional)
Breakfast 8 am.
Art class 9:15-12:15
Lunch 12:30
Guided Meditation and discussion on how it helps daily lives 2-3 p.m. (auditorium or small classroom on lower lobby level)
Yoga 4-5 p.m.
Dinner at 6
Presentation of artwork and discussion of the artistic process after dinner.

Sept 16th
Yoga (Mindful Movement) 7-8 am (option 1)
Breakfast 8 am
Art Class 9:15-12:15
Lunch 12:30
 box creation session and discussion of the benefits in daily lives (art room) 2-3 pm
Yoga (Mindful Movement) 4-5 p.m. (option 2)
Dinner at 6
Presentation after dinner (What is possible?)

Sept 17th
Yoga (Mindful Movement) 7-8 am
Breakfast 8 am
Art Class 9:15-12:15
Lunch 12:30
Afternoon Activity (TBA and optional)
Dinner at 6

Sept 18th
Yoga (Mindful Movement) 7-8 am
Breakfast 8 am
Art Class 9:15-12:15
Lunch 12:30
Afternoon trip to Penland School of Crafts or Hiking (2-4)
Dinner at 6

Game night

Sept 19th
Yoga (Mindful Movement) 7-8 am
Breakfast 8 am
Art Class and clean up 9:15-12:15
Lunch 12:30
Afternoon session (Forming a plan of action) 2-3 p.m.
yoga (Mindful Movement) 4-5 p.m.
Closing discussion and view of works created
Dinner 6:30
Fellowship in the evening with live music

Sept 20th
Breakfast at 8 am
Goodbyes!

Secure your space by registering at the link below. You can also pay your deposit now or wait until August 1st. Once you register, you will get a confirmation email. Further info will come August 1st. You can also request a call to receive more information to see if this experience is right for you.