About

Our experience at Trace to Trail will be tailored to your needs, preferences, and creative process. Led by Creative Director, Shawna Kay Rodenberg, we provide instruction, sixty-two country acres of quiet refuge, and plenty of time to write.  The studio opens with a weekend-long literary festival of readings, craft talks, and generative writing groups. Participants who would like a longer, more contemplative experience can apply to stay on-site for the full week, Friday to Friday, which includes all scheduled festival events, a manuscript consultation, and daily workshop sessions. Beverages, snacks, and meals are provided for both options.  

Days at Trace to Trail are devoted to the work of writing, while evenings offer opportunities for fireside readings and social hours, to gather and share work with an engaged audience, or if preferred, to participate as an audience member and replenish your creative wellspring.  All scheduled activities are optional, but residents are encouraged to participate as fully as they are able and inclined.

Residents are housed in comfortable, well-appointed rooms in various arrangements (rooms can be double or dorm-style) and all meals are provided by people who love good food.  There are walking paths where you will see Cooper’s hawks, barred owls, deer, and wild turkey.  There is a yoga studio and the classes offered daily by our registered yoga instructor are designed to encourage generativity and clarity of purpose.  Common areas are spacious, warm, and carefully arranged to foster connection and conversation.  Property features include a small art gallery, gift shop, computer corner with printer, two fireplaces, generous porches and verandas, and a pretty pond. (We are working to make our facilities as welcoming as possible to disabled writers, so please, let us know in your application what accommodations you will need.)

There are quiet hours, but participants are encouraged to work whenever and wherever suits them best and the yoga studio will be open and available 24/7 for night owls.  Hosts are on-site throughout the gathering to answer questions, make local recommendations, and solve any problems that arise.  Residents can explore nearby hiking and biking trails in Evansville and neighboring towns like the delightful third-time’s-a-charm utopia, New Harmony—and all while nurturing their creative endeavors and connecting with new friends and mentors. 

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The cost to attend the festival is $300.  The cost to stay on-site at the Sanctuary for the full week is $1350.  We have room for thirty festival participants, and fourteen residents.  The application deadline for the May gathering is December 1, 2024 and applicants will be notified of acceptance by January 1st.  If there is enough interest, we may open a second week-long section of the studio.  A $200 dollar deposit is required to hold your space, and split payment plans are available, but the full balance for either option must be received by March 1st.