Gila Rayberg's 2027 Todos Santos Retreat

Expressive portraits with hands - what do your gestures & face articulate?

Retreat Dates and Information

 
Use these examples as inspiration when selecting your reference image for this retreat.
Since students will have to bring a majority of their tessera and substrate with them, I suggest creating a piece no larger than 16" on any one side. 12x12 or 12x16 would be perfect. Great ready made, light weight frames are available thru Wits End Mosaics.

The materials used will be a combination of picassiette (dishes, saucers, pottery, etc), various glass, ceramic, and other hard materials. Participants may also choose to incorporate additional items such as stone, marble and found objects that have special meaning to them.

Each student will choose their own image in concert with Gila. Students are responsible for bringing appropriate materials for their mosaic portrait. Gila will advise. Reach out to her via email with questions and photos.
 
Gila will demonstrate proper usage of hand tools to cut & shape each material, and provide a multitude of tips on using these materials in combination, to create texture & interest within your mosaic work. Each participant will receive individual attention & guidance throughout the workshop while working on their own unique piece.

Since individuals work at different paces, not everyone is expected to finish their portrait in this workshop, though Gila will make every attempt to help you leave with a completed work. However, if you do not finish, Gila will discuss an individual plan for completion with each student before the end of the workshop. Participants will leave the workshop with a good understanding of choosing a subject, preparing a design, understanding value, cutting materials & setting them into a mortar bed, and much more.

Retreat Experience & Setting

Todos Retreats offers more than time in the studio. It gives you the chance to slow down, settle into a different rhythm, and spend a week creating alongside people who share your love of art.

Our home for the week is Los Colibris Casitas, a peaceful boutique retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Mornings begin in our open-air studio with the waves crashing just below you. Throughout the day you'll enjoy delicious meals prepared by our two personal chefs, quiet moments to recharge, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow artists.

View of the casitas, where we sleep and stay!

When you're not creating, there's time to enjoy everything that makes Todos Santos so special. Wander through colorful streets lined with galleries and local shops, take a walk on the beach, relax by the pool, or simply sit with a cup of coffee and watch the birds and ocean from your casita. There is no pressure to fill every moment. You can be as active or as relaxed as you choose.

Located just an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos feels like a different world. This historic artist colony has long attracted painters, sculptors, writers, and makers who are drawn to its incredible light, natural beauty, and creative energy. It's a welcoming community that embraces visitors, making it easy to understand why so many artists return year after year.

By the end of the week, most guests leave with more than new artwork. They leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and already thinking about when they can come back.

Results of the cooking class and dinner on the last night! Not too shabby!
Results of the cooking class and dinner on the last night! Not too shabby!

Retreat Details

Retreat Price: $2,995 (double occupancy)

  • $1,495 deposit to reserve your spot
  • Balance due 90 days before retreat

Partner Plan: $1,595 (includes all activities except the workshop)
Single Room Supplement: $650 (limited availability)
Retreat Limited to: 12 students

What’s Included

  • Airport transfers to/from San José del Cabo (SJD)
    (Must arrive by 2pm on retreat arrival day and depart 2pm or later for flight on retreat departure day). If you cannot arange travel within that window of time, there are other transfer options available.
  • 6 nights lodging at Los Colibris Casitas
  • Welcome dinner & reception with Chef Iker
  • 6 full breakfasts & 5 lunches prepared by Chef Martin
  • Refreshing agua fresca throughout the workday
  • Evening transportation into town
  • Final night cooking class & dinner with Chef Iker

Tentative Itinerary (Subject to change)

The tentative itinerary below offers a preview of the experiences planned for the Todos Santos Retreat. While subject to change, it reflects our commitment to creating an engaging, inspiring, and memorable creative retreat. Each activity has been thoughtfully chosen to enrich your time with us.

Day 1: Arrival, welcome dinner & introductions
Day 2: Morning beach walk with Tami, workshop, dinner in town
Day 3: Workshop, gallery strolls, shopping in town, dinner in town
Day 4: Workshop, Poolside Grill night
Day 5: Workshop, dinner and optional shopping in town
Day 6: Workshop, group photo, cooking class & dinner with Chef Iker
Day 7: Departure (breakfast provided)

  • Breakfast daily: 8:00–9:30 AM
  • Workshop 9:30 - 1:30
  • Lunch daily: 1:30 PM
  • Optional studio time after lunch

Free Time & Optional Activities

There will be ample free time to explore Todos Santos and surrounding areas. Popular activities include beach walks, gallery visits, shopping, yoga, massage, and optional excursions through Todos Santos Eco Adventures. Room selection is based on the order of full payment received.

Learn more about the accomodations at Los Colibris Hotel and optional excursions at Todos Santos Eco Adventures and Todos Santos Eco Adventures Facebook.

Registration & Payment

To register or join the waitlist, contact Tami Macala at [email protected]

  • Credit cards accepted (+4% processing fee) added to the full price of the retreat

Cancellation Policy

  • 90+ days before retreat: Full refund minus $200 processing fee
  • Less than 90 days: 50% refundable (deposit non-refundable)
  • Less than 45 days: No refunds or credits unless retreat is canceled due to a government travel ban and the workshop is canceled.

All Cooped Up Productions, Inc. (SBSMA) have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. All Cooped Up Productions, Inc. (SBSMA) accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket or for canceled flights. 

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please consider Travel Insurance and Travel Guard and Travel Off Path.

Participants should consider purchasing Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company.

Participants are responsible for all airline and travel arrangements.

About the Instructor

Gila Rayberg is a contemporary mosaic artist based in Florida. She transitioned to visual art after a successful career as a freelance musician and educator. Gila holds a Master’s degree in music from Arizona State University and has a rich background in the experimental music scene, having performed and taught in various locations, including East Malaysia.

Our hosts during this retreat are Tami and Jerry Macala. They have been hosting retreats at Los Colibris Casitas in Todos Santos for more than 10 years. 

Any questions? Please contact Tami Macala
📧 [email protected]